Here is your next Summer Solstice Special!
DisneyWorld Travel Package
includes flight, hotel and 4 day park hopper tickets
Flights - departing 16OCT11 and returning 21OCT11
Depart Sunday, October 16, 2011
11:35 PM Leaves Seattle (SEA)
Arrives in Orlando (MCO) Monday, October 17,
2011 11:35 AM NEXT DAY ARRIVAL
Return Friday, October 21, 2011
07:30 AM Leaves Orlando (MCO)
Arrives in Seattle (SEA) Friday, October 21,
2011 12:00 PM
Delta Air Lines
#1660 / #803
1 Stop Connecting in Cincinnati
Published Fare Coach T
Delta Air Lines
#1264 / #915
1 Stop Connecting in Memphis
Published Fare Coach T
Hotel - check in 17OCT11 and check out 21OCT11
Days Inn Orlando/International Drive
Room 1 - 2 Adults
Room Type - 1 KING BED NON SMOKING ROOM WITH WI-FI, CNN AND ESPN
Add-ons - for 16OCT11 to 21OCT11
Dream Vacation Care
Date - Monday, October 17, 2011
Price - Included with hotel
4-Day Park Hopper Ticket
Date - Monday, October 17, 2011
Price - 2 Adults $317.00 ea.
$5 Off & VIP Seating - Planet Hollywood Orlando
Date - Monday, October 17, 2011
Price - 1 Adult $0.00 ea.
Summary
Total Price for 2 people $1,346.76
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Summer Solstice Specials! - June 21 ONLY!
I will be posting specials at www.facebook.com/abhtravel and on my blog starting now and throughout the day of June 21. These specials will only be available on June 21, 2011. If you are ready for a vacation, you want to see these specials. Call me at Anywhere But Here Travel, Inc. for all the details.... just don't wait too long, you only have 24 hours!
Here is one of the great specials! Click on the image for a larger view.
Here is one of the great specials! Click on the image for a larger view.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Wedding planning vs travel planning
Lately I have been trying to hone in on the things I am good at doing. I know that there are a few things I am excellent at doing. I can put together a family vacation like no ones business. I can create a smooth business travel itinerary that is completely clear of potential issues. I just have a way with it. Plus, I have had a lot of practice. To some it sounds easy, to some it seems impossible (which is why I have a job I guess). :)
How about planning a wedding? Am I good at that? In planning my own upcoming wedding, I started off thinking it was just like planning a vacation. Event planning to the extreme but all the same work, detail and forethought goes into it that I put into creating a vacation experience, right?. Wrong. Well, mostly wrong. I should have known. I have even planned destination weddings for travel... still way different. Maybe because it is my own? Who knows. But, in a way, it reminds me of how necessary my position is in the vacation planning world as well because although what I do may be similar to planning a wedding, it will never be one in the same. Wedding planners and coordinators are employed for a reason, and a good reason at that.
Just like a wedding, a vacation should plan for set backs. You have to plan for free time and make up time. For example, when I book travel to Italy, I keep every potential time ruining aspect in mind. The trains can be a huge time roller coaster. For the most part, the trains run on time and all is well. When they don't, the REALLY don't. One late train can completely set you back a day or more. If you don't plan and prepare for this possibility, it will reek havoc on the most expensive, luxurious vacation. That's right folks. It doesn't matter how much money you throw at it. Poor planning is poor planning. I see where the same thing can happen with a wedding. It really is about the details but at the same time, you have to prepare yourself for something to not go your way and know that in the end, all is well and you will still end the night being married to the love of your life. I guess that is where balance comes in... but let me not get too off subject.
