Travel Agent Professional June 2013

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Travel Agent Professional June 2013 Issue 23

Family Friendly Britain


Welcome to the exciting world of Special Interest Britain, which will help you to identify, develop and convert untapped sources of new business into high yield, customised groups, both large and small. We’re the experts you’ve been looking for if your niche markets include: •

Girls Getaways

3-6 night itineraries to London, Bath & the Cotswolds; quilting, embroidery and needlework.

Garden clubs; herb, rose and other specialist societies; Master Gardeners; flower arrangers.

Regular and specialist bookstores for murder/mystery; friends of libraries; English teachers.

The Performing Arts

Fund raisers for friends of the theatre, symphony, and opera; Gilbert and Sullivan societies.

The Visual Arts

Museums and art galleries; watercolour painters; continuing education college.

Christian Heritage

Episcopal, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian choirs and congregations.

Family travel

Tailor made itineraries to London and the countryside.

Pre and post cruise extensions

Add-ons for Southampton, Dover and Harwich arrivals and departures

Gardens, Stately Homes and Castles Literary Britain

The Great Outdoors

Golf, cycling, walking, steam train enthusiasts. For over 35 years, we’ve been gaining EXPERIENCE through designing and operating often complex tailor made programmes and we have acquired an almost encyclopedic KNOWLEDGE of Britain, both on and off the beaten track. We also have a very long list of UK/Ireland CONNECTIONS who deliver those special touches to your chosen itineraries, and some GREAT RATES thanks to our handling over 80,000 passengers each year. Our tours carry three distinctive hall marks: •

They TRAVEL LESS so that your customers can SEE MORE

Are often for SMALL GROUPS of 15-20 people

Are enhanced by memorable VALUE ADDED EXPERIENCES

As everything we do is designed to meet your client’s interests, time frame and budget, let’s start talking about how we can help you to harness the potential from your chosen niche market(s). For further information please email: pjtickner@yahoo.co.uk

Greatdays UK Incoming

where travel agents ALWAYS come first Offices in London and Manchester, Great Britain Tel: +44 161 928 9286 Fax: +44 161 928 9911 www.greatdays.co.uk


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Gone, But Not Forgotten By­Sue­Shapiro,­President

Family Friendly Britain By­Paull­Tickner

2013

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When Words Fail By­Scott­Koepf Vice­President­of­Sales­Avoya­Travel/American­Express

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Who Says Bigger is Better? It’s Just Another Option By­Les-Lee­Roland Owner­of­The­Package­Deal

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Travel Insurance: The Nemesis of Travel Agents By­Rusty­Pickett,­ECC Shellback­Cruises­

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June 2013 Issue 23

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A Day Trip Out of London to Birmingham

Ad Index

By­Sue­Shapiro,­President

TAP

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Avoya Travel/American Express.......7

Royal Caribbean Line....................BC

Britain Greatdays..........................IFC

Travel Experts, Inc. ........................11

HostTravelAgency.com ...................9

Travel Agent Professional


Travel Agent Professional January 2013 Issue 21

Travel Agent Professional P.O. Box 120198 Staten Island, NY 10312 E-mail: info@travelagentprofessional.com Phone: 718.360.3153

Joel M. Abels

Legend In the Travel Industry April 1927 to January 2007

Ann M. Hoek Publisher/Creative Design ann@travelagentprofessional.com Bonnie Walling Editor Bonnie@travelagentprofessional.com Alan Cohen Vice President marketing Alan@travelagentprofessional.com

Meet Our Editorial Board Mitchell J. Schlesinger Vice President, Sales & Marketing Voyages to Antiquity www.voyagestoantiquity.com Rusty Pickett, ECC Shellback Cruises www.shellbackcruises.com Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal

Travel Agent Professional has its roots in Home Based Trade, the first magazine of its kind, started by Joel Abels in 2004. Joel and Lenore Abels ran Travel Trade for nearly half a century – it was started by her grandfather, John S. Lewis, and her father, Sidney Lewis, in 1929, and they took the publication over after her grandfather’s passing. Under Joel’s direction, the company grew to be one of the travel agent industry’s leading publications, reaching more than 45,000 agents throughout North America. It spawned a famous series of trade shows and three monthly magazines – Cruise Trade, Tour Trade and Home Based Trade.

