February Leisure Group Travel by Premier Travel Media

INSPIRED ADVENTURES BEGIN ON MACKINAC ISLAND. May 7 to June 3

June 4 to June24 August 22 to October 17

June 25 to August 21

PURPOSE INSPIRED. Looking for a tour destination where adventurous, historic attractions abound in a gorgeous, natural setting? Then bring your groups to northern Michigan’s beautiful Mackinac Island. Here you’ll find the handsome Lake View Hotel, ideally located on Main Street across from the ferry docks. Built in 1858, our newly renovated resort is a delightful blend of Victorian charm and modern convenience, providing your groups with comfort and value they’ll appreciate.

BENEFIT DRIVEN. We offer eighty-five cozy guest rooms with premium

bedding and 32” flat panel TV’s, Goodfellow’s Restaurant, two full service bars, an indoor heated swimming pool, spa and sauna, banquet facilities, elevator service to all levels, and on site shopping. At Lake View Hotel, we do the little things that count, like greeting your group personally at the ferry dock, handling your luggage transfers to/from the hotel, hosting a welcome reception in our lobby, providing free morning coffee, complimentary wi-fi and computer access, and ensuring every detail of your tour clicks off without a hitch. We also give you a single, itemized bill to speed your check-in, so your adventure begins without delay.

VALUE PRICED. Plan now for our best room views. Rates start from just

$45.00 * per person including continental breakfast. For just $5.00† more, enjoy a three egg, made-to-order omelette. Call Ms. Ashlee Cvengros toll free for more information and book your Mackinac Island adventure tour today. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LAKE VIEW HOTEL AND HISTORIC MACKINAC ISLAND.

Tour Packaging options are also available!

Call Toll Free (888) 645-4522

We Love Tour Groups!

Since 1858 One Huron Street Mackinac Island, Michigan 49757

www.lake-view-hotel.com ashlee@lakeviewhotel.us * Group rates are per person, double occupancy Sunday~Thursday, subject to availability, based on groups of 15 rooms. Rates include deluxe accommodations and continental breakfast. Rates not available on Holidays and Special Event dates. Baggage charge of $3.00 per person is additional. Add 6% Michigan Sales Tax and 8% Hotel Service Charge. † Tax additional on optional $5.00 omelette. Complimentary room for escort with 15 paid rooms.

Lake View Hotel is a proud member of:

FEBRUARY 2010

REGISTER TO WIN $500 SHOPPING SPREE AT ANY ONE OF AMERICA’S PREMIER SHOPPING PLACES Return your Reader Service Card by March 15

A Premier Tourism Marketing publication www.leisuregrouptravel.com

when you

travel souvenir

together…

you bring home

an extra

Embrace the moments that make up a group tour, whether you’re sailing past the whitewashed villages of Greece or settling into your 5-star hotel at the base of Machu Picchu. It’s not surprising that lasting friendships often begin on a Collette Vacations tour. Your traveling companions are like you – active, engaged and passionately curious about the world. We take care of the details so your group can immerse themselves in the places they are exploring… in comfort and style.

Collette’s No Worries Travel Protection waiver promises you a FULL CASH REFUND if you cancel right up to the day prior to departure.

For more information contact your local District Sales Manager or call 800.852.5655 www.collettevacations.com

SPECTACULAR ALBERTA The place: Alberta, Canada. The setting: mountain peaks stretching skyward, rushing rivers and pristine wilderness. Here, worldrenowned resorts welcome you to sit back and unwind. Travel along the Icefields Parkway; discover the powerful Bow Falls and Hoodoos in Banff; explore the picture-perfect lake of Maligne Canyon. And visit Calgary, the region’s cosmopolitan center. Against an incredible backdrop, enjoy world-class outdoor activities, five-star dining, and amazing wildlife. From breathtaking natural wonders to vibrant cities, these Collette Vacations Canadian Rockies tours present you with the very best of amazing Alberta.

Canadian Rockies by Train - 9 Days, 13 Meals - starting at $2399* Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park 8 Days, 9 Meals - starting at $1649* *Rate is per person, land only, double occupancy. Call for air rates from your gateway.

CST# 2006766-20 UBN# 601220855 Nevada Seller of Travel Registration No. 2003-0279

contents Vol. 20, No.1

February 2010

COVER STORY

WEST VIRGINIA

COVER STORY 21

TOP 10 EMERGING RELIGIOUS TRAVEL DESTINATIONS by kevin j. wright A potpourri of places ripe for faith-based tourism

COLU MNS 6

On My Mind by jeff gayduk

On Tour

by cindy bertram

by marty de souto

On Shopping by carolyn j. feimster

On Board

On Voluntourism by sheryl kayne

On Technology by john kamm

FEATURES 18

Pilgrimage to Palestine by sandy dhuyvetter

SOUTH Journey to West Virginia by soula mitsiopoulos

WEST Northwest Shopping Spree by elana andersen

MIDWEST Illinois: A Spiritual Odyssey by randy mink

DEPARTMENTS 15

On the Record

Religious News

On Our Radar: NORTHEAST

Return your Reader Service Card by March 15 and be eligible. See inside back cover for details!

ON THE COVER: Ruins of ancient Palmyra in Syria. Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/Kim Seidl

Vol. 20, No. 1 February 2010 Editorial & Advertising Office

621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406 Willowbrook, IL 60527 P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 info@ptmgroups.com

NEWS AS IT HAPPENS • PERSPECTIVE • TOOLS

Expanded Online Exclusives for 2010!

Publisher – Jeffrey Gayduk jeff@ptmgroups.com Managing Editor – Randy Mink randy@ptmgroups.com Senior Editor – John Kloster

s the leader in online publishing for the group travel market, we’re increasing our commitment to deliver fresh new content on group travel destinations, along with commentary from Leisure Group Travel writers and columnists. Here’s what’s online this month:

john@ptmgroups.com

Senior Editor – Elana Andersen elana@ptmgroups.com

Director, Design & Production – Robert Wyszkowski rob@ptmgroups.com

Tales from the Road Melinda Hughey has seen it all – or most of it anyway! As a tour planner from Pulaski, Tenn., and Leisure Group Travel columnist, Melinda relates a few tales from 25 years of life on the road. She recalls the wild, the wacky and the downright weird. Her anecdotes will be included in a book she is working on. The title: War Stories. http://tiny.cc/HVp3k Illinois Guide for Tour Planners Bursting with group tour ideas, this three-part series covers Illinois Wine Country, Western Illinois and the Mississippi River, and Historic Illinois Route 66 Attractions. Tour planners will find there’s more to Illinois than Chicago. http://tiny.cc/wOM9A

Regional Sales Managers Illinois – Jim McCurdy

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 jim@ptmgroups.com

Eastern Midwest/Canada – Amy Janssens

P 630.294.0318 • F 630.794.0652 amy@ptmgroups.com

Northeast – Ellen Klesta

P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 ellen@ptmgroups.com

Southeast – Hutson Lambert P 228.452.9683 • F 228.452.6370 hutson@ptmgroups.com Southern – Dolores Ridout

P/F 281.762.9546 dolores@ptmgroups.com

Florida & Caribbean – Prof Inc.

Seattle’s Pike Place Market

P 813.286.8299 • F 813.287.0651 jimg@ptmgroups.com

Managing editor Randy Mink nibbles and noshes his way through this historic farmers market overlooking Elliott Bay. Groups can look forward to fresh fruit, hot donuts and even “flying” fish. http://tiny.cc/I68E5

West – John Gibbs P 415.929.7619 • F 415.358.5550 johng@ptmgroups.com

Illinois Holocaust Museum Read our report on suburban Chicago’s newest museum. Filled with video-taped recollections from Chicago-area survivors of the Holocaust, galleries focus on Jewish life in Europe before World War II and the horrors that followed with the rise of Nazism. http://tiny.cc/qjl4k

InSite on Student Travel ur latest e-magazine targets the student & youth travel marketplace, with destination ideas, packages and how-to advice for student travel planners. InSite on Student Travel is both a website and an e-magazine where content from the Student Travel Planning Guide (in print, December ’09), travel articles and directory resources are delivered to subscriber inboxes each month. Visit insite.studenttraveldirectory.com to subscribe!

4 February 2010

Western Midwest/Online Sales

Theresa O’Rourke P 630.794.0696 • F 630.794.0652 theresa@ptmgroups.com

The publisher accepts unsolicited editorial matter, as well as advertising, but assumes no responsibility for statements made by advertisers or contributors. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, but the publisher makes no warranty that listings are free of error. The publisher is not responsible for the return of unsolicited photos, slides or manuscripts.

Leisure Group Travel (ISSN-1531-1406) is published bi-monthly by Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. 621 Plainfield Road, Suite 406, Willowbrook, IL 60527. The magazine is distributed free of charge to qualified tour operators, travel agents, group leaders, bank travel clubs and other travel organizations. Other travel-related suppliers may subscribe at the reduced rate of $12.00 per year. The regular subscription price for all others is $18.00 per year. Single copies are $4.95 each.

Send Address Change to:

Premier Tourism Marketing, Inc. P.O. Box 609, Palos Heights, IL 60463

publication

LeisureGroupTravel.com

WE DON’T HAVE PYRAMIDS IN COLUMBUS But with everything else you can experience you won’t even notice.

Our experiential tours were created for the curious. Those who want to know what it’d be like to bottle their own wine, or interact with exotic animals, or share the stage with a world-class jazz musician. Aren’t you a bit curious?

To learn more about our experiential tours, visit ExperienceColumbus.com/tours or call 800-354-2657

on my mind ❖

jeff gayduk

Are We There Yet? ANYONE WHO’S TAKEN A family vacation is all too familiar with this phrase, uttered continuously by anxious kids eager to jump out of the car and into the pool. Having gone through what can best be described as a tumultuous 2009 year, the travel industry is approaching 2010 with optimism, while also wondering “are we there yet?” Is this the year of recovery where pent-up demand fills trips, or will the sluggish economy continue to drag sales and profits? I’m a big believer in making your own economy. In our 10 years of publishing Leisure Group Travel (LGT) we’ve experienced two severe downturns in the travel industry and a little thing called the Internet that has severely dampened the fortunes of many a magazine publisher. Still, we have managed to survive and thrive by adapting and innovating. I could complain about how travel is down and advertising budgets are razorthin, but instead I’ve chosen to focus my energy on refining our products to meet the needs of today’s travel planners while creating new ones that fill a serious void. Take for example this magazine. Unlike other publications in this market that only tell you what their advertisers want you to hear, we continue to push forward our agenda that readers come first and that we do not sacrifice editorial integrity to slap a few more ads in the magazine. While this might hurt our pocket a little, I think this helps you a lot – you can make buying decisions based on what are truly the 6 February 2010

best destinations and activities for your group without being spoon-fed advertorial disguised as editorial. This has helped LGT become the #1 read of group travel buyers in North America – in print and online.

time and brainpower. I read just today about a company that booked 300 cabins on a “Cougar Cruise,” a market that didn’t exist in mainstream until recently. That’s innovation! While this may not be your cup of tea, do some

If business isn’t all you want it to be, refine your back office procedures to become more efficient. Look for new ways to save and take advantage of emerging markets that can help you grow your business. As the economy slowed in 2009 we launched two new print magazines (Sports Planning Guide and Student Travel Planning Guide), acquired a third (Reunions Workbook), redesigned two of our most trusted publications (the one you’re holding and Midwest Skier) and launched four new e-magazines. This has better positioned our company to succeed long-term, regardless of what the Dow Jones Industrial Average is on any given day. The same can be said of you and your travel programs. If business isn’t all you want it to be, refine your back office procedures to become more efficient. Look for new ways to save and take advantage of emerging markets that can help you grow your business. There are no shortage of niche markets that will drive this business well into the 21st century, but building this business requires a commitment of

soul-searching and discover what is, then learn everything you can about it, develop your business plan and get ready to strike. This summer, once again we’ll gas up the car for our annual family road trip. And just as the sun rises in the east, as we’re barreling down the highway, nowhere near our destination, my oldest son is bound to ask “Dad, are we there yet?” I’ll tell him the same thing I’m telling you – No, but we’re getting there. Here’s to a Better 2010,

Jeff Gayduk, Publisher Jeff@ptmgroups.com Jeff is looking forward to seeing the folks in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on this summer’s family road trip. LeisureGroupTravel.com

BELIEVE IN THE

njsbdmf!pg

IG6K:A#

FEATURED VACATIONS

GRAND CATHOLIC ITALY

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WE’LL REIGNITE YOUR FAITH BY TAKING YOU TO THE TREASURED LANDMARKS

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OF ITALY AND ENGLAND’S MOST SACRED CITIES. Listen to Tour Directors describe the

FLORENCE :: VENICE

wonders of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica in Rome. We’ll also take you to Florence where you’ll marvel at the magic of Brunelleschi’s Dome or follow us to London’s St. Paul Cathedral. Let us take you on the journey of your dreams.

