The Art of Touring in Style

THE ART OF TOURING IN STYLE – A LUXURY MOTOR COACH TOUR

Times have changed and the old days of sixteen countries in sixteen days with 54 people on a coach are gone. Today you can journey in style and comfort across diverse landscapes and bustling cities aboard luxury coaches, scenic railways, classic river cruise boats, cable cars, open top taxis, and lots more.

There are many companies around the world who offer motor coach touring, and you can definitely save money by joining one, rather than by travelling on your own. It is said within the travel industry that the savings can be as high as 40%. There has been a tremendous growth- up 50% - in this kind of travel and the most popular destinations this year have been Italy, Turkey, Croatia, Spain and Portugal. Tours within the U.S. and Canada have also been on the rise.

Over the years, my staff and I have taken trips with different companies and our favorite company who I recommend is Insight. The President is 6.6” tall, and he took the seats out of a Mercedes coach He sat at a seat, and when he felt comfortable with his legs stretched out, he ordered them to only put 40 seats on each coach. It is like travelling in a first class airline seat, comfortable and reclining. You can enjoy your sightseeing on a coach with a modern luxurious washroom.

www.insightvacations.com

No matter what your age is, it is bliss to have someone else handle all the arrangements to take you to see the highlights of whatever country you are touring in, with an experienced guide. You can also customize your trip. It could be a gastronomic experience in the Tuscan hills, take a scenic excursion through the high alpine vistas to Hilter’s notorious “Eagles Nest” or travel by a private launch to the fisherman’s island of Burano for a seafood lunch.

What I like is the possibility of having more multiple night stays so you aren’t continually packing or unpacking your suitcase and then moving on. You stay in outstanding properties, such as Leading Hotels of the World, Relais & Chateaux and other internationally known upmarket hotels. You don’t have to pick up your case, everything is done for you.

You wont be “one of a crowd”. Instead, you will visit many of the world’s finest sights as part of a small discrete group, with a specialist guide. Marvel on the private guided tour of the Sistine Chapel when there were thousands of people waiting in line. You will feel like a VIP when travelling with this company. This is a wonderful way to take a holiday if you are travelling alone. You soon make friends amongst the small group.

My favorite time to travel is either the Winter, or Spring. I go home to Europe four or five times a year and I avoid the summer months if I can since the prices are as much as 35% higher. A favorite trip of mine is Prague, Vienna and Budapest to see the Christmas markets. Two nights in each city and you will have seen a special part of the world with outstanding meals included in the price.

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

www.froschvacations.com