News from the Office (We had this issue mostly complete on Jan 2nd but due to a death in the family the first week of January and then the start of the busy booking season we regret that this issue is so late!)  2008...it has a nice tone to it I think. Our holiday season was busier than ever this year. We enjoyed a dozen overnight guests, hosted a few parties, watched our daughter blow out four candles from her cake, toasted the New Year with friends, celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary on the 4th and unfortunatly attended the funeral of James' Grandfather the next day. It was an occasion of joy and saddness as we cried over our loss but rejoiced in the knowledge that he is now with his Savior. Apperantly, you all enjoyed your time off as well and several took the opportunity to plan your trips for 2008. If I wasn't baking or decorating I was booking many to warmer climates. It was great to think of warm places while watching the snow fall. I am really looking forward to this year and what it has to bring Ambiance Travel. 2007 was a year of positive changes here in the office and we have refined our services and our supplier offerings and will continue to do so into 2008 and beyond. (Look for our official hotel recommendations in the February review.) Personally, I have a few things lined up for 2008 already that I am looking forward to. I have officially called 2008 "The Year of Travel" and am planning several of my own trips. The first will be in March when I head down to sunny Fort Lauderdale to take part in the Cruise Line International Association's annual Cruise Conference. At this 4 day trade event I will be touring 2 cruise ships, Holland America's Zuiderdam and Princess Cruise Line's Caribbean Princess as well as attending several training and cruise line update seminars. It won't be all work though as I am taking one evening to go out with a few of my fellow travel consultants for some baby back ribs on the first night there. James and I are also planning on taking at least one cruise if not two and possibly a trip out west with the girls to visit family. You can be assured that when we travel you wil l travel with us, just like to the Queen Victoria naming ceremony. By the way, if you haven't had the chance to read our full travel journal, view our videos and pictures you can do so by clicking on this link: AmbianceTravels (That's me getting ready for the the QV Ball) We look forward to planning more of your trips and those of your family and friends this coming year and again, thank you for your continued trust in Ambiance Travel as your professional travel consultant of choice. Sincerely, Nina Van Harn Ambiance Travel
To request more information about any of the trips we have featured or to just drop us a note use the form below. | Travel Tip of the Month Buy a map. Yes, thats it. When you are traveling to a new city or Country buy a map of the area a couple weeks prior and spend some time studying it. At first it will seem really confusing but as you continue to come back to it, it will suddenly all start to make sense. Then once you are on your trip and actually visiting the location you will not feel so out of place. You will already have your bearings and know where to go. Barnes & Nobel and Borders Books are excellent places to find maps of cities and countries all over the world. Our Referral Program For those of you who may have not heard about our referral program we would like to introduce it to you now. Because of the time we take with each client we do not accept every vacation request and prefer referrals from our exsisting clients. As a thank you for your referrals we award you with useful little perks from movies and popcorn to manicures. To find out more about our program please click here. Because of the larger number of national and international clients that are chosing Ambiance Travel as their preferred travel consultant we will be rolling out our international referral award options by February.
Featured Trip of the Month - Thailand with Collette Vacations. Whether you're exploring the beautiful countryside in Chiang Mai, or colorful cityscapes in Bangkok, you're sure to find the ancient beauty of Thailand eye-opening. It is a land of enchantment, with a temple at every corner and long-tail boats traveling the canals and rivers. Throughout the country, shopping is pure pleasure with great bargains among the many local crafts and woven goods. This exciting tour includes six nights in the captivating city of Bangkok and six nights in rural Chiang Mai.
Day 1: Overnight Flight-Bangkok, Thailand
Your tour begins with an overnight flight to Thailand. Majestic palaces, ornate temples, quaint cities and beautiful landscapes are sure to make your vacation a memorable one.
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Day 2: Arrive Bangkok, Thailand
You arrive in one of the most fascinating cities in the world, Bangkok.
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 Day 3: Bangkok
On your captivating city tour of Bangkok you will gain insight into the religion of Thailand by visiting two of Bangkok's famous temples: the Golden Buddha and the Reclining Buddha. Visit the Grand Palace, an ornate royal residence built in 1782.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 4: Bangkok
Travel to the floating market of Damnoen Saduak and take an exciting cruise through the legendary canals, known as Klongs, in a traditional long-tailed boat. Later, you travel to Kanchanaburi to visit the famous Bridge on the River Kwai.
Today breakfast and lunch are included.
