Sunday, May 4, 2014

Travel Specials for Families of All Kinds!

Family Travel

with 2014 Sales & Promotions


When it comes to Family Travel it’s the little things our travel professionals can do that will have a big time impact on your overall experience. No two families are the same, so it’s how East-West Global Travel can tailor our offerings to each family’s unique needs that will set our travel experience as a truly unique experience, worthy of your investment.

Saying goodbye to the traditional family
At East-West Global Travel, we recognize that only 20% of families in America are traditional married family households; and non-traditional families are often overlooked, or marginalized by travel professionals. The majority of these families don’t think family advertising represents families like theirs. They feel ignored, being blasted with images of the traditional mom, dad and two kids household. Single parents, same-sex parents and blended families may not fit the traditional model, but have the same interests in traveling as the more traditional family model. Not all families are the same - and we recognize this diversity. As your travel professional, we are sensitive to these differences and have something for every family type.

PANKs (Professional Aunts, No Kids) are a good example. This unique family travel model spends time each year traveling with their nieces and nephews to exciting destinations. While your nontraditional family travel group may require special considerations during the planning process, we are prepared to exceed your expectations.

Multigenerational Travel is one of the fastest-growing overall trends we have identified in travel. More grandparents are joining their adult children’s family vacations and planning trips of their own to spend more quality time with the grandkids. The extended family model is one way we can serve you; from reunions to anniversaries, we are committed to providing travel opportunities so you can create lifetime memories.

Below are some outstanding sales available for you and your family (however you define it) So we can provide more specific information, please contact us by email from our travel website East-West Global Travel or on our tour website East-West Global Tour.

A sample of our many, money-saving, travel experiences:
Family Fun Sale – Save up to $225
Families can save big – up to $225 -- on a fun-filled flight + hotel vacation when they book by May 31, 2014 for travel through September 30, 2014.
Play on the beaches of Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Jamaica. Learn the history of the U.S. in Boston and Washington, D.C. Ride the cable car in San Francisco or the Space Needle in Seattle. Dine on authentic deep-dish pizza in Chicago and cheesecake in New York. Or see everyone’s favorite cartoon characters in Los Angeles and Orlando. The options are endless, but the savings end May 31, 2014!

May is family sale month at Sun Country Vacations and have many money-saving hotel offers that will have everyone jumping for joy with free stays for kids, free tours, resort credits, and more. Offers are valid for flight + hotel reservations made by May 31, 2014, for travel through September 30, 2014


In addition to great savings on family vacations, select RIU Hotels & Resorts are offering – exclusively to Sun Country Vacations – free room upgrades. These offers are available only for a short time, so book now!

​
RIU Room Upgrade Offers
CancunBook ByTravel
Riu Palace Las AmericasFree upgrade from Junior Suite to Junior Suite Ocean View5/14/20146/23 – 9/30/2014
Costa Rica
Riu Palace Costa RicaFree upgrade from Garden View to Courtyard View5/14/20145/18 – 8/8/2014
Punta Cana
Riu Palace Punta CanaFree upgrade from Junior Suite to Superior Junior Suite5/14/20145/26 – 8/10/2014

Riu Jalisco - Family-Friendly Paradise in Puerto Vallarta

As the centerpiece along an extraordinary stretch of golden sand beach in with crystalline waters, Riu Jalisco in Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican paradise. Combining charming Mexican architecture, distinctive ambiance and state-of-the-art accommodations, this alluring family-friendly getaway provides the perfect setting for unforgettable escapes. Polished guestrooms are fully stocked with a mini-bar and liquor dispenser, while the array of sports and activities provide around-the-clock entertainment for all ages.

Resort Highlights:
  • All-Inclusive 24 hours
  • Located on Riviera Nayarit’s popular Flamingos Beach
  • 8 miles from the airport
  • Buffet style and themed restaurants
  • Complimentary sun loungers on the beach
  • Two swimming pools and two complimentary jacuzzis
  • Children's swimming pool
  • Renova Spa
  • Complimentary gym, sauna and jacuzzi

Palace Resorts

Tan as a family at four kid-friendly resorts. Book now 3 nights or more at Beach Palace, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Playacar Palace or Cozumel Palace until August 31, 2014 and kids 12 years & under stay & eat free.
PLUS its combinable with the $1,500 Resort Credit!  It's a family vacation that’s actually fun for everyone.