ENGLAND CHRISTIAN HERITAGE

9 days from $1,549 LONDON :: OXFORD :: YORK

To book a religious vacation you can have faith in, call 877.797.8793 or for more information visit globusfaith.com.

MILTON KEYNES

*Fare shown is available on select 2010 Glogus faith-based air-inclusive Europe vacations on select airlines from select U.S. gateways to select European gateways, and are subject to availability in a designated class of service. Booking must be made and under deposit between January 6 and March 2, 2010 for travel between January 7 and March 31, 2010. Call for yearround pricing. Offer not valid with any other offer except Journeys Club. Applies to new 2010 bookings only, and fares will not be offered on pre-existing bookings. Full cancellation penalties will apply. Sample fare shown is per-person, roundtrip low season, mid-week travel from New York (JFK) to London, include fuel surcharges but do not include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees of up to $300 depending on your itinerary. For current prices, please see our web site. Additional restrictions may apply.

on tour ❖

marty de souto, ctc

Report From Normandy WE ARRIVED IN PARIS with a “thump.” One of our tour members fell getting off the escalator/people mover at Charles de Gaulle Airport and each of us, unable to get out of her way fast enough, fell on top of her. Bringing up the rear, I fell on top, my bag on top of me, and two unknown gentlemen behind me flew on top of us all. By the time someone got the machinery turned off and we untangled and examined ourselves for cuts and bumps, we finally ascertained that only the one on the bottom had sustained any injury. Our guide hustled her off to the nearest doctor and the rest of us settled down to wait with a cup of hot, strong coffee. When the other half of our group arrived on the Los Angeles/Paris flight, we all reconnoitered with our coach

drag” with its selection of restaurants and cafes, it proved a perfect location. We were fortunate to have an English guide with a natural empathy for our group of ladies only, impeccable French and a rich background in history. One day she took us to Mont St. Michel and though it poured and the climb was daunting, even those who didn’t make it to the top felt it was an unforgettable day. ON TO ROUEN Another day we headed for the Norman capital city of Rouen with its history of Joan of Arc, its cobblestone streets and half-timbered buildings, and its elegant shops, which were too expensive when we calculated euro prices into those of our diminished

Of course, the most emotional day was a visit to the D-Day landing beaches. driver and were finally off through the countryside heading north to our destination, Normandy. Our plan was to spend a week there and then wind up with a two-night climax in Paris. We headquartered in the old town of Trueville, across the bridge from its more swank summer resort sister-city of Deauville. We had selected a small, charming tourist class hotel, Le Fer A Cheval, run by a couple who baked their own breakfast pastries daily and let us take over the cozy library/den for daily briefings. Just two blocks from the “main 8 February 2010

dollar. Fortunately, most shops were closed for the two-hour lunch that abounds in much of provincial France. Of course, the most emotional day was our visit to the D-Day landing beaches where, in 1944, the Allied Forces landed and went on to free France from its Nazi occupiers. The rows and rows of white crosses in the cemetery there are forever etched in my brain. We wound up that day with a visit to the 58-panel, handmade Bayeux Tapestry, the account of the invasion of England by William the Conquerer in 1066.

Our excursions also took us to Honfleur with its historic harbor from which the early explorers of French Canada sailed in the 16th century. In other coastal towns we walked in the steps of Monet and other Impressionists. We also prowled some of the inland country roads for charming ancient villages, handicrafts and rich agriculture. We visited a farm and cheesemaker, spent an hour with an artisan chocolatier, learned about the special Norman art of making copper cooking pots, and had a private demonstration in Alencon, home of French lace-making. Another day we had a cookery demonstration with a chef who broke us up into three teams cooking our own lunch in an old manor house. We finally had to say good-bye to Normandy, returning to Paris via Chartres. The trip closed with a cruise on the Seine and farewell dinner in Montmartre. Readers wishing to attempt a similar trip should know that this is not for those with disabilities, unable to walk comfortably or with much heavy luggage. Narrow sidewalks and hilly, cobblestoned streets made it difficult at times. Motorcoaches are not permitted to load and unload luggage or to pull up close to central sites, so trip planners should be cognizant of these limitations. Marty is founder and chair of the travel industry training program at Berkeley City College in Berkeley, Calif., where she teaches all aspects of group travel. You can reach her by e-mail at josemarty@yahoo.com. For information on her latest book, How To Plan, Operate, and Lead Successful Group Trips, click on Premier Tourism Marketing’s educational website, groupuniversity.com. LeisureGroupTravel.com

on shopping ❖

carolyn j. feimster

Creative Itineraries Target The “Cultural Shopper” TODAY’S TRAVELER HAS changed dramatically over the past year and has become even more discriminating than ever before. Travelers want new experiences, but only at destinations and attractions that offer quality and value. What has not changed is that shopping and dining remain the top two activities of most visitors to a destination. They want time to shop for themselves, and they have to find time to shop and bring back gifts for family, friends and even the dog-sitter.

non-cultural visitor. Package a trip that offers a visit to a cultural institution in the morning with an afternoon of shopping in the same neighborhood. Better yet, look for shopping centers that have a cultural institution as a tenant, such as a museum. A perfect example is South Street Seaport Museum at South Street Seaport marketplace in New York City. The museum even acts as the fulfillment center for groups when they arrive at The Seaport.

Tour planners find shopping and cultural sightseeing make a dynamic duo. However, we find there are still tour operators who are not capitalizing on such an easy activity to include in an itinerary. This is probably due to the fact that shopping is usually considered a value-added activity and not a commissionable product. So how can you turn shopping into a win-win for you and your clients? Think out of the box. How about partnering with a cultural institution? Research by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Taubman Company shows there is a high crossover between the cultural traveler and the shopper – enough that they came up with the term “cultural shopper.” The research showed that 81% of U.S. adults included at least one cultural activity during their trip. This is a lucrative market because these folks spend more money and stay longer than the 10 February 2010

TOURIST-FRIENDLY SHOPPING CENTERS Who can help you to identify complementary attractions that include shopping? Try the local DMO or go right to the marketing office of the shopping center. Do your homework online and find a center that is visitorfriendly and lists tourism programs. A smart cultural institution will take it upon itself to partner with a shopping center. It can even purchase food court dining vouchers to sell to groups. Or a tour operator can work with a particular center to offer a more upscale dining experience, such as vouchers valid at a select group of restaurants. It just depends on the needs of your clients. Shopping center gurus know how to partner and present itineraries to the operator. This should be part of your

discussion when you are meeting with a shopping center representative at a trade show. Interested in pre-packaged opportunities? Simply log onto www.culturetoursandmore.com. There are some amazing tours available. New Orleans offers a culinary history tour with samplings at a variety of restaurants. Macy’s in San Francisco has partnered with the Oakland Asian Cultural Center and includes a Chinatown Walking Tour, plus a $25 Macy’s gift card. The next step is to package with a hotel. Many shopping centers already have shop-and-stay packages that can be made available to the tour operator. Adding in tickets to a few cultural attractions is easy, especially in cities like Boston, where there is a partnership called BAG, Boston Attractions Group. Its website offers many packaging ideas. For example, Faneuil Hall Marketplace promotes the fact that they are an easy walk to the New England Aquarium, Museum of Science and Paul Revere’s House. Check out www.bostonattractionsgroup.com. In summary, it is all about the 3 “P’s” – Partnering, Packaging and Promoting, and coming up with unique package ideas that sell! Carolyn J. Feimster, SCMD, is owner/president of CJF Marketing International. The company develops programs to enhance the marketing, tourism development, economic development, and productivity of shopping centers and retail districts. She represents shopping center clients throughout the U.S., Central Europe and the Middle East. Contact Carolyn at 718-757-8489, carolyn@cjfmarketinginternational.com; or log on to cjfmarketinginternational.com.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

on board ❖

cindy bertram

Cruise Lines Go Green AS TODAY’S NEWEST CRUISE ships offer green grass and parks, they are literally going green. Always reaching beyond normal standards, cruise lines have been busy making sure their ships are eco-friendly. Not just implementing fleetwide initiatives that exceed environmental regulations, they are taking it to new levels and are passionate about leaving an eco-friendly imprint. RECYCLING AND MORE Cruise lines are adamant about recycling and using cutting-edge filtration systems. Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Spirit has black water (sewage) and gray water (waste waters from showers, kitchens and sinks) treatment systems that make water usable for laundering, deck washing and toilet flushing. A different slant is demonstrated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, which was the first to recycle used lube oil. Two of its ships, the Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Sun, also recycle used cooking oil. In 2008 more than 15,000 gallons were donated to a Vero Beach, Florida organic farmer who then converted the cooking oil into 870 gallons of biodiesel fuel for his farming equipment. ENERGY SAVERS Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice class ships, Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, are the industry’s first two ships to use solar energy. The 234 foils and 61 panels provide enough energy to power all of the ships’ elevators. Other features? The Celebrity Equinox’s windows are high-glazed glass that reduces the heat 12 February 2010

transfer into public areas and staterooms. This cuts down the energy required for air conditioning and filters out 99.9% of UV rays. Specially developed silicon coatings (environmentally safe) were developed to paint the hulls of Solstice class ships, resulting in a smoother hull that creates less water resistance. Also being implemented on Celebrity ships is the use of chilled river rocks instead of ice in buffet areas, which reduces water consumption. MSC Cruises has designed several environmentally friendly features and green technologies, seen most recently on its newest ships, the MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia. Innovative stateroom monitoring system technology

Economic Diversification Canada, Transport Canada, the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, British Columbia Hydro, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises. Seattle’s new Smith Cove Cruise Terminal, opened last April, also offers this innovation. SHORE EXCURSIONS A shore excursion is no longer just a tour. In 2010, Costa Cruises offers 240 eco-tourism excursions in every region it visits; these include trips to nature reserves, parks and oases. “All programs minimize their impact on ecosystems and create opportunities for local communities,” Maurice

To conserve water, buffets on Celebrity ships use chilled rocks instead of ice used in public areas and staterooms provides almost a 25% reduction in onboard energy use. This system is able to detect opened balcony doors or stateroom windows and adjusts the room temperature setting accordingly. PLUGGING IN Thanks to new shore power technology, cruise lines can “plug in” to power at certain ports’ grids instead of using the ship’s onboard diesel-powered engines, thus reducing emissions. Port Metro Vancouver, for example, offers this technology, the result of a $9-million partnership with Western

Zarmati, president and CEO of Costa Cruises, explains. The line’s kids program features WWF (World Wildlife Fund) activities for kids so they can learn about leaving an eco-friendly footprint, he notes. From solar energy to recycling oil, the cruise industry is leading the way. And with the growth of eco-friendly shore excursions, there are plenty of new ways your group can experience “going green.” Cindy Bertram has 15+ years of cruise expertise in sales, marketing and training, with an MBA from Loyola University Chicago. She can be contacted at cindy@ptmgroups.com LeisureGroupTravel.com

HAng LOOse HAwAII One , Two , o r T hre e I sl and Adv e ntur es Departs sept. 6, 20, Oct. 18, nov. 8, 2010 and Jan. 10 and Feb.7, 2011 A relaxed economical Hawaii Itinerary where your travelers enjoy fine hotels, great ground service and optional tours. They may choose either a 1-2 or 3 Island Adventure - enjoy a low initial price and schedule the activities they desire. Perfect for Boomers and seniors!

