September 27, 2017

Embark on a European Journey with Holland America Cruise Line

If a European cruise is on your travel wish list, you are in good company. Europe offers such a wide range of destinations with cultural and historical delights sure to please any traveler. Many of us long to go “back to the Old Country”, get in touch with our roots, or take a step back in time and experience life in a way which can only be found in Europe. Taking European cruise is one way you can explore multiple ports of call with ease. Going on a Holland American Line cruise around Europe will give you unique opportunities to not only see different countries and cultures, but to feel what makes this region of the world so special.

Holland America Line originated as a European shipping company, which, over the last 140 years has been providing travelers with the chance to change themselves and the world. Holland American Line believes it is “…Our higher purpose to help make the world a better place through opening minds, building connections, and inspiring a shared humanity. With this in mind, they have seven dedicated mid-sized ships ready to take you to the best ports-of-call around Europe.

You will embark on a European journey which will stir your soul, whether you explore the riches of Russia, discover Renaissance art of the Mediterranean, or taste your way through wine the wine countries of the Baltic. Holland America Line European cruises include stops at major capitols and metro centers, such as Venice and Istanbul where you can experience life at the crossroads, where major historical influences can still be seen today.

But there is more to Europe than these major centers. History buffs will be intrigued by the world-famous sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, where the ashes of Mount Vesuvius captured ancient Roman life in one moment of time, forever preserved.

A picturesque retreat is waiting for you along the Aurlandsfjord of Norway, and the quaint town of Flam, home to one of the steepest railroads in the world. It is said as you approach Flam on board the ship, it feels as though you have stepped back to the age of Vikings, so striking are the small mountain villages and rugged mountains around you.

Croatia has become one of the top European destinations over the last several years. With a Holland America Cruise Line, you can not only experience the walled city of Dubrovnik, but you can visit the charming town Mostar, a true Croatian gem. Visitors are awed at the site of the reconstructed Stari-Most Bridge, which was destroyed in the 1990’s during conflicts in the region. This 400-year-old bridge has been resurrected, alongside the peaceful, yet lively culture of Croatians, an experience not to be missed.

Now, through November 14th, 2017, you can get more from your Holland America Line 2018/2019 cruise. They are offering their Explore4 Deal, with their signature beverage package, a 50% savings on your deposit, free or reduced fares for a 3rd or 4th guest, and a special dinner at the Pinnacle Grill on board your ship. Reserve a suite stateroom and you will receive an extra $200 on board spending credit.  Contact C.P. Trips today to find out more, call 503-658-5646 or email cptrips@aol.com.

The agents of C.P. Trips are here to help you plan a vacation full of transformative memories. Enjoy a worry-free journey with the support and care of a local Travel Professional*ǂ. Visit our website, cptrips.com to explore the latest in travel ideas, promotions and more. Call us at (503) 658-5646 or email us at cptrips@aol.com today- Keep Calm and Travel On.

 *We are excited to have the chance to help you with your vacation plans! We understand that you have many options to choose from when it comes to travel. Our standard fee policy is noted below for your reference.

With the time and expertise we give in our researching travel options and destinations for clients and potential customers, along with our continuing education and training, we have non-refundable fees of $ 30.00 for domestic travel research & planning and $ 75.00 for International travel research & planning. 

In addition to our research fee, there is an airline ticket/service fee: $30 per person/ticket for US flights, $75 per person/ticket for International flights. Other fees for certain additional requested bookings such as, but not limited to: lodgings, excursion activities, and destination specialty requests will be applied ($15.00 - $45.00) depending on type of booking completed.  

Initial Research/Planning fee due prior to trip planning; all other fees due at time of invoicing. Thank you, we look forward to helping you make your vacation dreams a reality!

 ǂFee Schedule updated as of August 17, 2017, current format and costs apply; any prior fee schedule listed within a previous blog post is out-of-date and invalid.

September 20, 2017

Princess Cruises Ocean Medallion Class Caters to Your Every Whim

Ocean Medallion™ Class
Princess Cruises calls it the “The New Wave in Vacation Travel” You’ll call it an ideal way to cruise with convenience right at your fingertips. I am talking about the latest cruising innovation brought to us by Princess Cruises. Their Ocean Medallion™ Class program is set to debut November 2017. This new amenity will offer guests an easy way to receive specialized, catered services throughout a cruise vacation.


With your own Ocean Medallion™ you will have a quarter-sized, digital portal to carry or wear, which will make planning your cruise activities a breeze. Your medallion is also your stateroom key, and is used to store information such as your favorite evening cocktail, so you need not wait to order it, but rather have it waiting for when you arrive at your table for dinner on board. With the Ocean Compass™ feature, you have a digital concierge service at your beck and call to reserve spa services or plan a customized excursion while in port.


Ocean Medallion™ will also streamline your pre-boarding, check-in and final disembarkation. You can download all your cruise documents before starting your vacation. Many excursions are sold out prior to launch date, with this new program, pre-registering for the adventures you want to experience has never been easier.

As you keep your Ocean Medallion™ with you while cruising, any time you need or want something, you can arrange for it to be delivered to you anywhere on the boat. Forgot your toothpaste? Have some delivered to your stateroom. Want a warm blanket or a snack while watching “Movies Under the Stars”? It will be brought to you straight away.



Another big benefit is the ability to keep in touch with everyone you are cruising with. Ocean Medallion™ allows you to know just where the kids are on board, providing an extra bit of security for Mom and Dad. This Ocean Navigate feature is also a great way to plan when and where to meet up as a group. You will also find special Ocean Medallion™ Touch Screen Portals throughout the ship, providing quick access to all the features and amenities included.