Fiesta Americana

Fiesta Americana celebrates the Family Travel Sale with Kids Club!
The Fiesta Kids Club is designed for the younger guests from ages 4 to 12 years old offers incredible activities for kids while parents enjoy their vacation, available all year round and at no charge. Fiesta Kids offers unique activities to fill holidays with fun, supervised pool and beach games, competitions, arts, sports, entertainment and adventures. The club is supervised by childcare professionals who understand the needs of their young charges.
Take a break on greats Mexico's resorts and enjoy our Cancun, Cozumel and Los Cabos Al Inclusive Resort. Besides the Fiesta Kids Club, Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Cancun and Fiesta America Puerto Vallarta offer ‘Kids 12 and under stay and eat free’ when sharing room with adults utilizing existing bedding and eat free from the Children’s menu when parents eating from regular menu.

Grupo Sirenis Hotels & Resorts

New for 2014 Sirenis Aquagames is included as part of Sirenis Punta Cana's All-Inclusive rate! 
Starting 2014 guests staying at Sirenis Punta Cana will have free unlimited access to Sirenis Aquagames as part of their All-Inclusive vacation. This water park, perfect for families, boasts a variety of slides, a pirate-themed children’s area and more!
  • High tower with 2 water tubes, 2 open toboggans, kamikaze and free-fall twister
  • Aquaracer: 4-lane speed slide
  • Baby area with colorful fish statues
  • Pirate-themed children’s pool with splash buckets
  • Mouthwatering bar and grill
  • Serene set-up of hammocks and picnic tables
  • Main pool with chaise lounges

Funjet Vacations


Plan a getaway that will bring your family closer together. With free stays for kids, free nights, free and reduced room upgrades, resort credits and more, how can you resist? Make those special family vacation memories before it's too late! These family-friendly offers end May 8.

Save up to 45%, Kids Stay Free + Free Nights in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit!

In Vallarta•Nayarit, old-world charm and laid-back luxury come together for one enchanting region on Mexico's West Coast. Discover the treasures of Vallarta•Nayarit, from quaint cobblestone streets lined with cathedrals and authentic dining to the adventures waiting to be found in the lush rainforests. Just off the gorgeous beaches of this magnificent region you'll find deep-sea fishing and migrating humpback whales and a whole underwater world of color. Luxurious resorts are nestled on the mountainous shores where the friendly staff are ready to welcome you with attentive service and smiles. So pull up a beach chair and relax, because you have arrived in paradise.    

Funjet an All-Inclusive Fit for a Rock Star
Guests Receive up to $1800 Resort Credit* and/or Unlimited Golf!
Taking a cue from the modern mythos of rock and roll, and building on a culture of sophisticated style, unparalleled service, and the most awe-inspiringly beautiful tropical locations in the World, the all-inclusive Hard Rock Hotels of Mexico and the Dominican Republic are more than a breath of fresh air within the all-inclusive vacation market - they're the game changer.

Save up to 35% at Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels

Save up to 15% & Receive Complimentary Digital Photos!*
Imagine if magical moments of your vacation were captured for you so your whole family could actually be in the moment. Memory Maker lets you do just that, preserving those special moments for you. With Memory Maker included in your package, you’ll enjoy an unlimited array of digital photos taken by Disney PhotoPass Photographers during your vacation – PLUS photos taken at select attractions and Character Dining locations. And you can forget about having to purchase each photo individually – you’ll get to download digital copies of them all! Receive Complimentary Disney Memory Maker Inclusion
While staying in select suites at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort 

Reduced Hotel Rates Plus Receive Complimentary Disney Memory Maker Inclusion
While staying in select suites at Disney's Art of Animation Resort 

Save up to 15% plus Receive Complimentary Disney Memory Maker Inclusion
  • Disney's All-Star Movies Resort
  • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney's Pop Century Resort
  • Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside
Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World ® Resort Hotels 
Travel Dates June 15 -- August 28th, 2014
  Save up to 30% when you stay up to 5 nights
  • Save up to 30% at select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
  • Save up to 20% at select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
  • Save up to 15% at select Disney Value Resort Hotels
  • Book by June 6, 2014
  Save up to 35% when you stay 6 nights or longer
  • Save up to 35% at select Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels
  • Save up to 25% at select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels
  • Save up to 20% at select Disney Value Resort Hotels
  • Book by June 6, 2014

Funjet to Cars Land for High Octane Adventures at DISNEYLAND® Resort Theme Parks!