TOUR HIgHLIgHTs: • Flexible Itinerary up to Three Islands • Oahu (Honolulu), The Big Island (Hawaii), and Maui • Traditional Flower Lei greeting on Arrival • Uss Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor • Honolulu City Tour • Kona Historical walking Tour • Lahaina Trolley Tour • Authentic Hawaiian Luau • Optional Tours & Activity Coordination TOUR InCLUsIOns: • First Class Hotel Accommodations • Inter-island Airfare (as appropriate) • All ground Transfers and sightseeing transportation • welcome gift with Personal note • Two or Three Dinners including a Luau • Departure Day Changing Rooms • Local Tour Director 24/7 • Luggage Handling • Taxes & gratuities on included items (excluding Tour Director)

Customized Tour Packages are also available Full Itinerary Available Online

PRICe PeR PeRsOn: $Us Honolulu One Island Discovery experience 6 Days . . . $1,099 Double $1,699 single, $1029 Triple, $979 Quad Honolulu & Big Island Discovery experience 8 Days . . . $1,699 Double $2,549 single, $1,569 Triple, $1,489 Quad Three Island Discovery experience 10 Days . . . $2,449 Double $3,649 single, $2,199 Triple, $2,099 Quad

Contact U.s Tours at 888-393-8687 www.ustours.biz

on voluntourism ❖

sheryl kayne

Volunteer Vacations MAINTAIN HISTORIC HIKING trails, learn organic farming, contribute to scientific research or experience a different culture. Volunteer vacations are known by many names: Voluntourism, service trips, missions, working holidays, trips with a purpose, do-good trips and meaningful vacations are just a few. The “vacation” part of volunteer vacations refers to the reality that, for most people, time away from work is a vacation and doing good for others is a mutually beneficial experience. These trips are most often a group activity, with many organizations open to bringing in your own group. They’re accessible to all ages and stages of life— singles, couples, families and teens. It’s the fastest growing segment of the travel industry, increasing each year by 11 percent. Travelers today seek opportunities to connect with the people and places they visit, and give back. An added bonus: For the majority of these trips, the costs of travel, food, lodging and donations are tax-deductible. STUDENT ALTERNATIVE SPRING VACATIONS Plateau Restoration is a licensed guide and outfitter offering land-based excursions and river journeys in Utah, Colorado and Arizona. They provide opportunities to participate in the preservation and rehabilitation of public lands through service-learning, volunteer vacations and adventure education programs. Service-learning is defined as educational enrichment programming integrated with active, hands-on com14 February 2010

munity service. Activities include trail building, fencing, planting and monitoring recreation impact. University credit is available on many programs. Contact: Plateau Restoration, (435) 259-7733; www.plateaurestoration.org. Fees range from $20 to $75 per person per day.

themselves and how they are affected by weather conditions and events. This Earthwatch Institute program is a great combination of activity and place – working a few hours a day on the project and enjoying the wonders of New Orleans by night. Contact: Earthwatch

Travelers seek opportunities to learn, get involved and do good for others. FARM CHORES World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms-USA (WWOOF-USA) links volunteers with organic farmers to promote an educational exchange of ecological farming practices. WWOOF’s directory lists more than 700 organic farmers across the U.S. who host volunteers in exchange for room and board. Arrangements are made between member farmers and volunteers: the size of the group, accommodations, food, length of stay from a few days or more, age requirements, and responsibilities. Participants learn about organic vegetables, flowers, fruit and nuts, and native plants, and can also volunteer for construction projects, beekeeping and cheese making. Contact: WWOOFUSA, (831) 425-3276; www.wwoofusa.org. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Help researchers and work in ecosystems damaged by Hurricane Katrina by collecting caterpillars and other insects to restore an important greenhouse collection. Study how caterpillars defend

Institute, (800) 7760188; www.earthwatch.org. Contribution for all-inclusive 11 days is $2,346 (transportation not included). A GROUP MISSION Mission of Love (MOL) responds to needs identified by indigenous peoples and supports initiatives for medical and educational facilities, nutritional programs, and child survival programs. At South Dakota’s Pine Ridge Reservation, home to the Oglala Lakota, volunteers help build homes, schools and other facilities. Contact: Mission of Love Foundation, www.missionoflove.org. Participants pay for transportation, housing and food. Sheryl Kayne is the author of Volunteer Vacations Across America and Immersion Travel USA: The Best and Most Meaningful Volunteering, Living, and Learning Excursions (Countryman Press). Her books are available on her website, www.immersiontraveler.com, and on Amazon.com. Contact: immersiontravel@aol.com. LeisureGroupTravel.com

on the record ❖

Readers Share Their Weird and Wacky Stories from the Road FOLLOWING ARE ANSWERS from Leisure Group Travel readers who responded to the questions: What’s the funniest or craziest incident that’s ever happened on one of your tours? What’s the most bizarre thing a tour member has said or done? WAYNE PARKER

A club director client called me from the parking lot of the Biltmore Winery, frantic because two of her charges had parked themselves in the tasting room and “tasted” so much they were staunchly – and loudly – refusing to leave. With the other 45 passengers on the coach patiently waiting to depart for their next destination in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. – some 90 minutes away – my client implored me for any ideas I might have that would successfully lure these two birds back to the coach. “Offer to leave them?” I suggested. “I actually think they would love that,” she shot back, clearly not amused. Still, she managed to convince them to leave, I know, because she called me exactly two hours later from the hotel parking lot asking for any ideas I might have to get them off the coach. Needless to say, this partying pair had no memory of being dragged to their rooms, tucked in (and locked in) while the group went on to dinner! Melinda Hughey The RH Factor/The Girlfriend Factor Pulaski, TN Melinda is working on War Stories, a book of wild but true tales from her years of escorting trips. Go to the Leisure Group Travel.com page (page 4) to find out more.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

BECKY I. WIEGAND

I took a Red Hat group to Greektown Casino in Detroit. They were dressed in all their Red glory. We have a few walkers in our group so they loved walking in the area. They let me know they were going to do their thing. I said fine, just be careful. Well, about an hour later they came back very upset. I asked what happened. Evidently, a nice-looking gentleman had stopped them and said they should really get off the street as there were a lot of police in the area. They could not figure out why he said that, but they scurried back quickly and found me. It took me a minute or so, but then I figured out what happened— he thought they were hookers working the street. Oh my, what a fun group. Marlene Kilner DreamFinder Travelers North Royalton, OH

A woman in my group called me the night she had arrived quite late in the evening and explained that her night gown wasn’t fitting right. I had to pause for a moment as I was half asleep and unsure what to say or do. I am all for exceeding our passengers’ expectations,

DAVID LYLE

but I was not going to go up to her room in the middle of the night to adjust a nightgown. Something told me she had the wrong bag and, well, jet lag does weird things to people, so I asked her to check the bag. Sure enough, it was the wrong bag—same color but wrong name. Yes, this woman had picked up the wrong bag at the airport, pulled out what she thought was her nightgown, and gone to bed. We had a good laugh about it and managed to get her bag, and nightgown, the following day. I have seen a lot and experienced a lot as a tour manager for the past 12 years, but this was by far the best. David Lyle, Tour Manager Collette Vacations Pawtucket, RI

Finally, my chance to share! I guess my favorite is this: So, I’m escorting a group to Branson. We flew in from BWI to St. Louis, where a motorcoach was waiting to take us to Branson. Morning 2, we met in the restaurant for breakfast when Bill, a wonderful senior citizen, proceeded to tell me he was mad. I questioned why, and he explained that the airline people stole his clothes, stole February 2010 15

on the record â?&#x2013; them right out of his suitcase.Â I sympathized and tried to reason with him that I really didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t think the airline would take his dungarees.Â The nice bus driver went above and beyond, suggesting he take Bill to Walmart to get what he needed for the next four days.Â He had a great trip and was totally surprised when he got home to find his clothes lying in neat piles on his bed!Â He took his suitcase but forgot TO PACK IT!Â Ellen Kilby Eyre Tour & Travel Glenelg,Â MDÂ

On one of my tours at the Grand Canyon I was doing a tour along the South Rim. One of my tour guests kept asking me questions about the actual length of the canyon, the width of the canyon and the depth of the canyon in miles.Â I noticed at each stop he pulled out a calculator and was laboriously working on some equation. Late in the afternoon we arrived at Mather Point and as he was standing at the overlook, he had a beaming smile on his face.Â I asked him what he had been doing with the calculator and why he was all smiles.Â He said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I finally figured out how many bushels of corn I would have to dump into the canyon to fill it up!â&#x20AC;? I found out he was from Kansas City and he was a commodities broker.Â Everything he did he related to his commodities business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; corn, wheat, etc. Wayne Parker Open Road Tours =;5 C E=C:2 :CD B67A >:/13 Phoenix, AZ

Went 4 a recove hike this a.m re gr8 lun d @ the spa .â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; no â&#x20AC;&#x201C; free co w ncert w off 2 a /the cre w. Wish u were h ere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; A .

& #'&

' E E E A < =E ; / A A ; 3 3 B 7 < 5 A 1 = ; ASPEN + NEW LODGES + CONFERENCE CENTER + SKI IN/SKI OUT YEAR-ROUND AIRPORT + FESTIVALS & EVENTS = THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

16 February 2010

During the first year or so of our company, we, of course, were trying to do all of our trips to perfection.Â We â&#x20AC;&#x153;capturedâ&#x20AC;? a new customer for a day trip!Â But much to our dismay, nothing went right, according to her.Â The play was not good. She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like any of her meal.Â She didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like where she was sitting on the bus.Â Were we going to have to reevaluate what we were offering? Upon our return home, she handed me a check for two more upcoming day trips! Consequently, we have continued with our original planning. Becky I. Wiegand TravelStarz South Bend, IN LeisureGroupTravel.com

Once I was on tour on a regular 54-passenger coach and instructed the group as to how we would disembark from the bus, indicating that it would be door side, driver side and occasionally from the rear.Â When I called for them to unload from the rear, no one was showing up. Imagine my surprise when I looked back and saw at least 15 people facing the rear of the bus. I guess they were thinking of going out the bathroom window. Charlene Troggio, Owner Breakaway Tours New Castle, PA IN THE APRIL ISSUE of Leisure Group Travel, our On the Record column will look at strategies for drumming up new business. Please send us your response to this question: What types of new tours are you trying for 2010? Along with your comments, please include your name, company name and location. Also for publication, send a high-resolution photo of yourself. A selection of responses will be printed in the April 2010 issue. Thanks in advance for your valuable opinions. Send to: Randy Mink, randy@ptmgroups.com

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February 2010 17

on religious travel: palestine â?&#x2013; f you have not been to Palestine, please park your perceptions at the door and let me share with you our experience that involved 12 days of travel to visit, film and meet the people of Palestine. This journey took us to Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour, Nablus, Ramallah, Jericho, Hebron, Taybeh and the Dead Sea. During my career as a reporter, I have had the privilege of covering over 30 developing countries and have connected with nearly all. But Palestine is different. The land is special, and the people stand out and make a lasting impression. Their integrity, passion for life and the strength of their communities are what will stay with you. You will find group travel, large or small, the best way to get around Palestine. Motorcoaches and smaller buses and vans are state-of-the-art, the drivers

sandy dhuyvetter

are amazing contortionists, and restaurants can handle large groups. Vegetarians will experience food heaven. Much of the fresh food is brought in from Jericho, where it is grown organically and distributed throughout Palestine. From the orange juice to the hummus, the Mediterranean diet is loaded with nutrition. The Palestinian Heritage Center in Bethlehem offers a hands-on approach to learning about the culture. Try on authentic dresses, sit in a real Bedouin tent, enjoy tea and listen to cultural expert Maha Saka talk about the proud history of Palestine. You will find olive wood-carving factories, along with mother-ofpearl factories, scattered around the country. In Nablus, the olive soap factory turned out to be a real treat as we watched a manufacturing

P ILGRIMAGE

The Armenian Convent bell tower marks the Church of the Nativity complex in Bethlehem.