You can learn more about Princess Cruises’ latest innovation, Ocean Medallion™ at the C.P. Trips Neighborhood Travel Showcase, being held October 12th at Persimmon Country Club in Gresham. Our Princess Cruises representative will be on hand to share the exciting features of this new way to cruise; and you can even reserve your next cruise vacation at the same time!

The agents of C.P. Trips are here to help you plan a vacation full of transformative memories. Enjoy a worry-free journey with the support and care of a local Travel Professional*ǂ. Visit our website, cptrips.com to explore the latest in travel ideas, promotions and more. Call us at (503) 658-5646 or email us at cptrips@aol.com today- Keep Calm and Travel On.

 *We are excited to have the chance to help you with your vacation plans! We understand that you have many options to choose from when it comes to travel. Our standard fee policy is noted below for your reference.

With the time and expertise we give in our researching travel options and destinations for clients and potential customers, along with our continuing education and training, we have non-refundable fees of $ 30.00 for domestic travel research & planning and $ 75.00 for International travel research & planning. 

In addition to our research fee, there is an airline ticket/service fee: $30 per person/ticket for US flights, $75 per person/ticket for International flights. Other fees for certain additional requested bookings such as, but not limited to: lodgings, excursion activities, and destination specialty requests will be applied ($15.00 - $45.00) depending on type of booking completed.  

Initial Research/Planning fee due prior to trip planning; all other fees due at time of invoicing. Thank you, we look forward to helping you make your vacation dreams a reality!

 ǂFee Schedule updated as of August 17, 2017, current format and costs apply; any prior fee schedule listed within a previous blog post is out-of-date and invalid.

September 7, 2017

Collette Tours: Guiding Travelers Through Magical Experiences for 100 Years

Guided tours were once one of the primary ways to travel to exotic lands, especially when leisure travel was still such a new concept. It took people with local contacts, travel experience and know-how and an eye for the finer details, to ensure travelers would feel safe and comfortable as they went out into the wide world exploring. With our global world economy and digital age, one would think a guided tour is a thing of the past, yet this is not so.

Like expert travel professionals, specialized tour companies have stayed ahead of the game, continuing to offer their guests memorable, exclusive experiences. Keeping comfort in mind, savvy tour companies have also upped the game by working with the best in accommodations, transportation and cultural exchanges. Collette Tours is one such company; they have been in business for 100 years now, and are thriving with spectacular tour packages around the world and across the United States. When you are “Guided by Collette”, you are in excellent hands, and can expect a magical travel experience.

Exclusive Excursions- The Collette Standard includes destinations and excursions which are carefully selected by their own travel experts. Itineraries include places which many may never be able to experience on their own. Cultural immersion is at the core of bringing a culture to life for travelers. As part of their current San Francisco Spotlight tour, spending the day on the Napa Valley Wine Train, tasting award winning wines gets you off the beaten track and into the heart of California wine country.

Classic Tours- Collette Tours offers an easy and inspiring way to see the world. Their classic tours range all over the world, and provide plenty of options, from must-see iconic destination landmarks, to time for exploring on your own, and experiencing different cultures, being Guided by Collette is a great way to travel.

Single-Hotel Stay- Collette Tours also offers a convenient way to experience the world’s top destinations. Like cruising, you can unpack once and enjoy the rest of your vacation with the Collette Single-Hotel Stay option. Choose from remarkable cities and picturesque countryside’s all around the world, arrive, relax and enjoy the magic of your vacation.

Small Group Tours- If you are looking for a more intimate tour experience, one where you can really get to know your personal guide, and feel fully immersed within a new culture and destination, Collette’s small group tours could be just what you have been waiting for. Averaging 18 guests or less, these tours offer unique culinary, culture and accommodations options that other tours do not, the smaller the group, the more magical your experience.

Collette Cares- Like Cindy Passannante, and C.P. Trips, Collette Tours has a caring side too. They encourage staff around the world to volunteer where they live and work, to help the local community has so many rewards for everyone involved. Collette supports a variety of legacy programs in countries such as Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Kenya and Peru. Their goal is to give children around the world the chance to accomplish their dreams.


Come to the C.P. Trips Neighborhood Travel Showcase to meet with our personal Collette Tours representative, Laura Hernandez. We are planning a small group getaway to San Francisco with Collette Tours in 2018. This fun west coast vacation will include the wineries of Napa Valley and much more.

The agents of C.P. Trips are here to help you plan a vacation full of transformative memories. Enjoy a worry-free journey with the support and care of a local Travel Professional*ǂ. Visit our website, cptrips.com to explore the latest in travel ideas, promotions and more. Call us at (503) 658-5646 or email us at cptrips@aol.com today- Keep Calm and Travel On.

 *We are excited to have the chance to help you with your vacation plans! We understand that you have many options to choose from when it comes to travel. Our standard fee policy is noted below for your reference.

With the time and expertise we give in our researching travel options and destinations for clients and potential customers, along with our continuing education and training, we have non-refundable fees of $ 30.00 for domestic travel research & planning and $ 75.00 for International travel research & planning. 

In addition to our research fee, there is an airline ticket/service fee: $30 per person/ticket for US flights, $75 per person/ticket for International flights. Other fees for certain additional requested bookings such as, but not limited to: lodgings, excursion activities, and destination specialty requests will be applied ($15.00 - $45.00) depending on type of booking completed.  

Initial Research/Planning fee due prior to trip planning; all other fees due at time of invoicing. Thank you, we look forward to helping you make your vacation dreams a reality!

 ǂFee Schedule updated as of August 17, 2017, current format and costs apply; any prior fee schedule listed within a previous blog post is out-of-date and invalid.