Scott Koepf Vice President of Sales Avoya Travel/ America’s Vacation Center www.joinavoya.com/default.cfm?ref=11583

The Abels also garnered enormous respect – Joel received the Neal Award, called “the Pulitzer Prize of the business press,” for his hard-hitting editorials.

Sherry Laskin, ACC Travel Writer/NACTA Webinar Moderator www.cruisemaven.com

On a personal note, after working with Joel for over a decade and staying with him until the end, I grew to truly care for and respect the man. He was like a second father to me. Joel was old school, he stood by his word and believed in his work. There will never be another.

Paull Tickner, Creator of Special Interest Britain pjtickner@yahoo.co.uk www.greatdays.co.uk Sue Shapiro, President Shapiro Travel Resources sue.shapiro@gmail.com www.shapirotravelresources.com

While nobody can replace this industry legend, we’re hoping that this new publication, which reunites the original Home Based Trade editorial board, will be able to carry on his passion for travel and those who sell it.

Ann M. Hoek This online magazine is dedicated to the memory of Joel Abels, Travel Trade's editor and publisher. Joel and his life's work may be gone, but with your help it can live on.

June 2013


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By Sue

Gone, But Not Forgotten The 2013 Joel & Lenore Abels

3

Shapiro

Scholarship Winner By Sue Shapiro, President Shapiro Travel Resources also been the internal events coordinator for the oncampus chapter of the American Hotel & Lodging Association, in addition to being a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). Given the cost of attending universities today, scholarships are even more important than ever to enable talented students to stay in school. Tara Miller, who won the scholarship in 2009, said that the financial assistance allowed (L?R) Sue Shapiro, Lily Hoffman, Bill McCue (Travel Matters)

her to focus her time and attention on complet-

ing challenging internships and holding leadership roles How wonderful to know that you can “live on” in

within student professional organizations. Without it, she

the career of someone you have inspired. That’s

would have needed to take part time jobs unrelated to

exactly what’s happening to Lily Hoffman, the winner

the industry so she could pay her bills.

of the 2013 Abels Scholarship at Temple University’s School of Tourism and Hospitality Management. Although only a sophomore, Lily is a great example of what a dedicated student can accomplish and what

Her success is obvious in that today she is the international convention development coordinator for Destination DC, the convention and visitor’s bureau for our nation’s capital.

promise she holds for the future in the tourism sector.

Justin Wusinich, the 2010 winner, received the Miami

To be eligible for the scholarship money, which

CC Rookie of the Year award during his stint as sales

usually goes toward tuition at Temple, students need

manager of the Hyatt Regency and a promotion to his

to have a career goal in the travel industry, experi-

current position with the Miami Convention and Visitors’

ence working at some aspect of the business and

Bureau. Last year’s winner, Lorena Morel Diaz, is spa

demonstrating an understanding of the contribution

manager at the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort.

of Joel and Lenore Abels to the Travel Trade. In

All of us who have contributed to the Abels Fund

addition, they must write and submit an essay on the

over the years feel really good to see that our money

importance of tourism to a destination.

did so much to further the careers of deserving students.

