'Tis the Season... SPRING BREAK

Baha Mar in March? | Favorite Drivable Destinations | Last-Minute Caribbean | Self-Booking | Travel Insurance - Yay or Nay? | Summer Hot Spots | Barge Cruising in Europe | Maui | Family River Cruise | Lake Como & Amalfi Coast | Christmas in Africa | Jungles & Rainforests in Costa Rica | Plan for 2025 | Superyacht in Galapagos | Meet our Team | We're Moving

If so, send your confirmation number/email and the name(s) and date(s) of birth on the reservation to info@youngtravel.com, and we will research it ASAP to see if we can lock in a lower rate for you. We have connections at all three Baha Mar properties – Grand Hyatt, SLS, and Rosewood, as well as at the Albany, Atlantis, and Four Seasons/Ocean Club.

Maybe you did your own research and booked online or direct with the hotel? We can still possibly help. One of our preferred suppliers is running a promotion, and just last week were able to secure rooms at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar at $1250 less per room (for 7 nights) than the published online promotional rate you likely used when booking direct through the website.

SAVE $2500?

For one spring break family, we were able to hold the new rates and then cancel their original booking, saving them >$2500 for their 2 rooms over 7 nights.

Three advantages of working with Young Travel are:

1. potential Virtuoso perks at Virtuoso properties, such as daily breakfast for two and room upgrades, based on availability, and $100 food and beverage credit,
2. ability to easily tie in airport transportation, VIP airport/customs concierge, and travel/international health insurance into your hotel package (one-stop shop), and
3. leverage our relationships with third-party suppliers running promotions and that have longstanding annual contracts with the key hotels in the area at pre-negotiated rates, usually at rates lower than the published rack rates.

There is no charge for Young Travel to check for applicable rates and offers for an existing reservation if your rate is >$500/night and if you booked direct with the hotel or through the hotel website. At times, the hotel requires us to add our agency name to your existing reservation as part of the process and to allow them to communicate with us. Your original reservation stays intact and there is no effort required on your part.

Do you want to go to Nassau for spring break or Easter break and haven’t pulled the trigger? There is still some availability. But, spring is high season, so we recommend getting the ball rolling ASAP. Call us at 864-232-8880 or email us at info@youngtravel.com.

Young Travel helped this group of friends with a river cruise on the Rhine through Switzerland, Germany, France, and Holland. Activities included visiting Heidelberg Castle and a working windmill; biking, boating, canoeing, and hiking across multiple cities; scavenger hunts and hands-on cooking classes; eating lots of local food including a day in Gouda eating their legendary cheese; experiencing numerous locks along the river; among other things.

If you're not up for traveling by air this spring break, there are some great options not too far from Greenville.

Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN is a great option for families (or couples) that want to be pampered and cozy up in a cabin with great food and wine. They have rooms, cottages, and even houses for larger families in their portfolio. And your kids won't be bored with activities like fly fishing, horseback riding, cooking classes, sports clay shooting, hiking, farm tours, archery, and geocaching. There is also an excellent spa!

The Montage Palmetto Bluff is nestled along the May River in the low country between Hilton Head Island and Savannah. Enjoy their 20,000-acre retreat that offers endless ways to explore and unwind. Save on plane tickets and escape to this close-to-home retreat. This Virtuoso property includes a $100 resort credit as one of the available perks when using a Virtuoso agency such as Young Travel.

Primland Resort is less than 4-hours drive from Greenville, is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and rated the #1 rated resort in the Southeast U.S by Condé Nast Traveler. From horseback riding to fly fishing, Primland Resort is an all-season outdoor wonderland. Climb its mountains, putt its greens, and seek out its wild inhabitants. Perched in the treetops above the Dan River Gorge, Primland’s 12,000 thickly-wooded acres are home to intimate Tree Houses with sweeping views. Designed in France by a renowned treehouse architectural firm – and built of aromatic red cedar – the 440-square-foot Tree Houses with expansive decks feel utterly remote, being at an elevation of 2,700 feet. Guests access the lofty accommodations, which suit up to two adults, by a wooden bridge.

High Hampton is the ultimate mountain escape! Head up to Cashiers, NC and take advantage of a two- or three-night getaway package through March. Itineraries will include fitness classes, expert-led outings, fireside storytelling, cocktail receptions, wine dinners, and so much more – all included in your stay! Breakfast and dinner are also included when you book a Winter Weekend Getaway.

Below are some preferred properties in the Caribbean, each with their own benefits. Call us if something catches your eye or you want to learn more about an area or island. By working with Young Travel, we are able to utilize our partnership with Classic Vacations to secure prices and packages lower than what is listed online if you were to book direct. We can also include airport transportation, insurance, and other items into your proposal so you have everything under one roof and don't have to go to different vendors for different services.