Disneyland ® Resort Theme Parks!Make your family vacation unforgettable with Disneyland® Theme Parks! From your favorite Disney characters to exciting adventures, it is bound to be a vacation for the books!

Start building your memories at our valid hotels including all hotels in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and San Diego, CA.
Disneyland® Park 
Disneyland® Park delights kids of all ages with eight lands filled with timeless attractions, world-class entertainment and favorite Characters. And now there’s more! Meet Disney Princesses and see classic fairy tales come to life at the Fantasy Faire. The energetic Mickey’s Soundsational Parade sets music in motion, and the return of Star Tours — with new 3-D adventures — will take fun to new heights! 

Can’t Miss: Mickey and the Magical Map | Indiana Jones��� Adventure | Matterhorn Bobsleds | Haunted Mansion | Pirates of the Caribbean | “it’s a small world” | Big Thunder Mountain Railroad 

©Disney/Lucasfilm Ltd. 

Disney California Adventure® Park 
Get ready to be floored — the expanded Disney California Adventure® Park now features the 12-acre Cars Land, where the whole family can stop by for high-octane adventure! Journey ‘under the sea’ on The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. Take off into the wilder blue yonder at Goofy’s Sky School. And after night falls, become immersed in music, water, light, fire and color at the spectacular World of Color. 

Can’t Miss: Toy Story Mania! (inspired by Disney•Pixar’s 'Toy Story'films) | Soarin' Over California | The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ | California Screamin' | Mad T Party | Disney Junior — Live on Stage! 

The Twilight Zone® is a registered trademark of CBS, Inc., and is used with permission pursuant to a license from CBS, Inc. ©Disney/CBS, Inc. Mad T Party is inspired by Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland. 

Disneyland® Resort Tickets 
Experience the magic of both Theme Parks on the same day. There's so much to see and do, a multi-dayDisneyland® Resort Park Hopper®Ticket is a must. It allows you to go back and forth between Disney California Adventure® Park and Disneyland® Park as many times as you like, for the length of the ticket.
*Valid for arrivals January 1–December 31, 2014.




US Airways Vacations


Find the perfect getaway for your family with US Airways Vacations. We offer vacation packages throughout the US, Mexico, the Caribbean and Latin America to some of the best family-friendly hotels and resorts. Plus, many of our resorts include free kids' stays, all-inclusive meals and daily activities to keep everyone entertained. You'll also save big when you book your hotel and airfare together with us.
We offer family vacation getaways to Walt Disney World® Resort, Beaches Luxury Included® vacations, Atlantis, Paradise Island, Dreams Resorts and Spas, Now Resorts & Spas, Riu and many more.





Image Position
Meet Raggs and his friends, the new hosts of the Palladium Family Program! 

Palladium Hotel Group is proud to announce a new licensing partnership for our Grand Palladium all-inclusive luxury resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Called Play at Palladium with Raggs, the program has immersed colorful Raggs characters into our already expansive kids programs. Play at Palladium with Raggs includes exciting additions to our program featuring character meet-and-greets; dining and musical experiences; activities and fully-produced live musical stage shows at the resorts’ on-site theaters.

Raggs, an Emmy award-winning live action TV series starring five musical pups, which currently airs in English on public TV and in Spanish on Telemundo in the U.S., is expanding into Europe and Latin America. The Raggs characters are also known for their rockin’ musical live shows, which will be a key component of the Grand Palladium Resort experience.

FREE Nights, FREE parking, FREE Aloha Deals book, 
Aston Kids – Stay, Play and Eat FREE

Aston's Aloha Book - A Gift to You!: At check-in, guests staying at any Aston Hawaii property receive Aston's Aloha Book, an exclusive amenity containing over $2,500 in discounts on shopping, dining and activities.


EXCLUSIVE: Up to $50 Air Credit for Kids On 4-night vacation packages Book by 6/8/13 for travel through 8/31/14
Las Vegas, California, Arizona, Florida, Walt Disney World, New Orleans, New York & Washington DC

Hard Rock Hotels
Kids Stay Free This Summer
Book 3 nights or more and enjoy your family vacation! Two kids aged 12 and under eat, stay and play for free with a full paying adult in one room. Book now and travel from June 1st, 2014 through August 31st, 2014. Promotion does not apply with Hard Rock Hotel Cancun.


Save up to 40%, Kids Stay Free & More in Aruba!