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Day 5: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Bangkok
A trip through the countryside brings you to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Thailand. At the peak of its glory it was home to more than 1 million people. Today you can see ruins dating from the 14th century. This evening, enjoy dinner at an authentic Thai restaurant featuring classic Thai dancing and music.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 6: Bangkok
Your day is at leisure to explore the streets and markets of Bangkok or relax by the pool. Optional tours are also available. Tonight you will be treated to a dinner cruise on a rice barge along the Chao Phraya River.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 7: Bangkok - Chiang Mai
A short flight brings you to the "Rose of the North," the old-world city of Chiang Mai. Tour the cottage industries of this area and see local artisans at work. You may shop for silk, teakwood and lacquer at bargain prices. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 8: Chiang Mai
 A scenic drive to the hills of Chiang Mai brings you to the heart of the Teak Forest where you will witness elephants at work & play at Maesa Elephant Camp. Your next stop is a beautiful orchid farm to see many varieties of the national flower of Thailand. You will then have the opportunity to shop for umbrellas, silver and celadon. Tonight, enjoy a Hill Tribe cultural show and witness the traditions and dance of the Hill Tribe people.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 9: Chiang Mai
Your morning is at leisure. Before lunch, enjoy a chef-led walk through the local Chiang Mai market to select native ingredients unique to Thai cuisine. Enjoy a cooking demonstration where you learn more about the history and flavors of Thai foods before enjoying the expertly created lunch! Your afternoon is at leisure. Tonight, enjoy strolling, shopping and bargaining at the Chiang Mai night market.
Today breakfast and lunch are included. | Experience Highlight  Amtrak...an authentic American Vacation. Whether all around the US or just one coast Amtrak delivers a great family vacation. Ahhh riding the rails, watching the scenery whiz past while playing cards with the kids. No chorus' of "are we there yet" or "Stop, I have to use the bathroom". Just cosy accommodations, great meals and the opportunity to meet lots of new people and see America in much the same way early American's did. Does it get much better than this? Not for the American Family Vacation. Taking the train puts the fun back in the getting there part of the trip and in essensce becomes part of the there part too. When was the last time you actually enjoyed your flight to New York? Or that haul to Los Angelos? Sure, the train will take you two days but getting there is  nearly all the fun. Plus, it is easy to make stops along the way to lengthen and enhance the trip. Take the kids on the rails up the East Coast and make stops in Washington D.C, Boston and New York City for a week of American History family style. The great West is so vast that just shy of driving it the train is the best way to see it all. The plains of the Dakota's, the spectacular Rockies of Montana, the lush forests of Washington and the Red Woods of California are all waiting for you to explore them. Kids love taking the train and with special rooms designed just for families it doesn't have to be an uncomfortable trip. Plus, first class tickets include all your first rate meals in the dining car. Dine on savory salads, tender steaks and decadent desserts while watching the ever  changing landscape go by the large windows. If you are wondering where to take the family this summer (or for a fun alternative to the winter getaway this March) consider taking an Amtrak vacation. For more information click here: Amtrak AAA Members, Seniors, Students and Children receive 10-15% off their fares.
Featured Vacation Continued... --------------------------------------------------------- Day 10: Chiang Mai
Your entire day is at leisure. Your Tour Manager is on hand to explain the many different optional tours available this day, including hot air ballooning.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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 Day 11: Chiang Mai
This morning you will visit some of the most interesting temples in Chiang Mai, including Wat Dio Suthep, located 3,520 feet above sea level. Your next stop will be a jade cutting factory. The remainder of your day is at leisure to enjoy Chiang Mai.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 12: Chiang Mai
You may wish to rise early this morning and participate in an optional experience of bringing a food offering to the local Buddhist monks, an important tradition in the life of the Thai people. This morning you will explore the Hill Tribe Museum and then visit the minority Hill Tribe villages to see how they maintain the traditional life that they cherish so much.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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 Day 13: Chiang Mai - Bangkok
A short flight brings you back to Bangkok. Today you may wish to take an optional tour of Jim Thompson's house, a magnificent Thai-styled home containing an extensive collection of art objects and antiques. This evening, join your fellow passengers for a farewell dinner.
Today breakfast and dinner are included.
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Day 14: Bangkok - Tour Ends
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today breakfast is included. This tour is $849.00 per person in Feb & April land only with air starting at $1250.00 per person. Get away to somewhere exotic this year! |