Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Regent Seven Seas Cruises for Your Alaskan Adventure

"Alaska is still wild and untamed. Its lure is intoxicating. In Alaska, nature has the power to transform even the most city-hardened hearts. You'll never be the same. Man is dwarfed by the proportion of nature. [...] Embrace Alaska and awaken your soul." -Terry Breen, cultural anthropologist and storyteller

Alaska is a destination at the top of many travelers' bucket lists, and for good reason! With towering glaciers, snow-capped mountains and exotic wildlife, The Final Frontier offers majestic views of untouched wilderness. If you're thinking about embarking on an Alaskan adventure in 2014, read on for the top 5 reasons why you should choose a Regent Seven Seas cruise!

1. Regent is the best way to see Alaska—Explore all the natural beauty Alaska has to offer by getting up close to its scenic coastline. A highlight for many traveling to Alaska is Hubbard Glacier, North America's largest tidewater glacier. Regent guests are able to fully experience all the sights, sounds—even smells!— of the glacier, as the size of Regent's ships allow for sailing as close as half a mile away from the glacier. Most other cruise ships are only able to get as close as six miles away! 

In another feature unique to Regent, cultural anthropologist and storyteller Terry Breen sails on all Regent Alaska cruises, offering colorful commentary about the history and wildlife of Alaska. Many of our clients say that Terry's insights provide the WOW factor that make the trip worth it!  

2. Truly all-inclusive cruising—Airfare, shore excursions, gratuities, beverages and ground transfers are all included on Regent cruises, which can add up to a savings of thousands of dollars! Considering that shore excursions on other cruise lines typically cost between $125-300 per person, per excursion, this an exceptional value.

3. Personalized service—With a maximum capacity of 490 passengers, Regent's fleet of ships offers the best ratio of staff to guests among similar cruise lines, allowing for a more relaxing and luxurious experience. 

4. Ideal timing—Alaska's cruise season typically runs from June through August, when temperatures are the warmest and daylight hours peak at 14-18 hours per day.

5. Hassle-free traveling—Forward your luggage to Anchorage and breeze through airport security—without the headache of dealing with your luggage. 

Beyond Group Travel is offering two Alaska cruises on Regent next year:

• Glacial Serenity, sailing June 18, 2014
• Timeless Alaska, sailing July 16, 2014    

Beginning in Anchorage, each sailing stops in 6 ports along the Inside Passage aboard the Seven Seas Navigator. Prior to embarkation, you will have the option to explore nearby destinations such as Denali National Park. The 7 night voyage concludes in Vancouver. 

Contact us today to make your reservation on this unforgettable journey to Alaska!



Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713-954-4825 or 1-877-648-1973.

Stress-Free Packing Tips

With nearly every airline charging fees for checked baggage these days, more and more savvy travelers are opting to use carry-on bags. It can be tricky to fit all of your belongings in a compact carry-on, so we’ve gleaned some tips from the experts to take the stress out of packing: 

• Plan accordingly: One to two weeks before your trip, take a look at your itinerary and create a packing list that takes into consideration all of the activities you’ll be doing and places you’ll be visiting. A good list will make the packing process go smoothly and will ensure you don’t forget anything!
• Forget folding—roll your clothes: Rolled clothes take up less space than folded ones, allowing you to utilize more space in your carry-on bag. As an added bonus, travel expert Caroline Costello points out that the rolling technique decreases the likelihood you’ll end up with wrinkled clothes when you arrive at your destination!
• Streamline your liquids: If you’ve taken a flight in the last decade, you should be aware of TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for carry-ons: each passenger is allowed to bring one quart-sized, clear zip-top bag containing liquids, aerosols and gels stored in 3.4 ounce bottles or less (by volume). Most drug stores and pharmacies carry travel-sized toiletries that meet TSA requirements, or you can fill empty bottles with your favorite products. If you’re still having trouble whittling down your liquid allotment, try finding solid alternatives. For example, travel blogger Caroline Morse suggests bringing cleansing face cloths instead of liquid face wash.
• Make the most of your personal item: Most airlines allow passengers to bring one personal item in addition to a carry-on bag. Travel blogger Caroline Morse advises travelers to use a large tote bag as your personal item. Not only does a tote bag give you extra storage, it also keeps essentials like medications and cell phone chargers and close at hand during the flight.
• Expect the unexpected: Traveling can be unpredictable. Be prepared for split seams or the occasional loose button with a small sewing kit. Stain remover pens are great for minor spills. And in the midst of an unanticipated downpour, you’ll never regret packing a travel-sized umbrella and/or a rain jacket! 

