Give the Gift of Travel

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and before you know it Christmas and New Year's Eve will be here and gone again. The Holiday season is upon us, with a wide range of cultural and religious celebrations happening all over the world, this is the also the season of giving. No matter how you celebrate, time spent with family and friends is to be cherished, and as one year ends, now is the time when many of us are able to come together for some quality time.

It's also the time for giving gifts to those we love. Often we are faced with a conundrum when it comes to gift giving. What do you give to someone who has everything?  What can you give to someone who, try as you might, won't give you a wish list? And what can you give to that special someone which will make their heart melt and their spirit soar?  The answer is simple-  Travel!

The gift of travel is an ideal gift for just about everyone, no matter their likes and dislikes, a vacation to somewhere is sure to please. Travel is also a gift which keeps on giving, in the form of life-long memories to share and re-live once you return home. To give the gift of travel is to give the gift of a unique experience.

Is it time for a family vacation soon?  Why not surprise the kids during the holidays with a cruise or theme park vacation?  You can still plan a quick getaway during the season, or reserve your space for next spring break or summer when school is out. The holidays are a great time to book your travel plans as there are a lot of year-end sales going on.

Are you looking to enjoy a romantic getaway with that someone special? A long weekend at the coast or in Mexico could be just the way to go. Near or far, there are a log of romantic travel ideas, such as staying at a Bed & Breakfast in Gold Beach on the Southern Oregon Coast, or an all-inclusive beach resort near Mayan ruins in Cancun.

A girlfriends getaway to a luxurious spa need not just be for an afternoon. Surprise your best friend with a trip to Arizona, where some of the best, full-service spa resorts can be found. Or perhaps it's time for a guys' weekend to the extreme, treat your pal to a fishing weekend in Alaska, it will be time well spent and full of memories.

The holidays are a great time to also surprise a loved-one with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Recently engaged? Why not surprise your fiance with the gift of travel for your upcoming honeymoon, The Cook Islands are a tropical paradise like no other, or perhaps a magical trip to Ireland is in order. Do you or a loved one have a special birthday or anniversary coming up next year? Go big with your gift with a European river cruise or an African Safari.

The world is an amazing place, the gift of travel can take you and your loved ones all around the globe, and leave you with experiences and memories to treasure for a lifetime. For more inspiration, check out our Website for vacation ideas, special deals and more, including our service fee schedule. Then call one of our agents such as Cindy Passannante at 503-658-5646 or by email cptrips@aol.com, to get the conversation started towards planning your Gift of Travel this Holiday Season.

Take Your Fundraiser to the Next Level with C.P. Trips’ Fundraising with Travel Program

You can take your fundraiser to the next level when you pare a benefit auction with a travel package. If you work with an organization which depends on donations, where fundraising is key to successfully helping others in the community, C.P. Trips can help you generate more interest, and possibly more funds for your nonprofit group.

Many benefit fundraisers include auctions to help raise significant amounts of funding. Often the challenge can be finding those unique items or experiences which gala guests will be truly excited about. Doing so with a small budget can add to the challenges.

C.P. Trips can help! Our Fundraising with Travel program connects nonprofit organizations with unique and exotic destination travel packages for auction benefit fundraisers. Working with private villa owners, and luxury tour companies, we can provide you and your organization with a range of intriguing and exciting destinations which are sure to gain the attention of Auction guests, no matter the event.

Benefits of Fundraising with Travel include:

• Travel Packages are a proven revenue-generating package that will bring excitement to your fundraising efforts and add dollars to your bottom line.
• Risk – Free opportunity with NO upfront costs.
• Added Concierge Service for your Organization and your clients.
• Two–Year expiration on all packages provided (a distinct advantage over the traditional one-year expiration date for many auction items)
• Unlimited sales potential as you can sell to as many bidders as you like (including post event sales to friends, family and those who did not attend your event.
• Trips are sold exclusive of airfare --- However, Winner’s may use the services of C.P. Trips, to assist with airfare and additional options for their exciting package, for a small fee ($75.00) or this fee may be included this in the Reserve.