My friend and wedding designer Bobbi Pohl and I were going over some wedding details the other day. Sure, a lot of the things we were talking about I already thought of and had plans for but guess what? There were some things that I didn't that are pretty darn important. A detail that comes to her like second nature, wasn't even in the back of my mind. For example, did you know that your wedding candles will not light themselves? ;)
Anyway, I guess in all this rambling, I was reminded that I should not take it personally when family and friends go off and book their own travel without consulting me (something that has been eating at me for a few months now). I have a purpose and I do an excellent job in the career that has chosen me and that I have happily accepted. Online booking sites make it all look so easy, but they fail to mention all the potential issues that can happen along the way and of course do not give you detailed instructions of how to deal with it when they do. You are just left to figure it out. I can't even imagine being 'left to figure it out' on my wedding day or in the middle of my honeymoon. Especially after all the money shelled out for that one day or experience. Not that it is all about the money either. I mean, sure, I may be able to save you some money or add more value to your vacation as your travel specialist. That is important too! But, when you are at a point in your vacation where something just needs to be fixed, the money savings gets blown out the window. You just want everything to flow right and you want to enjoy your time. Time being the operative word since we all feel like we don't have enough of it. In essence, I sell time. I sell peace and comfort. Because when that problem happens, I take the time to fix it because I know how and most the time I can do it without costing my clients more of their hard earned money.
Thanks to my fiance for proposing to me so we in turn get to plan our wedding together and in that realize the importance of having professional wedding help. I love that it has shed more light on my place in life as a travel specialist.
My friend Tracey Warren mentions someone she met in the travel industry that taught her early on, "Without a travel agent, you are on your own". It's true people. You hire an insurance agent for insurance, a doctor for health help and for your sanity I hope you would hire wedding help for your wedding. Why wouldn't you hire a travel professional for travel?
How about planning a wedding? Am I good at that? In planning my own upcoming wedding, I started off thinking it was just like planning a vacation. Event planning to the extreme but all the same work, detail and forethought goes into it that I put into creating a vacation experience, right?. Wrong. Well, mostly wrong. I should have known. I have even planned destination weddings for travel... still way different. Maybe because it is my own? Who knows. But, in a way, it reminds me of how necessary my position is in the vacation planning world as well because although what I do may be similar to planning a wedding, it will never be one in the same. Wedding planners and coordinators are employed for a reason, and a good reason at that.
Just like a wedding, a vacation should plan for set backs. You have to plan for free time and make up time. For example, when I book travel to Italy, I keep every potential time ruining aspect in mind. The trains can be a huge time roller coaster. For the most part, the trains run on time and all is well. When they don't, the REALLY don't. One late train can completely set you back a day or more. If you don't plan and prepare for this possibility, it will reek havoc on the most expensive, luxurious vacation. That's right folks. It doesn't matter how much money you throw at it. Poor planning is poor planning. I see where the same thing can happen with a wedding. It really is about the details but at the same time, you have to prepare yourself for something to not go your way and know that in the end, all is well and you will still end the night being married to the love of your life. I guess that is where balance comes in... but let me not get too off subject.
My friend and wedding designer Bobbi Pohl and I were going over some wedding details the other day. Sure, a lot of the things we were talking about I already thought of and had plans for but guess what? There were some things that I didn't that are pretty darn important. A detail that comes to her like second nature, wasn't even in the back of my mind. For example, did you know that your wedding candles will not light themselves? ;)
Anyway, I guess in all this rambling, I was reminded that I should not take it personally when family and friends go off and book their own travel without consulting me (something that has been eating at me for a few months now). I have a purpose and I do an excellent job in the career that has chosen me and that I have happily accepted. Online booking sites make it all look so easy, but they fail to mention all the potential issues that can happen along the way and of course do not give you detailed instructions of how to deal with it when they do. You are just left to figure it out. I can't even imagine being 'left to figure it out' on my wedding day or in the middle of my honeymoon. Especially after all the money shelled out for that one day or experience. Not that it is all about the money either. I mean, sure, I may be able to save you some money or add more value to your vacation as your travel specialist. That is important too! But, when you are at a point in your vacation where something just needs to be fixed, the money savings gets blown out the window. You just want everything to flow right and you want to enjoy your time. Time being the operative word since we all feel like we don't have enough of it. In essence, I sell time. I sell peace and comfort. Because when that problem happens, I take the time to fix it because I know how and most the time I can do it without costing my clients more of their hard earned money.
Thanks to my fiance for proposing to me so we in turn get to plan our wedding together and in that realize the importance of having professional wedding help. I love that it has shed more light on my place in life as a travel specialist.
