Fall into Your Vacation with a Special Cruise

Are you a traveler who looks forward to when school is back in session and there are fewer crowds at many of the best destinations to be found? Do you look forward to the beautiful fall colors as the season changes before your eyes? Are you ready for a new and exciting journey to some place you have not been before? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then a Fall Cruise could be just what you are looking for. 

 For many families the best time to go to Europe is in the summer while school is out. For a different feel, and often less crowded time, why not vacation in Europe during the fall? One of our agents, Robin Wilfong has a cruise already planned as one of our Special Selections. You can go on the Norwegian Cruise Line EPIC for a Fall Mediterranean Getaway. With cruise prices starting at just over $1,000, and a $50 on board credit waiting for you, this is a wonderful deal worth every penny. You can spend seven incredible days exploring the best that the Mediterranean has to offer from Barcelona to Rome and Cannes. Robin has also put together a pre and post cruise hotel package in Barcelona, so you can spend more time exploring this incredible cultural center of Spain. Excited to learn more about this cruise in Europe? Robin can be contacted either by email at
 vacationsbyrobin@yahoo.com or by calling her at 510-676-7015


Have you always wanted to experience the beauty and wonder of Autumn along the east coast? This 

part of the country is the place to be to take in all the glory of nature as the season changes. A riot of color will be in view of any vista you take in. Experiencing this amazing time of year is made even better on a Fall Foliage Cruise. Holland America Line offers cruises with not only breathtaking fall views along New England and Canada, but you get a taste of history as well with stops to New York, Boston and Quebec available. From charming lighthouses to historic battlegrounds, fresh caught lobster and other regional cuisine, you will be sure to savor every moment while exploring this part of North America. With a Fall Foliage cruise you can experience a kaleidoscope of color and culture in comfort and luxury. Are you ready to get away once the summer buzz has ended? Call or email CP Trips today at  cptrips@aol.com or 503-658-5646. Be sure to check out our website as well for vacation ideas, deals and information, cptrips.com.

Wanted: A Unique Family Vacation

Summer is fast approaching, and now is a great time to make plans for your family vacation. You know about theme parks, cruises and guided tours. These are all wonderful options, but what if you are looking for something different, that provides something for everyone, through a uniquely American experience? C.P. Trips has one suggestion you may not have thought of before, but that is guaranteed to create a lifetime of memories for the entire family. There is a type of resort that is unlike any other, where you can get a taste of the Wild West and what it’s like to live the life of a cowboy or ranch hand, and still have the amenities you want with a relaxing hotel stay. We are talking about vacation Dude Ranches.

There are a wide variety of vacation Dude Ranches in the western parts of the United States, from Wyoming, to Colorado, Texas and Utah, on down to Arizona and California; and even in our back yard in Oregon. What these ranches offer is truly unique when it comes to resort vacations. The Dude Ranch Association of America was founded in 1926 as a way to preserve a specific way of American Life. The result of the association and its members are family owned ranches which open their land and homes to vacationers who want to discover the American wilderness and get back in touch with our natural wonders in a truly hands on and unique way. Most Dude Ranches are all inclusive, providing all your meals, a comfortable cabin or room and all the activities available for one price.

Today offer many resort amenities including pools, spas, fine dining and incredible entertainment. Activities abound at a Vacation Dude Ranch, there is something for everyone of all ages. Horseback riding is one of the main attractions, and not to worry if you have never gone before, the ranch hands and guides will help you along the way. Taking trails on horseback will give you the chance to see the scenic wonders of the west in a way that will not only take your breath away, but which will help create lasting memories. You can take the kids on a hike, go fishing, or spend a lazy day at a local swimming hole. Many Dude Ranches have petting zoos for the young ones, and put on rodeos for your entertainment. For more outdoor fun, many places offer skeet shooting and archery. On the “quieter” side, often art and cooking classes are also made available.


