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Travel Tips

A Tip on Tipping

A Few Simple Tips

Learn a Little Language

Dealing with Electricity

Let's Talk Money

Let's Talk Laundry

Everyone's Dream Come True

Lodging in Villas

Rental Cars to Visit a Variety of Hill Towns

Breakfast & Evening Snacks

Several Special Meals

Train/Bus Tickets to Arezzo, Siena, and Assisi

and more...

 

A Balance of Relaxation & Discovery

Immersion into French Culture & Cuisine

Lodging in a 12th Century Castle

Roman Sites, Castles, Wineries

Walking Tours, Markets, Canal Boat Ride

and more...

 

Design Your Own Dream Trip

River Jet Boat Tour, Sea Kayaking, Rafting

Gold Panning, Salmon Fishing

Musk Ox & Reindeer Farms
Sled Dogs

Independence Mine, Exit Glacier

Alaska Railroad Train to Denali

and more...

Experience the Luck of the Irish

Enjoy Traditional Irish Music and Pub Meals

Enchanting Scenic Drives

Small Luxury Motor Coach

Mystical Lakes

Castles and Ancient Ruins

Distilleries and Other Surprises

and more...

 

Experience the Rockies Up Close and Personal

Premium Goldleaf Service

Five Days Deluxe Train Service and Four Days of Deluxe Motor Coach Service

Tours of Banff & Jasper

Private tour of Yoho National Park

Ride an Ice Explorer on A Glacier

and more...

 

History, Archeology, and Culture

All the Biblical Sites
(Non-Devotional)

Jerusalem, Sea of Galilee, Tiberias

Bethlehem, Akko, Old Jaffa

Masada, Dead Sea, Qumran

Petra, Wadi Rum

Tour of Wine Region

and more...

Summary

 

Destinations for Catch the Wind Tours are based on YOUR input. Tuscany and France have been the mainstays. Everyone seems to love them and they seem to fill every year (sometimes twice in the case of Tuscany), so they will remain on the annual schedule until interest in them wanes. Spain and Ireland on alternating years seem to be winners as well. The others… well, they are scheduled based on popular demand. And I mean that. As soon as enough requests are received for a destination, it is planned in the Drifter Sister small-group format, costed out, and then put out there. If enough people sign up to make it worthwhile, we do it. That’s what happened with Greece in 2010, that’s what happened with Spain in 2011, and now that’s what will hopefully happen with the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer and Israel-Jordan in 2012.

In 2013, Tuscany, France, and Spain will undoubtedly be in the lineup. I am also testing the water, so to speak, with a new format for Greece. The New Zealand tour for February of 2012 didn't get quite enough people to sign up. Several folks are ready to go in February 2013, though, and we could use a few more, so take a look at the info I have put together for this fabulous 3-week adventure in New Zealand. Here is a link to the itinerary in PDF format. Alaska can be arranged for small groups almost any time in 2013, and so can a trip to the Spa in Ixtapan de la Sal, Mexico, if 10 or more people want to do it.

So take a look at the preview info for each of the trips planned for 2013. Give me your feedback. Send in your fully refundable Good Faith Deposit to show me you’re seriously interested (you can even use PayPal now for this), and Let’s Experience the World Together in 2013!

SNEAK PREVIEW FOR 2014: Do you want to go to Africa? How does Cape Town in South Africa, Botswana and Namibia, with an extension of a Safari in Kenya sound? It will take me this long to plan it, and it will probably take you this long to save up for it, because it will be expensive. But I really want to do this thing, and would love to have you join me. Let me know if you’re interested.

 

New Zealand

 

Let's Go To New Zealand!

In 2010 several couples, individually, asked me to put a tour together for New Zealand, so I started researching.

I checked the Internet, I talked to the vendors at the Travel Trade Shows, I asked advice of other travel agents... nothing seemed to click. Oh, there are tour companies out there that handle NZ, but I wanted to develop something uniquely Drifter Sister. Otherwise, people could just go straight to the existing outfits and join one of their big bus tours. I almost gave up until... I found Malcolm.

Now Malcolm, of Brilliant Tours of New Zealand, is a guide who takes people, typically one or two couples at a time, around his island, where he has lived his entire life. He knows everything there is to know about it, loves it, and likes to share it. Judging by the testimonials, his clients love it, and him, too. He and I burnt up cyberspace for several weeks, developing what we both consider to be the best and most comprehensive, fully customized, tour of the South Island ever. To do it right, we needed a full three weeks, and I of course insisted on a 16-passenger motor coach for my small-group maximum of 12 people (comfort is key). February is right in the middle of the Southern Hemisphere’s summer, so that’s when we’ll do it.

