Navigating the Waves: When is the Best Time to Book Your Cruise Adventure?
Embarking on a cruise is an exciting journey, and just like navigating the open seas, timing plays a crucial role in securing the best experience for your voyage. If you’re wondering when to set sail into the world of cruise bookings, here’s your expert guide to catching the perfect wave of opportunities.
1. Early Bird Gets the Stateroom: 9-12 Months Ahead
The proverbial saying holds true in the cruise industry – the early bird indeed gets the stateroom. For optimal cabin selection and a broader range of options, aim to book your cruise 9 to 12 months before the departure date. This allows you to choose the perfect cabin category, location, and amenities that suit your preferences. Whether you’re yearning for a balcony with ocean views or a cozy interior cabin, early booking ensures you have first dibs.
2. Wave Season: January – The Cruise Industry’s Sweet Spot
If you’re eyeing special promotions and irresistible deals, set your sights on January, known as the “Wave Season” in the cruise industry. During this period, cruise lines often unveil exclusive promotions, discounts, and added perks to entice eager travelers. It’s a prime time to snag not only excellent rates but also bonus amenities like onboard credits, beverage packages, and complimentary shore excursions.
3. Off-Peak Seasons: Exploring Budget-Friendly Options
For those with flexible travel dates, exploring off-peak seasons can reveal hidden gems of savings. Consider cruising during shoulder seasons or non-holiday periods when demand is lower. Not only will you potentially enjoy more favorable rates, but you’ll also experience a more serene and uncrowded ambiance onboard and at various ports of call.
4. Last-Minute Bliss: A Risky Adventure
While last-minute deals can be enticing, they come with a degree of uncertainty. Although cruise lines may offer discounted rates closer to departure, your choices may be limited, especially if you have specific preferences for cabins or itineraries. If spontaneity is your game and you’re open to surprises, last-minute bookings might be an exciting adventure.
5. Theme Cruises and Special Events: Plan Well in Advance
If you’re eyeing a themed cruise or a special event voyage, planning well in advance is paramount. These unique experiences often sell out quickly, and securing your spot ahead of time ensures you won’t miss out on the festivities, whether it’s a music-themed cruise, culinary adventure, or a holiday celebration at sea.
In conclusion, the best time to book your cruise depends on your priorities – whether it’s snagging the perfect stateroom, taking advantage of exclusive promotions, or exploring budget-friendly options during off-peak periods. By aligning your booking strategy with these expert insights, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth sailing experience filled with unforgettable moments. Bon voyage!
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By Craig Tansley
It’s freezing outside – the snow’s falling and there’s no end in sight till April… Maybe even May. So what can you do to find somewhere warm and sunny – why not change your hemisphere? When it’s winter in the north it’s summer in the south, and we’ll show you the best places to find the right amount of sunshine.
1 | Best Romantic Destination
Kokomo Private Island Resort, Fiji. Everybody knows, a little place like Kokomo. Okay, okay, cheesy song from the Beach Boys, but there’s nothing cheesy about this resort which opened last year. Take a seaplane from Fiji’s main airport, and you’ll land beside your own tiny island oasis. There’s a casual open restaurant built on the water where the chef cooks what was caught yesterday. Go diving on coral reefs completely unaffected by bleaching, catch huge game fish, or just relax on the sand outside your private villa.
2 | Best South American Destination
Llao Llao Hotel & Resort, Argentina. You’ll find this sunny little gem in the heart of Argentina’s Lakes District. Take a 25-minute drive along the shores of Moreno Lake and you’ll find a resort (with a golf course) nestled between two lakes. In summer, the elevation means the temperature stays below 90 degrees and humidity remains low. This area is the best on Earth for fly-fishing, or take a swim in the lake. Spend your evenings outside in the resort’s dining patio, looking out to the Andes.
3 | Best Beach Destination
Byron Bay, Australia. Perhaps you’re no surfer – maybe you don’t have an interest in surfing at all, but nowhere spells ‘summer’ more than an Australian surf town, and no surf town’s quite like Byron Bay. Sample the vibe of a village with 18 beaches around it where everyone lives for waves. Bronzed Aussies walk through town on their way to the surf, tourists take lessons (there’s more than 10 surf schools here if you’re up for the challenge), while afternoons are spent at beachside bars and cafes watching the waves (Crocodile Dundee Paul Hogan once lived here and you can down a cocktail at the bar his best buddy once owned, The Beach Hotel).
