Many of you probably know that our agency (SmartFlyer) is based in New York, but you may not know there are about 200 of us who work out of that office. We’re scattered across just about every state, with a few people in Europe, Canada, and Australia as well.
The life of a travel advisor can be a bit isolating. Bob and I are lucky to have each other to collaborate with, but industry conferences and events are critical for us to keep up product knowledge, as well as to form and maintain critical relationships.
The SmartFlyer crew gets together once per year in January, and this year we met at the beautiful Rosewood Miramar Beach Resort in Santa Barbara, California. We’re always very impressed with the quality of our SmartFlyer peers. Like Bob and I, many of these people gravitated to a career in travel as lifestyle choice, along with a passion for travel. Amongst those at SmartFlyer that now call travel a career are former lawyers, corporate bankers, MBAs, and other professionals.
For the record, I am a former Laboratory Technologist specializing in Hematology, and Bob worked for many years as a Management Consultant. We both say we’ve been training our whole lives for this job!
What brings all our SmartFlyer colleagues together is a passion for travel, and helping others make their travel plans. It’s far different than the image of a strip mall travel agent – which was my impression of the average travel agent before we got into the business.
After a series of 10-minute vendor meetings (this is the industry equivalent of speed-dating), some professional development seminars, a few panel discussions (Bob hosted one about cruising), and some incredible meals, we leave Santa Barbara with pages of hand-written notes, and a deep gratitude for this business. It’s been a rough couple of years for anyone in the tourism biz… but it’s still the Best Job Ever.
Here’s today’s travel opportunities
Save an Additional 10% with American Queen
American Queen Voyages is celebrating their 10th anniversary with 10% off select voyages in 2022 and 2023. Yes, this is COMBINABLE with the Winter Sale that ends Feb. 28th! Availability in 2022 is a bit tight, but 2023 looks reasonable at this point. Here are a few examples for 2022:
Chattanooga to Nashville. 9-days departing May 28th
- Veranda: $3199 per person
- Inside: $2499 pp
Memphis to Louisville. 9-days departing June 20th
- Inside: $2399 per person
- Open Veranda: $2599 pp
- Private Veranda: $3199 pp
Portland, Oregon to Spokane, Washington. 9-days departing October 30th (Wine themed Cruise):
- Window: $2799 per person
- Open Veranda: $2899 pp
- Private Veranda: $3199 p
American Queen Voyages includes one night pre-cruise hotel, unlimited shore excursions, open bar, and Wi-Fi on the ship.
Free Airfare on Viking River Cruises to France
If you’re ready to travel to Europe in the next few months, Viking is sweetening the pot by throwing in Free Flights, and for some cabins, the Silver Spirits Beverage Package. This is only for selected itineraries and selected dates. Here are some examples (BOOK BY FEB. 28th):
Lyon & Provence. 8-days. Available departures April through July 2022:
- Veranda: $4499
- French Balcony: $4099
- Standard: $2899
Paris to Normandy. 8-days. Available departures April through July 2022:
- Veranda: $5299
- French Balcony: $4799
- Standard: $3299
Cities of Light. 12-days between Paris and Prague. Available departures June & July 2022:
- Veranda: $5199
- French Balcony: $4699
- Standard: $3999
Paris to Swiss Alps. 12-days between Paris and Zurich. Available departures April through July 2022:
- Veranda: $6399
- French Balcony: $5899
- Standard: $4499
The pricing above is for JUNE departures… other months may be slightly more or less than indicated above. Remember that your Viking fare includes all taxes and fees, round-trip air, transfers, a shore excursion in every port, wifi on the ship, and for FB and Balcony cabins, the Silver Spirit Beverage Package.
Finally… Viking’s Risk-Free Guarantee applies to all 2022 voyages as long as you book by Feb. 28th. You can cancel for any reason as late as 2 weeks prior to departure and receive a future cruise credit for 100% of what you have paid.
Have something to say about this?
Join the conversation on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PamperedCruiser/posts/3201398246809334
If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
