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selling tips USA
Tracey Quirk
Senior travel adviser,
Brownhills Co-operative
Travel
Families
F
amily holidays to the US
can be so much more than
Orlando, burgers and roller-
coasters, with a little planning.
Remember to complete the Esta
online in advance to make your clients’
journey through US immigration easier
(https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/)
British Airways has its own dedicat-
ed service for children called Skyflyers.
Children receive packs containing pens, American Museum of Natural History, both East and West coasts, close to popular
books, stickers and even hand-held made famous in the film Night At The Museum. tourist attractions such as the Grand
electronic games for older ones. These attractions and more are available to Canyon, Niagara Falls and Myrtle Beach.
Children can get easily tired by the pre-book with Attraction World. Ranch holidays are become increasingly
hustle and bustle of city breaks. Taking Remember that even energetic children popular, but some are not really suitable
on too much sightseeing can cause can get affected by jetlag, so make sure the for even experienced riders aged under
unneccesary stress so it’s vital to plan first couple of days are taken at a steady 12. However, resort-style ranches are
well before travelling. Avoid moving pace when visiting theme parks. expanding their facilities for families,
around the cities during rush hour, Buy theme park tickets in advance to including swimming pools and kids’ clubs.
and advise eating early, to avoid the save queuing, even at the quietest times Travelling to the US is still good value
lunch/dinner crowds in restaurant. of year. Disney’s Ultimate Ticket is the for money for families, even during the
Curious minds in New York will be best value and includes unlimited entry to recession. Many hotels have reduced room
spoiled for choice with attractions such all Disney theme parks for 14 days. rates to stimulate demand and getting
as Top Of The Rock – the 70th storey For those who like the outdoor life, around by car is much less expensive than
of the Rockefeller centre, and the Keycamp Holidays features campsites on in Europe due to cheaper petrol prices.
increased flexibility – hop on and off Route 66 is a classic, linking Chicago
Daniel Sutherland trains while you zig zag across the States. with Los Angeles. Drive it all and you’ll tick
senior travel consultant, If your clients are limited on time, off Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas,
Colletts Travel flying between major gateways means New Mexico, Arizona and California.
they can cover ground more quickly. New York is a great starting point for a
US Airways has a range of air passes fly-drive – head south to Philadelphia and
Touring including the Tri-State pass for travel Washington, or north into New England.
M
ost clients touring the US within California, Nevada and Arizona. But don’t go too near the Canadian border
choose between coach Travel 2 partner, Cruise America is the in winter, as the weather can be risky.
tours and fly-drives. world’s largest motorhome hire company, Florida is a good fly-drive option for
When you hire your with 24 depots in the US. The initial hire families – enjoy the parks then head
own car you’re not tied to being in a cost is quite expensive but the nightly rate south to Sarasota, which has good beaches
certain place at a certain time. But is cheaper than a hotel room and it works and is not as commercial as Orlando.
your clients need to be confident at out even better value when you self-cater. I recently toured California on a super-
driving abroad and many car hire fam with the tourist board. I’d been to the
companies operating in the US set a state before but travelling by road from
lower age limit for drivers of 25. If San Francisco to Los Angeles showed me
you’re aged between 21 and 25 you a different side. There’s plenty along the
may be charged a supplement. route to keep you entertained – vibrant
Coaches are a good option for older Monterey and quieter Carmel, historical
clients and nervous drivers. They can Hearst Castle and Ventura, for whale
sit back and let the driver and tour watching. You can stretch out this coastal
guide do all the work, and they won’t route into a pleasant 10-day trip – there’s
miss any of the passing scenery. plenty of accommodation along the way
Amtrak’s rail passes also offer from camping grounds to five-star hotels.
TTG Knowledge – November 2009
25
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