Aruba - One Cool Island​ 
Caribbean Sun, Sand and Surf
Aruba is home to some of the most beautifully pristine beaches you’ll every lay eyes on. With crystal-clear blue water lined with powdery white sand, you can find yourself in tropical paradise in no time. Relax on the beach with a cold drink or take in the unique culture of Aruba’s towns. Whatever you’re looking for in the perfect vacation, you’ll find on Aruba!

Raddison Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa:
+Book a 7 night scheduled air via JetBlue Airlines from $1,999! Exclusive savings of u pto $1600 per couple + the price includes $100 resort credit AND the 7th night is FREE!




Save up to 20% at select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels

The best part about staying at a Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel is the magic keeps you under its spell long after you leave the parks. With special benefits and legendary service, Disney Resort Hotels are filled with wonder and excitement. And now is a great time to take the plunge with summer savings up to 20% when you book by June 6th.*

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort ​- Save 15% on 6+ nights. Save 10% on 5 nights or less.
Disney's All-Star Sports Resort - Save 20% on 6+ nights. Save 15% on 5 nights or less.
Disney's All-Star Music Resort - Save 20% on 6+ nights. Save 15% on 5 nights or less.
Disney's Pop Century Resort - Save 20% on 6+ nights. Save 15% on 5 nights or less.

Southwest Vacations

Save up to 35% at Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels

Stay in the middle of the magic with this great offer for summer travel. Save on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels. You'll save even more when you stay six nights or longer. Save up to 35% at select Walt Disney World® Resorts
  • Save up to 30% when you stay up to five nights
  • Save up to 35% when you stay six nights or longer
  • Plus, save even more when you upgrade to a Magic Your Way room and ticket package with minimum 6-day tickets
*Valid when purchasing a six-day or longer Magic Your Way Ticket as part of a flight + Walt Disney World® Resort Hotel vacation package.

Book: 3/25/14 - 6/6/14 by 6 p.m. CT
Travel: 6/15/14 - 8/28/14

Save $75 on Anaheim Packages + Get a Fourth Night Free

Book a flight + hotel vacation package of four nights or more to Anaheim, and save $75 per reservation Plus, get your fourth night free or other great hotel discounts at featured hotels, just ask your travel professional.

Famous for its gorgeous year-round weather, Anaheim is the perfect destination for family fun. With plenty of hotels and resorts located right around the corner from Disneyland® Resort and within driving distance to the sunny beaches of Orange County, you're never far from Anaheim's terrific attractions.

Book: 4/29/14 - 5/5/14 by 6:00 p.m. CT
Travel: 4/30/14 - 10/31/14
One-day advance purchase is required.
Blackout dates, restrictions, and exclusions may apply. 

Enhance your Anaheim experience with a visit to one of the area's most exciting attractions. Add a four-dayDisneyland® Resort Park Hopper Ticket to your vacation package and enjoy the thrills and magic of Disneyland®Park and Disney California Adventure® Park.
Customized vacation packages include:
  • Roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines® to Anaheim via Los Angeles (LAX), Orange County (SNA), Ontario (ONT), or Burbank (BUR)
  • Hotel accommodations (including taxes)
  • Save up to $120† per person, roundtrip because Bags Fly Free® with Southwest Vacations. Even Golf Bags Fly FreeSM.

Explore your Wild Side with SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment®

Immerse yourself in wonder at SeaWorld® Parks, where the aquatic world and exotic wildlife come alive like no place else. See the world through the eyes of a penguin in the thrilling, chilling adventure of Antarctica: Empire of the PenguinTM and experience the awe-inspiring Shamu® show One Ocean® at SeaWorld Orlando. Brave the thrilling rollercoasters of Busch Gardens Tampa, interact with the playful marine life of Dolphin Cove® at SeaWorld San Antonio, or splash into a lost civilization at SeaWorld San Diego's Journey to Atlantis. There’s an ocean of fun ready to be explored at SeaWorld® Parks. 

With a variety of SeaWorld® Parks located in several different destinations, you can plan and book your ideal vacation package with Southwest Vacations in a matter of minutes. Explore new places and get up close and personal with wildlife and thrill rides at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment®.   
Customized vacation packages include:

  • Roundtrip flight via Southwest Airlines®
  • Hotel accommodations (including taxes)
  • Save up to $120† per person, roundtrip because Bags Fly Free® with Southwest Airlines Vacations. Even Golf Bags Fly FreeSM.

Now Offering Vacation Packages to These Mexico & The Caribbean Destinations 

Daily flight service varies based on departure day and origin city.