PALESTINE Religious tour groups find sacred shrines, archaeological treasures, Photos courtesy of TravelTalkMEDIA

great shopping and friendly people in the Manger Square is a gathering place for Christian pilgrims in Bethlehem. 18 February 2010

Holy Land LeisureGroupTravel.com

process that has not changed in hundreds of years. The markets in all the villages and cities are colorful and authentic. Palestine is a land of many faiths. It’s a humbling experience to realize you are standing, sleeping and eating in places where three major religions – Islam, Christianity and Judaism – began. When you come to Palestine, you will witness communities joining in on each other’s celebrations. Christians come to Bethlehem to celebrate the town where Jesus Christ was born. His parents, Joseph and Mary, entered Bethlehem on a narrow path that led to His birthplace – where the Church of the Nativity now stands. It

begin to celebrate its 10,000th birthday this October. A fitting date has been established to formally launch the celebration on 10/10/10. Jerusalem, it goes without saying, is an important city for three religions. Throughout the markets and holy places, you feel a festive yet respectful mood. Women are advised to dress modestly in public, yet you can certainly see the modern Western influences in the styles worn by many younger women. The city of Nablus stays with me, as I had never been welcomed by so many friendly people. During my visit, I dropped some shekels on the sidewalk

break the trip is your guide. He or she is the heartbeat and compass of the group. Guides are certified after years of education focused on Palestinian culture and history. There is no formal title for a guide, but perhaps “Palestinologist” comes closest. Travel choices range from first class to economy. Pilgrimage tourism can be done for as low as US$150 per day, but we recommend expanding your trip with a montage of experiences that include all aspects of life in Palestine. Olive-picking tours, walking tours, eco-tours, homestays and educational tours are just a few of the threads in the fabric of Palestinian tourism. If you

Palestine at a Glance Capital: Jerusalem Population: 4 million in the Palestinian Territories (West Bank 2.5 million, Gaza Strip 1.5 million) Location: In the heart of the Holy Land, surrounded by Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Syria and Lebanon. Language: English and Arabic Religion: 88% Muslim, 9% Jewish, 2.4% Christian, Money: Shekels, Jordanian dinars and American dollars as well as euros and UK pounds accepted by most merchants. Major credit cards are accepted by many merchants and all hotels. ATMs are available throughout the land. Visas: Not required of U.S. citizens Contact: Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities, travelpalestine.ps

was one of the first sites we experienced in Bethlehem, and it seemed so fitting just a few days before Christmas. Walking that path is one of the highlights of Bethlehem – simple, yet amazingly memorable. And you can walk through the fields where 2,000 years ago shepherds saw the star over Bethlehem. Besides Bethlehem, you will find faith-based sites in almost every city and village. Jericho is one of the most intriguing with cable cars climbing from the ruins of the Jericho Walls up to Mount of Temptation. The biblical sycamore tree, Elisha’s Springs and Hisham’s Palace go back thousands of years. Jericho is the oldest continuously occupied city in the world and will LeisureGroupTravel.com

and a little boy ran up to me to return the money. One of our colleagues dropped 200 shekels in a Jerusalem store and was reunited with her money by one of the young gentlemen working at the counter. Another common practice is gift-giving by shop owners. These are the kinds of experiences you can expect throughout Palestine. Travelers bound for the Middle East, of course, have safety and security on their minds. Bad things can happen anywhere, but Palestine is safe and welcoming. Flights go through Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, where airline security was invented. It truly is one of the safest airports in the world. The one person who can make or

would like to volunteer your time, there are opportunities to serve communities through nonprofit organizations. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities provides ample support and can supply complete information on destinations and events. The Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association has links to its nearly 40 inbound tour operator members, and the Arab Hotel Association has a directory of hotels in Palestine. Like never before, Palestine is keeping the faith for a bright future. LGT Sandy Dhuyvetter is executive producer and host of TravelTalkMEDIA, a travel news network that includes radio, TV and web-based programming. Contact: traveltalkmedia.com. February 2010 19

on religious travel ❖

kevin j. wright

Notre Dame Basilica (left) is one of the jewels of Montreal. Below: Las Lajas Cathedral, a shrine in Ipiales, Colombia.

Top

Emerging Destinations in Faith-Based Tourism

The Caribbean port city of Cartagena is one of Colombia’s chief tourist draws. © iStockphoto.com/Nelson Mejia

The president of the World Religious Travel Association identifies places ripe for religious tourism, from hidden gems to future hotspots sk the average traveler to name some global magnets in religious tourism and you’ll get answers like Israel, the Vatican, Mecca, Lourdes, Fatima and Martin Luther sites in Germany. But what if you ask the same

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person to name several emerging destinations in the faith-based travel market? You will most likely get a “deer in the headlights” expression. This is not good because it’s essential for both the trade and consumer to know which

destinations are on the horizon for faith-based travel. Why? The seller can begin to integrate these places into his respective portfolios, while the buyer can discover new possibilities to choose from and explore. February 2010 21

on religious travel ❖ the leading countries for religious travel.

COLOMBIA Colombia is an up-and-coming destination for the leisure traveler. As a country in which religion plays a vital role, Colombia is perfectly positioned to become a prominent player in the faith tourism marketplace. Home to a multitude of significant A journey to India is not complete without a visit to the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra. shrines, Colombia boasts pilARMENIA grimage sites that rival destiArmenia, in the Caucasus nations like Lourdes for its stories of Hariri recently recognized this fact region of Southwestern healings and miracles. when he affirmed that promoting Asia, is the embodiment The South American country is tourism – especially religious tourism – of what it means to be an emerging ideal for faith-based adventure trips, would be one of his government’s primissionary work volunteer vacations, refaith-based destination. The country orities. Nada Sardouk, director general treats and meetings. is off the radar of the average North of Lebanon’s tourism ministry, emphaAmerican traveler, yet it possesses sized the point by speaking about the some of the most enviable religious LEBANON “human and economic importance of travel attributes of any place on earth. Another destination that is boosting religious tourism.” Based on Armenia is featured in the first book not intuitive as a hotspot this new commitment, the Lebanese of the Bible and it’s where you can view for the North American retourism office recently debuted a book Mt. Ararat, the site where Noah’s Ark ligious traveler is Lebanon. However, entitled The Paths of Faith, featuring 20 landed, according to Genesis 8:4. In adthings are changing. roads leading to Christian and Muslim dition, Armenia has the distinction of Similar to other countries in the shrines, along with a film highlighting being the first country to adopt the Holy Land, Lebanon shares a rich relithe beauty of the sites. Christian faith (301 A.D.) and being gious heritage. Prime Minister Saad evangelized by two of Jesus’ SYRIA apostles (Bartholomew and Lebanon and Syria Thaddeus). Ancient monasterseem to go hand-inies are among its top attractions. hand. Both countries Armenia serves not only as lie in the Holy Land, yet often an ideal pilgrimage destination, remain forgotten as biblical but also offers a multitude of travel destinations. However, travel experiences for people of thanks to Pope John Paul II’s faith, including mission trips, visit to Syria in 2001, faithvolunteer vacations and culbased travel has been on the uptural/historic touring. Armenia swing. This increase has not has recently begun reaching out gone unnoticed by the Syria to the faith-based travel marMinistry of Tourism, which reketplace. As such, it’s only a cently began promoting the matter of time until Armenia is Mount Ararat, located in modern-day Turkey, is visible country as a destination for reliproperly catalogued as one of gious travelers. from Yerevan, the capital of Armenia.

22 February 2010

LeisureGroupTravel.com

That leaves us with the task of answering the following three questions: Which places are up and coming in religious tourism? Which destinations still remain hidden gems in the religious market? Which sites will one day become the preferred choices of the religious traveler, yet still need to be developed and branded as such? With the above in mind, I am eager to share with you my Top 10 list of emerging faith-based destinations for 2010 and beyond:

Among places of interest for pilgrimage travelers is Damascus, where Apostle Paul experienced his conversion. Other sites include Maaloula and its monasteries, where the language of Jesus (Aramaic) is still spoken. INDIA No list of emerging faithbased destinations would be complete without India. Although India serves as a religious travel destination for its local population (India’s 230 million tourist trips are comprised mostly of religious pilgrimages), the country’s status as a faithbased destination has yet to reach the shores of North America. However, the India Ministry of Tourism is beginning to make inroads. As India is home to prominent pilgrimage sites representing virtually every major religion, it has the potential to become a leader in faith tourism.

PALESTINE One might wonder why Palestine makes the list, considering several of its cities, such as Bethlehem, Jericho and Jerusalem, can be found on many Holy Land itineraries. The reason: Despite the fact that a large majority of Palestine’s tourism revenues comes from religious travelers, Palestine remains relatively untapped as both a “brand” and destination. How can that be? Most itineraries include only brief visits to the popular religious sites of Palestine along with few, if any, overnights. However, thanks to recent marketing efforts of the

CYPRUS Although usually not considered a “first in mind” choice among faith-based travelers, Cyprus is quickly changing this paradigm. Churches carved from granite make the town of Several years ago, the Cyprus Lalibela one of Ethiopia’s holiest destinations. Tourism Organisation made a strategic decision to capitalize on its Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, treasure chest of ancient churches, magPalestine is poised to see both visitor nificent monasteries, famed religious and overnight numbers increase draicons/artifacts and key pilgrimage sites. matically in the near future. More tour operators and travel providers than ever before are integratETHIOPIA ing Cyprus into their religious portfoYou may be surprised to lios, resulting in a growing number of learn that Ethiopia has pilgrimage visitors. Among the most tremendous potential in popular experiences is following in the faith-based tourism. However, the reafootsteps of Apostle Paul, who visited sons are many. For one, the biblical Ark the island around 45 A.D. This is just of the Covenant is said to reside in a one of the many reasons you’ll find 25 chapel in Axum, Ethiopia. Secondly, religious itineraries featured on the ofAxum lays claim to once serving as one ficial Cyprus tourism website. of the largest Christian kingdoms out-

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side the Roman Empire (in the fourth century). Thirdly, Ethiopia is home to one of the world’s most extraordinary sacred sites: 11 rock-carved churches in the small town of Lalibela. Lastly, it’s impossible to discuss Africa’s role in faith tourism without discussing the new trend of church groups embarking on faith-based African safaris. POLAND The popular Pope John Paul II, who was originally from Poland, will soon be declared a saint by the Catholic Church. Once this momentous event happens, Poland will quickly emerge as a leading destination in faith tourism, as people from around the world will travel in droves to see the boyhood home of Pope John Paul II and follow in his footsteps. The countdown is on to Pope John Paul’s canonization, an event that will change Polish tourism forever.

QUEBEC, CANADA In 2010, this destination will most likely grab more headlines in religious tourism than anywhere else. The reason? Montreal will serve as the host city to the World Religious Travel Expo from Nov. 13-15. Quebec province is home to several world-famous shrines and pilgrimage sites, including Basilica of St. Anne-de-Beaupre (Quebec City), St. Joseph’s Oratory of Mount Royal and Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, and Basilica of Our Lady of the Cape in Cap-de-la-Madeleine. So mark your calendars…2010 will be the turning point for Canadian religious tourism. LGT

Kevin J. Wright is president of the World Religious Travel Association. Contact: 888-255-9782, kwright@wrtareligioustravel.com, wrtareligioustravel.com.

February 2010 23

on religious travel ❖ Religious News ON STAGE IN TENNESSEE The Miracle Theater in Pigeon Forge is adding a lavish production of the Broadway hit Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat for the 2010 season. It opens Feb. 12 and will be joined by the theater’s original production on the life of Jesus, The Miracle, on March 12. A third show, Exalt, completes the schedule on selected dates. Exalt is a celebration of hymns, Southern gospel, contemporary Christian hits and today’s worship songs. (865-428-7469, miracletheater.com) CHINA’S JEWISH HERITAGE Travel With Jacob, a division of Isramworld, offers “Splendors of China,” a two-week tour that spotlights China’s Jewish history. The May 23 and Oct. 3 departures are led by Jacob Shoshan, an

24 February 2010

College of Hebrew University, and a tour director and lecturer for the Geographic Society, Israel. Other twoweek Travel with Jacob programs in 2010 visit Morocco, Spain, Eastern Europe, Russia and the Baltics, India, South America and Israel. (800-2214695, travelwithjacob.com)

The story of Joseph debuts in February at the Miracle Theater.

