Dear Valued Client:
Welcome to Horizons, our agency's e-newsletter that keeps you up to date and in the know. Here, you'll find an array of travel information-from interesting programs and travel trends to seasonal specials and destination tidbits. As always, Valmon Travel International welcomes the opportunity to service your travel needs.

Hold on Tight!
Have you planned your summer family vacation yet? If not, we’ve got some great ideas for the thrill-seekers in your group. Many top theme parks have announced new rides opening this spring and summer—most of which aren’t for the faint of heart!

Universal Studios Florida in Orlando unveils its “Revenge of the Mummy—The Ride” this May. It’s an indoor roller coaster that takes riders through an assortment of fears and phobias. Hersheypark in Hershey, Pennsylvania, is scheduled to open “Storm Runner” this summer as well. It promises to launch riders from 0 to 72 miles per hour in two seconds.

If your idea of fun doesn’t involve quite so much adrenaline, we’ve got some great summer vacation ideas for you, too. Just give us a call!

Collecting Across Continents
Are you an “Antiques Roadshow” addict? Do you head out every Saturday morning to find the best deals at garage sales? Perhaps you love to peruse your local flea market to find that one-of-kind item to complete your collection. If so, you aren’t alone. The art of flea-marketing and collecting is a worldwide phenomenon.

We can help you travel in style when you check out the world’s best flea markets. Try Paris’ Marche aux Puces de Clignancourt (which literally means “Market of the Fleas”), a daily flea market of nearly 3,000 stalls. Or try London’s New Caladonian Antiques and Flea Market (also known as the Bermondsey Market). Arrive before daybreak (bring a jacket and flashlight) to beat the crowds at this Friday-morning market.

When you get the itch to shop, give us a call. We can arrange a vacation that provides the perfect mix of shopping, sightseeing and relaxing.

Dress to Impress
One of the most frequent questions we hear from our customers planning to take a cruise is, “What should we bring to wear?” The answer depends on the type of ship and trip you are taking. However, most ships do have at least one formal night. And although the “business casual” trend seems to be going strong, “formal night” is one time where we recommend you pull out all the stops.

Although a tuxedo is not usually required for men, a dark suit is suggested. Women often wear evening gowns or cocktail dresses. If formal night doesn’t sound appealing, don’t let that damper your enthusiasm for cruising. Ships regularly hold both informal and casual nights. And most ships offer several dining options (such as a buffet, casual snack shop, pizza parlor or room service) for people not comfortable in the main dining room on formal night.

Airline Food … and It’s Good!
We love helping you plan your business and leisure trips. That’s what we do best. From helping you select a destination to finding the perfect hotel property to making your flight and ground transportation arrangements, we’ve got it covered.

There’s one area where we can’t provide as much help, however. And that area is airline food. Although we can reserve your flight, we can’t promise a tasty on-board meal. These days, many airlines don’t even offer food (beyond a small snack and drink).

But we do have some ideas on how to make your next flight more appetizing. First, pack some snacks in your carry-on bag. Although many airlines no longer serve meals, they encourage you to bring along your own food. Another option is to order a “to-go” meal from a favorite local restaurant before you head to the airport. Many places will prepare a special travel-ready version of your favorite entree.

There’s an even tastier option for those frequent fliers wanting great food prepared by a top chef. Some higher-end hotel chains offer portable meals for guests. The meals are special travel-friendly versions of the hotel restaurants’ best-loved favorites. This may not be the most economical option, but the food is sure to be a notch above any pack of peanuts!

Kids and fees
If you've ever had one of your children fly alone as an unaccompanied minor, you know that it is a process filled with anxiety and paperwork. But if you plan ahead and let us make the arrangements, you can rest assured that your little one will make it to his or her destination with minimal stress or worry.

Note that some airlines have recently redefined their definition of an "unaccompanied minor." Most airlines used to define this passenger type as a child between the ages of 5 and 12 traveling alone. The top age has recently been increased to 14. That means you'll now have
to pay the unaccompanied minor fee (usually between $40 and $90) for children age 5 through 14.

Speak the Language
When traveling internationally, you'll probably visit some locations where you don't speak the language. After all, trying out new words and phrases is half the adventure!

It is a sign of respect and courtesy, however, to learn a few key phrases in the native language of the country you'll be visiting. Even if you don't have the pronunciation quite right, the locals will appreciate your efforts, and you will likely receive even better service.

Essential words include "please," "thank you," "hello," and "good-bye." You should also learn how to say "yes" and "no." A good travel guidebook will include these phrases. You can also check out translations and pronunciations on Internet sites like the "Teachionary" at www.sprex.com. Or simply search for "pronunciation" and the language you wish to hear at one of the major Internet search engines.

Keep in mind that
in many countries with another native language, locals often actually do speak English. Especially if they are in the travel or tourism business.

These English speakers may not be fluent, so speak clearly and slowly to them. Avoid jargon and "figure of speech" phrases like, "It's raining cats and dogs." These statements could be confusing to your new international friends.