EF Go Ahead Tours Expands Its Solo-Only Itineraries As Demand Soars

“Last Chance Flash Sale” April 17-24 on Summer, Fall 2023 Dates

Rome is one of the three European marquis destinations in a new EF Go Ahead Tours itinerary, one of four new itineraries designed for solo travels in response to increased demand © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com.

BOSTON –Solo travel is emerging as one of the fastest growing travel trends of 2023 as solo travelers embrace the thrill of adventure with like-minded peers, and the convenience and peace of mind of an expert tour operator doing the planning. In response, EF Go Ahead Tours (GAT), a premier provider of culturally immersive travel experiences, announced it is introducing four new tours to its increasingly popular Solo-Only portfolio. Growing its impressive collection of solo itineraries to fourteen, these new tours feature diverse destinations and travel styles, geared toward the solo traveler exclusively. 

Just since the start of 2023, there has been a 200% increase of solo traveler bookings over the same time period last year. 

“Solo travel within a group is one of the fastest growing travel styles right now, ” says Heidi Durflinger, President, EF Go Ahead Tours. “We curated new itineraries exclusively for solo travelers who crave exploration and meaningful connections. From the timeless city tours in Europe, to African Safari adventures or the breathtaking sights of Japan, these deeply immersive tours foster curiosity and shared experiences that allow travelers to wander solo, but not alone.” 

New Solo-Only tours that just launched include: 

• Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers: An entire Safari group of just solo travelers! This tour includes Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi as well as game drives in Amboseli National Park and on the Maasai Mara.
• Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville: Three of Spain’s most beloved — and yummy– cities! From Gaudi to the Moors to the Bourbon Dynasty this tour has it all (and includes cooking lessons!) 
• Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto: From modern cosmopolitan and ancient cities to Mt. Fuji and the Narusawa Ice Cave, solo travelers will traverse the many facets of Japan. 
• London, Paris & Rome for Solo Travelers: Three of Europe’s marquis destinations, all built around the solo traveler!

All of these new tours are for 15-28 Solo-Only travelers, apart from Kenya, which is limited to 6-12 Solo-Only travelers. Solo-Only traveler tours include single occupancy rooms with no additional fees. Every itinerary includes a balanced mix of guided tours and group meals, plus plenty of free time to explore individual interests and connect with other solo travelers. Travelers can book their own flights or work with EF Go Ahead to coordinate. Once on tour, all transfers and on-the-ground transportation is included. See here for a full listing of EF Go Ahead Tours’ Solo-Only Itineraries and the many benefits to traveling solo in a group. 

As with all of EF Go Ahead Tours, Solo-Only travelers benefit from 24/7 concierge-level support and AutoPay financial planning with $99 down and interest-fee payment plans. 

Upcoming Sales that Include Solo Tours

“Last Chance Flash Sale” April 17-24 on summer and fall 2023 dates: travelers will be able to save an extra $100 on June – October dates for a total savings of up to $500. The offer also applies the solo-only tours. Use promo code: APRIL2023.

Travelers can visit www.goaheadtours.com for more information and to see all available trips.

EF Go Ahead Tours offers more than 175 guided trips across all seven continents. Carefully planned with a maximum group size well below the industry average, every trip has the perfect balance of planned sightseeing and free time to explore. EF Go Ahead Tours is a division of EF Education First, the world’s largest international education company that was founded in 1965. With a mission of opening the world through education, EF Education First has 612 offices and schools in 50 countries.

All Solo-Only Tours

• NEW Kenya Wildlife Safari for Solo Travelers
• NEW Spain for Solo Travelers: Barcelona, Madrid & Seville
• NEW Japan for Solo Travelers: Tokyo, Mt. Fuji & Kyoto
• NEW London, Paris & Rome for Solo Travelers
• Portugal for Solo Travelers
•  Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers
• Greek Islands for Solo Travelers: Crete & Santorini
•  Thailand for Solo Travelers: Bangkok, Phuket & the Islands
• Venice, Florence & Rome for Solo Travelers
• Ireland for Solo Travelers
• Central Europe for Solo Travelers
•  Peru for Solo Travelers: Lima, Cuzco & Machu Picchu
• U.S. National Parks for Solo Travelers: The Grand Canyon to Zion
• Sicily for Solo Travelers

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EF Go Ahead Tours’ Weeks of Black Friday Sales

Ireland for solo travelers is among the Black Friday sale tours being offered this week by EF Go Ahead Tours.