Details of this once in a lifetime adventure are now available, and you can take a look at the itinerary by clicking on this PDF link.

If it has always been your dream to visit New Zealand, I can think of no better way to do it than with me, Malcolm, and a few of your new BFF’s (Best Friends Forever). If you would like to be put on the list, just contact me.

A pre- or post-trip extension to Fiji or the Cook Islands will be offered.

 

Spain

 

Let's Go To Spain!

In the tradition of "Let's Go to Tuscany," and "Let's Go to France," this Catch the Wind Tour is an in-depth exploration of a most treasured region of Spain -- ANDALUCIA. Rich in Spanish traditions influenced by the ancient Moors, sunshine, olive groves, white pueblo villages, tapas, Sangria... Spain's Andalucia contains all this and more, and we will have two weeks to enjoy it to the fullest!

After a two-day stay in Granada's famous Albayzín (or Albaicín) Moorish district, including a morning tour of its famous Alhambra, we will pick up rental cars and drive northwest to Zuheros (near Cordoba), then southwest to Ronda (famous center of Pueblos Blancos), and end up near the west coast in Arcos de la Frontera, the most westerly of the Pueblos Blancos.  Staying four nights in three locations will allow ample time for in-depth exploration of the countryside, towns, and attractions of the region, as varied as seaside locations such as Marbella (of Costa del Sol fame) and Cadiz (of Costa de la Luz fame) to the mountain-top village of Grazalema, the crown-jewel and highest white pueblo.

Highlights will include three guided tours: (Alhambra -- one of the candidates for the New Seven Wonders of the World), (Cordoba -- including the famous Mosque), and (Ronda -- including oldest bull ring in Spain), a visit and show at the famous Andalucian Equestrian School in Jerez de la Frontera, and an authentic Flamenco Show at an intimate, locally owned establishment. Two meals are included daily, as well as rental cars (including gas).

Lodging will be in two Haciendas (four nights each), and three charming hotels, conveniently located within walking distance of historic city centers, shops and attractions.

This tour was a huge hit the first time it was offered, in 2011. The weather was perfect the first two weeks in June. Although the exact dates have not yet been established, the price should remain the same, at $3,300/person, double occupancy.

A pre-trip extension to Barcelona will be offered.

Greece

 

Let's Go To Greece!

Because of the overwhelming success of the first Catch the Wind “Let’s Go to Greece” tour in 2010, I have decided to again offer Greece in 2013. For that first tour, my group of 18 joined other guests on the 42-passenger motor-sailor Galileo for seven days in the Aegean Sea visiting several islands of the Cyclades, including Mykonos and Santorini, as well as several smaller islands the big cruise ships cannot visit, followed by a four-day guided motor coach tour of the ancient sites of the Peloponnese, including Delphi and Olympia, ending with a day tour of the famous and mysterious cliff-top monasteries of Meteora. Three nights in Athens rounded out the adventure. The price of this trip was $3,750, and was very well received – see the reviews on the Testimonial page.

Plans for 2013 are still being formulated. Greece will definitely be offered, however it will either be a modified version of 2010, or something quite different. If the former, the cruise portion will be very similar, albeit probably on a different ship, and the land portion will be similar but more customized. The maximum number in the group will be 20, and I should be able to hold the price at ~$3,750.

An idea has been formulating in the back of my mind, however, for a quite different tour than 2010. I want to charter a catamaran capable of accommodating 10-12 passengers, and island-hop for 7-10 days, with a loose itinerary of islands that would be somewhat flexible, based on weather conditions and preferences of passengers and crew. Added to this will be a land tour in Turkey instead of Greece. A pre- or post-trip of the archeological sites of the Peloponnese, for those who have not had the chance to experience this, would be offered in addition to the basic 2-week tour. I am in the process of costing this out, so do not know what the price of the tour will be. As soon as I am able I will post it here. I would expect it to be more than the 2010 version, but will try and keep it under $4,000 if I can.

If you are one of my followers who has been waiting for Greece to be offered, let me know of your preference: 1) Same as 2010, or 2) Catamaran and Turkey, with an extension to the Peloponnese. If I get a majority leaning one way or the other, it will help me decide which way to go.

 

Tuscany

 

Let's Go To Tuscany!

Another great Let’s Go to Tuscany Tour will be offered in 2013. Same villas, same suggested itinerary, same great special meals and sightseeing opportunities, same time of year (May). You can check out the 2012 listing above to see the details, and chances are 2013 will be identical.