Vacation Dude Ranches are more than just a comfortably rustic place to stay. They are more than horses, hay rides and barbeques. Dude Ranches offer you and your family the chance to connect to a way of life that is closer to nature than most. These places share their spirit of the West and the beauty of wild nature. You will find not only good riding, food and amenities; you will find new friends, and nourishment for your heart and spirit. The moment you find yourself with your kids, under a canopy of stars brighter than you ever thought possible, you will know this vacation will be one to be remembered.

If you want proof of this, just ask Lana, Cindy Passannante’s daughter. The family went to a vacation dude ranch almost 40 years ago, and the memories of that time are still strong, “I remember the fun we had, and it was the first time I rode a horse. I was 4 years old when we went, and I still remember the horse I rode was named Powder River, she was a slow and gentle creature, just right for a little girl to ride. The smell of hay to this day takes me back to the nightly hay rides we went on around the ranch. We were lucky kids to travel with our parents around the world, and the Dude Ranch for me was the start of loving to travel. Recalling the canyon trails, farm animals and other kids to play with, having fun every day and night, these memories will be with me always.” So if you are ready for an exciting and different way to explore America and enjoy a family vacation, call us at 503-658-5646 or email cptrips@aol.com today and we can find the perfect Vacation Dude Ranch for you.

Caravan with C.P. Trips to Ashland’s Shakespeare Festival

This summer, Cindy Passannante, and her husband Tony are taking a journey right in our own backyard, and you are invited to join them! Because of her love of the theater, Cindy has been decided it is time to enjoy a long weekend in Ashland, Oregon to take in some of the best Shakespeare productions in the world. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival has been an annual summer seasonal attraction for 80 years, providing some of the region’s best and most spectacular theater offerings. The focus of the festival is the plays of William Shakespeare, with the center being the Allen Elizabethan Theater, an outdoor venue reminiscent of the Renaissance. The festival has grown over the years to include not only Shakespeare’s work, but also contemporary plays, and children’s theater, and encompasses four theaters within Ashland to produce them all.

The caliber of the plays to be found in Ashland is a testimony to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival organization. They are committed to bring stellar theatrical programs which “illuminate our collective humanity through varied interpretations of classic and contemporary plays”. This is also reflected in the talent the festival attracts, as many well-known actors got their professional start here; such as William Hurt, Jean Smart, Stacy Keach and Kyle McLaughlin, to name a few. The talent goes beyond the stage with many directors, costume and stage designers, as well as actors who have continued with success within the festival and beyond. With 80 years of production and talent set to entertain you, the journey to Ashland is an experience not to miss.

The C.P. Trips “Caravan to Ashland” is ready to take center stage this summer, from Thursday July 23- Sunday July 26^th.  For $450.00 per person/ double occupancy, the caravan package includes your hotel stay for three nights at the lovely Ashland Springs Hotel, and two Shakespeare favorites. The trip will begin with everyone meeting in Portland Thursday morning to caravan down to Ashland and take in the first play, Much Ado About Nothing at the Angus Bowmer Theater. Friday will be a day full of options, where you can do as little or as much as you like. Saturday will be the pinnacle Shakespearean experience with the caravan regrouping to enjoy Antony & Cleopatra in the Allen Elizabethan Theater. This is an outdoor theater so be sure to plan for the weather!

Cindy has also put together some optional additions to go along with this hosted Ashland experience. If two plays are not enough, you can join Cindy on Friday evening for a performance of Secret Love in Peach Blossom Land in the Angus Bowmer Theater. Meal and Dinner options for Saturday are also available. If you want to explore on your own either Friday or Saturday, Cindy can help set up other Ashland area favorites for you, such as a rafting trip down the Kalamath or Rogue rivers, wine tastings along the Rouge and Applewhite valleys finest vineyards, or simply a relaxing spa or golf day if you like. There is a wide variety of activities to choose from in Ashland and the surrounding area, Cindy is ready to help you make your Caravan to Ashland experience to be just as you like it.

If you are traveling on your own, or have a group of friends that are ready to join you in the Caravan to Ashland, we also have single and triple package rates available, but space is limited so contact Cindy at C.P. Trips today to be sure and join the fun and excitement of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland. Call 503-658-5646 or email at cptrips@aol.com.

Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad- Part Three of Three

Rounding out our three part series on important travel documents you need to know about, this entry covers something you many not have thought about, but it is important that you do. Many decisions are to be made when it comes to traveling, and this is a big one to consider.

Did you know that most standard insurance plans do not cover the unexpected when it comes to travel? Planning and paying for a vacation is an investment of both your time and money. What would happen if something unforeseen occurred and you were unable to go on a trip you had paid for, or if you couldn’t finish the journey?  Travel professionals recommend purchasing a Travel Insurance plan to cover unexpected trip cancellations or interruptions, unforeseen medical needs, thefts and more. A comprehensive Travel Insurance plan won’t give you the photos or memories made while abroad, but it will help you cover emergency expenses or refund your investment.

While your medical insurance is there to help you cover the cost of an accident or illness, travel insurance reimburses your non-refundable money paid towards your vacation should you become unexpectedly ill and unable to take your trip. What if a close family member had a medical emergency and you are unable to travel? The right travel insurance plan will cover your financial loss. If the weather results in your flight being cancelled, causing you to miss a tour departure date, travel insurance will help you get the funds you paid back.  

Imagine being on a cruise, and an accident occurs keeping you from completing your trip. Travel Insurance will refund you the portion of funds from the remaining days of your travel plans. Should an excursion or tour company be unable to provide the services you paid for in advance of your vacation, Travel Insurance can refund you for the loss. Plans also cover trip delays, lost or stolen luggage and personal items, missed connections and baggage delays. Emergency travel services are included as well, such as assisting with English interpretation for medical or legal needs, cash advances and replacement of lost travel documents like your passport, visa or airline ticket. 

There are countless stories from experienced travelers who have had to deal with something like these situations, and having a good Travel Insurance plan made all the difference. To get the most out of a Travel Insurance plan, it should be purchased within 10-15 days of the time you place a deposit down for your vacation. While plans for those over the age of 50 are a bit higher in cost, most plans can be purchased for between 5-10% of the total cost of the trip. Insurance is all about deflecting the impact of the unexpected, and protecting your investment. When traveling far from home, especially internationally, having a Travel Insurance plan is a value worth the cost for the peace of mind you receive. 

For More information call or email C.P. Trips at 503-658-5646 or cptrips@aol.com. You can also explore more on our website at www.cptrips.com

Travel Tips for Traveling Abroad- Part Two of Three

Continuing our series on Important Travel Documents for Travel Abroad,  there is more to entering a new country than just showing your passport. When you travel across borders, you also have to deal customs and getting into a country, and then do it all over again when you return to the United States. You have to get your luggage and trek with it, sometimes a long distance in the terminal, only to stand in a long line waiting your turn to get the final ok to enter. You have had a long journey, you’re tired, you want to just get out of the airport and go home. What if there was an easier, quicker option for re-entry into the U.S.?

 

Well now, there is! The US now has the Global Entry Program. It is designed for low risk, frequent travelers crossing international boarders regularly. While the program is geared to get you back into the United States more efficiently, there are some countries you can also travel into and get the same benefits of quicker entry. Currently Canada, Mexico and the Netherlands will accept the Global Entry Pass. With frequent travel to Canada there is the NEXUS card that you can also get and for Mexico there is the SENTRI pass.  These cards, when used in conjunction with the Global pass will let you cross the border more quickly in either direction. For the Netherlands, your Global Entry pass will work to get you into and out of the country faster.  For all other international travel, the Global Pass at this time is the best way to get back into the United States, no matter where you have traveled to.

With the Global Entry Pass you get the following benefits:

·       No standing in line for passport control checks

·       No paper forms for customs to be completed

·       Expedited travel from gate to terminal

·       Pass can be used at most International airports in the U.S.

·       No lengthy customs or immigration questions

·       NEXUS and SENTRI card holds can apply for no additional cost

So if you travel out of the country frequently the Global Entry Pass could be a time saver that you will love to have. Check out all the details including the application form and process at the US Immigrationwebsite.

For more details call or email C.P. Trips at 503-658-5646 or cptrips@aol.com. You can also explore more on our website at www.cptrips.com