Mexico Vacations


From serene white sand beaches with clear turquoise water to the rich cultural history of Mayan and Aztec ruins, Southwest Airlines Vacations packages to wonderful Mexico destinations have something for everyone. Whether you are sport fishing or snorkeling in Los Cabos; visiting parks and museums in Mexico City; or enjoying the nightlife of Cancun; great deals on Mexico vacation packages can include everything that you’re looking for. Enjoy the sun, fun, and spirit of your dream Mexico vacation package with Southwest Vacations.

Cancun, Mexico
Give paradise a try with a Southwest Airlines Vacations package to Cancun. World famous for white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, Cancun also offers a rich cultural history. Cancun doesn’t close at sunset. Enjoy the city’s thriving nightlife by dancing the night away, or enjoying local jazz and salsa music. Whether you’re exploring ancient civilizations at one of the many Mayan ruins or you choose to go swimming with dolphins, Cancun is an all-inclusive destination for families, adults, spring breakers, weddings, and everyone in between. Book your Cancun vacation package today.

Cabo San Lucas/Los Cabos, Mexico
Los Cabos is located at the beautiful southern tip of Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula, and a Southwest Airlines Vacations package can help you get there. Los Cabos vacations can be tailored to fit your interests. Sport fishing, championship golf, whale watching, and watersports can all be added to your Los Cabos vacation package. When the sun goes down, Cabo San Lucas is the nightlife center of Los Cabos. Enjoy dinner at one of the city’s fantastic restaurants before bar-hopping or dancing the night away. Book your Cabo vacation package with Southwest Vacations to experience all that Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos have to offer.

Mexico City, Mexico
Experience the history and spirit of Mexico’s capital first hand with a Southwest Airlines Vacations package to Mexico City. A combination of parks, museums, sport, ancient ruins, and upscale shopping make for a Mexico City vacation that is full of diversity and opportunity. Visit the Chapultepec Zoo, see a soccer match at Estadio Azteca, or enjoy the thrill rides of Six Flags Mexico; the opportunities are endless! An exciting Mexico City vacation package is waiting for you with Southwest Vacations.

Riviera Maya, Mexico
Escape to the beauty of Riviera Maya with a Southwest Airlines Vacations package. Experience the bliss of the relaxing beachfront as the turquoise blue waves roll up to your feet, or explore the lost cities of an ancient civilization at Tulum. With plenty to see and do, you’re sure to keep busy. A Riviera Maya vacation is the perfect destination for families, adults, weddings, and everyone in between; and with great deals on Southwest Vacations packages, you’ll want to book today.

Caribbean Vacations


Aruba
Warm ocean waters and a cool Caribbean breeze set the scene for a spectacular Aruba vacation package with Southwest Airlines Vacations. Venture away from the beach to find plenty of other exciting activities including horseback riding, rock climbing, and jeep safaris. Hop on an ATV and ride over the rocky terrain to Natural Pool, a pool of water that is hidden in a beautiful natural rock formation just off shore. Book your all inclusive Aruba vacation package today, and experience everything that Aruba and Southwest Vacations have to offer.

Bermuda
Pink-sand beaches, clear blue water, and world class golf courses are just the beginning of your Southwest Airlines Vacations package to Bermuda. Take your pick from a list of gorgeous beaches and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf or tee it up at Port Royal Golf Course. Make sure you bring your camera. Bermuda is full of picturesque views and natural beauty that you’ll want to capture and keep forever. Let Southwest Airlines Vacations help you plan your perfect Bermuda vacation package.

Montego Bay, Jamaica
Montego Bay continues to enjoy its reputation as a world-famous destination for travelers looking to enjoy beautiful beaches, ocean adventures, and all inclusive Jamaica vacations. Doctor’s Cave Beach is a popular Montego Bay beach with crystal clear water that is perfect for snorkeling. Enjoy fresh seafood, local Jamaican cuisine, and a spirited nightlife in the drag of Gloucester Avenue known as the Hip-Strip. Southwest Airlines Vacations can help you plan the perfect vacation package to Jamaica!

