Winter 2004 Winter Newsletter As we prepare for the holiday season, 2003, we are pleased to take this moment to say thank you for your loyalty. We treasure our relationships with our clients, and wish you wonderful times with family & friends. May 2004 be a year in which you fulfill your travel dreams. We look forward to helping you make them happen! Susan, Laura, Gary, Bill & Maria In appreciation, bring this newsletter in for $25 off a 7 day cruise or package vacation holiday in 2004. You are welcome to pass it on to a friend, neighbor or family member, too! Email Policy You may not have noticed, but our agency is NOT flooding you with all kinds of email advertising travel you may not be interested in. If you hear from us via email, it is because we know that you have an interest in the destination or offer that we are sending to you. Our goal is to use the internet connection to communicate with you, our special clients, and give you fast access to the information you really want. At this time, we are updating our client information, and would like to know if you have any changes in your contact information. If so, please fill out the form on the last page. Return it to us, via email, post or a drop in visit to the agency. We love to see you in person! Tips for Travelers............ These days there is a need for planning packing more carefully. With the airport security measures in place, we suggest the following: Do not lock your bag! You can attach the lock, and it will be locked after inspection. Otherwise, your lock will be broken by TSA personnel if it is selected for screening Do not pack food or beverages in checked luggage. Chocolate, for example, mimics explosives in the scanning machines! Put shoes on top so that they can be removed and searched easily Put all sharp objects in your checked bag, not your carry on. Use zip lock bags for intimate apparel, and personal items such as a toothbrush to keep "hands off" these items, if your bag is searched. If you choose to check luggage with any valuables (not recommended), make a list of the contents and their value. It could help with a claim if anything is missing upon your arrival. As always, the best advice is to leave valuables at home. If the item is critical, carry it on your person, or in your carry on luggage. Top Destinations for 2004 Here's where our clients are going in 2004... 1. Alaska 2. Africa 3. Australia & the South Pacific 4. California for Disneyland 5. Europe....France, Italy, UK, Scandinavia 6. Hawaii 7. Mexico 8. Russia....river cruising 9. South America 10. Can you add to this list?.........see us soon! Europe, Caribbean, Disneyland & Disney World, Hawaii, Mexico & Canada! Our travels are "hot off the press" and we love to share our knowledge and recommendations with our clients. WHY BOOK THROUGH A TRAVEL AGENT??? Travel profiles are maintained in our office, so that your agent knows your preferences for all travel arrangements. Hotels, car rentals, seat assignments, meals, etc are a part of your profile in our agency. No need to make those requests over and over again.. Insider pricing.....air tickets via a consolidator, package pricing via a wholesaler, consortium discounts for air, hotel and cruise, preferred vendor agreements with airlines, cruise lines and tour companies. Independent agencies, like Magnolia Travel, are unbiased in our choices and recommendations for travel providers. We act on YOUR behalf, not a list of airlines, hotels, or tour companies set by a franchise or larger organization. Travel protection is offered through our agency for insurance that ranges from trip cancellation to complete comprehensive insurance to cover medical circumstances, baggage loss, car rental insurance and more. We want you to have a worry free trip from the beginning to end! Personal relationships are the foundation of our business. We wish to understand all the needs of you and your families, and serve your needs with excellent service. Whether it is business or vacation travel, we will execute the arrangements with your special needs in mind. Group Travel is best served by a travel consultant who can coordinate plans for family vacations, weddings, honeymoons, reunions and any occasion that brings a group of people together. Pricing, coordination of travel arrangements, and even incentives for qualifying groups can be arranged by us. Do you have a family or school reunion on your calendar, or maybe a wedding or honeymoon? We are most experienced in making this occasion a wonderful and affordable event. ONE call does it all for our clients! We can book everything you may require from pet friendly hotels to motor home rentals as well as book your theater tickets, dinner reservations & more. All in one seamless itinerary. SUGGESTIONS FROM SANTA Gift Certificates, just choose a $ amount Travel accessories, luggage & more Maps, Books & Videos about great places Plan & Book a Surprise trip for someone special Give the gift of a passport (application fees, photos, etc). IT'S TIME TO GO!!! Magnolia Travel & Cruise is highlighting some special prices for travel next year. Below are some of the great offers for you, our valued clients. Most of these are offered with limited availability......Make your decision SOON, if you want to GO in 2004! Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, 8 days..........$999 Shanghai, 7 days.................................................$649 Beaches of Costa Rica, 7 days...........................$649 Australia, 10 days............................................$1869 8 days in England, Scotland or Ireland...............$899 Central Europe, 10 days..................................$1199 Italy by Rail, 8 days...........................................$899 These offers are inclusive of airfares to the destination. Some may require an add on fare out of Seattle. All prices are based on double occupancy. Holland Cruise, 9 days......................................$1459 Danube Explorer, 9 days...................................$1559 These prices are offered by General Tours, a well respected tour company with a long history of satisfied clients. (206) 283-1565 / (800) 294-8747 FAX (206) 282-6180 Hours: 9:30 am - 5:30 pm, Monday - Friday | Saturdays 10:00 am - 1:00 pm E-mail: susan@magnoliatravel.com