EF Go Ahead Tours’ Black Friday Sale started early this year!

Week 3 deals are running November 11th and continue until November 17th with a variety of tours discounted to Scotland, France, Italy, and Ireland! Many will undoubtedly sell out so now is a great time to book early and save.

Some Week 3 Highlights (many others listed here):

• London, Paris & Rome 5/4/2023 – Reg. Price: $3,939 Sale Price: $3,339 – $600 off
• Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle 4/21/2023 – Reg. Price: $3,049 Sale Price: $2,449 – $600 off
• Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland 5/23/2023 – Reg. Price: $4,289 Sale Price: $3,689 – $600 off
• Ireland for Solo Travelers 8/22/2023 – Reg. Price: $3,239 Sale Price: $2,639 – $600 off

Week 4 deals starts November 18th and features more deep discounts on incredible bucket list trips to lust-worthy destinations like Australia, Costa Rica, Portugal.

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Tauck Announces Full Restart of US Tours

New Orleans. Tauck Tours has announced it will fully restart its U.S. tours as of July 1. It has already begun operating departures of its “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton head and Charleston” and “New Orleans & Mississippi River Country” itineraries, with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

WILTON, CT – After a year of suspension of its tours and cruises, Tauck Tours plans to fully restart its U.S. tours by July 1.

In an email announcement to guests and travel advisors, Tauck CEO Dan Mahar noted that departures of Tauck’s “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston” itinerary have already begun operating, to be followed this month by “New Orleans & Mississippi River Country,” with other popular tours across the country relaunching in the coming months.  Guests and travel advisors can access information on specific tour departures at a new Open for Travel page on Tauck’s website.

Tauck’s readiness to restart its U.S. operations was demonstrated in January and February when it ran several departures of its “Wonderland: Yellowstone in Winter” itinerary.  According to Mahar, the overwhelming success of those tours was a key factor in leading to today’s announcement.  “Guests told us they loved their tours, and their positive feedback proved conclusively that we can deliver a true Tauck-level experience while still following all of the appropriate health and safety protocols,” said Mahar.

Besides providing several operational advantages, restarting in the U.S. also seemed fitting from a historical perspective, Mahar noted.  Although Tauck offers tours and cruises in more than 70 countries and on all seven continents, the company’s roots are firmly in the U.S. where it first began hosting travelers in 1925.  Today, Tauck’s U.S. journeys offer unique access to exclusive experiences ranging from “inside the park” accommodations at America’s premier national parks to itineraries crafted in partnership with the award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns.

Operationally Tauck has been, working in close cooperation with its network of supplier-partners on plans to restart its tours.  The company’s Worldwide Operations team communicates continuously with more than 2,000 attractions, national parks, hotels, restaurants, guest lecturers and others involved in the delivery of its tour experiences, all while developing health and safety protocols and monitoring developments in 70+ countries around the world. 

Those health and safety protocols feature prominently on all of Tauck’s 2021 itineraries, and will include the mandatory use of masks, social distancing wherever possible, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection procedures.  Tauck is also requiring guests to complete and sign a Travel Well Pledge which confirms that they have either been vaccinated against Covid-19 or passed a PCR Covid-19 test within five days of departure, that they are free of virus-related symptoms, and that they have not been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with Covid-19.  The latest updates on Tauck’s travel policies, and the status of destinations served by the company, are featured in a Travel and Health page on the Tauck website.

95% of Surveyed Guests Vaccinated

While today’s announcement from Tauck refers only to its domestic trips, the company hopes to provide an update on selected international itineraries in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, Tauck’s customers are ready and excited to travel, whether domestically or abroad.  A recent survey of more than 5,000 guests booked to travel with Tauck from now through September revealed that a full 95% of respondents have already been vaccinated, and another 2% have their vaccinations scheduled.  And while a small proportion of guests remain undecided, the overwhelming majority – a full 88% – are eagerly looking forward to taking their upcoming Tauck trip as planned.  