Nassau, Bahamas
Slow down and take in the sights, sea, and sand of Nassau with a Southwest Airlines Vacations package to the Bahamas. A Nassau vacation is perfect for everyone from families to deep sea fishermen. Nassau vacation packages can include several of the island’s great hotels; including Atlantis Paradise Island, a large resort with plenty of onsite amenities including a casino, concert venue, aquarium, lazy river, and water slides. Take a water taxi to Paradise Island or explore the bustling downtown area on foot. Nassau has plenty to offer, and booking a vacation package with Southwest Vacations is a perfect way to experience this island paradise.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Destination weddings, family trips, or relaxing getaways; Punta Cana has an experience for everyone, and Southwest Airlines Vacations can help you to find a great deal on an all inclusive Punta Cana vacation. Spread out a towel and lay under the sun at one of Punta Cana’s tropical paradise beaches. Looking for some excitement? There are plenty of opportunities to create your ideal Punta Cana vacation. Rafting adventures, swimming with dolphins, helicopter tours, and ocean adventures; the opportunities are endless. Book your Punta Cana all inclusive vacation today.

San Juan, Puerto Rico
Miles of Caribbean shoreline give San Juan a border of beautiful white sand beaches and turquoise water, and with Southwest Airlines Vacations, deals on a fun-filled vacation packages are right at your fingertips. Soak up the sun, sand, and surf at Condado and Luquillo beaches, or hike through the rainforest to picturesque waterfalls. Old San Juan is the island’s oldest settlement, and the perfect place to shop, dine, and take in San Juan’s rich cultural history. Southwest Vacations packages to San Juan offer a wide variety of hotels to suit every traveler’s needs with some of the best deals around! Book your San Juan vacation package today. 


Customized vacation packages include:
  • Roundtrip flight via AirTran® Airways
  • Hotel accommodations (including taxes)
  • Save up to $120 per person, roundtrip because Bags Fly Free® with Southwest Airlines Vacations!† Even Golf Bags Fly Free!


Alaska Airlines Vacations

Limited Time Offer: Save up to $30 a Day with a Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper®


Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets enable you to visit both Disneyland® Park and Disney California Adventure® Park on the same day. Plus, you’ll be entitled to one Magic Morning early admission which allows admission into selected attractions at a designated Disneyland® Resort theme park before the park opens to the general public.
Disneyland® Resort
Park Hopper® Ticket
Gate Price
per Adult
Gate Price
per Child
Your Price
per Adult
Your Price
per Child
You Save
(per Adult)
You Save
(per Child)
3-Day$260$244$248$232$12$12
4-Day$285$265$264$244$21$21
5-Day$300$279$270$249$30$30

Just ask your East-West Global Travel professional when booking your vacation to include tickets with your package and take advantage of this incredible deal.
Book your complete Disneyland® Resort vacation package today! Save time and money by purchasing your Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets before you go

Universal Parks & Resorts Vacations

Orlando FlexTicket - 7 Nights + 5 Orlando Theme Parks

You will enjoy hotel accommodations, UNLIMITED ADMISSION^ to Universal's Islands of Adventure®, Universal Studios Florida®, SeaWorld® Orlando, Aquatica™ - a one-of-a kind waterpark by SeaWorld and Wet 'n Wild®-Orlando, all-club access^^ to Universal CityWalk® and much more!!

Experience it all with:
  • 7-Night Hotel Accommodations
  • Orlando Flex Ticket™^, valid for admission to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando
  • Early Park Admission◊ to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme parks open.
  • Admission to live entertainment^^ at Universal CityWalk®
Upgrade to an Orlando FlexTicket Plus‡ to receive admission & FREE transportation to Busch Gardens®Tampa Bay◊◊!

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ - Exclusive Vacation Offer


Venture into a world where magic is real… and excitement knows no bounds at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, at Universal's Islands of Adventure® theme park.

4 Night Vacations starting from only $385* per adult, tax inclusive

This EXCLUSIVE vacation package includes:
  • 4-Night Hotel Accommodations
  • 2-Day Park-to-Park Ticket^ with the 3rd Day Free – (Must use before 5/22/14)
  • Early Park Admission◊ to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ one hour before the theme parks open
  • Breakfast at the Three Broomsticks™ - one per person
  • Access to live entertainment^^ at Universal CityWalk®
ALL of the benefits of the Moderate/Value On-Site Hotel PLUS
  • FREE Universal ExpressSM Unlimited ride access† to skip the regular lines in both theme parks - a benefit worth up to $89 per person, per day††
  • Complimentary transportation to the parks and Universal CityWalk including water taxis along picturesque waterways
  • Priority seating at select restaurants throughout both theme parks and Universal CityWalk

Friday, April 11, 2014

Motorcoach Transportation and Your Safety

In recent news, the public has been exposed to horrific details of accidents involving motorcoaches, often resulting in many deaths and injuries. The most recent, occurring at the time this blog post was being written, involved a fiery crash in California. At least 10 have died, and over 34 people are being treated for diverse range of injuries.