4 | Best Secret Destination
Cook Islands. How they slip under the radar is anyone’s guess, but these 15 islands set in an area of ocean the size of western Europe populated by barely 15,000 inhabitants are a beachcomber’s paradise. There’s high-end romantic resorts on the island group’s most iconic island, Aitutaki, while main island, Rarotonga, has the right mix of sunset bars and atmospheric restaurants while still being home to empty beaches and an almost entirely undiscovered mountainous hinterland. There are islands 40 minutes away that are visited by fewer than 20 people each year.
5 | Best African Safari Destination
Mana Pools, Zimbabwe. There’s no better antidote to all that Northern Hemisphere chill than time spent on the savannahs on an African bush safari, and there’s nowhere better to come face-to-face with wild animals while escaping the crowds of South African and Kenyan safari camps than Mana Pools. After a change in government, Zimbabwe has opened back up to tourism. At Mana Pools, take walking safaris with lions, leopards and elephants or float down the mighty Zambezi River amongst hippos and crocodiles.
6 | Best Adventure Destination
Tanna, Vanuatu. Want to feel like you’re an adventurist while not giving up any of your creature comforts in five-star lodgings by the beach? Then come to Tanna. Barely 60 minutes by plane from Vanuatu’s capital, Port Vila, Tanna is still dominated by locals who live in tribes in grass huts in the forests (called Cargo Cults, they worship everyone from the Queen Of England’s husband, Philip, to American WWII deserters). You’ll get to snorkel and swim in clear blue waters along a deserted coastline. Though the biggest thrill is taking a 4WD safari to active volcano, Mt Yasur, to sit by its crater as dry lava spits out into the air at sunset as you sip champagne.
7 | Best Luxury Destination
Bora Bora, French Polynesia. Don’t consider it unless you’re willing to blow some serious cash, but if luxury in the sunshine is your thing, nowhere on Earth does it better than Bora Bora. Fly from Tahiti and take a speedboat to a private island retreat. You’ll find some of the most iconic luxury resorts here – where Hollywood stars flee – all built on tiny atolls in the lagoon (the most revered are the Four Seasons and St Regis). Book an overwater bungalow. Ride a cruiser bike to breakfast, then spend your day in a hammock, or in the lagoon, before sunset drinks looking back on volcanic peaks, Mt Otemanu and Mt Pahia.
8 | Best Gourmet Destination
Cape Town, South Africa. Not only is Cape Town one of the world’s prettiest seaside cities (it’s surrounded on three sides by ocean and dwarfed by the kilometre-high Table Mountain), it’s also one of the most affordable gourmet cities of the Southern Hemisphere. Populated by Europeans, African and Asians – there are more than 200 restaurants in a city which reflect this multi-culture. Cape Town is also surrounded by some of the Southern Hemisphere’s best wine regions, especially Stellenbosch. Be sure to try the unique Cape Malay cuisine – a combination of Malaysian and Dutch food.
9 | Best Golfing Destination
Queenstown, New Zealand. Nowhere does golf in summer in the Southern Hemisphere in one region better than the Queenstown region. You’ll find seven of New Zealand’s best courses all within a 45-minute drive of each other. But these aren’t ordinary courses – courses like The Hills and Jacks Point are some of the world’s top courses, playing out beside enormous lakes, and between mountains in the region’s world-famous landscape (immortalised in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy). The average high temperature in summer is a comfortable 75-degrees, and courses are surrounded by wineries perched on cliff tops.
10 | Best ‘Do Nothing’ Destination
Samoa. You’ve been stuck inside all winter and all you want to do is soak in the rays and work your lily-white skin into something resembling colour. Where’s the best place to go do nothing? Samoa. These are islands built for slumber in the sun. With beaches spread across its main two islands – Upola and Savaii – there’s always somewhere to sunbake. But it’s the villages here you won’t believe. Drive through them (slowly) and you’ll find a nation deep in slumber. In Samoa, sleeping is a national pastime.
Kemp Travel is a full service travel agency. Our incredible team would be more than happy to help you start planning a trip to any of the above destinations. Fill out our quote request form and tell us about what you want to do and one of our travel specialists will reach out to you with some amazing options that best fit your needs.