The ability and willingness to travel shown by Tauck’s guests are reflected in the strong bookings the company is seeing for its U.S. tours.  And although Mahar stated that a number of departures are sold out, he also noted that availability remains on several of the company’s popular domestic itineraries, including “America’s Canyonlands,” “The Best of Hawaii” and “Southern Charms: Savannah, Hilton Head and Charleston.”  (As noted above, and for the very latest availability on all Tauck itineraries, guests and travel advisors can go to the Open for Travel page on Tauck’s website.)

Founded in 1925, Tauck Tours is a world leader in upscale guided travel, with more than 150 river cruises, small ship ocean cruises, land tours and safaris to 70+ countries and all seven continents.  In each of the last 23 years, Tauck has been honored in Travel + Leisure magazine’s annual “World’s Best Awards” celebrating the very best in luxury cruises, tours, hotels and more.

For more information, contact your local travel professional, call Tauck at 800-468-2825, or visit www.tauck.com.

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USTOA Tour Operators Offer Potpourri of Last-Minute Trips for the 2019 Holiday Season

 

Christmas Markets in Austria by Insight Vacations

Whether travelers are looking to visit Christmas markets in Europe to celebrate the season or take a beach vacation to Costa Rica to escape the holidays, the tour operators of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) offer a wide variety of itineraries for end-of-the-year getaways, no matter the reason.

Trips for the 2019 holiday season still have availability, including a romantic New Year’s Eve spent under the Eiffel Tower, a cycling escape through Southeast Asia, and a Rhine River cruise through snow-capped mountains and castles.

Here are examples of just some of the holiday trips offered, more can be found at https://ustoa.tripwing.com

• Christmas Markets of Germany, Switzerland & Austria – EF Go Ahead Tours celebrates the holiday season in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria by visiting the swiss mountains and Bavarian forest, drinking German beer and Austrian wine, and visiting the Christmas markets of Munich over 12 days. Departures are available on select dates in November and December 2020 and 2021. 

• Holiday Markets Cruise: The Festive Rhine River – AHI International’s seven-day Rhine River cruise takes place on a first-class river ship surrounded by snow-dusted hills and clifftop castles, stopping at the Old World holiday markets in France, Germany, and Switzerland. Departures are available November 27 – December 5, 2019 starting at $2,295. 

• New Year’s in Paris – Go-Today takes travelers to Paris to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.  The six-day trip is filled with the city’s famed jazz clubs, champagne, and walks along the Seine. Departure is available December 25, 2019 starting at $949 per person.  

• Christmas on the Elbe – CroisiEurope Cruises leads travelers to the oldest Christmas markets in Germany for seven days to listen to the symphony, join Midnight Mass in Dresden, and have Christmas dinner. Departures is available December 20, 2019 starting at $2,360 per person. 

• Christmas Markets of Austria & Bavaria – Insight Vacations offers an eight-day journey through the Bavarian Alps to listen to music in Salzburg, take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Innsbruck, and view local handicrafts and festive treats in the Christmas Markets. Departures are available November 24 – December 10, 2019 starting at $1,850 per person. 

To escape, here are a couple of outgoing adventures for families, friends, and solo travelers looking for a great getaway from the festivities:  

• Borneo: Hike, Bike, & Kayak – Intrepid Travel showcases rainforests, mountains, and beaches on a nine-day adventure through Borneo Island in Southeast Asia. Built for active travelers, the itinerary is filled with hiking, biking, and kayaking. Departures are available November 18 and December 30 starting at $1,798 per person.   

• Highlights of Botswana – Goway Travel offers an eight-day safari through Botswana for travelers looking to escape in the new year, with accommodations in Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, Chobe National Park The trip includes Daily departures are available beginning January 5, 2020 starting at $4,385 per person. 

• Costa Rica: Jungles & Rainforests – Tauck presents an eight-day journey for families looking to adventure together during the holidays, with zip lining, jungle river-rafting, wildlife walks, a pineapple farm tour, and a chocolate-making demonstration. Departures are available December 18 and 24, 2019 starting at $3,868 per person. 

• Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort – GoGo Vacations offers a golf adventure package at the Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort, located just north of Cancun and surrounded by sandy beaches, with 65,000 square feet of swimming pools for families and a world-famous golf course and spa. Departures available through December 31, 2019 starting at $849 per person.

