I have received several emails since the first of the year regarding my promise to beat any other legitimate quilt cruise or tour offer. That's what I said, and I am sticking to it. There is no reason that one should have to pay (or charge) some of the rates for today's quilt related travel. If I can put an Alaska quilt cruise together for less than $1000, so can (and should) everyone. I do not get a better deal than anyone else from the cruise lines.
I love to have teachers accompany my trips, but one thing I do not do is pay a well known teacher an exorbitant amount of money to sit on a motor coach with you - or be available to chat on the deck of a cruise ship. Not that these teachers are not worth it, but you can bet that the cost is factored into the overall tour price - I have been told that there are teachers making $500-$1000 a person just to go on a trip. Let's see....25 people times $1000? WOW! Maybe I am in the wrong business and should be a famous teacher! Wouldn't you rather spend that money on some awesome souvenirs??
So absolutely, I will beat any offer for the same or similar tour/cruise, you may not get to sit with a famous quilter for 10 days, but you will still have the time of your life!!
Friday, January 30, 2009
FREEDOM TO FLY
On one recent trip there were some who did not register until it was past the airline cut off date for the group seats. This was an immediate concern to me due to change of prices and a supposed "group" rate. When these gals were booked on the same flight as the group, I found that they were actually paying less for their flight than those who were part of the group. I was astounded! As I never add on a fee for airfare or mark it up into the overall rate, I thought, why make everyone meet at some strange departure point when they can all leave from the airport of their choice, save money and still get to the final destination?
Therefore, on tours where group flight arrival is not essential I have announced my "Freedom to Fly" plan. This allows someone traveling with me to choose their own departure airport, time of departure, airline (even use miles) and rate...anything that suits them. It seems like such a good idea over having everyone travel to a single departure point to leave on the tour; especially when we are all going in the same direction anyway. The important things is that we END UP in the same place.
For these tours or cruises - it will be announced in the itinerary - Freedom to Fly Plan. I am happy to help you with flight arrangements or you are free to do this on your own. This was not the first trip where I found those who booked individually received better airfares than the group deals, so why not pass these savings on?
Therefore, on tours where group flight arrival is not essential I have announced my "Freedom to Fly" plan. This allows someone traveling with me to choose their own departure airport, time of departure, airline (even use miles) and rate...anything that suits them. It seems like such a good idea over having everyone travel to a single departure point to leave on the tour; especially when we are all going in the same direction anyway. The important things is that we END UP in the same place.
For these tours or cruises - it will be announced in the itinerary - Freedom to Fly Plan. I am happy to help you with flight arrangements or you are free to do this on your own. This was not the first trip where I found those who booked individually received better airfares than the group deals, so why not pass these savings on?
Payment Plans
For those interested who may not have known, I have ALWAYS offered payment plans with my tours...you are invoiced monthly and pay what you can until the final payment is made. It is like a savings plan into your travel account. This is not a new thing - please mention it when you register, it is very easy to set you up an account.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Provence Quilters Retreat
Finally - a place is reserved - a villa, a country house, whatever one wants to call it, it is incredible. Sitting among vineyards and lavender fields, the end of June is the perfect time to visit and see this enchanting region in all of its glory. I promise it will be truly heavenly!
I have booked a wonderful home (mas) for our retreat, limited to 18 people. We will eat, quilt, vacation, sightsee and live a la Francais for 1 full week in the incredible countryside. Our French (English speaking) quilting teacher will teach us the incredible quilting style of boutis, and I will reveal my little known secret as to where the best fabric outlets are hidden. What a respite from the day to day - you will not want to go home!
Please see the website http://worldofquiltstravel.com/Provence.htm for details. It is one vacation you will want to give yourself over and over.
Monday, January 19, 2009
ALASKA SPECIAL
For a limited time, Princess Cruises is offering a special on our ALASKA cruise, departing September 12, 2009 - they have taken $100 of the price all around....now, once what was the best price 7 day Alaska quilt cruise is even less......starting at $875. Thank you Princess Cruises.
**offer good until February 28, 2009.
Deb
**offer good until February 28, 2009.
Deb
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Road 2 California!
Road is already next week. Doesn't seem possible. Do come and say hello to me at the Quilt Appraisers Booth in the main hall. I will there with the best - Julia Zgliniec, Bev Dunivent, Violet Vaughns; we are certified by AQS and have experience in all areas of quilt appraisal.
I do not want to forget to mention that I have just a few spots open on the trip to Bali in May. Please mention it to your friends and quilting buddies - batiks are known to be around $1 a yard! Can you believe it? And Marty Hoffman is opening his factory doors to us for a peek into the world of Hoffman Batiks. Go to http://worldofquiltstravel.com/Bali.htm
My price to Bali is about $600 less than any similar tour -- yet my trip offers more. I truly believe that these trips should not have to cost a fortune, and my guarantee promises I will beat any other quilt trip rate you find. Don't forget you now save $ by referring a friend. Read up about it on my website - http://worldofquiltstravel.com
Do not forget that the winner of the Mexico or Bahamas or Caribbean cruise will be selected from among my travelers this year!! I can't wait to give that prize away.
I am interested in knowing what you think about the Quilt Cruise for a Cause this year - the one going to England for the Festival of Quilts, followed up by a 12 day cruise around Great Britain. I think it is priced just right thanks to Princess Cruise Lines lowering their pricing until the end of February. The itinerary is incredible beginning at $2488 per person/double. I already have 2 couples coming to celebrate an anniversary....nice going ladies to have such wonderful men in your lives.
I hope I see you sometime soon - here or there, wherever we are, do say HI
I do not want to forget to mention that I have just a few spots open on the trip to Bali in May. Please mention it to your friends and quilting buddies - batiks are known to be around $1 a yard! Can you believe it? And Marty Hoffman is opening his factory doors to us for a peek into the world of Hoffman Batiks. Go to http://worldofquiltstravel.com/Bali.htm
My price to Bali is about $600 less than any similar tour -- yet my trip offers more. I truly believe that these trips should not have to cost a fortune, and my guarantee promises I will beat any other quilt trip rate you find. Don't forget you now save $ by referring a friend. Read up about it on my website - http://worldofquiltstravel.com
Do not forget that the winner of the Mexico or Bahamas or Caribbean cruise will be selected from among my travelers this year!! I can't wait to give that prize away.
I am interested in knowing what you think about the Quilt Cruise for a Cause this year - the one going to England for the Festival of Quilts, followed up by a 12 day cruise around Great Britain. I think it is priced just right thanks to Princess Cruise Lines lowering their pricing until the end of February. The itinerary is incredible beginning at $2488 per person/double. I already have 2 couples coming to celebrate an anniversary....nice going ladies to have such wonderful men in your lives.
I hope I see you sometime soon - here or there, wherever we are, do say HI
Saturday, January 3, 2009
FREE CRUISE CONTEST
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
It suddenly occurred to me that at the end of this year I will be awarding a free cruise for 2 to one lucky traveler! Yes, everyone who has traveled with me in 2008 or will in 2009 is automatically entered to win. The cruise will be the winner's choice of cruises selected from Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, New England or Bahamas.
I have been asked to lead a tour to China - I am interested in knowing what the response to such a trip might be. Please let me know on the opinion poll.
It suddenly occurred to me that at the end of this year I will be awarding a free cruise for 2 to one lucky traveler! Yes, everyone who has traveled with me in 2008 or will in 2009 is automatically entered to win. The cruise will be the winner's choice of cruises selected from Alaska, Mexico, Caribbean, New England or Bahamas.
I have been asked to lead a tour to China - I am interested in knowing what the response to such a trip might be. Please let me know on the opinion poll.
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