With these types of new stories being forefront in the news, and especially on the minds of prospective travelers, the question is often asked, are motorcoaches safe? What is the safest mode of land travel?

First, one must consider that overall safety in all modes in travel have become much better. Highway travel being the most dangerous kind of travel, private vehicles traveling on highways have seen fatality rates cut in half in the last 30 years. Greatly improved roadway engineering, drastically changed vehicle designs with airbags and energy dissipation systems; and driver training programs, have all played an important role in improving safety on the highways

Still, the fatality rate of travel across all modes runs around 93 people per day! So what are the numbers?

This chart from Harvard should help us see the data:


The simple answer is YES, motorcoaches are indeed a safe mode of travel. In fact, years of data indicate it an excellent safety rating as a mode of land travel.
Yellowstone - Old Faithful

OK - its safe you say, but how do I know that the motorcoach I will be traveling, is safe?

First, statistically speaking, your odds of accident or injury are extremely low. So low, making it the safest form of travel on land.
  • Vehicles with a capacity of 10 passengers or more represented just 0.1% of the total fatalities. On average, there were approximately 40 fatalities per year, with drivers and other bus-company employees representing 25% of lives lost.
  • Scheduled and charter service accounted for 44% of total bus fatalities. The balance of deaths occurred with school buses (23%), urban transit (11%) and a variety of private shuttles, church buses and other services (22%).
  • The fatality rate per billion passenger-miles for buses is relatively low, 0.11.
- See more at: Journalists Resource

In comparison, autos account for 74% of fatalities, and as you can see from the chart, in an average year, over 26,000 people will die in a car or light truck every year, while only 39 in a vehicle of 10 or more passengers (and less than half of those are in charter coaches, the majority being school and transit buses)

Mt. Rushmore
Second, each motorcoach company is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. the FMCSA has high standards for equipment, driver hours of operation, frequency of vehicle inspections, reporting, and more. The FMCSA, and your state often setup surprise inspection points during peak motorcoach travel seasons, and inspection is mandatory. Some municipalities also facilitate special inspection stations, as seen in this video.

Third, all interactions, especially violations are made public, via the FMCSA website. Here you can review the actual ratings for motorcoach companies, review their safety rating, and 3 year history.

If you are going to travel, or book by, a motorcoach, you can check the rating at the Company Safety Records on FMCSA, and if you are more mobile device inclined, they even have a special APP for the same purpose called SAFERBUS.

Lastly, the FMCSA will put any company out of service for violations, poorly maintained equipment, and other unacceptable safety conduct. Just in the last 12 months they have put out of service 3 inept companies in the Metro Phoenix Area. When it comes to your safety, this is to be expected, and we should be thankful that this occurs when necessary.

Utah State Capitol

Rest assured that East-West Global Tours takes motorcoach safety seriously, and we only work with companies that provide excellent service, and have commendable safety ratings.

Arches National Park






In the Southwest, we are honored to work with Arrow Stage Lines. They have a fine rating, as seen Here.










LDS Nauvoo Temple





In the Northwest, we are pleased to send our tours with Holiday Motor Coach. They also have a fine rating as seen Here.







Ride with us on tour, and you will see why our preference are with carriers who provide us with modern, safe equipment, with many amenities (sun roof, wifi, seatbelts, ADA wheelchair capable), driven by some of the finest professionals in the industry.

Let us answer your questions about motorcoach safety, or share with us your stories about bus tour travel -good or bad - we would love to hear them! (They could become topics in a future article)


Grand Canyon with East-West Global Tours

Saturday, November 23, 2013

Country Legends Coming to Town!


Its quite possible that many of you have enjoyed country music, and perhaps have even desired to meet the legends who have sung the music you love!
Sadly many of those legendary musicians are no longer touring, or have passed on, but there is a way that you can relive that great music... through the excellent show "Legends of Country Music" starring Larry King and the Legendary Band.

The Legends of Country Music entertains to sold out audiences throughout the country. Even though there's been new songs or artists added to the show, the basic format remains the same. The show highlights not just one or two entertainers, as most tribute shows do, but over 20, making the Legends of Country Music the largest country tribute show touring today! The audience members are informed with little known facts about the songs or artist in an entertaining way.