Lily comes by her love of travel through her mother,

The Abels Scholarship is an ongoing thing. Even if you

a meeting planner. “Both Mr. and Mrs. Abels showed

didn’t know the Abels, your contribution to the fund will

the same traits that I also hold myself to: passion,

go a long way to insuring that quality people will contin-

determination and a hardworking attitude,” she said.

ue to enter the travel industry. You can inspire them to

Though she’s young, her work experience includes

do so by making an annual contribution.

jobs at Temple’s Law School, and the Esprit restau-

To make your tax-deductible contribution, visit

rant, as well as extensive volunteer work. She has

www.sthm.temple.edu/scholarships/documents/abels-form


4 B y P a u l l

Family Friendly Britain

T i c k n e r

I

recently read a report about the ever-increasing

But above and beyond this, there are:

importance of family travel, and it made me think

• Flights on the London Eye;

about how suitable the UK was for this market.

• Speedboat rides and Duckmarine Adventures in and out of the River Thames;

For a start, we share the same common language (well almost) and a great deal of common history. Also, one word: TRAINS! Let me explain.

• Horse riding and family bike rides in London’s Royal Parks; • A side trip to the Warner Brothers Making of Harry Potter exhibit.

Invariably, London is the prime focus for any family visiting for the first, second or even the third time,

However, just as seeing New York isn’t seeing America, to

which isn’t at all surprising when you consider the

discover something of what makes England tick, you need

huge amount of what’s on offer. Of course, there’s

to leave the capital. Here’s where the trains come in.

our museums and art galleries, which offer plenty of kid-friendly interactive stuff and themed exhibits cov-

Letting the train take the strain, families can shake the

ering topics such as Military London, Fashionable

dust off the history books and visit cities like Bath, York

London, Dramatic London, Royal London and

and Oxford. Imaginative 3-night packages are available

Sporting London.

featuring London at the beginning and the end.

Paull Tickner, creator of Special Interest Britain, is affiliated with the Greatdays Travel Group. For over 30 years, he has been developing and operating customized niche travel programs for the United Kingdom and Ireland. For more information, visit his Web site at www.greatdays.co.uk and E-mail him at pjtickner@yahoo.co.uk

June 2013


5 Before setting out on our journey, here’s some travel tips. • To get the best train fares, travel after 9:30 a.m. when the rush hour is over;

Stonehenge and Salisbury: The direct train takes 90 minutes. At Salisbury Station, you pick up a hop-onhop-off bus that takes you chronologically back into the mists of time at Stonehenge and Old Sarum (the

• Chose cities that offer a regular hop-on-hop-off

fascinating site of the original city) before reaching

city sightseeing tour. As the tickets are valid for

medieval and modern day Salisbury and its majestic

24 hours, use the first day to get your bearings

cathedral.

and on the morning of day 2, use the bus as your “taxi” for longer visit to places of your choosing.

Traveling further afield, our national rail network brings other historic cities rapidly into view. As all of

Here’s a couple of ideas for day trips from London by train:

them have so much to offer, I recommend that you

Windsor Castle and Legoland: Requiring one very

nights in London at the beginning of the trip and two

simple change at Slough, the train journey to the cen-

at the end.

use them as a 2- or 3-night ‘filler’ between three

ter of Windsor takes just 30 minutes. It’s then a fiveminute walk to the castle to see the Changing of the

Each package should reflect a balanced mix of inter-

Guard at 11a.m. Enter the castle for sightseeing after-

esting sightseeing with time for shopping, enjoying

ward, then take the open-top bus tour which stops at

interesting pubs and tearooms and family-friendly

Eton College and Legoland.

restaurants.

(continued on page 20)