By Joanne Sasvari
Forget the harried crowds and joyless chore of holiday shopping at the mall. Instead, revel in all that makes the festive season magical at one of northwestern Europe’s Christmas markets. With winter’s smaller crowds, lower prices, and merry mood, December can be the best time to travel to Europe, and it’s easy to visit the best Christmas market destinations by rail. Just be sure to bring an extra suitcase – you’ll need it for all the treasures you’ll find.
They say the Germans invented Christmas: The Christmas tree, Kris Kringle, Silent Night, the Advent calendar, Christmas gifts and even the Christmas card all hail from the snowy forests of northwestern Europe. So, too, the Christmas market, which is the best possible way to spend a wintry evening.
For centuries, the open-air markets known as Weihnactsmarkt or Christkindlmarkt have popped up in communities all over Germany during the four weeks of Advent that lead up to Christmas Day. They’re usually held in the main town square, where vendors set up stalls to sell handicrafts, ornaments, food and the fragrant hot spiced wine known as glühwein. There’s often live entertainment and sometimes a nativity scene, a visit from the Three Wise Men or the arrival of the ‘Christkind’, played by an angelic-looking local child.
The earliest winter markets date back to the 12th Century – with some of the oldest in Munich, Frankfurt and Dresden – and weren’t specifically religious. Rather, they were an opportunity for townspeople to stock up on food and other household goods before the worst of winter arrived. Gradually, they became opportunities for artists and artisans to sell their wares. Then, in the early 1500s, around the time of the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther established December 24 as the country’s official gift-giving day, and the markets became a place to shop for presents.
Germany is still home to some of the world’s biggest and best Christmas markets. The ones in Nuremberg and Dresden draw about two million visitors a year; the ones in Stuttgart, Frankfurt and Dortmund attract about three million; and the most visited market, which is in Cologne, features hundreds of stalls and is visited by four million people a year. Indeed, the whole city of Cologne becomes a sparkling seasonal spectacle
But the tradition has spread beyond Germany’s borders, right across Europe, and a rail pass is a great way to visit the markets.
The one in Strasbourg in eastern France, for instance, dates back to 1570, has 10 locations, 300 stalls and a towering Great Christmas Tree. Vienna’s market is even older, dating back to 1298, and is one of the most traditionally festive in Europe with a huge skating rink, reindeer rides and a traditional (and very boozy) hot rum punsch.
In Budapest, Vörösmarty Square is transformed into a magical winter wonderland, where the façade of the famous Gerbeaud Coffee House is transformed into a giant Advent calendar with a window display opening every day before Christmas Eve. Prague, in the Czech Republic, has two markets just a short stroll from each other, one on Old Town Square and the other in Wenceslas Square, featuring wooden huts selling local crafts and foodstuffs. In Poland, Krakow’s market is the place to go for hand-painted ornaments and quirky antiques.
In Scandinavia, Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens burst with light shows and fireworks displays. Meanwhile, in Stockholm, Sweden, Skansen’s Christmas Market is as traditional as can be, with dancing around the Christmas tree and a small zoo where you can hang out with real live reindeer.
Today, Europe’s Christmas markets are more popular than ever. Whatever faith you follow – even if it’s no faith at all – the markets evoke an old-fashioned sense of community, with great food and unique one-of-a-kind gifts. Most of all, they are festively social, with people of all ages and walks of life gathering happily together.
It may be chilly outside, but here at Europe’s Christmas markets, the joyful goodwill will keep you warm all over.
There are also tons of amazing river cruising options that will take you to see the christmas markets including Avalon Waterways and AMA Waterways. If you’re looking to book a trip to see European Christmas markets, whether it be by land or river cruise, we can help! Fill out our request a quote form and tell us more about your trip and one of our advisors will be in touch!
With the holidays fast approaching, there are more and more travel deals rolling out every day. Between Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the less known Travel Tuesday, there are plenty of amazing offers available that you won’t want to miss! The good news for travellers is that most of these deals will extend beyond one day giving you a little more time to make a decision! We have handpicked some of the best deals available from some of our preferred partners. These deals won’t last long so send us a message or request a quote to get more information on any of these amazing deals! We are also offering a free Kemp Travel t-shirt, tank or hat to anyone who books between November 22nd and 28th. You must reference this post to receive your free item!