Do you want all the perks, but prefer to research rates and book yourself? You can use this link to book yourself at intimate retreats, sustainable safari camps, gorgeous beach resorts … and so much more. Click here for a list of Virtuoso Amenities.

As travel planners, we are often asked, "Should I purchase travel insurance?" Our answer is usually the same. If you had an emergency and had to cancel, are you comfortable should you lose all non-refundable fees? Would you be okay if your US health care didn't cover any overseas medical expenses and you had to go to the doctor or hospital? Do you anticipate any job changes? Do you have a traveling or non-traveling immediate family member that may struggle with health and a downward spiral could impact your plans?

• What if your mom, who has no plans to accompany you on vacation, is admitted to the hospital and one or all of you need to stay behind to be with her?
• What if your son comes down with the flu, stomach bug, or a broken leg and is unable to travel?
• What if your flight is oversold (or you miss your flight) and you arrive a day or two late to your destination? Would you want compensation or refund for the days missed?
• What if you or another family member needs unexpected emergency surgery around the same time as your trip?
• What if you need emergency medical or dental treatment and your US health plan doesn't cover international expenses?
• What if your luggage is lost or stolen and you need an allowance to purchase ski clothes, bathing suit, cocktail dress, dress shoes, etc. or rent golf clubs for the basic needs of your trip?
• What if your grandmother passes away, and the funeral is planned for the same dates as your trip?
• What if your company is bought out or an emergency arises at work, and you are no longer able to go?
• What if the hotel or supplier you are working with goes out of business or is acquired? What if there is a labor strike?
• What if you are required to work and can no longer take your trip?

Travel insurance protects you for any non-refundable fees due to delays, medical situations for immediate family members (whether they are traveling with you or not), work issues, and more. Terms and Conditions apply, of course, so read the fine print. Do keep in mind that pre-existing conditions, financial default, and cancel for business reasons are not covered unless you add insurance within 15 days of initial trip payment. It's one of those things where you don't need it until you need it.

Non-refundable fees could be anything from VRBO houses, fishing charters or special activities, pre-paid hotel rooms, airfare, ground transportation, dining reservation fees, guides, drivers or airport transportation, or anything you had to prepay and cannot cancel.

As a side note, when our agents travel internationally, we always buy travel insurance. Of course, this is a personal decision and do what you feel is best for your family! Contact us if you would like more information on purchasing travel insurance for a pending or confirmed booking.

It's not too early to start planning for summer vacations. Book a family European river cruise, canal barge cruise, or a land tour. Or, experience true luxury at our featured European properties. What about a magical trip to Hawaii?

Discover a blend of ancient history and modern wonders in Greece with Abercrombie and Kent's 10-day group land tour. Savor the relaxed pace of island living and the lively bustle of Athens alike, and indulge in the rich variety of Mediterranean cuisine. The tour is limited to 24 guests, and there are still a few May and June dates available. Cost is $8,495-8,995 per person depending on the date.

• Learn the secrets to great Greek cuisine at a private in-home cooking class in Oropos
• Visit some of the most renowned wonders of the ancient world, including the Acropolis, Parthenon and Palace of Knossos
• Pay an exclusive visit to an organic cosmetics producer to learn about traditional Greek products
• Stroll through the Minoan Bronze Age settlement of Akrotiri (reputed to be Atlantis), admiring its beautiful frescoes
• Admire the majestic Temple of Poseidon, built during the Golden Age of Ancient Athens

Step aboard a comfortable canal barge, a floating country inn where you enjoy gourmet food and wine every day while only having to unpack once. Relax on deck as the lovely scenery flows by, or borrow a bicycle for a serene pedal along the towpath. Barge cruising with Abercrombie & Kent along Europe's scenic waterways is available for private charter or individual travel.

Wake and sip piping hot coffee or tea from the deck of your vessel, as the sun bathes the tranquil waterways. Disembark to explore iconic and less-frequented sites, far from throngs of tourists. It might be a local truffle farm and lavender distillery in the South of France, a tasting at a chocolatier or a guided stroll around the ramparts of a medieval castle. From châteaux and cathedrals to busy local markets, each experience proves more revealing than the last.

As the afternoon lengthens, consider a peaceful cycling excursion through the countryside, or simply find a spot on deck and enjoy a cool drink as the scenery lazily rolls by. Return to your floating home as the sun hangs low, indulging in a gourmet meal, matched with curated wines. Before turning in, enjoy a nightcap with fellow guests (or private charter), and then slumber peacefully in your well-appointed cabin, arising the next morning to begin the adventure anew.

