Magnolia Travel and Cruise

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Winter Newsletter 2005

Welcome to Magnolia

Wishing you and your families a most happy holiday season, and the best of times in 2005!

To all our clients, both near and far, we sincerely thank you for your loyalty. Our goal is to provide you with excellent service for all your travel needs. We appreciate you, our treasured clients, and look forward to making your 2005 travel the best ever.

Susan, Gary, Laura, Bill & Maria

Tips for Travelers

Cruising vacations have become a most popular choice for singles, couples, families and anyone who is interested in an all inclusive priced vacation.

If you have never had a cruise vacation, here are some tips for how to choose the best cruise for you!

Choose a cruise line & ship that suits your needs
Select the right itinerary for the destinations you wish to visit Review the amenities and options provided by the cruise line of your choice
Consider the time of year you choose to cruise for the best values and experiences
Shop for best values, including price, added amenities such as onboard credits & upgrades

In 2003, 83% of all cruises were booked by travel consultants. Planning a cruise vacation, and making the most of it, involves good planning from how you get to the cruise departure city to what you experience onboard, and how you get home again. We enjoy working with you to make these plans happen effortlessly, and give you an enjoyable holiday experience.

Our office has consultants who have cruised on some of the largest and smallest vessels in the fleets of the best cruise lines operating in the world today. We have the skills to shop for your best value, based on both price and quality of experience.

We invite you to come in to plan your cruise holiday.....you will be glad you did!

Magnolia Travel Partners With Education

Our business has partnered with Our Lady of Fatima School and the Magnolia Co-operative Preschool to provide contributions for travel bookings made through our agency. We look forward to meeting the needs of these clients and appreciate the opportunity to rebate back to their organizations. If you are a Fatima or Magnolia Preschool supporter, be sure to mention this when you book your next cruise, tour or package at our agency. It is dollars back to your organization, and we are pleased to get to know you. Thanks for this great association with both schools!

The Family Travel Corner by Laura Cochran

Walt Disney Travel Company provides some of the best family vacations anyone can experience. Here are a few suggestions from a Woman’s Day article in the November issue.

Disneyland

DISNEY PRACTICAL MOMMY TIPS

* Rent a stroller (1 or 2 seats) $8 a day
* Check out Baby Care Centers
* Stay on the Property
* Sign up early for a Character Breakfast
* See the Shows –don’t sit too close to stage
* Check out the Kids Clubs (babysitting service)

Walt Disney World - Splurges & Scrimps!

Hotel Hits –Splurge: Grand Floridian Resort / Scrimp: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Main Gate East

Food Favorites – Splurge: Car-shaped booth at MGM Studio’s Sci-Fi Dine In. / Scrimp: Pizza Planet

Character Encounters – Splurge: Breakfast with Cinderella in her Castle. / Scrimp: Eat a muffin and watch Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration in front of her castle.

Fireworks Fun – Splurge: Charter a boat (up to 12 persons) at Magic Kingdom Fireworks or Epcots’ IllumiNations –Book 90 days in advance. / Scrimp: Snag a seat at the train station above Main Street 1 hr before the show. In Epcot snatch up a bench in World Showcase 1 hr before IllumiNations.

If you have an interest in other family vacation venues, please call me. As an ASTA certified family travel specialist, I know I can find the right vacation for you and your loved ones!

Continental Adventures by Susan Jarvis

Australia, Africa & Asia are some of my favorite places, and I welcome your requests for customized itineraries. As an Aussie specialist, and a resident of Australia for a year, I truly appreciate the opportunity to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING:

ALLOW ENOUGH TIME....2 WEEKS MINIMUM
FOCUS ON QUALITY, NOT QUANTITY
NOTE OPPOSITE SEASONS FOR SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE
PLAN AN ITINERARY THAT FULFILLS YOUR WISHES FOR THE EXPERIENCES YOU ENJOY
PlAN AS FAR IN ADVANCE AS IS POSSIBLE

Touring countries in these continents offers many rewards to the traveler, and I highly recommend you visit! Make sure that you have allowed enough planning time to address any visa & health protection requirements. Your trip will be enhanced by doing some reading and research for what your destination offers. I look forward to sharing my recommendations, and helping you to make the best travel plans that suit your needs.

Europe Your Way by Bill Scharff

As a Britain Specialist, one of my favorite places to visit is Chester, England. Located in northwest England on the border of Wales, Chester lies halfway between Manchester and Liverpool.