Israeli who presents in-depth discussions of Jewish history, philosophy and culture. Highlights include the site of the 2008 Summer Olympics, the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China and Terra Cotta Warriors of Xi’an. Meals include Shabbat and farewell dinners with wine, dinner at Beijing’s only kosher restaurant and a kosher lunch in Shanghai. Other meals are not kosher, but menus omit pork and shellfish. Vegetarian and dairy meals are easily arranged. Land rates start at $4,495, double occupancy. Guests may end the tour with an optional visit to Hong Kong. Shoshan is fluent in 15 languages and has led tours in 65 countries. Born in Jerusalem, he is a licensed guide in Israel, a teacher and lecturer at Tour Guide

MILWAUKEE MUSEUM EVENT The Milwaukee Public Museum features the exhibition Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible: Ancient Artifacts, Timeless Treasures through June 6. The largest temporary exhibit ever produced by the museum will feature more than 160 objects and manuscripts to tell a story 2,000 years in the making. Visitors witness actual Dead Sea Scrolls and other early biblical artifacts to learn how transmission of these early writings has shaped the beliefs of Judaism and Christianity and influenced aspects of Islam. Dead Sea Scrolls and the Bible explores the archaeological history of the Holy Land during the period the Scrolls were written. The exhibit tracks the discovery of the first Scrolls in the 1940s and subsequent realization of their significance. A fragment of the Copper Scroll is shown alongside the only known scroll-type manuscript on stone, the recently discovered Jeselsohn Stone - “Gabriel’s Revelation,” and a reproduction of the 23-foot-long Great Isaiah Scroll, one of the earliest and most complete scrolls found. Also featured are pages from rare medieval Bibles as well as early printed Bibles. In addition, there are photographs, videos and children’s interactive stations, plus architectural reconstructions evoking the Holy Land. The exhibit ends with a local connection through one-time Milwaukee resident and former Israeli prime minister Golda Meir. (mpm.edu) LeisureGroupTravel.com

on location: south ❖

soula mitsiopoulos

Journey to

West Virginia

Need to get away from the hustle and bustle fast? Look no further than West Virginia. Being only a day’s driving distance from half of the U.S. population makes the state easy to reach. With an abundance of unique attractions and outdoor sports, West Virginia could be the answer to your next quick travel destination. 26 February October 2009 2010

Outdoor activities and historical attractions offer group travelers a bounty of options in the Mountain State Step back in time at the Farmstead at WVU Jackson’s Mill, near Weston.

From mountain hiking to boardwalk tours through state parks, the Mountain State offers an activity for everyone and lots of group-friendly sites in any season. With plenty of natural snowfall and cozy cabins etched into the mountainsides, skiing and snowboarding are popular during winter months. In the spring, travelers can expect temperatures con-

ducive to whitewater rafting, fishing and hiking. Summertime allows for worldrenowned rock climbing and visits to colorful gardens. Fall welcomes beautiful autumn foliage all over the state. Not enthusiastic about the outdoors? Spas and resorts loaded with amenities are plentiful, and performances at indoor and outdoor musical LeisureGroupTravel.com

theaters can easily be arranged. Farmer’s markets boast fresh produce and specialty food products. As a site of several battles during the Civil War, West Virginia has intriguing historical roots. It is the only state to be declared a state by presidential proclamation when President Abraham Lincoln did so during that war.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Nothing says outdoors like a mountain hike. But very little can compare to the experience of climbing high, vertical faces in extreme terrain that might otherwise be inaccessible to conventional rock-climbing. Via Ferrata (Italian for “iron road”) at Nelsons Rock Preserve is a new attraction in the North Fork Valley of Pendleton County. Climbers of all experience levels are able to gain hundreds of vertical feet of elevation over a half-mile route

Vertical challenges await climbers at Via Ferrata outdoor recreation center. LeisureGroupTravel.com

Steam locomotives chug through the woods at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.

equipped with fixed cables, ladders and bridges. The end of the climb reveals an exposed summit with beautiful views of the Allegheny Mountains. Reservations are being taken for spring of 2010, beginning in March. (visitviaferrata.com). For groups with thrill-seekers amongst them, a trip to New River Gorge may satiate their appetites for adventure. This part of West Virginia plays host to hikers and outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels, but in the fall it hosts the largest extreme sports event in the world. On the third Saturday of every October in Fayette County, nearly 200,000 spectators gather around the New River Gorge Bridge to witness hundreds of BASE jumpers leaping off the edge of the bridge. (BASE is the acronymn for those who jump off Buildings, Antennas, Spans (bridges) and Earth (a cliff ). For the faint of heart, the area offers hiking trails featuring horseback riding and scenic waterfalls. (newrivergorgecvb.com). Bordering parklands of the New River Gorge National River near Oak Hill, ACE Adventure Resort is billed as America’s largest adventure

resort. Featured on the Travel Channel, the resort is located on 1,500 acres with 20 different adventure activities available. With 50 cabins, the resort is ideal for groups. Activities include ATVing, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and an Adventure Play Park with a beach. New in 2010 is an addition to the park’s Canopy Tour, where participants can soar from tree to tree along a zip line. The resort’s lake has trampolines, inflated climbing walls and a waterslide. The Lakeside Dining Lodge serves breakfast and dinner. (aceraft.com).

IN THE PAST LANE West Virginia is rich in railroad history. The nation’s oldest railroad line, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, has more than half of its track within the state’s borders. The line was so important to both the Confederacy and the Union during the Civil War that the two sides fought to keep the line in their possession. Today, you can view the world’s largest collection of operating geared steam locomotives at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. Visitors can ride the locomotives on excursions through wilderness surrounding the town of Cass. (cassrailroad.com). February 2010 27

on location: south ❖ For a true taste of Appalachian herthe Civil War, travelers can visit Prickitage, group travelers can visit an underett’s Fort State Park in Fairmont. It was ground coal mine at Beckley Exhibition built in 1774 as a refuge fort on the VirCoal Mine in Beckley. Under the suginia frontier. The park has Civil War pervision of an experienced coal miner, reenactment events and costumed intours go 1,500 feet beneath the earth in terpreters who recreate life in the 18th authentic “man cars.” The recent renocentury. (prickettsfortstatepark.com). vation at the largest and most popular George Washington’s telescope and coal heritage attraction includes the RaDaniel Boone’s rifle can be found in hall Company Store, a visitor’s center, coal museum, fudgery and gift shop. The historic coal camp grounds offer a look at early 20th century coal mining life. Nearby is the Youth Museum of Southern West Virginia, whose main gallery is made up of four railroad boxcars that feature exhibits designed to educate children on various topics, such as the Appalachian frontier. (beckleymine.com). Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine offers an Groups get a taste of preunderground adventure and much more. Civil War life in Appalachia at the Farmstead at WVU Jackson’s Charleston, the state’s largest city and Mill, just a few minutes from I-79 in capital. The beautiful State Capitol and Lewis County. The site is the boyhood West Virginia State Museum are not home of Confederate Gen. Thomas far from one another. Music, theater and “Stonewall” Jackson and includes a dance choices abound and include the water-powered grist mill, a blacksmith 70-year-old West Virginia Symphony shop, spinning and weaving shops, and Orchestra. In the historic East End a other reminders of the period, with walking tour showcases the Capitol, activities such as candle dipping. Governor’s Mansion and an office (http://jacksonsmill.ext.wvu.edu/hisbuilding that made it through the 1862 toric_area). Battle of Charleston during the Civil Most everyone has heard of the ApWar. (charlestonwv.com) palachian Trail, and a visit to the historic Escape to an underground world town of Harpers Ferry can you take you when you visit Seneca Caverns in right through it at Harpers Ferry NaRiverton. Guided tours of the largest tional Historical Park. A walk along the cavern in West Virginia showcase the trail will take you into Maryland in beautiful rock formations that nature minutes. Having changed hands eight created. Along the way, you will stop by times during the Civil War, the town is Mirror Lake, an underground pond. where abolitionist John Brown led his (senecacaverns.com). famous raid in 1859. Plenty of shopRESORT LIFE ping, dining and lodging is available in Subterranean lore of a different sort this quaint town. (harpersferrywv.net) can be found at The Greenbrier in To experience what it was like during 28 February 2010

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on location: south ❖

the true purpose of the bunker was revealed and today it’s open for tours. The classic Southern resort offers outstanding amenities and impeccable service. Guests can enjoy fine cuisine at the resort’s recently debuted Prime 44 West steakhouse, named for former NBA player Jerry West. The Hall of Famer’s memorabilia decorates the venue and he greets guests there when he is in town. Opening in Groups have a toe-tappin’ good time at April of 2010 will be the resort’s American Mountain Theater in Elkins. new casino. (greenbrier.com) White Sulphur Springs. In the late Visitors looking for accommodations 1950s, the federal government apcloser to Charleston will be impressed proached the historic resort about conwith The Resort at Glade Springs in structing an Emergency Relocation Daniels, just an hour’s drive from Center for the U. S. Congress. In case of the state capital. The four-season rewar, the underground facility would sort offers 54 holes of championship house members of Congress. In 1992, golf on three courses. Guests can enjoy treatments at Spa Orange or visit the recreation center, where an indoor pool, bowling alley and cinema await. (gladesprings.com). On the eastern side of the state, only three hours west of Washington, D.C., lies Canaan Valley Resort and Conference Center. It is nestled on a plateau overlooking the Canaan Valley, the highest mountain valley east of the Rockies. The fourseason resort with a 250-room lodge offers fine dining, hiking and biking trails, skiing and other amenities. Cabins and campsites are also available. (canaanresort.com) 30 February 2010

ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS Lively entertainment abounds in the Mountain State. The West Virginia Public Theatre in Morgantown has top-notch Broadway productions throughout the year. The summer 2010 season features the musicals Hairspray, 42nd Street, Will Rogers Follies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Full Monty, Patsy and Carousel. (wvpublictheatre.com) For a genuine mountain music experience, travelers should stop by American Mountain Theater in the Historic Rail Yard in downtown Elkins. The state’s first and only “Branson-style,” family-friendly variety show blends country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, pop and patriotic music. The Christmas Spectacular (starting right after Thanksgiving) is a seasonal sellout. (americanmountaintheater.com). You can enjoy holiday-season magic at the Winter Festival of Lights at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling. As one of the nation’s largest light shows, the annual extravaganza shows off more than 70 largerthan-life light displays on a six-mile driving trail. It was featured on the Travel Channel’s “Most Extreme Christmas Celebrations.” The festival runs from Nov. 12, 2010-Jan. 2, 2011. (oglebay-resort.com/fol.htm). With so many outdoor activities and history-rich attractions to choose from, it is easy to see why West Virginia makes an ideal group travel destination. From wilderness parks to luxurious resorts to lively musical theater, its treasures are endless. LGT

PLAN IT ! West Virginia Division of Tourism: 304-558-2200, wvtourism.com.

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CABELL COUNTY

nnect o C il a R & r e v i Where R nture! e v d A & y t s je a with M

West Virginia

Highlighting Huntington, Barboursville & Milton

There’s so much to see and do in Cabell County. Whether it’s one night or one week, we can connect you with great places to stay, unique restaurants, cool shopping, fun things to do and interesting places to visit.

All Aboard! LeisureGroupTravel.com

Cabell-Huntington Convention and Visitors Bureau Stop by our Visitor’s Center at The Station located at 210 11th Street in Huntington - across from Harris Riverfront Park. 304-525-7333 | www.wvvisit.org

February 2010 31

South on our radar

Groups touring Dixie can choose from some exciting new sightseeing options Here is just a sampling of what’s creating a buzz: ARKANSAS Ozark Medieval Fortress, a castle in the making, opens for its first season in Lead Hill on May 1. The attraction is being built in the Ozark Mountains over a 20-year time span. Groups will be able to watch the castle going up one stone at a time. Historians, masons, car-

penters and stone carvers dressed in authentic garments will work for 20 years on the genuine fortified castle, using 13th century techniques, materials and rules to build 45-foot-high towers, six-foot-wide walls, a drawbridge and stone walls surrounding the inner yard. The castle, located about

A FRIENDLY CITY Where memories come to life.

The Norfolk waterfront is the perfect destination for fun, dynamic group tours. From museums to harbor cruises, live entertainment to outdoor recreation, there’s always something unique and interesting to be found in the heart of the Virginia waterfront. Plan your visit today at visitnorfolktoday.com, or contact our sales department at 1-800-368-3097.

The heart of the Virginia Waterfront.