AIR CANADA VACATIONS
Up to 40% off Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, USA, Canada, & Europe
Book by November 22, 2018 and travel between February 1 to April 30, 2019
HOLLAND AMERICA CRUISES
Over 1,000 cruises on sale and for a limited-time receive prepaid gratuities and up to a $50 beverage credit per stateroom. This promotion includes all sailings from December 1, 2018 and on (excluding Grand Voyages and Grand Voyage Segments). The sale starts Wednesday, November 21 and runs through Tuesday, November 28.
PLUS, Cyber Sale is combinable with Top 10 Sailings and Alaska Land+Sea Exploration Event!
G ADVENTURES
For one week only, you can save up to 35% on more than 500 tours and 10,000 departures that let you trek, sail, surf, and more across our big, beautiful planet.
The Cyber Sale runs from 12:00am EST Tuesday, November 20 to 11:59pm EST Monday, November 26. So get on it!
Check out G Adventures new travel style called Wellness
OCEANIA CRUISES
FREE upgrade sale on 40 unique voyages for bookings made between November 20 and November 27, 2018.
TRANSAT
Save up to 50% when you book a winter Sun package. The Black Friday Week Sale is valid on new individual bookings made from November 20 to 26, 2018, for travel from December 15, 2018 to April 30, 2019. Valid on South, Europe and Caribbean cruise packages.
SUNWING
There are lots of Black Friday sales, but only one Orange Friday Sale. Save up to 35% off premium all inclusive vacations starting this weekend! Plus, take advantage of generous savings on cruise packages and Florida fly, stay and drive packages.
TRAFALGAR
Trafalgar is offering a savings of 15% off per person on 15 of its trips to Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Russia. The promotion runs through Nov. 26
REGENT SEVEN SEAS
Upgrade and indulge with a FREE 2- or 3-Category Suite Upgrade on select 2019 voyages to Europe, Alaska and the Caribbean. Enjoy a FREE 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel stay when you upgrade to a Concierge Suite or higher and the services of a personal butler when you step up to a Penthouse Suite.
Book between November 16 and November 30, 2018.
Check out their current Canadian at Par Promotion
CONTIKI
Save 20% off on a series of 20 of their most popular adventures around the world. This offer runs from November 23rd to November 30th.
INSIGHT VACATIONS
Book any premium escorted journey to Spain, Portugal or Morocco by 26 November and receive pre-paid gratuities on us PLUS save 10% with the Early Payment Discount.
SCENIC CRUISES
Book by November 26th and be eligible for some or all of the following: fly for FREE or fly for $295, €200 on board credit per suite, deposit protection plan and free door to door chauffeur services.
Terms and conditions apply to all of the above offers. If you are interested in learning more or requesting a quote, please send us an email or fill out our contact form and one of our experienced travel consultants will be happy to help you out!
PRINCESS CRUISES
Select sailings booked for winter 2018 through to spring 2019 are eligible to save up to $900 per stateroom, or $450 per guest based on double occupancy.
Cruisers booking sailings in from summer 2019 through to spring 2020 receive three free perks, including:
- FREE Stateroom Location Upgrade – the preferred stateroom location for the lowest fare available within selected room type.
- FREE Gratuities – paid on the guest’s behalf, up to a $15.50 value per day, per guest for all guests in a stateroom, up to four guests.
- FREE Onboard Spending Money for All Guests – up to $800 per stateroom, based on the length of the voyage.
Must be booked by December 3rd, 2018
WINDSTAR CRUISES
November one week sale – Voyages start from $1,099 USD per guest and are available until November 23. Book now so you don’t miss out!
WESTJET VACATIONS
Book your next vacation by November 23rd during one of their greatest sales of the year and get massive savings on vacation packages to incredible destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean and the U.S.
Terms and conditions apply to all of the above offers and may not be applicable to all bookings. To get more information or to book any of these offers please fill out our request a quote form, contact your Kemp Travel Consultant, or contact us and tell us a little about your trip and we will set you up with an advisor that best suits your travel needs!
Morocco is a land of many contrasts. There is a wide range of beauty from the luxurious resorts in Marrakech to the Bedouin camps in the Sahara Desert. I was grateful to be once again invited to this annual Ensemble Elite top producers trip around Morocco. I was lucky enough to be joined by my sister Cathy and many other members of top producing agencies from all over North America.
