The internet may have changed the way travellers do their research, but travel brochures are still a popular way of obtaining travel information. Here’s what new this week.
1. Trafalgar’s first Autumn, Winter, Spring programme
Trafalgar has extended its seasonal product with the release of its first-ever worldwide 2015/16 Autumn, Winter, Spring programme featuring a selection of unique and authentic seasonal experiences across Europe, Asia, USA and Canada.
The programme boasts 52 expertly-planned itineraries across eight different trip styles for travel from November 2015 to March 2016.
For the first time ever in 2015 Trafalgar will take clients even deeper into the European Christmas festivities to experience Europe’s oldest and largest Christmas market in Strasbourg on the new 10-day Christmas Markets of Strasbourg and the Black Forest guided holiday.
From Paris to the historic city of Reims and east to Strasbourg, Colmar and Freiburg, guests will see a different side to Europe during the magical festive season than they would experience when travelling on their own.
There’s also an in-depth Canadian discovery with the new 15-day Canadian Rockies Winter Wonderland guided holiday.
Clients will experience an array of Insider Experiences including: staying in hand-selected Authentic Accommodation at the luxurious Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; being invited inside a family’s impressive winery in Victoria for a special Be My Guest dinner and riding the Sulphur Mountain gondola before joining a Local Specialist at a local ranch in Banff. Clients will also have the opportunity to spend Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Canada on this incredible trip with a selected departure available off the back of Australian’s increasing demand to experience a white Christmas abroad.
2. APT heads to Mexico in new brochure
APT has expanded its South America offerings, by including inaugural trips to Mexico in its new South America programme.
For the first time, the tour operator is offering all-inclusive itineraries to the destination – available to only 28 guests per departure.
The 16-day ‘Mexico Discovery’ tour take guests on a journey across the country from Mexico City to Riviera Maya.
Highlights of the trip include the chance to visit ancient Mayan ruins; see flurries of pink flamingos on a cruise through Celestún National Park; and discover the gourmet heart of the country in Oaxaca, visiting markets and learning to cook local dishes.
Accommodation along the way includes a night at the colourful Hacienda Puerta Campeche – a beautifully restored 17th Century mansion; and a stay at The Fairmont Mayakoba, which is located on the beachfront in Playa del Carmen.
The itinerary is priced from $11,495 per person and is combined with a four-day Cuba extension and a ten-night journey through Peru to make the 30-day ‘Treasures of Peru, Cuba and Mexico’ itinerary.
The 112-page brochure also includes new programs to the Galapagos.
3. Plenty of choice in Ponant’s Pacific Collection
Small-ship cruise line, Ponant, has released its new Pacific Collection brochure featuring itineraries to lesser-visited destination.
The brochure includes 12 nine- to- 15-night itineraries, to remote locations stretching from Hawaii to the Sub Antarctic Islands, the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia, Melanesia, New Caledonia and east to mysterious Easter Island.
Voyages are designed to appeal to inquisitive travellers keen to visit the rarely visited. Many locations are noteworthy UNESCO World Heritage sites, explored in the company of specialist naturalists, marine biologists or lecturers who will guide and inform to enhance the experience along the way.
Itineraries feature vessels L’Austral and Le Soléal, two of Ponant’s four sister ships that comprise the youngest fleet of luxury expedition ships in the world.
Among the itineraries is the 10-night ‘Christmas in the heart of the Pacific’ cruise – a 10-night voyage from Noumea to Akaroa with stops at Mare Island, Norfolk Island, Bay of Islands, Tauranga, Napier and Picton. Enjoy Christmas Day and Boxing Day at Tauranga and onboard at sea.
4. Escape with Infinity to South Australia
Infinity has packed its 2015/16 South Australia brochure with ‘Something Special’ for your clients.
There’s a whole page in the brochure entitled ‘Something Special’ and is filled with ideas for luxurious getaways in the up and coming state.
Additionally, the brochure includes four new hotel options – three in Adelaide and The Frames at Paringa.
There are three new winery tours from Ultimate Winery Experiences Australia, including one where travellers get to taste a tawny made in the year of their birth.
Also, if for those having a bad day or just want a ‘cuteness break’ – check out the QR code for the Swim with Sea Lions on page 25.