Prices start at $4750 per person for 7 days and go up to around $10K per person. This is a great trip to private charter and fill with your closest friends or family. All European Canal Barge Cruises include:

• Transfers to/from Barges
• All Meals and Drinks on Board
• All Sightseeing Excursions during the Cruise

Immerse yourself in an authentic Hawaiian experience deeply rooted in local culture, environmental adventure, and a warm aloha spirit at the newly transformed Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua. Breathtaking, natural oceanfront beauty inspires all senses as redesigned guest rooms and suites bring the colors and textures of Hawaii's lush tropical landscape inside to create a natural and restorative sanctuary. Virtuoso property with perks.

CITIES & LANDMARKS

Paris, Versailles, Giverny, Les Andelys, Caudebec-en-Caux, Beaches of Normandy

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

• All gratuities to Tauck Director, guides & drivers
• Tauck's private shore excursions and distinctive inclusions valued at $2,279
• Exploring Paris on a bicycle tour or a walking tour
• A visit inside Monet's house and painted gardens at Giverny
• A choice of experiences in the spired town of Rouen, where the spirit of Joan of Arc lives on
• An inside tour of Château de Versailles
• Guided walk through the palace gardens or exploration of the gardens and Marie Antoinette farm by bicycle
• 20 meals, airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted, all gratuities to Tauck Director, guides & drivers, service charges, admission fees, taxes & porterage

TAKE OFF WITH TAUCK PROMOTION

We invite you to take advantage of theTake Off With Tauck air package -- designed to make your planning easier with inclusive, upfront, round-trip air rates. Take Off With Tauck is valid on all European land tour, river and small ship cruises departing March 1 through August 31, 2024. Limited time only, book before February 29, 2024; certain restrictions apply.

Upfront value at one flat price. Flight costs to Europe are shown below:

• Economy air - $990 per person
• Premium Economy air - $1790 per person
• Business air - $3890 per person

TIE INTO SUMMER OLYMPICS

The Summer Olympics are in Paris from July 26-Aug 11. This would be a great extension to tie into the July 17 river cruise that is available as of now.

Villa d’Este occupies an enviable spot on Lake Como, amid 25 acres of luxuriously landscaped park. Accommodations are divided between two historic mansions, one dating from the 16th century, the other built for a queen of England, and each room is uniquely decorated. But what keeps the loyal clientele returning time and again is the unmatched service. Guests also love the “floating” pool that affords the most breathtaking views of Lake Como. Last time we stayed here, President Bush was checking in! It's a special place.

Palazzo Avino, formerly known as Palazzo Sasso, is a stunning, deluxe five-star hotel in Ravello on Italy’s famous Amalfi Coast. A 12th-century villa originally built for an esteemed Italian noble family, the property has been tastefully refurbished to the highest standards while retaining its medieval and baroque features. Accommodations are sumptuous and comprise 32 guest rooms and 11 suites. There is an outdoor swimming pool and a magnificent rooftop sun terrace with hydromassage plunge pool. The hotel boasts a private beach club exclusively for hotel guests, offering full sea access, a casual restaurant, and a small swimming pool. The view from the terrace is breathtaking and a favorite memory of ours includes the treats and drinks served poolside, high up on the hill looking over the Amalfi coastline.

Surprise your family with a holiday trip to Africa! So many options! What a dream to:

• Walk with elephants at a sanctuary in the Okavango Delta.
• Float down the Chobe River with the hippos in Botswana or watch a herd of elephants swimming.
• Go to Kruger in South Africa to see one of the largest prides of lions.
• Follow the cheetahs in Tanzania.
• See Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.
• Track gorillas in Rwanda & Uganda.
• Experience the Great Migration in the Masai Mara with 1.5 million wildebeests (July through October).

Hands down, the Singita properties are AMAZING. Watch the video below. They are in the top 3 places we have EVER experienced from a magical, memorable, luxury, take-your-breath-away, and one-to-one with nature scale. We highly encourage you to incorporate at least a couple nights at one of their properties into your agenda. We will help you plan the ultimate African safari. This is one destination where the guides you choose and venues you book are SUPER important.

This is a great value for your family that includes meals, tours, and lodging. This trip has multiple options over June, July, and August as well as Christmas and New Years. This itinerary usually sells out for every date, so do plan ahead. Also consider adding on a few days at the beach at the beginning or end of your trip, especially if you like to fish!