30 minutes from Branson, Mo., will be open seven days a week through Nov. 30 in its first season. (870-4367635, ozarkmedievalfortress.com) LOUISIANA The new Shreveport-Bossier Film Trail, a self-directed tour, highlights productions filmed in and around Caddo and Bossier parishes. Since 2005, filming has become a major industry in Shreveport-Bossier. Some 72 movie and TV productions have been filmed in the area, 13 of them in 2009. Locations in Shreveport-Bossier have been recreated as Paris, France; New York City; and even Senegal, Africa. The ShreveportBossier Convention and Tourist Bureau created the trail in partnership with the film office and produced the brochures. Stops on the film trail include Bossier City’s Louisiana Boardwalk, where The Cleaner, starring Samuel L. Jackson, was partially filmed in 2007. Maggie’s Hanger (the James Burton rock ’n roll nightclub), another stop, was shown in The Guardian, one of the first major motion pictures to shoot in the area. In total, there are 21 stops on the film trail. (shreveport-bossier.org) MISSISSIPPI NASA’s INFINITY, an interactive space museum, opens in early 2011 at the Stennis Space Center on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Located near the Mississippi Welcome Center on I-10, just east of New Orleans, the 72,000square-foot glass building will provide a showcase for the world-class level of exploration and discovery that has been a part of NASA, Stennis Space Center for over 40 years. Visitors can browse on their own or choose a mission – a guided session that places them in the role of “scientists in training.” In the Im-

visitnorfolktoday.com | 1-800-368-3097 LeisureGroupTravel.com

stored home, damaged in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina, reopened last year. Reconstruction of the destroyed library and museum will be completed by August 2011. (beauvoir.org) NORTH CAROLINA The pedestrian-friendly Antler Hill Village opens this spring at Biltmore Estate in Asheville. Located adjacent to the Biltmore Starting in May, groups can watch a medieval Winery and River Bend fortress take shape in Northern Arkansas. Farm, it will include a new mersive Theatre guests will receive an exhibition space, village green with orientation. (infinitysciencecenter.org) live entertainment, dining, shopping Ground has been broken on the and outdoor adventure center. As part $10.5-million project to rebuild the Jefof the $18.6-million project, the winferson Davis Presidential Library and ery will be enhanced to offer newly Museum at Beauvoir, the Biloxi beachdesigned tour and tasting areas. The front home of the only president of the existing interpretive farm area with Confederate States of America. The rehistoric barn, kitchen garden and

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farmyard will be incorporated as well. (828-225-1333, biltmore.com) SOUTH CAROLINA Downtown Myrtle Beach is finally getting its own boardwalk. The milelong Oceanfront Boardwalk and Promenade is planned for the area between the 14th Avenue North Pier and the Second Avenue North Pier, and will extend all the way to First Avenue. Construction is under way with sections expected to open in spring 2010 through 2011. No building will be done during the peak tourist season from Easter through Labor Day. Construction will be completed in phases, with the final Boardwalk comprised of three sections: North Dune Walk, Central Boardwalk and South Promenade. Also new this spring is Wonderworks, a hands-on science attraction at Broadway at the Beach. (cityofmyrtlebeach.com/boardwalk.html, wonderworksonline.com)

February 2010 33

Plenty of excitement

IN ONE BEAUTIFUL PLACE

COMFORT INN SOUTH FOREST BEACH 800-522-3224 843-842-6662 comforthiltonhead.com DAYS INN HILTON HEAD 843-842-4800 daysinn.com/hotel/15527 HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HOTEL & SUITES 843-757-2002 866-757-2002 BlufftonExpress.com HOLIDAY INN OCEANFRONT 800-423-9897 843-785-5126 hihiltonhead.com

The Hilton Head and Bluffton area offers a variety of activities to please just about any group. Adventure out on the water for a dinner or dolphin cruise or explore the numerous charming marina villages with boutique shopping and water-view dining. Learn more about our Gullah culture and our vibrant arts community. Day trips within easy reach include the historic areas of Savannah, Beaufort and Charleston. Learn more at HiltonHeadIsland.org

RESORTQUEST HILTON HEAD ISLAND 800-826-1649 843-785-1181 resortquesthiltonhead.com SHELTER COVE HARBOUR & MARINA SHOPS/DINING 888-568-9555 palmettodunes.com

Contact Brenda Ciapanna, Sales Manager at our Visitor & Convention Bureau. grouptour@hiltonheadisland.org, 800-523-3373 ext. 368

on location: west ❖

elana andersen

Shopping Spree PA C I F I C N O RT H W E S T

Oregon Bounty/Greg Robeson

Gourmet pears, fine wines, hazelnuts and artisan cheeses tempt travelers looking to bring home the tastes of Oregon.

canning a trip itinerary with a keen eye to the scheduled “at leisure” times? We all know what that term means....Whoopie, time to go shopping! Oregon and Washington offer a wealth of diverse shopping experiences that range from visiting historic districts and stylish malls to searching out shops that feature local products, manufacturers with on-site company stores, museum shops and local artisan fairs. Brand names and products identified

36 February 2010

Markets, malls and small-town storefronts in Oregon and Washington brim with gourmet foods, antiques, crafts and other items distinctive to the region

with Oregon and Washington include wines, apples, marionberries, hazelnuts, salmon, artists’ creations, Nike, Nordstrom’s, Starbucks, roses, tulips….the list goes on. Remember that there is no sales tax in Oregon. The success of many artisan and specialty product companies stems from mail-order and gift catalog sales, and they are set up to ship home your purchases and take orders once you get back. Even a fishmonger at Seattle’s 36 October 2009

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Pike Place Market will overnight fresh-caught salmon, halibut or other catches direct to your kitchen.

of these elements are indicative of the eclectic and diverse shopping opportunities in this city. Downtown stores cater to sophisticated urban professionals who are also adventurous outdoor sports persons, so don’t be surprised to see stores featuring both tailored suits and hiking boots. There are five main farmers’ markets and a slew of others scattered throughout the city. The Pearl District, once all warehouses, has been transformed into a trendy community with loft-style living; its streets and plazas are lined with shops, galleries and cafes. The Lloyd Center mall offers several department stores and specialty shops including a Made in Oregon store. Book lovers will want to check out the independent Powell City Books’ main store. It covers a city block with more than a million new, used and out-of-print books. (travelportland.com)

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2010 37

Elana Andersen

Oregon Bounty/Greg Robeson

BIG CITIES Seattle’s city center and waterfront are havens for shoppers. This area is divided into several districts, all located a few blocks of one another and each having its own history and shopping experiences. The heart of the downtown retail district is anchored by the country’s Travelers who sample Oregon wines often flagship Nordstrom department end up buying a bottle to enjoy at home. store and two enclosed, skylit malls Square, the International District, also full of specialty shops and nationally called Chinatown, is the area settled by known chains—Pacific Place and Westearly immigrants from China, Japan, the lake Center. The Monorail connects Philippines, Southeast Asia and the PaWestlake Center and Seattle Center cific Islands. The eight-block district of(site of the 1962 World’s Fair), where fers everything from traditional attractions like the Space Needle, Paherbalists to fortune cookie factories. cific Science Center and Experience Tourists make a beeline to Uwajimaya, a Music Project have excellent gift shops. sprawling Japanese grocery/gift store Pike Place Market on the waterfront, with a lively food court featuring a one of the nation’s oldest farmers’ marsmorgasbord of Asian favorites. (visitkets, showcases the bounty from local PEARS, ROSES, APPLES seattle.com) fishermen, produce and flower farmers, & CHEDDAR CHEESE Portland offers a blend of thriving gourmet food vendors and craftspeople. As you explore Washington and businesses, community gathering places, Across the street, the first Starbucks Oregon, you will discover many compacreative arts, outdoor living, trend-setcoffee shop features items with the nies that will help you fill a shopping ting lifestyles and collegiate fan fare. All company’s original mermaid logo. Pike basket with iconic Northwest items. Place has one of the Seattle area’s five Made in Washington stores, which offers wines, smoked salmon, chocolatecovered cherries and other goodies. Also in the neighborhood, check out the delectable sea salt caramels at Fran’s Chocolates in the Four Seasons Hotel (and other Fran’s locations). The Pioneer Square National Historic District, a short walk south of Pike Place, offers a mix of boutiques, antiques shops, art galleries, book shops and dining establishments, many of them in vintage buildings with exposed brick walls, high ceilings and creaky wooden floors. Just blocks from Pioneer Seattle’s Pike Place Market is a browser’s—and photographer’s―paradise.

on location: west ❖

Aplets & Cotlets, bursting with the flavors of fresh apples and apricots, make tasty souvenirs at Liberty Orchards in Cashmere, Wash.

Here are a few places that you may want to include on your itinerary: Harry & David, one of America’s premier and oldest mail-order businesses, is best known for its gourmet pears and fancy food gift packages. Based in Medford, Ore., the company has 2,700 acres of fruit orchards in the Rogue River Valley. Its headquarters campus and Country Village welcome visitors interested in getting a glimpse into its mega-operation, from the storage facilities and packing house to confectionery and bakery kitchens. The Village Store offers the full line of Harry & David gift items, from freshpicked fruit to chocolate truffles, Moose Munch popcorn and other treats made in the company’s kitchen. Plant tours, departing from the Village, are offered four times a day and include free chocolate. (541-864-2277, 877-322-8000 (tour); harryanddavid.com) From home gardens to city parks and annual festivals, roses thrive in Oregon and rose lovers will want to see its blooming displays; visit rose test gardens and learn about new hybrids and vintage stock. At the Jackson & Perkins Test and Display Garden in Medford, visitors learn about the steps in testing and preparing the nursery 38 February 2010

stock for catalog sales. Its garden shop is open year-round and features plants, garden tools and accessories, plant care products, and garden-themed gifts and decorations. (800-872-7673, jackson andperkins.com) Liberty Orchards’ Aplets & Cotlets are bite-sized gels bursting with the flavors of Washington’s Wenatchee Valley’s crisp apples and tangy apricots. Studded with rich English walnuts and dusted in powdered sugar, they are quite a treat. Located in the town of Cashmere, the candy company was founded in 1920 and not much has changed. It’s a family business, and candies are mostly hand-made. The candy menu has been expanded to

include other fruit flavors, with Aplets & Cotlets continuing to be the top seller. Groups can tour Liberty Orchards’ factory and sample candy at its Country Store. Aplets & Cotlets are sold at many gift shops in the Northwest. (800-2313242, libertyorchards.com) Tillamook Cheese has been producing quality dairy products for more than 100 years. The brand is a farm-owned cooperative business representing 110 small dairies in Oregon’s Tillamook County. A self-guided tour of the factory is available, but most visitors go directly to the visitor center to sample its cheddar cheese varieties. Other Tillamook foods include cheese spreads, yogurt, cream cheese and 38 flavors of ice cream. To complement the cheese, a gourmet grocery shop features Pacific Northwest food items, including seafood, meats, jams, sauces and confections. Its gift shop has a large selection of souvenirs and in one whimsical corner is nothing but cow- and farm-themed items. (503-8151300, tillamookcheese.com) MORE TREASURES Pendleton Woolen Mills, a 140year-old family-owned Oregon business, is known throughout the world for its luxurious 100% pure virgin wool fabrics and apparel. The company’s first

The Pendleton store in Portland offers home goods with Native American motifs. LeisureGroupTravel.com

products were wool blankets and robes made for Native American tribes. The fully integrated company handles all steps of the production process from intake of raw wool to making and coloring fabric to designing and manufacturing products. Although Pendleton’s main marketing effort is through its catalog, company stores are located in select U.S. markets. The flagship Pendleton Home Store in Portland features lifestyle products in designer room settings, fabrics displays, fashions and the company’s largest retail collection of Native American blankets. Outlet stores are located in Lincoln City and Seaside, Ore. Guided tours of mill operations are available in Pendleton and Washougal, Wash., and the mill stores carry a full line of Pendleton products. (pendletonusa.com) Talk about antique and collectible

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shopping on overload. The neighboring communities of Wenatchee and Cashmere, Wash., offer a treasure trove of dealers and nostalgia items. Apple Annie’s Antique Mall in Cashmere boasts one of the West Coast’s largest inventories of quality antiques and collectibles, ranging from high-end art glass to 19th and 20th century pottery and crockery. (509-782-4004, appleannieantiques.com). The streets of downtown Wenatchee are dotted with antique shops, including the Antique Mall of Wenatchee, which has more than 175 dealers. (509-662-3671) Stitchery and needlework are popular hobbies. Here are two specialty shops that offer materials and supplies not readily found in most shops: Ana-Cross Stitch in Anacortes, Wash., is the largest yarn and stitchery emporium in the Northwest. Some of

its specialty materials include the latest fashion knitting yarns and hand-painted needlepoint canvases. (877-358-5648, anacrossstitch.com) Pacific Wool and Fiber in Newberg, Ore., specializes in all things for fiber crafts. The product line includes several brands and styles of spinning wheels, drum carders, weaving looms, drop spindles, spinning kits and felting hand cards, plus supplies for spinning, knitting and weaving. The company’s retail shop is open Monday through Saturday.(503-538-4741, pacificwoolandfiber.com) LGT ONLINE EXCLUSIVE For a closer look at Seattle’s festive Pike Place Market, see the Online Exclusive based on a recent visit by Leisure Group Travel’s managing editor, Randy Mink. Log on to http://tiny.cc/I68E5.