 For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.  As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

 

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Insight Vacations Offers Discount on Air Fare on European Fall Itineraries Booked by Aug 29

Visit scenic Seville on Insight Vacations’ “Amazing Spain and Portugal” itinerary © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Insight Vacations shows travelers the wonders of Europe in relaxed style that puts them into the heart and soul of a destination, premium hotels in the best locations, iconic sites and experiences. And for bookings through August 29 on travel from from Sept. 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020, the tour operator is offering a discount on the air fare on a selection of itineraries:

Best of Ireland and Scotland: Trace back to Gaelic roots, gaze at marvelous landscapes and cherish warm-hearted communities on this 14-day journey across Ireland and Scotland. In Dublin, enjoy VIP priority entrance to the legendary Book of Kells and a guided walk though Trinity College with a university insider. Meet one of Northern Ireland’s best storytellers, Ronan, as he walks with you inside the 17^th-century, gothic city walls of Londonderry. In Ardgowan, learn the wonderous and exciting history of the Shaw Stewart family on a tour with Sir Ludovic Shaw-Stewart, who will personally show you his 10,000-acre coastal estate. Along the way, you’ll get the chance to walk inside the historic walls of the Edinburgh Castle to see the Scottish Crown Jewels, the Stone of Destiny and Mons Meg and also venture into a world of towering cliffs, lush lakelands and villages in the magical Ring of Kerry.

Italian Escapade: Revel in city riches and observe the beauty of Italian landscapes on this 13-day adventure filled with history, food and art. View the mighty Colosseum and stunning architecture of Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches throughout the ancient city of Rome. In the charming hill town of Assisi, marvel at beautiful stone-built structures that overlook the grand Mount Subasiom and visit the actual birthplace of St. Francis at the Basilica of St. Francis, that’s filled with colorful medieval paintings, gold plated ceilings and mosaic-tile floors. Take time to relax on a cruise through the famous sun-kissed Isle of Capri, surrounded by beautiful blue Mediterranean waters. In the glistening city of Florence, enjoy a mouth-watering, traditional Bistecca alla Fiorentina steak dinner and sip on decadent wine at a historic winery in Lake Iseo.

Amazing Spain and Portugal: Delve into the heart and soul of each destination on this 9-day journey through the Iberian Peninsula. Tour the celebrated Alhambra Palace with a Local Expert, taste authentic Pastéis de Belém in Lisbon, and see the ancient Roman arches across the river Tormes in Salamanca. Embark on a scenic drive to Seville to explore the maze of narrow lanes and shady squares of the Santa Cruz Quarter, and see the final resting place of Christopher Columbus, along with his tomb, at the grand 15th century Seville Cathedral. In the historic city of Toledo, visit the workshop of a master craftsman and see how Damascene swords are made. In Jabugo, taste the famous jamon Iberico (Iberian ham) and learn about its history and production.

From now until August 29, travelers can take advantage of an air offer of $150 off per person on economy, $200 off per person on premium economy and $250 off per person on business class with British Airways, American Airlines, Finnair or Iberia Airlines. This exclusive offer is valid for travel from Sept. 1, 2019 to March 31, 2020 and can save travelers up to $500 per couple. Offer is valid on our Europe, Morocco, Egypt and Eastern Mediterranean Itineraries.

To find out more, visit insightvacations.com.

 

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Where to Go in 2019: USTOA Reveals Top Destinations, Travel Trends

Venice, Italy. USTOA named Italy as the top destination for 2019, but also raised concern about the impact of overtourism in the most popular places, like Venice. © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

Tour operator members of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) named Italy the most popular or “hot” destination for travelers in 2019, in a recent survey conducted by PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

The top 10 “hot” destinations for the coming year also included Iceland, which ranked second, followed by Japan, Vietnam, Australia, France, Spain, Colombia, Cambodia and Portugal.

USTOA tour operator members also identified their top 10 off-the-beaten path or emerging destinations that they see gaining popularity in 2019: Iceland ranked first, Cambodia ranked second, followed by Croatia, Colombia, Vietnam, Portugal, Bhutan, Bolivia, Myanmar, and Ethiopia.

“It’s interesting see five destinations – Iceland, Cambodia, Colombia, Vietnam and Portugal – appear on both the hot destinations and emerging destinations lists,” added Terry Dale, President and CEO of USTOA. “This tells us that off-the-beaten path travel experiences continue to grow in popularity among travelers.”