We started our journey in Marrakech at the Club Med Village. The Club Med was a lovely property with everything you could ask for in a resort. There were beautiful pool areas, good food, plenty of activities and excellent evening entertainment. We spent our next day exploring the Marrakech Medina which is a world unto itself. It is a maze of shops selling everything from Moroccan spices to hand made leather goods. Unless you have a full day here, it is best to go with a guide! The Medina is massive and can be difficult to find your way out of when you’re on a tight schedule!
The following day, we had the most amazing desert experience on the outskirts of Marrakech. Our driver drove us deep into the Sahara desert where there was nothing to be seen but sand in all directions. We waited in anticipation to see where we were headed when all of a sudden we came upon an oasis of white tents dotted in contrast with the red sand. At the camp we were greeted with music, dancers and refreshments which was a pleasant surprise!
Our tents in the desert were absolutely gorgeous and a stark contrast from the busy medina and luxurious hotel in Marrakech. Deep in the Sahara, the night sky is incredible. There is a sea of stars with no light to spoil your view. We were also able to take a once in a lifetime camel ride into the dunes to experience a desert sunset, kicking of the start of a spectacular night under the stars – something I won’t soon forget.
The next day we were treated to tea at a lovely Bedouin family home. It is so hard to imagine their daily life living in the harsh Sahara desert, still having to walk many miles to get water everyday. The contrast of life from the Bedouin people to the bustling city only a few hours away is extreme, yet they still continue to roam. The people were not only very happy, but they were also very hospitable to welcome us into their homes.
From the harsh Sahara desert we drove 10 hours into the heart of the beautiful and lush Atlas mountains to Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot Retreat. This resort is situated high up in the mountains and has spectacular views looking down into the surrounding valleys. They have spared no expense here. The rooms were absolutely gorgeous and no two are the same – all sporting amazing views! Ours was a luxurious villa overlooking the valley with spacious living room and a massive bathroom. The resort had several beautiful pools, two grass tennis courts and plenty of games around the resort. Not to mention the food and service were impeccable!
Our final stop was in Casablanca, a port city on the Atlantic coast. I was only here for a short period but Casablanca is a bustling city with many beaches. I found it to be more of an industrial metropolis without the same charm as the rest of the places we visited. While it wasn’t my favourite part of Morocco, I think it was still interesting to see and worthwhile for a quick stop!
I wasn’t able to see all of Morocco on this trip but I found I was charmed to the mystical call of the country. It is so diverse from the desert, to the mountains to beaches to bustling cities. As a travel agent, I am always interested in seeing the unique types of accommodations in different places that are available for my clients who want to do something similarly amazing off the beaten path. Morocco is full of wonderful hotel prospects to fit every budget. It would definitely be a destination I would recommend to clients. I loved the culture, the history and the beauty of the country that is Morocco.
By Sheila Kemp
The Kemp Travel Group is a privately owned and operated full-service travel agency. We have over 35 years of experience offering professional, world-wide travel experiences! Our agents have extensive knowledge in the travel industry, specializing in leisure travel, destination weddings, honeymoons, group travel and corporate meetings & incentives. We have 3 conveniently located offices in the Durham Region – Bowmanville, Oshawa and Whitby. If you would like more information on Sheila’s time or would like to request a quote, please fill out our contact form here
If you’re like us and enjoy a good scare every once in a while, you might enjoy these creepy destinations to travel next Halloween. What’s your favourite spooky place? Let us know in the comments!
Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland
Fun Fact: It is said that Halloween originated in Ireland. Samhain was an ancient Celtic festival where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off spirits. With that being said, it seemed fitting to start this list with the eerie road in Northern Ireland. You may recognize it as the Kings Road made famous by HBO’s Game of Thrones. This street is lined with massive beech trees that creep over the road and shade the street year-round. Because of this, it tends to have an ominous feel no matter when you visit. Local legend even says that the area is haunted by “The Grey Lady” who glides along the road at night, vanishing as she passes the last tree.
Paris Catacombs, France
Deep beneath the surface of “the city of love”, there is a slightly different vibe. The catacombs of Paris are hundreds of kilometres of dingy tunnels below the metro and sewer system. These tunnels are filled with the remains of over six million people dating back to the 18th century. It is said that Parisian officials began bringing bodies down here because they were running out graveyard space and trying to avoid the spread of disease. The creepiest part of all is how the bones are neatly organized along the walls in certain areas. It is also said that this complex series of tunnels has yet to be completely mapped. This draws urban explorers looking to find new areas of the tunnels each year. If going it alone isn’t your thing, not to worry – there are regular tours that run year round!