My friend Tracey Warren mentions someone she met in the travel industry that taught her early on, "Without a travel agent, you are on your own". It's true people. You hire an insurance agent for insurance, a doctor for health help and for your sanity I hope you would hire wedding help for your wedding. Why wouldn't you hire a travel professional for travel?
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Io sono innamorato! (I am in love)
That's right! I am in love!!!!
Ciao amici!
I thought I would put some thoughts to words during a quick break for the day. I spent the morning touring the lovely city of Pistoia and I must say, I am in love with Pistoia. There is something about this city that I can't explain. It's the feel of the place I think that just gets me. As I was walking around the city, learning of its history and taking in its beauty, I was also imagining myself moving here with my first love... Josh, of course! :)
If you have visited Pistoia you probably know what I am talking about. If not, you don't want to miss this hidden gem in Tuscany. I dream of moving here after my wedding, taking Italian courses and spending time with the people of this area. In all the time I have been traveling to Italy, I never once wanted to stay in one place so much. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the areas I have visited in italy and Tuscany specifically, but this town feels like it was made for me.
Why you ask? First, it is a small area that is not overrun by tourists. In lieu of the souvenir shops on every corner, you find true Italian shopping. You are close to the more popular areas like Lucca and Florence but far enough away that you don't have the stress of big cities. Plus, everything you need is right here. There is a daily market for food, a weekly market for fine clothing and so much more.
I hope to send my friends and clients that have already experienced the major cities of Italy. This is a great city for people who now want to see a different side of Italy and the Italian people.
Oh, it's time to go to a wine tasting in Capezzana. I will write about it and more about the city soon.
Ciao for now!
Ciao amici!
I thought I would put some thoughts to words during a quick break for the day. I spent the morning touring the lovely city of Pistoia and I must say, I am in love with Pistoia. There is something about this city that I can't explain. It's the feel of the place I think that just gets me. As I was walking around the city, learning of its history and taking in its beauty, I was also imagining myself moving here with my first love... Josh, of course! :)
If you have visited Pistoia you probably know what I am talking about. If not, you don't want to miss this hidden gem in Tuscany. I dream of moving here after my wedding, taking Italian courses and spending time with the people of this area. In all the time I have been traveling to Italy, I never once wanted to stay in one place so much. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate all the areas I have visited in italy and Tuscany specifically, but this town feels like it was made for me.
Why you ask? First, it is a small area that is not overrun by tourists. In lieu of the souvenir shops on every corner, you find true Italian shopping. You are close to the more popular areas like Lucca and Florence but far enough away that you don't have the stress of big cities. Plus, everything you need is right here. There is a daily market for food, a weekly market for fine clothing and so much more.
I hope to send my friends and clients that have already experienced the major cities of Italy. This is a great city for people who now want to see a different side of Italy and the Italian people.
Oh, it's time to go to a wine tasting in Capezzana. I will write about it and more about the city soon.
Ciao for now!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Goodbye old friends, hello new friends!
What a morning. The birds and I were up early. I made my bed, packed most of my belongings, started some coffee and hopped in the shower. This is my last day in the Cortona area for this trip. As much as I will miss Barbara and Stefano, I am ready to move on in this trip. After pretty much a full day off yesterday, I am ready to get back to work and explore new options for my clients.
On our way to our next hotel in the Lucca area, we are going to stop in Siena for lunch and a quick self-guided tour since this will be Joan’s first time to the area. Upon our arrival in Pietrasanta, we will unpack and then start work with a wine tasting and tour of the winery. It’s a tough job, but I gladly will do it.
So, to all a fabulous day wherever you are. I send love and sunshine from Tuscany your way and hope that you can join me in Italy next year with the Bite of Italy tour. Of course I can assist you with travel plans to go on your own, but it is my wish that one day (if not in 2012) we can all experience this wonderful country together.
Ciao for now!
On our way to our next hotel in the Lucca area, we are going to stop in Siena for lunch and a quick self-guided tour since this will be Joan’s first time to the area. Upon our arrival in Pietrasanta, we will unpack and then start work with a wine tasting and tour of the winery. It’s a tough job, but I gladly will do it.