So where in the world could your donors travel to with the C.P. Trips Fundraising with Travel program? Choices begin with a special sailing along the Columbia River; or perhaps a retreat to Mexico where a private condo awaits is just the ticket. With villas in Italy and Bali, or our African Safari option, the ultimate in once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

The best way to learn more and determine which Fundraising with Travel Package is best for your next fundraiser is to call Cindy Passannante, Owner and President of C.P. Trips, at (503) 658-5646 or email cptrips@aol.com. We also have information on our Website, with travel packages and options being updated regularly.

It’s Not Too Late to Getaway for the Holidays

Is this the year you want to take some time away with family or friends for the holidays? It’s not too late to plan a fun weekend with holiday cheer. Our latest Classy Ladies Getaways (& Couples Too!) package to Victoria BC could be just the trip for you.

Coming up December 7- December 11th, 2017, get a glimpse of Canadian Holiday Traditions with a very special, long-weekend trip to Victoria, one of British Columbia’s historical gems. A special Classy Ladies Getaways group is ready to take the train to Seattle, then onto the Victoria Clipper for a stay at the enchanting Chateau Victoria hotel. During your visit you will experience the magic of the holidays at the Butchart Gardens, with their holiday lights show. 

Check out this Video for a sneak peak into what awaits visitors at the Gardens during the holidays.

If you are looking for something extra special and unique to share with the kids or grandchildren, this is an opportunity everyone will enjoy. Giving the gift of travel is also an ideal holiday gift; through traveling together, memories are created, and deep family connections can be enjoyed. A trip to Victoria B.C. is great way to start the holidays and get into the spirit of the season. 

Our Classy Ladies Getaways (& Couples Too!) Package to Victoria Itinerary Details:

Dates: Thursday, December 7th through Monday, December 11th.

Train ride from Portland to Seattle

1-night at the Warwick Hotel in Seattle  

Victoria Clipper transport from Seattle to Victoria BC

2-night stay at the Chateau Victoria 

Transport and admission to Butchart Gardens Holiday Lights Show

Breakfast at the Chateau Victoria Hotel- both days

Admission to Afternoon Tea the Fairmont Empress Hotel

Return transport on the Victoria Clipper to Seattle

1-night at Warwick Hotel in Seattle 

Depart on Monday December 11, 2017 on the Amtrak Train to Portland 

Pricing by age:

$ 750.00 pp/dbl..... 18+

$ 450.00 pp/dbl..... Youth 13 – 17

$ 315.00 pp/dbl.....  Child 4 - 12

As an added bonus, part of this holiday getaway includes time in Seattle, where you can have you pick of other exciting options to entertain. Visit the Pike’s Place Market and Harbor, enjoy local music at a club, and take in the varied Seattle culinary scene.

 

This amazing holiday package is only available to book into until November 2nd, 2017, and space is limited; be sure to contact Cindy Passannante right away, by phone- 503-658-5646 or email- cptrips@aol.com, to be sure you don’t miss out!

Be sure to  Visit our website for more travel ideas, including other incredible trips you can plan as a gift for that special someone. You’ll also find information about specialized travel planning, programs, as well as travel deals and the standard C.P. Trips Fee for Service details.

Neighborhood Travel Showcase- Agent Feature: Judy Arndt & Lisa Saunders

The first annual C.P. Trips Neighborhood Travel Showcase is happening today! This evening, from 6:30- 8:30, the agents of C.P. Trips will be on hand to help you plan your next dream vacation. Head over to Persimmon Country Club at 500Butler Rd., Gresham, OR for a fun and special night all about travel and community!

Not only is this a Free event, but you will enjoy some sweet treats, coffee &tea, and tasty wine tastings as well. And don’t forget another fun part of tonight’s gatherings includes exciting Free Raffle Prizes too- including a discount on your next vacation booked through C.P. Trips!

Not sure where you want to go or even when? Not to worry, at tonight’s Neighborhood Travel Showcase, we will have several C.P. Trips affiliated agents on hand to help you along the way towards your next getaway. We will even have specialized small group adventures ready for you to join. Whatever your passion for travel may be, chances are, we will have a trip just for you!

