With the summer months approaching and holiday season suddenly on the horizon, it seems a fitting time to catch up with some group travel organisers to find out what adventures they’ve got in the pipeline.
Mary Gotts, Ver-Colne Valley (VCV ) U3A: “I have just booked a ten day trip to India for 2019 – very exciting! Having done a trip to Southern India, Kerala, myself last year, I am so looking forward to be able to share my experiences and enthusiasm on a return trip with my group, to see even more of this colourful and exciting country.”
A houseboat in Kerala, southern India.
Andy Booth, Sainsbury’s Staff Association: “Having only been on one cruise in the past ten years, I felt it was necessary to refresh my views on this form of travelling, so have accepted an offer from Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines to do a fam trip to the Scottish Highlands & Islands in July. Cruising seems to be becoming more popular recently, so I’m keen to see what’s changed since I went with Page & Moy (now Travelsphere) to Norway in 2008.”
Lochinver, on the coast of the Scottish Highlands.
Sue Povey, Out and About with Sue: “I have a group of 36 going to Desenzano, at the base of Lake Garda, for the last week of September 2018. I chose this as an ideal time and perfect base to explore the region, both on my itinerary and independently due to its excellent rail connections to Venice and Verona.”
Sunrise over Lake Garda.
Joy Matthews, IBM Hursley Retirement Club: “This year is a busy one – we’ve got Monkey World; Exbury; a trip on the Bluebell Railway; a day trip to Devizes; and a visit to Highclere Castle. We’ve also got a mystery tour of the Cotswolds coming up, plus visits to RAF Hendon and the Bath Christmas Markets. It’s very satisfying to have it all sorted, we usually finalise our year ahead in September/October.”
A couple of furry residents at Monkey World – Ape Rescue Centre.
Sue Poole, Wooburn Outings: “I’ve got 42nd Street the Musical in June which should be great. I’m also doing the National Memorial Arboretum in July. We’ve got a Twickenham rugby tour and for those who want to come, but aren’t necessarily interested in rugby, I’m looking at a visit to nearby Strawberry Hill House. Regarding holidays, we have Little Trains of the Pyrenees booked as well as a trip to north Wales. I’m also looking at trips to Scotland and Cyprus so plenty going on!”
Clare Halse and company in 42nd Street the Musical. (Photo credit: Brinkhoff & Moegenburg).
Pat King, Buckden Friends: “I am taking my group to Weymouth this month after Daish’s invited me to a familiarisation weekend at their hotel. These trips are an excellent way of trying before you buy and I find them incredibly useful. They’re also good for talking to other group leaders and swapping experiences, which will help when I return with my group.”
The harbour front at Weymouth, Dorset.
Find your own travel inspiration at the GLTS
Lots of group travel organisers find their travel ideas at the Group Leisure & Travel Show each October – have you registered yet to attend the event this year? It’s quick and easy and you can do it by clicking here.
The Group Leisure & Travel Show 2018 will take place on 11th October in Hall 19 at the NEC Birmingham.
Companies interested in exhibiting are encouraged to contact the organising team now to discuss the best available stand positions. You can call 01908-613323 or e-mail sharon.y@yandellmedia.com for further information about exhibiting.