Demand for immersive, culturally rich travel programs continue to remain high. Roughly 82% of members offer art and culture travel experiences. The art and culture category was also the highest ranked experiential program for travelers in 2017, based on volume of sales. Two thirds of membership offer honeymoon and romance programs, 63% of members offer adventure programs, and more than half (56%) offer multi-generational family programs.

Economic Impact and Growth Ahead

According to the study, the tour operator members of USTOA project to close out 2018 with sales reaching $18.7 billion dollars, representing 9.8 million individual travelers.

Furthermore, member operators are extremely confident about business in the year ahead: 100% of responding tour operator members anticipate growth in sales in 2019.

“Since the first PwC study was commissioned in 2012, it’s the first time we’ve seen such a bullish response with our entire membership projecting growth ahead,” said Dale. “It’s even more encouraging that more than half of members (56%) forecast growth of sales ranging from seven to 10% or more in 2019, indicating a potential boom year.”

While the Active Members of USTOA view the upcoming year with optimism, they also addressed the global risks that could impact the industry over the next three years. Terrorism topped the list with 17% of members responding they are “extremely concerned.”  However, this level of concern is a considerable drop compared to the 2016 PwC study when more than half of member (59%) were “extremely concerned.”

Political instability and overtourism, a new category this year, were the next two global risks that members were “extremely concerned” about, as named by 13% of survey respondents.

In addition, tour operator members projected that roughly 63% of total packages sold in 2018 were through travel agencies, “Reinforcing the critical role of travel advisors in the continued success of members’ businesses,” Dale cited.

When asked whose traveling, tour operator members responded that about half (48%) of their customer base are 51 to 70 years of age. The next largest category was age 36 to 50 years representing 20% of customers. Gender is split evenly with 51% female and 49% male.  Within the escorted/guided and custom tour category, female passengers were represented slightly higher at 59%.

The research was released at USTOA’s 40^th Annual Conference & Marketplace, held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge in Phoenix AZ, November 26-30, 2018.

U.S. Tour Operators Association members, representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business.  As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.

 

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Iceland, Colombia, Vietnam Top List of Emerging Destinations for 2018, US Tour Operators Say

Iceland was named top emerging or “off-the-beaten-path” destination for 2018 by US tour operators © Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com

NEW YORK – In a survey of US tour operators, Iceland was named top emerging or “off-the-beaten-path” destination for 2018, moving to the top spot from second in last year’s member survey.  Colombia followed in second, with Vietnam named as third.

When asked for the five most popular or “hot” international destinations for travelers in 2018, members of the US Tour Operators Association (USTOA) named Australia, Spain, Iceland and Italy (tied for third), France, and Japan.  On the domestic front, USTOA members forecast California, Florida and Hawaii (tied for second), New York, Alaska and Nevada (tied for fourth) and Washington DC as the most popular U.S. destinations for clients in 2018.

Members were also asked to name the destinations/sites most “at risk” from disappearing (from over-tourism, climate change or other factors) that travelers should see now. The top three chosen were Antarctica, Cuba and Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

Arts and culture, adventure, family, and culinary were cited as the most popular travel categories for passengers by survey participants.

In the annual survey of travel forecasts and trends, the tour operators report a strikingly positive outlook for the industry in the year ahead.  Nearly all (95%) USTOA tour operator members anticipate growth in sales for the year ending in 2018. Two thirds (64%) of members are “optimistic” and forecasting a “boom year” with growth anywhere from seven to 10% or higher.

After strong sales increases in 2017, “Member confidence levels for continued growth in 2018 are high,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO for USTOA.  “The reported growth and positive projections the year ahead are particularly encouraging. It speaks soundly to the remarkable resilience of both our industry as well as today’s traveler, who continues to explore, despite the challenges of an ever-changing world.”

While USTOA tour operator members view the forthcoming year with strong optimism, they also addressed the global risks that could impact potential growth in 2018. Terrorism is cited as the biggest threat to consumer confidence, followed by political instability, and global financial instability named third.

In addition, when asked which global events could have the greatest impact for the travel industry in 2018, more than one third (38%) named the sharing economy; a little more than a quarter (28%) cited the Chinese market.

Representing nearly $15 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 8.6 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe.   Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents. For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com.

 

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Pacific Delight Launches First South America Tours Starting with Peru

Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours, was first brought on as an executive consultant in 2013 to lead the luxury operator’s expansion efforts. He hinted that further expansion into South America is in the pipeline with more itineraries to appear throughout 2015.