So, to all a fabulous day wherever you are. I send love and sunshine from Tuscany your way and hope that you can join me in Italy next year with the Bite of Italy tour. Of course I can assist you with travel plans to go on your own, but it is my wish that one day (if not in 2012) we can all experience this wonderful country together.
Ciao for now!
Oh Tuscany, how I have missed you!
Aren't you supposed to be working, you may ask? Well, I am! I am "testing" the property to make sure my clients can have a relaxing, enjoyable vacation. My test proves 100% positive! Joan and I enjoyed some sun by the pool today, went into a local grocery store to grab a few items for dinner, and are enjoying our first day off if you will.
The flight in was tough with screaming babies and uncomfortable seats, so there was not a lot of sleeping on the plane. By the time we got to our hotel in Florence, we were toast! The night was saved by a fantastic dinner at an off the beaten path restaurant in Florence where I tasted the best pasta ever. I will more than likely make that the new "Welcome Dinner" place for the Bite of Italy Tour in 2012.
Yesterday we went to a friend's family cattle farm. It was so great to hear Athos speak about his cattle and the passion and love he puts into his job. Italians truly see food in a different light than Americans and I simply can't wait to share that with my clients. I got some great videa (I think) of it and as soon as I figure out how to work the video software I will upload it for all to enjoy.
Tomorrow we are off to Lucca, a great city in Tuscany. I will be inspecting a new property and experiencing some new tours so stay tuned to hear about them and all the experiences along the way.
Ciao ciao ciao!
The flight in was tough with screaming babies and uncomfortable seats, so there was not a lot of sleeping on the plane. By the time we got to our hotel in Florence, we were toast! The night was saved by a fantastic dinner at an off the beaten path restaurant in Florence where I tasted the best pasta ever. I will more than likely make that the new "Welcome Dinner" place for the Bite of Italy Tour in 2012.
Yesterday we went to a friend's family cattle farm. It was so great to hear Athos speak about his cattle and the passion and love he puts into his job. Italians truly see food in a different light than Americans and I simply can't wait to share that with my clients. I got some great videa (I think) of it and as soon as I figure out how to work the video software I will upload it for all to enjoy.
Tomorrow we are off to Lucca, a great city in Tuscany. I will be inspecting a new property and experiencing some new tours so stay tuned to hear about them and all the experiences along the way.
Ciao ciao ciao!
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Travel with Drea starts again on May 05, 2011
That's right folks! I am back!
I am leaving again for Italy on May 05, 2011 and this time I am acting as a co-host of a culinary tour, Bite of Italy. My partner in crime: Joan Autry of Tutti a Tavola cooking school in Snohomish County.
We are starting in Tuscany and the plan is to have you, our fans, follow us through Facebook and our blogs. Oh, and I have added a camcorder to my arsenal so I am hoping to get some great footage for everyone to watch.
For all our Facebook fans, I am sure there will be plenty of "Where is Drea?" opportunities, so make sure you check often if you want to win some cool prizes!
See you in Italy!!
Andrea King
I am leaving again for Italy on May 05, 2011 and this time I am acting as a co-host of a culinary tour, Bite of Italy. My partner in crime: Joan Autry of Tutti a Tavola cooking school in Snohomish County.
We are starting in Tuscany and the plan is to have you, our fans, follow us through Facebook and our blogs. Oh, and I have added a camcorder to my arsenal so I am hoping to get some great footage for everyone to watch.
For all our Facebook fans, I am sure there will be plenty of "Where is Drea?" opportunities, so make sure you check often if you want to win some cool prizes!
See you in Italy!!
Andrea King
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Competition Begins!
What a great night last night! 10 people got together and made a decision to have a friendly and prize filled competition to lose weight and gain health.
Out of the 10 people, 6 of them were new faces. This is exciting!!! I get to make new friends and shape up in the process. I have nailed down 3 sponsors so far and have a couple more who want to jump on the wagon. This is great targeted exposure for the sponsors too, so I am really happy that I can offer this advertising opportunity to friends.