Travel Agent Professional


6

Your a la carte menu includes: Harry and Alice in Oxford: The train journey takes just on one hour and for fans of Harry Potter and Alice and Wonderland, Christ Church College is the place to visit. Oxford Unlocked is great fun, as is punting on the River Cherwell. (No prizes for falling in.) Use one of the many local buses to visit Woodstock and Blenheim Palace. Meet the Romans in Bath: Visits to this city, located an hour and a half from London, should include the Roman Baths (where an audio narration that’s great for children is available), the Jane Austen Centre, the opulent 1 Royal Crescent and the nearby Fashion Museum. Mums and daughters are sure to enjoy a few hours at the Thermae Bath Spa. Meet the Vikings in York: The speedy East Coast Main Line reaches York from London in two hours. Mums and daughters might enjoy a few hours at the Quilt Museum while dads and sons head off to the National Railway Museum. They’ll all enjoy the ride back into Viking times at Jorvik, a cruise along the river Ouse, majestic York Minister, the York Chocolate Trail and the city’s celebrated Ghost Tour – stopping for a traditional fish and chips dinner along the way. Liverpool, home of the Beatles: For fans young and old, the agenda here includes the Magical Mystery Bus Tour, the Beatles Story, the Elvis and Us Exhibition, visits to the childhood homes of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, a cruise on the River Mersey and an evening at the famous Cavern Club. Back in London, finish on a high note with a guided Rock ‘n’ Roll tour. Shakespeare’s England: The train journey to Stratford takes about two hours. The City Sightseeing bus is the best way of seeing the Shakespeare Houses, which bring Elizabethan England vividly to life and fit well with a backstage tour of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre and a gentle cruise down the River Avon. There is also a scheduled tour to Warwick Castle for hours of jawdropping living history. All of this might seem quite straightforward and easy to arrange. However, securing good hotel rates and special rail fares plus organizing all the visits into one seamless travel experience takes quite a lot of skill. (This is where I come in.) But more to the point, the evidence is clear for all to see that London and the UK is a truly family-friendly destination.

June 2013


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8 By

When Words Fail

Scott Koepf

The lovable ogre, Shrek, sings a song in the musical that bears his name lamenting his inability to express his love through words. All of us at some time or another can certainly relate, when we just could not put into words what we wanted to say. How often have you played the “woulda — coulda — shoulda game” when a sale did not go quite as you had hoped? We replay the conversation and know what we

Scott Koepf VP of Sales Avoya Travel/American Express www.JoinAvoya.com

would say if given the opportunity again but we realize that at the moment words failed. We cry out

advice is priceless and, given the chance, we will provide cus-

as Shrek did:

tomer service beyond compare.

When Words Fail, What Will I Do?

While all true, the ability to get that message across quickly and eloquently is extremely challenging. The solution is actually

There are three lessons we can

the reason Shrek is singing his heart out. In each verse, he

learn from our green teacher. First,

practices what to say to the love of his life.

even though Shrek was the master of his swamp and had immense

Therefore, start practicing what to say to your loves (clients)

confidence, he simply had trouble

so that it flows easily. Let them know in only a couple sen-

putting his thoughts into words. I

tences why they are going to be so happy they called you. I

think travel agents sometimes have

recommend you offer these alluring words right after the

the same problem. We have extra-

opening greeting. Remember these potential clients may not

ordinary knowledge to share, our

even know what a travel agent does, let alone why they are extraordinary lucky to have found you! (continued on page 10)

June 2013


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10 When Words Fail, What Will I Do? Is it hard to get across all of your experience and

lists all of the items and then send it to your poten-

personality and benefits of working with you in two

tial clients after your first contact. Remember, if you

sentences? Yes, very difficult. That is why you need

are not willing to write it down, then there is doubt

to write it down, read it out loud, tweak it, and

as to whether you really live up to your own expec-

repeat that process about fifty times. Then when you

tations.

have memorized it, say it to three or four people who you respect, and then ask for their input. The

Spend some time and money on this document mak-

end result will not only help you sell more, but it will

ing it beautiful, and including a call to action that

solidify in your mind exactly what does make you

invites your clients to experience the promises you

unique.

make. Most travel agents give platitudes and vague references to service. Think how shocked your

The second lesson which can really be learned at the

clients will be to see your promises – in writing!

same time as the first is to write down exactly what makes doing business with you so fabulous. That’s

Finally, the last lesson is the one that Shrek realized

right, make a list! Don’t list esoteric items like good

during his warbling. Even if you have the perfect

customer service, or availability, or sparkling person-

words and a written description of your excellence,

ality. If you do provide great customer service, then

you still need to prove it! The reason to go through

there are at least ten specific touch points you

the two processes above is to create a checklist for

should write down and elaborate on as to why each

each customer as to how you will exceed their

of these are valuable to your clients.

expectations. However, now it is showtime! Make sure you do all that you have promised and even

For example, if you are truly accessible, then let

more.

them know that all E-mails and calls are returned within six hours, 12 hours or whatever you promise.