With these tips, you should be well prepared for your next adventure!

Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713-954-4825 or 1-877-648-1973.

The Ultimate Escape to the Caribbean

T.S. Eliot once said April is the cruelest month…if that's true, then January can’t be far behind! Think about it: all the joy and excitement of the holidays is over, the days become shorter and the temperatures hover around freezing. Blech!  

It’s around this time every year that people start dreaming of sunshine, sand, and warmer weather–which is why we’re excited to offer the spectacular Sun Splashed Isles Cruise from January 23-February 2, 2014! Experience a different kind of "winter blues" sailing in the eastern Caribbean's cobalt and turquoise waters aboard Oceania Cruises’ elegant Riviera.

This ten day voyage was carefully created to ensure that you’ll wake up to a new port nearly every day. 

Discover the colorful Spanish colonial architecture in Old San Juan...

lounge in the famous baths at Virgin Gorda in Tortola... 

and snorkel in the crystalline waters in St. Barts... 

Of course, since this is an Oceania Cruise, you'll be able to enjoy all the luxuries of upscale cruising, including gourmet dining, spacious staterooms and indulgent spa services. Enjoy all that Riviera has to offer with a $100 spa or shipboard credit per stateroom, prepaid gratuities (a $150.00 value) and a 1-hour cocktail party with hot hors d’oeuvres – exclusive amenities just for our clients!

Click here to view the brochure, and contact us to make your reservation–you'll thank yourself next winter!

Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713-954-4825 or 1-877-648-1973.

The Hideaway REVEALED!

Oh my.  What a VOYAGE!!!  We enjoyed an incredible time onboard Oceania Cruises Riviera for Caribbean Hideaways from January 23rd-February 2nd with The Dining Diva.   This voyage was created with a culinary focus in mind, complete with a culinary course in the culinary center onboard!  Our group of 30 travelers were a delight to escort on this journey, and we are already looking towards our next journey with The Dining Diva (stay tuned)!

We discovered the hideaways in the Eastern and Southeastern Caribbean from Bathsheba in Barbados, the rum distillery in St. Lucia, to the quaint French township of St. Barts.

Of course, our sailing was fulfilled with the ports alone, but, as our loyal travelers know, we aren’t just about the voyage as planned.  We thrive on enhancing the journey!!  The Dining Diva worked with us from May 2012 to develop this culinary trip, and the cuisine of Oceania Cruises paired with our added cuisine-focused shore excursions and cooking class in Oceania’s onboard culinary center.

A highlight for many included our rum distillery tour and rum tasting the beautiful St. Lucia!

By the way, did you know St. Lucia had these awe-inspiring pitons?  We knew they existed, but we didn’t realize the beauty these add to the coast of St. Lucia.  We actually know of a couple luxurious resorts facing these pitons!

As an added bonus to the exciting ports, delectable cuisine, and excellent service-oriented vessel, our group took advantage of the extra days at sea.  In fact, this was a large draw for this selected itinerary because of the number of days at sea allowing our travelers to experience all that Riviera has to offer. 

While our 10-day voyage was joyous in every way, it seemed to go by so quickly!  The sun has set on this unique experience, and we are already planning our next. 

Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713-954-4825

Istanbul to Rome on Oceania Cruises

August 16-28, 2013

It’s safe to say that, in this day and age of cruising, you can sail away your vacation just about anywhere in the world, including by river.  That said, we’re not just any travel agency offering any and every departure!  As our seasoned travelers know, we look for the unique…one-of-a-kind…has-a-lot-to-offer type of voyages; especially when we hear from clients that have specific ports in mind for their sailing or perhaps are looking for something culturally diverse.

This is precisely why we have chosen to share with you this week the Treasures and Monuments sailing on Oceania Cruises newest Riviera.  There are a multitude of reasons why this is a sailing to both consider and remember:

• The best way to see Greece

  In the past, we shared logic on viewing Australia and New Zealand by cruising is the best way to experience the region because of the ground to cover, the distance traveling by land, and, most importantly, the best views of this area are from the water.  The same details apply to the beauty of Greece.  Because of Greece’s many islands and amount of travel required to see much of the country, cruising suits your travel needs best to unpack once and also allows you see its INCREDIBLE COASTLINES from the water.  With the perfectly arranged stops in Rhodes, Santorini, Crete, and Cephalonia, take this sailing to view and capture the best of Greece.

• Visit Italy for five days

  On top of the splendor of Greece at the beginning of your sailing, experience the west coast of Italia including the breath-taking coast of Amalfi.  Your ports of call through Italy include Taorminia (Sicily), Amalfi/Positano, Olbia/Porto Cervo (Sardinia), Florence/Pisa/Tuscany (Livorno), and your disembarkation port of Civitavecchia. 

• Sardinia, Italy and Crete, Greece

  These two unique ports are lesser traveled and accessible by smaller vessels at sea such as Oceania Cruises.  This means there will be fewer cruise travelers present in these ports!  In Sardinia, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the Nuraghic culture through their cuisine, enigmatic remnants, and handmade goods inspired by them.

• Finest cuisine at sea

  In our many posts about Oceania Cruises, we have shared intermittently about their exquisite cuisine.  This stunning cruise line has a culinary team led by the well-known Chef Jacques Pépin which further affirms the quality of gastronomy served in their Grand Dining Room and four specialty restaurants.  After several groups sailing with us on Oceania Cruises, our travelers have each concurred that their dining experiences onboard were top-notch with haute cuisine, for sure!  We continue to encourage our clients to consider Oceania for their preferred sailing because of the continuous rave reviews.

• Unmatched accommodations and service

  Further to the delectable cuisine onboard, Oceania provides you with gorgeous and spacious staterooms, and 96% of those on Riviera have a verandah!  With certain suites decorated by Ralph Lauren and Dakota Jackson, the cruise line spared no expense to make sure that you travel in comfort and elegance for your voyage.  Pair these accommodations with divine service, and you have another reason why Beyond Group Travel wants you to experience Oceania Cruises!

As we do with each of our sailings, we are able to help you with extending your voyage prior to embarkation or at disembarkation.  This means, we can assist with your stay in Istanbul or complete your voyage with a history-rich stay in Rome.  Your ideal 3-night stay in the Eternal City could really conclude your once-in-a-lifetime journey!

Take this opportunity to sail this extremely well-planned itinerary on a voyage that has numerous experiences to offer in location, diversity, beauty, cuisine and accommodations.  Special 2 for 1 CRUISE FARES with INCLUDED AIRFARE available for reservations made on/before
March 31, 2013.  Contact us today for more information and to reserve!  Click here to view the brochure.

Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713-954-4825 or 1-877-648-1973.