So, today is Day 1. I had a bowl of cereal with soy milk and that is it so far. I am about to go get a little exercise in and then go to work. As much as I love that this is a great group of people that just want to get into shape, I love the friendly competition aspect of it as well. Since I know there are prized and a little money involved, I am driven to get off my butt and get moving...
... that is exactly what I am going to do now!
Ciao!
Out of the 10 people, 6 of them were new faces. This is exciting!!! I get to make new friends and shape up in the process. I have nailed down 3 sponsors so far and have a couple more who want to jump on the wagon. This is great targeted exposure for the sponsors too, so I am really happy that I can offer this advertising opportunity to friends.
So, today is Day 1. I had a bowl of cereal with soy milk and that is it so far. I am about to go get a little exercise in and then go to work. As much as I love that this is a great group of people that just want to get into shape, I love the friendly competition aspect of it as well. Since I know there are prized and a little money involved, I am driven to get off my butt and get moving...
... that is exactly what I am going to do now!
Ciao!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Random thoughs about Venice... I think I miss Italy
I think I miss Giorgia and Alessandra and the food and, well, everything. Today I was thinking about meeting Alessandra my last time in Venice. That great Venetian personality just like my good friend Giorgia. I was thinking about how I just can't wait to see them in May and experience Venetian food like never before; cooking Venetian style. I feel a little selfish because this tour will allow me to experience so many things I haven't and re-live so many things I have. And how I will thoroughly enjoy watching others take in Venice and it's people and food for the first time.
When Joan and I went to the Rialto market with Alessandra, it was like being in a movie. This was Joan's first time to Venice and how her eyes lit up to see all the fresh fish, veggies, fruits and meats right on display for all the restaurant owners, chefs and the like to have their pick at the freshest foods around. Alessandra was talking about the cooking course and how this is where it all starts, showing the guests of the cooking course where the food comes from, how to shop for it (it's a talent, trust me) and then taking it back to the kitchen to prepare just right with all the Venetian flare you would expect.
Speaking of flare, I just started thinking about the Italian men... my, my, Marco! :) Yes, I have to admit, for an older man, Marco was not too terrible to look at. Joan was crazy about him. I think it was his charm. Now Joan and I are very happy and settled in our relationships so don't get crazy, but I would be lying if I didn't say it was quite enjoyable to have a conversation with a beautiful Italian man. Oh, and if you are one of the lucky 16 to come on the tour, you will probably see Marco. If not, I will bet my left arm that Joan WILL NOT leave Venice without a picture of him.
So, I can probably stop my rambling now, but before I do, I have to mention that I miss the feel of Italy. Just in case you can't tell. It's a work hard play hard world in Italy and I LOVE it! I better go work on my Italian language course... the Italians love to laugh at my horrible attempt at speaking their language. I will show them..... maybe.
When Joan and I went to the Rialto market with Alessandra, it was like being in a movie. This was Joan's first time to Venice and how her eyes lit up to see all the fresh fish, veggies, fruits and meats right on display for all the restaurant owners, chefs and the like to have their pick at the freshest foods around. Alessandra was talking about the cooking course and how this is where it all starts, showing the guests of the cooking course where the food comes from, how to shop for it (it's a talent, trust me) and then taking it back to the kitchen to prepare just right with all the Venetian flare you would expect.
Speaking of flare, I just started thinking about the Italian men... my, my, Marco! :) Yes, I have to admit, for an older man, Marco was not too terrible to look at. Joan was crazy about him. I think it was his charm. Now Joan and I are very happy and settled in our relationships so don't get crazy, but I would be lying if I didn't say it was quite enjoyable to have a conversation with a beautiful Italian man. Oh, and if you are one of the lucky 16 to come on the tour, you will probably see Marco. If not, I will bet my left arm that Joan WILL NOT leave Venice without a picture of him.
So, I can probably stop my rambling now, but before I do, I have to mention that I miss the feel of Italy. Just in case you can't tell. It's a work hard play hard world in Italy and I LOVE it! I better go work on my Italian language course... the Italians love to laugh at my horrible attempt at speaking their language. I will show them..... maybe.
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