Chester, Great Britain

First settled by the Romans in 79AD, Chester is one of Britain’s oldest cities, and ruins of the Roman amphitheater and forum can still be seen today. Chester is also one of Britain’s remaining walled cities. Begun by the Romans, the walls were fortified in medieval times and continue to protect the old town today. Within the old town are many beautifully preserved half timbered buildings known as Chester Rows. “The Rows” were 1st built in the 13th and 14th centuries, housing animals on the 1st floor, shops on the 2nd, and homes on the 3rd. The animals are gone now, but the buildings are still very much in use as the central retail core of the city.

If you go to Chester, don’t miss the Cathedral. It is a great example of Gothic architecture, particularly the interior. Many of the original medieval carvings remain the choir area. Much of the stained glass is over 300 years old. The pipe organ, added in the Victorian period is spectacular.

In Chester, you can also visit England’s largest zoo, hear a band concert in The Groves along the River Dees, take in a horse race at the local track, or ride a horse drawn barge along the Shroshire Canal.

Now also an Ireland Specialist, let me know if I can help you with your next trip to the British Isles, Ireland and European destinations.

Island Time by Gary Heltemes

What do you remember about your last vacation in the islands? Relaxing on the beach, shopping in interesting places, playing some golf or going to a spa?

While that describes a great vacation, myabe it is time to add a little extra spice to your next holiday. How about a helicopter ride over the active volcanoes of Hawaii, experiencing the sunrise at Haleakala before cycling down the mountain? Or what about climbing the Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica or rding a horse along the beaches of St. Kitt’s? By adding some extra adventures to your trip, you will have wonderful memories lasting long after you return home.

These adventures can be added to your vacation package. As a Akamai Hawaii certified specialist, I recommend that you prereserve these activities. Swimming with the dolphins or jetboating along the river may have limited availability at the time of your visit. Make sure you get the most from your holiday experience!

ALOHA TIME
May 5th-May 22nd, 2005

Cruise on Holland America’s Amsterdam, roundtrip from Seattle! On a lovely ship with all the amenities, and to beautiful Hawaii. Enjoy a hassle free trip to the islands!

ms Amsterday - Holland America

May 5 Sail from Seattle
May 6 Vancouver, BC
May 7-11 At Sea
May 12 Hilo, Hawaii
May 13 Honolulu, Hawaii
May 14 Nawillilli, Kauai, cruising Napil Coast
May 15 Lahaina, Maui
May 16 Kona, Hawaii
May 17-21 At Sea
May 22 Disembark Seattle

Inside cabins from $2887, PP
Outside cabins from $3286, pp
Balcony cabins from $4468, pp

Just a few cabins left in our group! Call NOW for best selections and prices!

DUTCH MASTERS ART TOUR

Join Gilda Barrow-Zimmar, a Magnolia resident, for a view of Amsterdam and the brilliant works of Dutch artists in April, 2005.

A week in Amsterdam includes:
Hotels, transfers, museum passes,
Breakfasts, Group Dinner, City/Canal Tour
Prices from $1599 per person, double occupancy

Call us for more details.........a fabulous value, and opportunity to travel with a guide who knows her art and artists! Why not consider an extension to this trip for travel to other wonderful European destinations? This trip is timed for tulip season in Holland, but the rest of Europe has much to offer in the spring. We have many ideas for you!

Magnolia Travel Exclusive Offers!

The specials on this page are offered ONLY through Magnolia Travel & Cruise. We invite you to come along on one of these very special trips for the fun and good value they provide.

Cruise Alaska 2005...........FROM SEATTLE

August 13th, Sailing from Pier 30

On Holland America's new ship, MS Oosterdam

Balcony cabins from $1728, pp
Ocean View Cabins from $1582 pp
3rd & 4th passengers from $651 pp

Visit Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan & cruise Hubbard Glacier on this 7 day Alaskan adventure! This is a great date for a family vacation, reunion or cruise vacation. View the splendor of Alaska, be pampered by Holland's excellent service and enjoy a carefree vacation.

BOOK BY December 31st for best prices and cabins!

Winter Break Solution!
February 17th-25th, 2005

Here is a great opportunity to beat the "winter blues" and solve the question of what to do with the kids druing "winter" break holiday!

Sail from Los Angeles, visiting Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta & Cabo Enjoy the amenities on NCL's Star Special surprises for our group

Ocean view cabins from $1010 pp
Balcony cabins from $1170 pp
3rd & 4th passengers $460 pp

Space is selling out on this cruise! Join your fellow sunseekers on this wonderful itinerary. Mexico's sunshine is the cure to Seattle's gray skies in February.....Come sail with us! Call ASAP!!!

Special offer for this Newsletter....

Bring this letter in, or mention it on the phone or email, and receive a $25 discount for any 7 day package, cruise or tour booked by January 15th, 2005! It’s our way of saying thanks to our loyal clients. We appreciate you very much!

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