Win..Win...Win

It is time for some fun news!!

I am having a contest - and anyone who is not already on my email update list will want to sign up! Someone who is on the update list by December 21, 2009 will be the winner of their choice of a Costal, Caribbean or Alaska cruise in 2010!

Japan Tour Success

The almost sold out 2009 tour to Japan and the Yokohama Quilt week was the brainchild of a Japanese quilter - she has had so much personal input as to the places that are 'must see' places for anyone that likes quilts and fabric, yet, the group will be seeing the true Japan, not often seen by tour groups. It was first suggested late in 2007, that I put this tour together, much like my tour to Bali was suggested by a friend who spends much of his time there. Sometimes it is easier than others to create itineraries that are unique - but with people there who are "in the know", the journey's are nothing but incredible!

For example, one can google, Yangtzee River Cruise, and come up with 100s of offers from companies all offering the same thing. I really strive to be different, I may go to similar places as other tour providers, but I hope that I can show my groups things that no one else has thought of.

There is so much to see in the world - and it is awesome that almost everywhere there are textiles and in many places one will find quilts and/or quilt makers. Recently, I have had a suggestion for a tour from Bonnie Browning at the American Quilters Society. Bonnie has traveled extensively and is really a great gal to be around. We have known each other since 1996 when I became a certified appraiser, and I am thrilled she would like to do a tour with me. Bonnie was way a head of me on this one - and already has contacts made for incredible quilt stops.

Be looking for some great itineraries next year. They will be coming out as availble, airlines will not release group air rates until 11 months from the departure date, so some tours will not be available right away - but check the site often to know what is in the works!!

Travel in Mexico

I recently had the opportunity to talk to someone who had just returned from a Mexican Riviera cruise on the same ship as the one my group is booked on in November of this year. I was eager to hear about her experience because of recent news about violence associated with the drug cartels. She told me that there they felt very safe and secure at every port, stating, "the ports stops are very secure, they want the tourists there and made it clear to us that we were protected....if there are any reasons to be concerned, they are not in the cities where the cruise ships dock."

I would never think to offer a tour if I thought there would be any reason for concern, but like you I understand the need for caution and would not want you to join my Mexican Riviera cruise if you feel the least bit concerned.

The US goverment issued a security warning to Americans in February of 2009 which stated that we should off country roads at night, and not to wear flashy jewelry or carry big bags in central Mexico locations, this is true for a lot of the world.

It is important to note, according to news agencies, the drug cartel problems are in central Mexico, not in the Mexican Caribbean or Riviera areas. Mexican authorities pay close attention to security in tourist areas, as my friend said, they want the tourists there - it is vital to their economy.

A recent news article states: "There were over 5,589,000 cruise ship visitors to Mexico from February 2008 to February 2009....There have been no cruise ship related incidents in Mexico related to drug cartels...no cruise ship passenger has fallen victim to cartel kidnappings or killings or muggings."

I am certainly not one to want to spread fear, but this is an informed decision you must make for yourself - however, considering the way of the world, who knows what next year might bring? As a concession to you, if you want to join my Mexican Riviera cruise this year but have concern over your safety - then let me know, I will give you a $250 credit toward any cruise or tour next year.

Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families.

I just heard about this today, and regret that I did not know about it before now. However, it is not too late to go back and trace my steps....for everyone that has booked a trip with me in April - either before today or after, I will donate $25 to raise awareness on this important issue.

Let's all challenge ourselves to be informed.

**A very generous friend has agreed to match my donations 3:1...for every registration received this month - I will be donating $100 toward this worthy cause.

The Big Announcement!

I am blessed and honored to have received a call from the folks at All American Crafts, publishers of The Quilter and Fabric Trends magazines (among others). It seems they would like to host some quilting cruises and have asked me to help arrange them. So we are off! The magazine will offer two cruises over the next year, one in November, 2009 to the Mexican Riviera and the other in the Caribbean, departing on February 28, 2010 from Miami.

I would be thrilled if anyone who has been a quilt cruiser would comment - and let me know what their best and worst impressions were!

For information on these trips - please refer to my webpage: http://worldofquiltstravel.com