NEW YORK, NY – Pacific Delight Tours is expanding into South America, beginning with the launch of a seven day itinerary to Peru where travelers will have the opportunity to view some of the most famed sights in the Western Hemisphere, including Machu Picchu.  Tours to Peru start at $2,559 per person, based on double occupancy.

“Peru is a fabulous landscape where exotic culture and ancient ruins combine with well-preserved colonial architecture to create a multi-faceted window into the past, present and future with ultra-modern cities like Lima, ancient Incan cities like Cusco and the incredibly mysterious Machu Picchu, all within one vast landscape,” said Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours, who was first brought on as an executive consultant in 2013 to lead the luxury operator’s expansion efforts.

“We are very excited to have Peru as our first South America destination, as I’ve been involved in promoting tourism to and from South America since 1972 and am extremely familiar with Peru, having lived there,” noted Oborski, hinting that further expansion into South America is in the pipeline with more itineraries to appear throughout 2015.

Pacific Delight’s 7-Day Peru Program takes travelers to Lima, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu and Cusco along with a full-day tour of different Incan communities and antique salt mines.

Machu Picchu, known as the “Lost City of the Incas” is not only one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, but also the biggest cultural treasure of Peru’s past and the empire of the Incas.  Undiscovered by Spaniards and forgotten for centuries, it was not until 1911 that the American scientist Hiram Bingham came upon this phenomenon accidentally.  The ruins still leave scientists with numerous questions and riddles as to how it was built and for what purpose.  Travelers will reach Machu Picchu by shuttle bus and enjoy lunch at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge.

Travelers will get to visit Cusco, home to many important Inca sites, where explorers will not only find Incan walls and temples, but also colonial mansions and Catholic churches.  In addition to Cusco, other stops include the Salt Mines of Mara, an excursion to the small Andean community Moray, known for its embedded amphitheater, and a trip to Chinchero where travelers will explore the town’s Sunday market, originally dedicated to the people of the valley to barter their products with a variety of handicrafts and textiles made in true pre-Columbian style.  Explorers will also get to visit Awankancha where they will learn about the traditional weaving techniques typical for the area.

Peru also offers travelers the unique opportunity to experience nearly 98% of the world’s climates, from Rainforests in the North, to coastal cities like Lima in the West and sprawling mountain ranges in the East.  This varied climate, along with a merging of cultures, has given Peruvians the ability to create some of the most unique culinary experiences including Chifa, a fusion of Peruvian and Chinese food, and Ceviche, Peru’s take on sushi.

Pacific Delight Tours is offering the 7-Day Peru Program in Silver and Gold packages.  The Silver package starts at $2,559 with a $600 single supplement and provides travelers with first-class accommodations.  The Gold program starts at $2,999 with a $926 single supplement and features Pacific Delight’s signature FiveStarPlus® luxury accommodations.  All rates quoted are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare or initial arrival and departure transfers, which are only included when airfare is purchased from Pacific Delight Tours.

Meals are included as per the itineraries along with English-speaking guides and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program. International airfare is not included, but can be purchased from Pacific Delight Tours at competitive rates from all major U.S. gateways.

Pacific Delight Tours’ expansion into South America will include itineraries in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Peru in 2015, with more destinations to be announced.

For more information or to book, consult your local travel agent or contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179.  Browse Pacific Delight’s China and Asia offerings at www.PacificDelightTours.com.

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Pacific Delight Celebrates ‘Wave Award’ with Air-Inclusive Departures to China from LAX, SFO for $2499

Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours

Pacific Delight Tours is celebrating winning the 2014 TravelAge West WAVE Award Editors’ Pick for Best Tour Operator in Asia by offering an air-inclusive option for its eight-night China Impressions Silver Experience program from $2,499 per person, double occupancy, based on departures from Los Angeles or San Francisco. Departures are guaranteed with a minimum of two passengers.

Travelers begin their journey in Beijing, China’s capital and cultural center, where the requisite stops at the Great Wall of China, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City will be supplemented by additional sightseeing at the elegant Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasting the world’s largest imperial garden.

In Xi’an, guests will be treated to an awe-inspiring view of the Terra Cotta Warriors, an impressive army of more than 8,000 life-sized statues buried for over 2,200 years guarding the city-sized mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

The program culminates in Shanghai, where highlights include Yu Garden and Old Town, the city’s colonial European past at The Bund, and a renowned silk carpet factory.