What you may not know is that if you get six people or more together (up to 16), you can have one of these tours all to yourself. It could be a family reunion, a group of friends, a church group or other community organization, possibly a business incentive reward for top producers. This is a perfect tour for any and all of these circumstances, and more. In 2011, a gal came to me for advice on finding a villa in Italy. She had always dreamed of staying in a villa, and she thought she might get some friends to join her. This conversation evolved into her very own Let’s Go to Tuscany tour, with a pre-trip extension to the Vatican in Rome. She has seven friends signed up already, with several more considering it. The best time for them was September of 2012, so that’s when we’re going.

If you’re not ready to go to Tuscany in May, 2012, join my Let’s Go to Tuscany tour in May of 2013. If that is not a convenient time for you, and you have five or more friends who would like to do it too, get in touch. We’ll work it out so you can have your very own Let’s Go to Tuscany tour.

 

France

 

Let's Go To France!

The 2012 Let’s Go to France tour is full. But never fear, if you have your heart set on ‘feeling like a princess’ in a 12th century castle, you will probably have another chance in 2013. Same great food, same great sightseeing opportunities, same great translator/guide, and same great chateau in the same great village. See above for details.

Let me know of your interest, and if we get at least 10 people ready to sign up, I’ll make sure it happens again in the Fall of 2013.

 

Alaska

 

Let's Go To Alaska!

Let’s Go to Alaska might happen in 2013 – or not. Or it might happen multiple times. Could still even be done in 2012. It’s totally up to you. Remember, this tour is customized for small groups on an as-requested basis. You get up to five people together, you pick the dates, you customize the itinerary, you are basically in charge (with a little help and guidance from Drifter Sister, of course). Period. See above for details, including a sample itinerary from which you can build your own, unique tour.

This is really a wonderful way to see the interior of this awesome state. It’s huge, there is a lot of driving involved, and it’s expensive. I can help you get the most out of your time there, and the most bang for your buck. Things book up fast and it’s never too early to start thinking about it. Call me and let’s start planning your trip of a lifetime!

 

Spa

 

Let's Go To the Spa!

(and maybe Mexico City and Cuernavaca)

On a sporadic basis, I take people to a Spa in Ixtapan de la Sal, Mexico. Seems I get enough people about every other year, and 2013 might be the year it happens again. Actually I would be happy to do it in 2012, too, if at least 10 people were to show an interest.

Ixtapan de la Sal Hotel and Spa is located about 60 miles south of Mexico City, in the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains. It has been in operation since the mid 19th century, is family-owned and operated, and is just the most relaxing and beautiful place one can imagine. Included in the package are daily Swedish massages; facial and reflexology treatments; a manicure and pedicure; daily morning walks; aerobics, salsa, yoga, and pilates classes; tennis lessons, and more. The food is wonderful, and you can take your choice of the spa dining room (900 calories) or the ‘other’ restaurant with a full menu. All of this, including your room and transfers, comes to just $1,500/week – far cheaper than any Spa you can find in the States with similar amenities.

The violence along the US/Mexico border is something that concerns us all, and it has kept many of you away from all of Mexico. I understand. Let me point out, however, that if you stay away from the borders and a few hot spots, Mexico is quite safe. For this tour, we fly into Mexico City and are picked up and whisked away in private vans, via toll roads, to the Spa, which is gated and very secure. You need never leave the hotel grounds, but we do venture out during the day to visit the sweet little town, which has a charming church and square, plus a few shops. I have gone to this Spa five times now, and my sister and some of her friends have been going every year for nearly 20 years. We have never felt unsafe.

In addition to the Spa, I have been toying with the idea of offering an expanded two-week trip to Mexico in 2013. It would begin in Mexico City the first weekend in November, when the Day of the Dead celebration occurs, in a hotel right on the Zocola (grand plaza) Square in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral (oldest and largest in Latin America), where hundreds of floats and thousands of visitors congregate for the colorful celebration each year. Four days would be spent here, visiting attractions within the City (several within close walking distance of the hotel), including an excursion to the nearby pyramids. Next, we will spend three days in Cuernavaca, the “City of Eternal Spring” in the Sierra Madres, enjoying the many cultural and archeological attractions nearby. The culmination of the tour would be your choice of a 4- or 7-day Spa Session at Ixtapan de la Sal. You could do either the first week, the last week, or both. Watch for details as this tour is formulated.

If being pampered for a week sounds appealing (or if in addition you would like to witness and enjoy the colorful Day of the Dead celebration), let me know. I personally think it would be great fun and hope that enough of you agree, so we can make this happen!