Bran Castle, Romania
Also known as Dracula’s castle, Bran Castle is a National Monument in Transylvania. It is also said to be the inspiration for the fictitious character made famous by Bram Stoker. This ancient castle protrudes out of a thick forest looming over the small village of Bran, Romania. If this sounds like your kind of place, each year G Adventures hosts a tour to Romania which includes a massive Halloween party at the infamous castle. Interested? Give us a shout for more information!
Chernobyl, Ukraine
This eerie city in Ukraine is home to the biggest and arguably most infamous nuclear meltdown in history. In 1986 this former Soviet Union nuclear station exploded killing 50+ people and drove hundreds of thousands more from their homes. The nuclear fallout was catastrophic leaving the area looking like a post-apocalyptic city. Now certain parts of this area have been deemed safe and have re-opened to the public. Tours are now available, but go at your own risk!
Alcatraz, San Francisco
Alcatraz Island, San Francisco
This famous, now defunct prison sits two kilometres off of the coast of San Francisco. It once held some of Americas most notorious criminals including Al Capone, Robert “the Birdman” Stroud and Machine Gun Kelly. Also known as The Rock, Alcatraz was host to many deadly riots and was said to be impossible to escape due to its location surrounded by frigid, shark infested waters. Alcatraz shut down in 1963 due to deteriorating conditions and the cost of upkeep. Not long after, the prison re-opened to the public for tours but trust us when we say, it’s creepy!
Death Road, Bolivia
North Yungas Road in Bolivia is often referred to as Death Road. This narrow stretch of road hugs the cliffside leading from La Paz to Coroico in Bolivia. While the views might look gorgeous, this road definitely lives up to it’s name. This route is subject to falling rocks, heavy rains and thick fog, making for poor road conditions. Beyond that, there are points with 900 metre drops, no guard rails and for the most part is only wide enough for one car yet has traffic travelling both ways – a recipe for disaster. It was estimated at one point that 200-300 drivers lost their lives each year on this road, which is chilling in itself. The road has improved a lot in recent years but despite warnings, thrill seekers continue to flock here from all over the world year after year.
Want to visit any of these creepy destinations yourself!? Contact any of our travel consultant to start planning today!
So who are Ensemble Travel Group’s top travel agencies? The travel agency consortium, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary, honored its top-producing members in the U.S. and Canada at the group’s annual Circle of Excellence Gala on Friday evening, during the 2018 Ensemble Travel Group International Conference at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar.
“The last three years have been the best in our history, which is quite impressive when you consider our half century of service,” said Ensemble Co-President Libbie Rice. “And we saw even greater returns in 2017, so congratulations to this circle of market leaders for pushing the bar to record-setting levels at Ensemble and for our preferred partners.”
The organization’s top producers in the U.S. based on 2017 sales of Ensemble preferred partners (in alphabetical order): AffordableTours.com of Stafford, Texas; Altair Travel & Cruises of St. Louis, Mo.; Crown Cruise Vacations of Princeton, N.J.; Goldrush Getaways of Citrus Heights, Calif.; Incentive Connection Travel Inc. of Phoenix, Ariz.; Professional Travel, Inc. of North Olmstead, Ohio; The Cruise Web of Calverton, Md.; Travel Network/Vacation Central of Englewood Cliffs, N.J.; Travel Planners International of Maitland, Fla.; and Uniglobe Travel Center of Irvine, Calif.
In addition, Ensemble’s Highest Growth Award went to the following U.S. agency members for achieving the highest year-over-year growth (regionally) based on 2017 preferred partner sales compared to 2016: MEI-Travel of Issaquah, Wash.; A Girl’s Gotta Go Travel of Cambridge, Mass.; The Travel Service of St. Simons Island, Ga.; and Jackson Travel Agency of Medford, Ore.
During Friday night’s gala Ensemble also announced the winner of the first annual “Warren Buckner Innovation Award” in honor of Warren Buckner, owner of Gayety Travel Service in Brooklyn, N.Y., who helped start GIANTS in 1968. The award exemplifies Buckner’s dedication to his core values over the last 50 years: creativity, integrity, and passion, perseverance in his commitment to his agency, industry and community, as well as his longevity as an Ensemble member. Buckner continues at the helm of his agency, in addition to serving as member emeritus of the Ensemble board of directors.