Kentucky Derby–May 1-5, 2013

It’s THE most exciting two minutes in sports.  Even those who aren’t into the pageantry of the race know they watch this exciting event every year!  And for those who love the history, the fashion, or the Super Bowl of horse racing will love this exclusive opportunity to experience the “Run for the Roses!”
Of course, there are many ways that you can travel and experience the Kentucky Derby.  Why yes, if not this year, you could attend another year.  However, there’s no other opportunity to experience the Kentucky Derby the way that we have arranged!  To watch this 139th run at Churchill Downs, you’ll receive exclusive access to enjoy private hospitality in the indoor Kentucky Derby Museum!
As you can imagine, it’s great to have this indoor space if the weather turns south during the hours prior to the race.  While viewing the complete Derby experience within the newly remodeled museum, avoid waiting in lines across the Downs. Access is complete with a full buffet at reserved seating, open bar, and private betting windows. See the ‘best of hats’ contest right inside the museum!  We will also provide private transportation via motor coach to/from the race.

Beyond Group Travel has prepared a luxurious package for you which is inclusive of the following:

Four nights hotel accommodations at the newly rebuilt Marriott Louisville East

Breakfast each morning at the hotel

Welcome reception and appetizers at the hotel on Wednesday evening

Thursday day trip to Lexington with guided tours of horse farms, Keeneland, and Buffalo Trace Distillery with lunch included

Cocktails and dinner on Friday evening

First floor or third floor Grandstand ticket to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday

Exclusive private hospitality in the indoor, newly-renovated Kentucky Derby Museum, with full buffet, reserved seating, open bar and private betting windows

Post-Derby buffet dinner at the hotel on Saturday evening

On site hospitality staff

Taxes and tips on included features

Transportation via private bus to included events

Visit our website and view the brochure to read more about the details of this bucket-list trip!

Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713-954-4825

When to hire a Travel Specialist

In reading the recent issue of Conde Nast Traveler, they published a great article highlighting the importance of a travel specialist including details and qualities to look for in your ideal travel specialist. 

In reviewing this well-written article, the details of when to hire a travel specialist are a good starting point for people who have not yet determined when to seek the assistance of a travel specialist.  We definitely agree with each of these well-thought reason’s from Consumer News Director Wendy Perrin:

• highly personalized multi-day itineraries

  We actually spend quite a bit of our time doing this very thing because we pride ourselves in providing business to groups who come to us with a specific request for their travel destination and to-do list for excursions.  If we have a group requesting Holland, for example, we have educated ourselves in the locations to visit in the region, and we have on-location partners that have been interviewed and selected precisely for trips of such nature.

• once-in-a-lifetime splurges involving four or five-star hotels

  These are often very special stories of desired trips for anniversaries or splendid celebrations.  Clients are eager to take that trip they’ve never spent the time to plan or think about because children have graduated, a landmark anniversary has come, or perhaps another major life event carries them to explore the trip of a lifetime!  Finding the proper hotels with immaculate service can be tricky in unknown areas of the world, and it’s our pleasure to guide you through your desired destinations to show you why one property is ideal for your needs!

• English speaking guides and travelers 

  Perhaps this is not a detail that each traveler thinks about in arranging their exciting voyage, rather said traveler assumes this language detail as a given.  We certainly go through extra detail to insure you not only enjoy your excursions and guided tours but also understand them!

• special access to monuments, events, or people

  Oh wait a detail we love!!!  This is especially exciting to us annually with our trips to NYC and Washington D.C. (as well as other destinations).  It’s a Beyond Group Travel natural to find how we can provide our travelers with special access or exclusive access!  Recently we shared with you that Linda and Ashley took travelers to the Neue Galerie on our Holidays in New York trip, and this visit meant that our travelers were granted before hours access to tour the museum!

• cruises with private shore excursions

  Of everything listed here, this may be the detail we focus on most often.  Because we work with magnificent partners that allow us the added ability to do enhance our traveler’s experience, we do this for each every one of our cruise travelers.  While we never require you to take your excursions privately, we do always offer the ability to take private shore excursions!

Take the hassle out of group travel; call us to plan your next group trip or join ours! 713.954.4825

Source: http://www.cntraveler.com/travel-tips/travel-specialists