If you are looking to enjoy a great American journey, you will want to meet the spirit of Journeys by Judy herself, Judy Arndt. Judy has a special spotlight tour planned through Collette Tours, all around Washington D.C. Explore the Capital next Spring, for 5 days in May, 2018. Experience the history of our great nation in one place. Spotlight stops will include Mount Vernon, home to George Washington, the Smithsonian Institution, and Iconic Memorials honoring our fallen heroes, past and present. Intrigued? Want to know more? Come to the Neighborhood Showcase tonight and meet Judy, she can tell you all about it and get your space reserved!

Women, are you in need of a female-focused, spiritually empowering and relaxing retreat? You can have all of this when you join the Awaken Destiny Women's Vacation Retreat, organized and hosted by Lisa Saunders of Selah Retreats & Travel. Lisa has recently joined the C.P. Trips team of independent travel professionals, and she is ready to help you find some space, connect with yourself and other like-minded women with a very special retreat, coming up April 2018 in Carlsbad California

As Lisa puts it herself, “As women, it's not very often that we have opportunities to unplug and take time to tend to our heart and soul." The Awaken Destiny Women's Vacation Retreat is just that opportunity. And the ease of having everything offered as a complete package means no running around trying to book airfare and hotels. It's all taken care of. Just pack your bag and go! Where do you sign up? How about at tonight’s Neighborhood Travel Showcase? 

Come join the agents of C.P. Trips, travel partners, and other members of the local community this evening at the Persimmon Country Club- it’s sure to be a lot of fun and a great chance to get inspired to travel!

 Visit our website where you can not only meet all of our agents, but also find more information about specialized travel planning, programs, as well as travel deals and the standard C.P. Trips Fee for Service details.

Tip-Toe Through the Tulips of Europe

Are you ready to travel to Europe? Have you been thinking of taking a river cruise? Do you love gardening and the beauty of colorful tulips? Do you have a passion for quilting? If you answered yes to any, or all of these questions, we have the trip for you! Classy Ladies Getaways (& Couples Too!) is embarking on an all-inclusive Emerald Waterways Netherlands River Cruise, April 5, 2018. Join your host, C.P. Trips, Inc. President and Owner, Cindy Passannante for a very special and exciting river cruise surrounded by the picturesque beauty of Belgium and the Netherlands.

A limited number of cruise staterooms have been reserved on board the Emerald Sky river cruise ship. As a part of this unique Classy Ladies Getaways (& Couples Too!) adventure, you will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the vibrant tulips of the Netherlands, which will be in spectacular bloom during the cruise. Get your own perspective with photos of these flowers, which were once worth more than gold itself. Quilting buffs will have the chance to design their own “Tulip Square” to incorporate into a quilt of their own. Painters will be inspired to put brush to canvas and paint the tulips of the Netherlands. You can also extend your European vacation with three days in Paris after your cruise.

River cruising itself is on the rise in Europe. This is quickly becoming a favored way to tour the old country in style. Like their large ship cousins, river cruises allow you to unpack once and enjoy several destinations on one vacation. Unlike the larger ships however, a river cruise can take you to smaller ports, deeper within the countries of Europe, allowing you the chance to really experience the essence of these locations.

Emerald Waterways is at the top when it comes to high-quality river cruising. This award-winning cruise line offers the finest in cruising, with all-inclusive amenities on and off-board the ships. When they say all-inclusive, they mean, all-inclusive. Not only are meals and drinks provided on the ship, but gratuities are covered as well. Don’t worry about transportation, transfer to and from the ship are also included as are on-shore excursions.  Emerald Waterways caters to an active lifestyle as well, with heated swimming pools, on-board bicycles, a walking track and so much more.

 Watch this video to discover more about cruising on an Emerald Waterways River Cruise. Then RSVP and attend the upcoming Neighborhood Travel Showcase with C.P. Trips on Thursday, October 12^th at Persimmon Country Club in Gresham.  

Cindy and our personal Emerald Waterways contact, Randy Goodrich will be there to provide more details about this exciting trip for 2018. With a $500 deposit per couple, you can reserve your stateroom, space is limited though so you won’t want to delay.  Go to our website, www.cptrips.com to learn more about C.P. Trips, including our agents, service fees and the Neighborhood Travel Showcase, where you can RSVP to attend- space is limited for this very special night of travel insights, innovations and inspirations- We would love to see you there!

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.

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.