Pacific Delight’s China Impressions itinerary features deluxe accommodations from the Grand New World Hotel in Xi’an to conveniently located Marriott properties in Beijing and Shanghai.

The air-inclusive China Impressions Silver Experience program starts at $2,499 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes transpacific air from Los Angeles or San Francisco via Air China or China Eastern Airlines; intra-China flights; fuel surcharges; taxes and fees; meals; and the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program.

Contact Pacific Delight Tours at 800-221-7179 or visit www.pacificdelighttours.com for more information or to book.

Award Winning Tour Company

The TravelAge West WAVE Award Editors’ Pick for Best Tour Operator in Asia honor is given each year to America’s leading luxury tour operators servicing China and Asia.  Pacific Delight Tours, which has been a leading tour operator to China and Asia for 43 years, has won the award for the last seven consecutive years.

“It’s a great honor to be recognized with this prestigious award for the past seven years.  It is our customer service and product development teams who deserve the credit for all of their hard work behind the scenes to ensure a memorable vacation experience that keeps clients returning for more,” said Eric Oborski, president of Pacific Delight Tours.

In addition to winning the TravelAge West WAVE Award from 2008-2014, Pacific Delight Tours has received the 2009 Travel Weekly Readers’ Choice Award, and the 2008, 2009 and 2012 travAlliancemedia Leisure Travel Leadersreaders’ choice awards for Best Tour Operator in Asia.  The company is also a proud member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA).

Reservations, brochures and information can be obtained from travel agents and Pacific Delight Tours, telephone: (800) 221-7179 or (212) 818-1781; website: www.PacificDelightTours.com.

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Insight Vacations Launches New Exotics Collection

Insight Vacations has just released its new Exotics Collection, featuring a range of premium escorted journeys, a majestic new destination, and a variety of authentic Signature Hotels, Dining and Experiences. For the first time, the brochure includes an augmented feature that enables you to enjoy India’s flavor using your smartphone to get a preliminary taste of what this incredible region has to offer.

The Exotics Collection offers luxury tours to India, Bhutan, Nepal, Greece, Jordan, Israel, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco.

“We are thrilled with the success of our India program since launching in 2012, and we are delighted we can continue to introduce new product to this extraordinary region,” says Marc Kazlauskas, President of Insight Vacations. “Each itinerary featured in the Exotics Collection has been chosen to showcase these culturally and historically rich destinations, and when combined with Insight’s Signature inclusions, we guarantee our guests a truly unforgettable experience.”

The Exotic Collection’s Signature Experiences include game safaris in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Bhutanese cooking classes, and a guided tour of Bhutan’s only commercial cheese factory. Guests stay at hand-selected Signature Hotels with highlights such as the Taj Lake Palace Hotel, Bangalore’s opulent Leela Palace, and the Divani Caravel hotel in Athens. Guests enjoy delectable Signature Dining experiences at every magnificent turn, including a cooking demonstration with a renowned chef in Olympia and a highlight luncheon at India’s Laxmi Vilas Palace.

“When traveling to these wonderful countries with Insight, you can be assured that your safety, comfort and security are our absolute priority – our ground teams are the very best in the business,” says John Boulding, President and CEO of Insight Vacations. “They will take care of you every step of the way.”

Two new itineraries have been added in India, including a sojourn from Delhi to Udaipur on the Colors of Rajasthan and a venture through Mystical South India where guests visit some of India’s oldest temples from Kochi to Chennai. Bhutan – Dragon Kingdom highlights the newest destination to feature its own itinerary, due to the rising increase in Bhutan’s popularity. Additional new 2014 features include four-day stopovers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, extensive hotel upgrades, additional transfers and flight inclusions on some itineraries and extensive Wi-Fi availability on coaches and in hotels.

Insight Vacations is a part of a joint initiative with The TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation established by The Travel Corporation to encourage sustainable tourism within our own family of brands and in the places we visit. To date, TreadRight has donated more than US $2 million to sustainable tourism projects around the world. To find out more about our work with TreadRight visit: www.TreadRight.org.

For more information, visit www.insightvacations.com. For reservations, contact your travel agent or call Insight Vacations at 888-680-1241.

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