February 2010 39

West on our radar

From Texas to Hawaii, new opportunities await group tour planners seeking fresh ideas for 2010 and beyond

These are just a few of the developments on the Western horizon: ARIZONA The Musical Instrument Museum, opening in Phoenix this April, will be one of the largest museums of its type in the world. Between 300 and 350 permanent exhibits will feature musical instruments from every country in the world, allowing visitors to fully experience the music that each instrument can create. Visitors will be provided a wireless headset for an integrated audio and video experience to appreciate the sounds of instruments on display. In addition, the world-class museum will have a theater featuring live, ticketed performances throughout the year. (themim.org) CALIFORNIA San Diego Wild Animal Park’s new zip line adventure, Flightline, provides guests the opportunity to soar like a California condor over the wildlife conservation park. The 1.5-hour experience features a brief behind-the-scenes narration as guests are transported in a special vehicle to the top of the long run. After reaching the top of the mountain, 400 feet above the Nairobi Village, participants embark on an aerial adventure across the Asian and African field exhibits and land at Kilima Point, almost a mile away. (760-747-8702, sandiegozoo.org) HAWAII Construction is under way on a new Disney resort that will open on the Hawaiian island of Oahu in 2011. The 21-acre oceanfront resort will be located at the Ko Olina Resort & Marina development on the island’s western side. It will feature 1,066 guest rooms, suites and villas, a full-service spa and extensive recreation amenities. The lagoon setting and white sand 40 February 2010

beach will provide the backdrop for other water delights like ornate water gardens and a signature pool complex. Swimming adventures will include a saltwater snorkeling lagoon brimming with marine life. On-site cultural programs will immerse guests in Hawaiian

OREGON-WASHINGTON Starting this summer, American Cruise Lines will operate seven-night Columbia and Snake River itineraries aboard the recently acquired Queen of the West. The 120-passenger, U.S.flagged cruise ship is the only authentic

Fly high above San Diego Wild Animal Park on a new zip line adventure.

experiences that explore music, dance, history, arts and crafts, and environmental education. (321-939-7129, disneymeetings.com/hawaii). NEVADA The Virginia & Truckee Railroad, known as the richest short line in American history, has completed a 12.8-mile track restoration project. The railroad carried the 1860s Comstock silver load from Virginia City to Carson City, and this new line has not been in operation for 70 years. Scheduled steam train tours of the new route will be available this spring. Passengers may see exposed silver ore veins and wild mustangs, along with such points of interest as mines and mills, a restored 1869 depot and the site of a gold and silver mining town that lobbied to become the state capital during the Comstock era. (800638-2321, visitcarsoncity.com)

paddlewheel, overnight passenger vessel operating in North America. Several different itineraries will depart from Portland, Ore., and Clarkston, Wash. Stops along the route will include the Columbia River Gorge, Multonomah Falls, Mt. St. Helens, The Dalles, Hells Canyon and Astoria. (800814-6880, americancruiselines.com) TEXAS The George H.W. Bush Gallery just opened as part of a $14.5-million expansion at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg. The new complex of exhibits includes the “Island‐hopping Campaign” as the Allied troops advanced to Tokyo, plus several home front exhibits – the Japanese‐ American internment camps, Gold Star Mothers, wartime factories and shipyards, and the USO and Red Cross. (830-997-4379, nimitz-museum.org) LeisureGroupTravel.com

Renew

on location: midwest ❖

randy mink

nyone planning a trip in Chicagoland or to the opposite end of the state can easily infuse an itinerary with a dash of spiritual enlightenment. There are places to pray, reflect, learn and rejoice in fellowship. Some religious sites will take you back in time; others will impress you with art or architecture. All will give your group a chance to unwind. Here is a sampling of sacred places in Illinois: Billy Graham Center Museum, Wheaton College: Film clips and push-button displays explore the history of Christian evangelism in

Billy Graham Center Museum

America as well as the life and ministry of the Rev. Billy Graham, who graduated from this Chicago-area Christian college in 1943. With its soaring white pillars and stately cupola, the red-brick Graham Center, in the western suburb of Wheaton, is one of the nation’s largest colonial-style buildings. Exhibits trace the beginnings of evangelism in the New World, from Spanish missionaries to the Pilgrims and Puritans from England. Developments on the western frontier included camp meetings and circuit riders who made

Illinois A Spiritual Odyssey Shrines, museums, historical attractions and houses of worship mirror America’s multi-cultural fabric

A fall equinox sunrise observance takes place in September at Woodhenge, a reconstructed post-circle sun calendar at Cahokia Mounds.

42 February 2010

LeisureGroupTravel.com

Billy Graham Center Museum

their rounds on horseback. As America entered the Industrial Age in the late 1800s, evangelistic efforts shifted to problem-plagued urban centers and spawned such organizations as the Salvation Army and Women’s Christian Temperance Union. Vintage black-and-white footage shows fiery speaker Billy Sunday, a former major league baseball player who drew crowds to large wooden tabernacles built for his events. Asking attendees to commit to Jesus Christ, repent and give up alcohol, Sunday proclaimed, “We don’t need more grog, we need more God.” In the Billy Graham galleries, visitors can watch black-and-white newsreels of landmark crusades and witness a contemporary, three-screen crusade experience from behind Graham’s traveling pulpit. Other exhibits focus on his family life, how the mass meetings are organized and media coverage of Graham, the confidant of U.S. presidents and a guest on TV talk shows. A video corner offers a choice of interviews and sermon clips to select. The moving finale of a museum visit is Walk Through the Gospel, a re-creation of Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. The walk ends in the Cloud LeisureGroupTravel.com

Room, where guests bask in the glory of Heaven to the strains of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah. (630752-5909, billygrahamcenter.com) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett. For motorists cruising down busy Route 59 in the western suburbs of Chicago, this Hindu temple is so magnificent that it can be a roadside distraction. Serenity reigns inside its ornate gates. Cameras are a must for visitors touring the grounds, where stunning architecture provides a fitting backdrop to the telegenic gardens and fountains.

BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Visitors can step up to the pulpit Billy Graham used on his crusades.

With its luminescent white pinnacles and exotic domes, the largest Hindu temple in North America, built in 2004 with more than 7,000 tons of Turkish limestone and Italian Carrara marble hand-carved in India, is a sight to behold. Carved teak, shipped in whole pieces from India, also decorate the temple (mandir) and adjacent Cultural Center, starting point of tours and location of a small gift shop stocked with books, incense and herbal products. Visitors must remove their shoes and place them in men’s and women’s shoe racks. An underground tunnel connecting the Cultural Center and temple abounds with informational panels about Hinduism and India’s contributions to world culture (in such fields as math, botany, medicine and yoga). One learns that nearly one in every seven of the world’s people (13.5 percent) are Hindu. Inside the marble-and-granite place of worship, visitors admire images of deities and intricately carved screens, pillars, ceilings and arches. Signs request “Silence.” (630-213-2277, chicago.baps.org) Baha’i House of Worship, Wilmette: Better known as the Baha’i Temple, this North Shore landmark is a familiar sight on Sheridan Road, a sce-

Hindus worship at the exquisite BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Bartlett. February 2010 43

on location: midwest â?&#x2013;

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nic thoroughfare that follows Lake Michigan and wows travelers with its lakefront mansions. A lacey, white, 135foot-high dome enchants visitors to the first Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i place of worship in the Western Hemisphere (completed in 1953) and one of only seven in the world. Like all Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i houses of worship, the temple is circular, has nine sides andÂ is surrounded by gardens and fountains. The Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i faith, founded in the 1800s by a Persian man, is a monotheistic religion that teaches tolerance, acceptance and peace, focusing on the oneness of God, oneness of humanity and oneness of religion. Devotions (held daily at 12:30 p.m.) are brief programs of prayers and holy texts from the Bahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;i faith and other religions. Guests can learn about the religion (with five million followers in 190 countries) in the lower-level visitor center/bookstore. The Dawning Place, a 15minute film, covers the faithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and teachings and construction of the building, which spanned more than 30 years. One exhibit examines the persecution of this religious minority in Iran. A new welcome center is scheduled to open in fall of 2011. Group tours are available. (847-853-2300, bahaitemple.org) Mormon History in Nauvoo: Joseph Smith, the prophet and founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his Mormon followers settled the Mississippi River town of Nauvoo in

1839. The town became the largest in Illinois (pop. 15,000) and flourished until 1846, when Brigham Young led many church members to Utah, leaving behind violent anti-Mormonism. Some of the members remained in the Midwest and reorganized years later. Historic Nauvoo contains more than 25 original brick homes and shops furnished with 1840s-era artifacts. Tourists can take a walking tour and see a 20minute film on the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mormon roots at the Historic Nauvoo Visitorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Center. There are hands-on demonstrations of weaving, bread making, blacksmithing and other pioneer crafts, plus rides on oxen- and horse-drawn wagons. A highlight is the Monument to Women Garden. The Joseph Smith Historic Site, adjacent to Historic Nauvoo, preserves the cabin, mansion and gravesite of Smith, who was shot and killed while in jail in nearby Carthage. The Nauvoo Temple, a huge limestone building dedicated in 2002 on the site of the original Mormon temple (burned in 1848), does not offer tours, but a video is shown in its visitor center. For evening entertainment, groups enjoy the musical Rendezvous in Old Nauvoo (year-round) and Sunset on the Mississippi (summer). Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plays and annual visits of Brigham Young University performers add to the array of entertainment. The annual Nauvoo Pageant ( July 6-31, 2010) is a tribute to Joseph Smith. (888-453-6434, historicnauvoo.net) Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, East Moline: Motorcoach groups gain insight into Greek culture on the popular â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Greek to Meâ&#x20AC;? program offered by the Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau. Following a tour of the church and a briefing on the Greek Orthodox religion, guests enjoy traditional Greek dishes prepared by church elders. Meal packages feature Greek salad, entrees like pastitsio (Greek LeisureGroupTravel.com

lasagna), souzoukakia (Greek-style meatballs in tomato sauce with rice) or a gyro bar, and a Greek pastry (like baklava) for dessert. Ouzo and wine may be added. After the meal, the church can arrange for children to perform Greek baptismal, wedding and other dances, with audience members invited to join in. (Dan Gleason, group sales manager, Quad Cities CVB: 800747-7800, ext. 100, dgleason@visitquadcities.com, visitquadcities.com) Cross at the Crossroads, Effingham: This towering white structure, built in 2001 as a beacon of hope and assurance for passing motorists, stands at the intersection of Interstates 57 and 70. Measuring 198 feet tall and 113 feet wide, the concrete landmark is surrounded by polished granite tablets engraved with the Ten Commandments. Visitors hear push-button messages on

the commandments. The welcome center has a chapel, a short film on the Cross’s construction and religious items for sale. The Cross is a project of the local, not-for-profit Cross Foundation. (217-347-2846, crossusa.org) Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, Collinsville. Enormous, handpacked earthen mounds mark the site of

the largest prehistoric settlement north of Mexico. From A.D. 700-1400, an Indian civilization occupied this sacred— and mysterious—site near the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers, just eight miles east of St. Louis. Between 10,000 and 20,000 members of this Mississippian Continued on bottom of page 46

COMING AUGUST 24 – 29, 2010

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Navy Pier is Chicago’s top-visited, year-round attraction, featuring restaurants, rides, shops, dining cruises, free entertainment and so much more!