The title of the book by Rick Barrera says it all –

If you do not want to put a timeline on the list, then

Over Promise AND Over Deliver. In other words,

do not put accessibility on there at all.

tell your clients upfront what you will do for them and then do that – and more! Come on, if an Ogre

When you have the list finished, create a PDF that

can do it, why not you?

June 2013


Travel Agent Professional


12 Who Says Bigger is Better? B y L e s - L e e R o l a n d

Oh, what a month I’ve just had. I flew to Europe twice for two opportunities to sail on different ships.

Les-Lee Roland Owner of The Package Deal

I

had to get on a river cruise to better understand

I know that doesn’t sound like much, but it was the

how it appeals to clients, and how to better sell it —

first sign of how I was going to be pampered and

I’ve been selling many river cruises and many differ-

spoiled for the week — and I was.

ent itineraries for quite a while. And to be on Uniworld’s River Royale was the right choice at the

I was so surprised to meet the other passengers - with-

right time.

in one day, we were all one big happy family. A good portion of them had already been on other rivers and

I really thought the Danube or the Rhine would be

gotten hooked on this easy, pleasant type of cruising.

better — after all, they are the most popular choices for first-time river cruisers. But I tried the Bordeaux

By the end of the first day, I was being addressed

area in France-Arles to Lyon.

by name by the staff, and even the restaurant manager approached me and said he was arranging

Arriving in Arles on Easter weekend meant lots of

for special desserts and treats for me to accom-

celebrations everywhere we went. Fortunately, we

modate my dietetic needs. Gee, I have my own

had quick assistance from porters, luggage handlers,

policeman now!

or whatever title you want to call them. They were waiting on a street corner a couple of blocks away

I know it sounds like I am only writing about the lit-

from the ship – perfectly dressed to boot – and

tle details, but those little details and attention

were prepared to carry our luggage (by hand, no lug-

throughout the week were things you don’t get on

gage carts) directly to our cabins.

big ships. They made the cruise so luxurious.

June 2013


13 It’s Just Another Option Of course, there was also very good food, complimentary

can’t handle steps and want a slower pace or a short

wifi and delightful ports filled with history and shopping

tour. In some ports, there might be an extra, optional

— with interesting walking tours included in the cruise.

tour. With the debut of next year’s all-inclusive program, the excursions will still be offered at no charge.

Who would have known that Arles, a city in France, has a Spanish influence to it? It’s so strong that they

On our cruise, I went to historical sites including the

had the running of the bull(s) through the street

Palace of the Popes, perused through an outdoor mar-

while we were there and we even saw a matador

ket, went to a walled-in city, visited an olive vineyard

preparing to enter the arena.

(and I will never again eat any out of a can-they cannot compare with the fresh ones), went to a winery, experi-

As for the onboard entertainment, local singers and

enced culinary delicacies, watched silk screen demonstra-

musicians performed each night. Just the art of con-

tions and shopped a lot. Sounds dull, huh? Far from it!

versation with people from the U.S., England, New Zealand and Australia was a treat in itself.

If you need a taxi to take you someplace, even at the end of the cruise, it is ordered just for you. The

Now, I am not putting down the big mega-ships. But to be on a vessel of three decks where getting to

cruise director even walked one woman to a local hair salon to get a new French do.

your cabin is just a few seconds away, no waiting for elevators, was a real delight. So was having a large

Did I mention how friendly the French were? They

cabin with a French balcony and a bathroom much

were delightful – everywhere. Enough said!

larger than standard cabins on the mega ships, even though most days I was out and about.