TAUCK EXCLUSIVE:

• Explore the wilderness with wildlife experts who help you spot sloths, monkeys, and other local creatures on a jungle river-rafting adventure and a canal boat cruise in Tortuguero National Park
• Go coastal during your two-night stay on the Gulf of Papagayo where snorkeling adventures open your eyes to an underwater world alive with tropical fish, manta and eagle rays, coral, sea urchins, pufferfish, turtles, trumpetfish – and dolphins

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES:

• Gratuities to Tauck Director, drivers & local guides are included
• On-tour air included (1 flight).
• Zip line adventure for extraordinary views of Arenal Volcano and the lush rainforest canopy
• Guided pineapple tour includes tastings of field-fresh pineapples and pineapple treats
• Hands-on demonstration in making chocolate
• Exploration of Tortuguero National Park by boat and land with expert naturalists includes a canal cruise
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted
• 20 meals; admission fees, taxes, porterage and service charges

GIFT OF TIME PROMOTION FOR PAST TAUCK GUESTS ONLY:

Early Booking Advantage: Book any 2025 land journey or cruise by July 31, 2024 and stay one extra night, before or after, at Tauck's selected hotel. It's a Gift of Time. Your 2025 Tauck journey becomes even more memorable – enjoy one extra night on us. We've made a number of hotel rooms available the night before your trip begins or the night after it ends. Rooms are subject to availability. Limited Time Only!

Have you SWORN you will never wait until the last minute ever again? Want to go ahead and book for spring break 2025? Here are some considerations.

Little Dix Bay, Virgin Islands

Long regarded as one of the world’s greatest getaways, Rosewood Little Dix Bay offers a level of refinement, seclusion and untamed beauty unrivaled in the Caribbean.

Catch the Last Months of Ski Season

Enjoy spring ski season at one of these luxury ski-in/ski-out resorts. Remember that we can offer Virtuoso amenities such as free breakfast and complimentary upgrades (when available) for Virtuoso properties. Don't worry -- if you booked online direct but want to receive the Virtuoso perks, let us know and we can take over the reservation and ensure you receive the benefits. Email us at info@youngtravel.com with your reservation dates and details.

• St Regis Deer Valley
• The Montage Big Sky
• The Little Nell Aspen

There are SO many options and so little time. Let us know what you have in mind, and a budget, and we will get working on the perfect trip. Call us at 864-232-8880 today!

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, this remote Archipelago of 18 islands and more than 100 small islets lies around 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific Ocean. Its proximity to the equator, volcanic activity, and influence from three ocean currents (Humboldt, Panama, and Cromwell) created a distinctive set of environmental conditions that allowed for a unique land and marine ecosystems to develop over the course of four million years.

The Galapagos Islands were created as a result of centuries of volcanic eruptions caused by the gradual movement of the Nazca tectonic plate. Today, each island offers a different landscape, from mountainous terrains scattered with shield volcanoes and lava fields, arid zones covered with endemic cacti, to beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise waters. The Galapagos Islands’ marine reserve is one of the largest and most biologically diverse in the world.

What sets the Galapagos truly apart is its remarkable levels of endemic wildlife and plant life, more than anywhere else in the world. Nearly 80 percent of land birds and mammals, over 90 percent of reptiles, more than 30 percent of plants and around 20 percent of marine life are native to the Galapagos Islands.

Price includes:

• All meals while on board
• Selected house wines and beer, non alcoholic drinks. Premium beers and spirits for cocktails are included for the Owner's Suite.
• Excursions with knowledgeable local guides
• Group transfers to/from vessel when traveling on recommended flights
• Laundry
• Unlimited access to SpaceX’s high-speed Starlink Satellite internet for all guests.

PRIVATE CHARTER options are available too if your friends/family want the Aqua Mare superyacht all to yourself.

"Having you as our advisor gives me confidence everything will go smoothly."

-Jim

When I am travelling, you are most likely to find me at an archaeological site in Egypt, Greece, Turkey, England, France, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, Spain, China, Cambodia, Peru, Norway.... Thus far, I have seen over a hundred sites around the world, and I am delighted to help others discover these treasures.

We've loved our home at Pinnacle Bank downtown for many years and have a longstanding, great relationship with them. Fortunately for them and unfortunately for us, they are expanding and need to reclaim the space that Young Travel occupies. Property is hard to find right now in Greenville, as Greenville is a hot spot with many new businesses and individuals flocking here to live in our beautiful city.

We are still in search for the perfect spot to relocate our office but have a few things in the hopper. We will update you soon about our April 1 move date so you know how to find us.

Follow and like our Facebook page and X/Twitter account to stay in the loop on new vacation ideas, promotions, programs, and photos from some fantastic trips! Please remember to tag us in your vacation photos too.

info@youngtravel.com
550 East McBee Avenue, Greenville, SC, USA
864-232-8880