February 2010 45

Group planners can look forward to a number of ways to freshen up their 2010 itineraries

Midwest on our radar

Here is a glimpse at some of the new developments: INDIANA Splashin’ Safari water park at Holiday World theme park in Santa Claus unveils the world’s longest water coaster in May. The $5.5-million Wildebeest, measuring one-third of a mile (1,710 feet), will use HydroMagnetic technology to move guests seated in four-passenger rafts. Linear induction motors will propel the rafts up hills, through tunnels and around a helix for 2½ minutes. The conveyor-style lift hill replaces any slide-tower stairs, making the water coaster accessible to riders who might have difficulty walking up stairs. The second-largest ride addition in Holiday World’s 64-year history will cover more than two acres, increasing the water park’s size to 27 acres. (877-463-2645, holidayworld.com)

Illinois A Spiritual Odyssey Continued from page 45

culture may have lived there from 10501150. They worshipped sun gods and conducted various ceremonial rituals. Of the more than 120 original mounds, 68 have been preserved. Most of the mounds were not for burials, but were rectangular platforms that supported buildings, temples and the residences of leaders. But one small ridgetop mound has revealed more than 280 burials, many in mass graves. Ambitious visitors walk the 154 steps to the top of 100-foot-high Monks Mound, the largest totally earthen prehistoric mound in the New World (named after 17th century French monks who lived in the area). Also noteworthy is the reconstructed sun calendar (known as Woodhenge), a circle of red cedar posts with a central observation point. The in46 February 2010

A wild new water coaster will provide a jolly good time in Santa Claus, Ind.

terpretive center offers the orientation show City of the Sun and exhibits on how the Indians lived. (618-346-5160, cahokiamounds.org) National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville. Inspired by a Catholic ministry in the Arctic and a painting of Our Lady surrounded by rays of the Northern Lights, this pilgrimage site near St. Louis attracts more than one million visitors a year. The 200 landscaped acres offer many devotional areas, plus a church, hotel, restaurant and conference center. Sites include the Main Shrine (with outdoor altar and amphitheater seating for several thousands) and a two-thirdsscale reproduction of Lourdes Grotto in France. The Way of the Cross, a halfmile roadway through pines and evergreens, features 14 Stations of the Cross, with groupings of color statues of Christ, Mary and others who journeyed with Him to Calvary.

IOWA Adventure Island, Iowa’s newest water park, is slated to open in June at Adventureland Park in Altoona, just east of Des Moines. The new water addition will triple the size of the existing Kokomo Kove water attraction. It will offer 13 new water slides, including two 65-foot speed slides, inner tube and body slides, and a family tube raft ride. A 6,000-square-foot swimming pool, swim-up bar, cabana rentals and Iowa’s longest lazy river are also planned. Admission to Adventure Island is included in the ticket to Adventureland Park, which features more than 100 rides, shows and attractions. (adventurelandpark.com) The Architectural Interpretive Center in Mason City will open in June.

The Way of Lights is a drivethrough display that heralds the Christmas season from late November to early January. Featured are more than one million lights, plus tree and wreath displays, camel rides and indoor laser show. (618-397-6700, snows.org) Whether your group is looking for holiday cheer, historical perspective or time for reflection, Illinois abounds with places that can add a spiritual dimension to the journey. LGT ONLINE EXCLUSIVES For more ideas on Illinois group tour attractions, Leisure Group Travel has prepared an online package of feature articles. The topics: Illinois Wine Country, Western Illinois and the Mississippi River, and Historic Illinois Route 66. Log on to http://tiny.cc/wOM9A. Also check out our Online Exclusive about the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie. Visit http://tiny.cc/qjl4k. LeisureGroupTravel.com

The new facility will help visitors experience and understand the significance of architecture in Mason City, which boasts properties designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Walter Burley Griffin, William Drummond and Francis Barry Byrne. The design for the $822,000 center was inspired by a Griffin design that was never built. The center will be located adjacent to the Frank Lloyd Wright Stockman House and just north of the Rock Crest/Rock Glen National Historic District, the largest collection of Prairie School designed homes on a unified site. (800-423-5724, visitmasoncityiowa.com) KANSAS After many years of remodeling, the 1888 McPherson Opera House in McPherson just reopened. The Opera House attracted many vaudeville and touring acts, local productions and even presidential hopeful William Jennings Bryant. Millions of dollars in private do-

nations and a voter-approved half-percent sales tax helped bring the building back to its former glory. (mcphersonoperahouse.org) Construction on the $23-million Flint Hills Discovery Center in downtown Manhattan is expected to begin this summer. The new attraction will focus on how the people and land of the Flint Hills shape one another. The center will explore the geological, ecological and ethnological history of the Flint Hills and will include an immersive theater with multimedia effects. Plans call for a tall, cylindrical tower that will serve as the entrance and lobby and will offer a 360-degree view of Manhattan and the surrounding hills. The center will include an open-air plaza and a “green” roof design on a layered structure that mimics the shape of the Flint Hills. (ci.manhattan.ks.us/discoverycenter) MICHIGAN The exhibition Michael Jackson: The

King of Pop opens this June at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. Starting with his childhood years in the Jackson 5, it celebrates the life of the singer whom the Guinness Book of World Records dubbed “Most Succesful Entertainer of All Time.” (maah-detroit.org) MISSOURI St. Louis’ historic Kiel Opera House, which originally opened in 1934, will undergo a $74-million renovation and make its debut in December, just in time for the holiday show season. The new Kiel will host a variety of live music concerts and theatrical presentations in its 3,500-seat main theater. There will also be a second, smaller theater and a restaurant. New and improved sound and lighting systems will be added, and developers promise a full interior revamp and upgrade while reinstating much of the hall’s original glory. The downtown landmark has been dark for many years.

Northeast on our radar

Happily for travel planners, the Northeast has some exciting tours and exhibitions on tap for 2010

Here are just some of the things making news on the East Coast: tory and science through hands-on activities and encourages visitors of all ages to step into the roles of lock tender, canal engineer, crane operator and canal boat captain.Â Divided into four sections relating to key canal structures â&#x20AC;&#x201C; locks, masonry arches, cranes and aqueducts â&#x20AC;&#x201C; each area features accompanying inter-

CONNECTICUT Building Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Canals, an interactive exhibition revealing the construction and operation of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s humanbuilt waterways, just opened at Mystic Seaport and runs through Oct. 11. Organized by the National Canal Museum of Easton, Penn., the exhibit blends his-

pretive panels with photographs, diagrams and text detailing the historical context for Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s canals. A computer game with virtual dynamite tests a playerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skill in operating a canal lock. (mysticseaport.org/canals) DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA The replica of Abraham Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wool overcoat, which has been on display in the Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre lobby, will be replaced in February by the original Brooks Brothers coat. The original will remain on view until June. The National Park Service with the support of Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Theatre Society has agreed to display the Lincoln coat for six months annually in an effort to balance conservation of and public access to the historic artifact worn by Lincoln on the night he was shot at the theater. The coat has been on display in the lobby since February 2009, when the theater reopened to the public following a $25-million renovation.Â (nps.gov/foth, fords.org).

NEW YORK Dutchess County Tourism offers Hudson Valley Experiential Tours, a new series of 13 group tours that provides interactive experiences and go behind the scenes. At the Staatsburgh State Historic Site, for example, visitors on the â&#x20AC;&#x153;1914 Gilded Age Experience Tourâ&#x20AC;? are invited to the play the part of an aristocrat or guest in the mansion of Ogden and Ruth Mills. On the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Servants to Stewards Tourâ&#x20AC;? at Vanderbilt Mansion National Historic Site, guests are assigned the character of servant and learn about the meticulous running OUR TRIP IS NOT COMPLETE WITHOUT A STOP AT THE WORLD FAM OTHING COMPARES TO THE EXPERIENCE OF STANDING FACEÂ&#x2C6;TOÂ&#x2C6;F of the Vanderbilt household as they MOST FASCINATING HISTORICALÂ&#x192; POLITICAL AND ICONIC FIGUR tour the home from behind the scenes. OOK YOUR GROUP BY ECEMBER Ă&#x152;Ă? Â&#x192; Ă? Ă&#x2039;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039; AND RECEIVE Ă&#x152; TICKET WITH EVERY Ă&#x152;Ă&#x2039; TICKETS PURCHA At the 1752 Historic Joseph Horton

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with scones and finger sandwiches, an indepth home tour and live operatic serenade. The group also can share in activities like soap making and wool spinning. Another tour features a gourmet lunch or dinner with culinary demonstration at Gigi Hudson Valley. At Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site, guests immerse themselves in the lives of George and Martha Washington. (845-463-5444, destinationdutchess)

Plan a visit to the Mid-Atlantic region’s finest woodland wildflower garden. Let our unparalleled collection of native plants inspire you. Spring and Summer Group Tours are available by reservation from

PENNSYLVANIA President’s House Commemorative Site on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall will be unveiled on July 4. It will be open around the clock so that visitors can see the exposed underground remains of the home where Presidents Washington and Adams lived during their terms. Through interpretive panels, videos and a spot for silent reflection, the site recognizes the nine slaves who served two presidents who were ironically leading the young country in its pursuit of freedom and equality. (215-597-0060, phila.gov/presidentshouse)

April 13th—July 31st. Call 302.239.4244 to sign up today.

Tour the beautiful gardens of the Brandywine Valley.

Greenville, DE www.mtcubacenter.org

BEN

HERE?

THIS!

You love Philadelphia’s favorites…

Let’s talk. 800-CALL-PHL ext. 2

Now it’s time to experience the rest. Explore new tour ideas with us.

LeisureGroupTravel.com

February 2010 49

on technology ❖

john kamm, ctp

What’s Smart About Smartphones YOU HAVE BEEN OGLING a sexy bit of metal and plastic that represents the latest must-have techno-candy – a new smartphone. And now it’s yours. You have mastered placing and answering phone calls, you may have even figured out how to load the speed dial and address book. You are ready for new, exciting challenges; you are yearning to chart the “smart” in your smartphone. Your handheld marvel is smart because, like your desktop computer, it has an operating system (OS). Depending on the brand of your device, it can be running Mac OS X, Blackberry OS, Android, Windows Mobile, Symbian or Palm. Because of the OS, your device can run programs or applications, apps for short. Quite remarkably, these apps extend the functionality of your smartphone in ways you never imagined. Apps run the gamut from serious to frivolous; you would be appalled to know the number of variations of “pull my finger” sound effects that are available for any device. Games are popular for each platform and many apps focus on music, entertainment and hobbies. Listening to the buzz, you’d think Apple and the iPhone invented the smartphone application (app). They did

not, but, arguably, they did get it right. Microsoft was first with the release of the Pocket PC 2000 OS in 2000, but there were problems. What the guys in Cupertino did right was combine a powerful device with a simple, elegant user-interface and a piece-of-cake distribution system for applications that are enticing and inexpensive if not free. According to PC World magazine, the Apple App Store has more than 100,000 apps and has moved more than two billion of them in 16 months.

Smartphone applications focus on games, news, music entertainment and hobbies. Blackberry, the darling of the corporate-types, and Android, supported by Google, have apps available as well, but their distribution channels are not as defined as Apple’s. Android has major buzz as the hot new platform for smartphones. With device manufacturers Motorola, Samsung and HTC onboard, Android has the second-largest selection of smartphone applications. Problem is, there are different versions of Android and not all apps work on all versions.

Become a fan of ours on Facebook and we’ll keep you informed of the latest news in the industry by sending you Facebook updates when news breaks. Simply search for “Group Travel” and look for the Premier Tourism Marketing logo! Leisure Group Travel is also joining the Twitter craze. Go to Twitter.com/LeisureGroup to get the latest “tweets” from the Leisure Group Travel staff.

50 February 2010

POPULAR APPS PC Magazine recently looked at the most frequently downloaded free apps. AP Mobile is first or second in popularity on five of the six leading platforms; it is the Associated Press’ outstanding news site. Facebook and/or Twitter apps are available on almost every platform. Free games are big on the iPhone; Chess With Friends followed by Cube Runner are in the iPhone’s top ten. So is another news site, CNBC. Among hobby and entertainment sites are

eBay Mobile, offering anywhere access to the largest garage sale on earth; Epicurious for recipes; and Fandango, providing movie information. One of my favorite apps, Flashlight, made Blackberry’s list and is a popular download on other platforms. As the name implies, it gives you control over the brightness and color of your device’s LCD screen. In an emergency, if you are truly in the dark, you’d be surprised how bright that little screen can be. Consider a smartphone, loaded with apps that integrate all the myriad details of your busy life, and this diminutive pocket or purse companion may just be the smartest friend you have! John Kamm is CEO of TourTech Systems, Inc., developers of TourTools®, the most popular tour reservations solution in North America. Visit www.tourtools.com for more information.

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