This was just a wonderful sampling of many more cruises to come, which I know my clients will love as

Slippers were set out for me each night, along with a

well. For the ones who want the extra thrill of zip lin-

pillow gift, and the candy dish was filled every day –

ing, or shopping at the jewelry stores, or walking on

oh, what would the restaurant manager say about that!

an iceberg, I still have plenty of ships to offer to them.

Uniworld is going to be including all alcoholic bever-

Before going, I had downloaded four books to my Kindle,

ages and gratuities in the cruise price next year. Right

and I brought my needlepoint. But I never read any of

now, there is plentiful wine with lunch and dinner and

them. I don’t know where the time went, but I want to

even at some gatherings.

do it all over again. So I did- two weeks later, I went back to the Cote d’Azure on another size ship, Azamara.

And what choices for shore excursions! You could have a more intensive tour, a lighter one for people who

Travel Agent Professional

But that will be another column.


14 Travel Insurance: By

The

Rusty Pickett, ECC

The

more time I spend studying travel insurance, the more

it becomes one of the most difficult aspects of our business to professionally discuss with our clients. First of all, I don’t sell supplier insurance, even though several supRusty Pickett, ECC Shellback Cruises www.shellbackcruises.com

pliers that I use have contracts with the same travel insurance companies (two) that I use. As we have all learned, it makes no sense to buy insurance through the companies that you are insuring against. With third party insurance, you may have a little more leverage when an “us versus them” insurance situation results. Secondly, except for travel mostly within the US (Alaska, Hawaii, and Pacific/Atlantic coast trips), I always include the upgrade to primary medical coverage. It’s inexpensive and eliminates much of the hassle for your clients of getting statements of denial before you submit your claim to the travel insurance company. Pre-existing conditions are a difficult subject to explain to clients. Virtually all believe that it’s only for the folks traveling. They don’t understand that that clause applies to all immediate family members. I personally have a pre-existing medical coverage brief that I include with the confirmation documents. Other agents either include the coverage in their pricing, or have the client return a signed statement. I probably spend more time and effort on this issue than I do for any other aspect of selling the insurance. For me, the next big issue is whether to buy the insurance at all. Most buy insurance for cancellation coverage. What most folks need it for is medical coverage outside of the USA. Many HMO’s and all but part D Medicare (from what I understand) don’t cover anything outside of the USA. Most clients have never thought of this.

June 2013


Nemesis of Travel Agents

15

The more time I spend studying travel insurance, the more it becomes one of the most difficult aspects of our business to professionally discuss with our clients. Then there are the little things like baggage tracking. I

insurance in. This is a monstrous requirement for

recently had a client on a trip to Europe and the bags

those of us that have a national client base.

didn’t make it because of some flight delays, rescheduling etc. Their response was that they would fly

The interesting thing is that each of my two insurance

home rather than go on the cruise without bags, hop-

companies have a different policy concerning this

ing that the bags would catch up to them. They called

requirement, which supposedly goes into effect on

the insurance company, the bags showed up in time

July 1. It is critical that you work with your insurance

for the underway, and they categorically stated that

company’s sales representative and licensing depart-

they believed the bags made it because of the insur-

ment to see where you stand on this.

ance company. The bottom line: The more time you spend studying The next challenge is to get the clients to call the

travel insurance, the much better off you will be in

insurance company first when there is a problem,

advising your clients on their insurance needs.

rather than trying to arrange things themselves and then filing a claim. I had a client who had to arrange a private charter aircraft to get home because of an extreme medical issue. She did it on her own (with some help from the cruise line) but didn’t go through the travel insurance help line. As a result, her reimbursement was significantly limited because they did not use the insurance company’s private charter services. Finally, there is the issue of licensing. There is a move afoot to require agents to have a seller of travel insurance license in every state that they sell travel

Travel Agent Professional


16 A Day Trip Out of London Has

a client ever asked you for suggestions as to what

to do in London? For first timers, there’s plenty to recommend. But what about repeat travelers who want to get out of the city but don’t want the hassle of packing and unpacking? Having just returned, I would highly recommend that you tell them to take a day trip to Birmingham. Only an hour and twenty minutes by comfortable train, Birmingham is England’s second largest city, with some top attractions. Tourists will run out of time before they run out of interesting things to do and see.