Earning the inaugural Warren Buckner Innovation Award was Kemp Travel Group of Ontario, Canada, and accepted was the mother-daughter team of Sheila and Erin Kemp. Their privately owned, family run full-service agency has been creating extraordinary travel experiences and delivering superior service to their customers for more than 30 years. A member of Ensemble for 15 years, the agency is a strong supporter of the group, participating in a variety of ways, including the program committee, conference panels, numerous training and events, sharing of best practices with other members, and ultimately achieving Ensemble Elite status for top producers.
The Kemps are not only savvy business owners, but are also committed to helping others as seen by their countless volunteer hours that extend across the globe to places like India where Erin helped distribute bed kits to children in need as part of the Sleeping Children Around the World global organization. They also are committed to their local Bowmanville Hospital Foundation, including the family’s recent $2 million gift in support of the facility’s redevelopment and expansion project.
In addition to Friday night’s awards, the following special member honors were presented at conference: The top U.S. Shareholder Engagement Award, based on a U.S. member’s participation and support of the organization’s events, technology, marketing, and specialty partners, was presented to Around the Globe Travel of Huntington Beach, Calif. The Above & Beyond Award,” based on U.S. members who exemplify many of Ensemble Travel Group’s core values of Integrity, purpose, passion, community/family, innovation and profit, was awarded to: ATB Travel of Lancaster, Calif.; Go Travel of Longwood, Fla.; Edgewood Travel of Savannah, Ga.; and Sea 4 Sail of Pleasanton, Calif.
Ensemble’s top producers in Canada based on 2017 sales of Ensemble preferred partners (in alphabetical order) are: Cruise Connections Canada Ltd. of Vancouver, B.C.; CruisePlus Management. Ltd of Lantzville, B.C. Escapes.ca of Vancouver, B.C.; Ixtapa Travel of Saskatoon, SK; Jubilee Tours & Travel Ltd. of Burnaby, B.C.; TierOne Travel Inc. of Calgary, Alberta; Travel Masters of Vancouver, B.C.; TravelOnly of Brantford, Ont..; Tully Luxury Travel of Mississauga, Ont.; and Ucruising of Unionville of Markham, Ont.
In addition, the Highest Growth Award went to the following Canadian members for achieving the highest year-over-year growth (regionally) based on 2017 preferred partner sales compared to 2016: Go Travel of Carstairs, Alberta; Romantic Planet Vacations of Burlington, Ont.; and The Unity Travel Shoppe of Unity, SK.
The Top Canadian Shareholder Engagement Award, based on a Canadian member’s participation and support of the organization’s events, technology, marketing, and specialty partners, was awarded to Cruise Vacations of Winnipeg. The Above & Beyond Award, based on Canadian members who exemplify many of Ensemble Travel Group’s core values of Integrity, purpose, passion, community/family, innovation and profit, was awarded to Direct Travel Service of Ponoka, Alberta; Prelude Travel of Kenora, Ont.; and Voyages 123GO of Blainville, QC.
The Kemp Travel Group was proud to sponsor the new Bowmanville Hospital Foundation Transport Truck. Last Wednesday October 17th, there was an event held at the Traditions of Durham Retirement Residence for the unveiling of the new truck which will be driving routes everywhere between Peterborough and Toronto. Our Sales and Marketing Manager Eric was in attendance for the unveiling in Oshawa last week alongside other business owners and members of the community. Both Mayor Adrian Foster of Clarington and Mayor John Henry of Oshawa were both in attendance for this event along with Andrea Russell and Jessica Gibbens of the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation. This truck will be hitting the road soon, so keep your eyes peeled for our logo!
Thanks to Big Rig Wraps Durham and Traditions of Durham Retirement Residence Ltd for hosting the event!
Here are some pictures from the event:
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The Kemp Travel Group is a privately owned and operated full-service travel agency with over 35 years of experience offering professional, world-wide travel experiences! Our agents have extensive knowledge in the travel industry, specializing in leisure travel, destination weddings, honeymoons, group travel and corporate meetings & incentives. We have 3 conveniently located offices in the Durham Region – Bowmanville, Oshawa and Whitby.
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