By Sue Shapiro, President Shapiro Travel Resources

Just outside the train station is the Bullring, a wonderful pedestrian shopping area anchored by the spectacular ultra-modern Selfridges Department store, built at a cost of $90 million. From the Bullring area, it’s just a short walk to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Be sure to stop at the Visit Birmingham office en route to pick up maps and information (they’re very helpful).

June 2013


to Birmingham

17

While the Museum is renowned for its huge collec-

Jewelry Quarter, where even today, there are more

tion of pre-Raphaelite art, it also does an excellent

than 500 jewelers. Items made locally have a special

job of telling the history of the city.

hallmark from the Birmingham Assay office, the largest in the world. Don’t miss the Pen Museum.

Next on the itinerary should be the Botanical Gardens, which date from 1832. The complex con-

There’s two more must-see attractions to go before

sists of 15 acres of tropical plants, flowers and fruit

the end of our city tour. Located on the grounds of

representing world climates. As a result, there are

the University of Birmingham, the Barber Institute has

interesting things to see and do, even in the winter.

150 of the finest art works ever collected including Botticelli, Van Dykes, Gainsborough, Canaletto, Degas

Birmingham was the center of the canal building craze

Whistler and much more. And just nearby is

in Britain during in the late 19th century. As a result,

Winterbourne House & Gardens, a lovely Edwardian

today the city has more canals than Venice. Lovely lit-

country estate.

tle canal boats ply the town’s waterways, enabling you to go sightseeing by using the canals as if they

Some clients might want to see Birmingham in a

were “streets.”

more leisurely fashion. Staying over for one or two nights offers many more possibilities. For example,

When lunch break time comes, you can head for

within an hour of Birmingham is Stratford on Avon

celebrity British chef Marco Pierre White’s

(Shakespeare’s birthplace and home of the Globe

Steakhouse. It situated on the 25th floor of a glass

Theater), Warwick Castle and the Forest of Arden,

building called the Cube. The wonderful food is only

featuring a golf course where the British Masters is

matched by the spectacular panoramic view.

held.

If you’re ready for dessert after that, you’ll find that

Whichever you and your client decide, recommend-

Birmingham is a chocolate lover’s paradise. You can’t

ing a trip to Birmingham with enhance both their

go home without visiting Cadbury World, which has

vacation and your reputation as a knowledgeable

been part of the local scene since it’s inception. Kids

travel advisor.

of all ages will love to see how it’s made and taste the finished product.

P.S.: Tell them to take the Virgin Train from Euston Station. It takes the same amount of time as the East

For over 250 years, Birmingham has been a major

Midland train, goes on the same tracks, is equally as

producer of precious jewelry, as can be seen in the

comfortable but costs often half the price.

Travel Agent Professional


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0 ċ ŏ $% ,/ ŏ . !#% / 0 . 5č ŏ $!ŏ $ ) / ċ ŏ ā ĂĀĂĊćĊăŏ đ ćĥ ĂĆĥ ĂĀā Ă

THE SEA KISSES EVERY SHORE. WE TAKE THE RELATIONSHIP EVEN FURTHER.

The sea is calling. It whispers your name, inviting you to a place more beautiful than anything you’ve seen. Where light dances on the waves, and the gentle sound puts you at ease. Where you can enjoy a piña colada, a massage, ice skating and rock climbing all in one place. Only Royal Caribbean International® delivers the one vacation that’s a full sea of possibilities.

ROYALCARIBBEAN.COM


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