The best performers and musicians west of Nashville sing only the most recognizable #1 hits, nearly 40 in all. Each show member takes great pride in performing the songs as close to the original as possible, just the way you remember them. The Legends highlighted are never impersonated, only the highest respect is paid to each one. While attending the show, a true country music fan relives memories of the past, yet others appreciate the talent on stage and the fast pace of the show, all while making new memories.

The Legends will be performing throughout Arizona, at fine theatres and Performing Arts Centers throughout the Metro Phoenix area (Mesa, Chandler, Higley, Peoria to name a few), Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Yuma.

Their first performance will occur at the recently renovated, and beautiful Palms Theater in Mesa. (Formerly Broadway Palms) Tickets are still available for  the Dec 3, 2013, 7pm Show. Starting at only $20, its priced for all your family and friends to attend.

Tickets for most shows can be purchased through East-West Global Tours, who are proud sponsors of the Legends of Country Music!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Gilbert Resident Trip to Six Flags!

BEAT THE HEAT in JULY!


Residents of Gilbert, AZ have the unique opportunity to join our trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain, in July.



Normal park rates are $69, but our exclusive trip, which includes motorcoach transportation, park admission, and a friendly group leader, LESS THAN $88 per person for a family of 4!

You can save over $130pp, so sign up today! 






Tuesday, June 11, 2013

See us on the Gilbert Daily PRSS!

We are excited to be connected with a local blog feed called the Gilbert Daily PRSS!

Check out their interesting articles, promoting Gilbert and surrounding Arizona.


Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Are winter visitors getting ripped off?!!

Here in the metro Phoenix area, the "Valley of the Sun", literally 100's of thousands of visitors make the pilgrimage from colder regions of the U.S. & also Canada to bask in our relatively warmer climate.

Many come here to relax, and enjoy leisure activities, including traveling around the Southwest, and West Coast. In so doing, they partake of tours offered through their community, resort, or park. Sometimes they venture beyond the controlled offerings of these organizations to purchase tours directly from a tour company or travel agent.

While on its face, this appears quite innocuous; and it should be! Yet those engaged in providing tour opportunities may be ripping off the winter visitor. Here are 5 of the most common:

1. Misleading sales information.

There are tour providers in the Metro Phoenix area, that intentional or otherwise, have misleading information on the sales flyers and brochures.  You purchase a tour for its destination, amenities, and value. These suppliers seem to play tricks to compel you to think you are getting something, when in fact its less than what you were led to believe.

For example. you purchase a tour and it says "4 food coupons. You think "I get 4 meals on this tour." Reality is, you may get one buffet, a free coffee and donuts (valid from 6:00am til they run out - around 7:30am) and two coupons for discounted meals.

Another example are indications that you will see "Ten National Parks" yet the truth is, you'll visit only 3, see two more out your window as you drive by, and the remainder are state park visits or drive-bys as well. There aren't even 10 national parks on the route of that trip! Oh, and its worth noting that you will do this all in 3 days.  Its like a cruise company saying you will see 15 countries - but there are only 4 port stops on the cruise!

2. Cancellations

There is always the chance that a tour can get cancelled, and savvy travelers know it. Yet, a number of tour providers serving winter visitors to Phoenix, deliver a raw deal by requiring a high number of travelers for the trip to go, or  its cancelled.

Most often this is 40 passengers per motorcoach. If only 30 people purchase, the tour is cancelled, and here is the real rip off - they keep the money! No refunds given, just a credit on a new tour, and you have to use it withing 12 months or you lose it!

3. Changed Itineraries

Some companies, in an effort to still send a tour they priced at 40 passengers, will send it with fewer  passengers, but then intentionally drop items from the itinerary to save money.

Often this means not sending you on a motorcoach, but a two axle shuttle, or even a van. Of course, they aren't going to extend you the courtesy of letting you know about the changes. They just show up in the cheap vehicle, and then have a new itinerary (if they even bothered to send one prior.)

It also means that your hotel is not going to be the same, moving from a 3 star to a 1-2 star, and other promoted inclusives will be dropped, and the blame placed on a third party for cancelling, overbooking, closing, etc.

4. Guides & Directors

Almost always, a tour is promoted as having a tour guide, or tour director. Some companies have no real idea what it means to guide or direct a tour. You purchase a tour expecting a knowledgeable professional who can provide  interpretation, and share information, and you really end up with someone who can barely act as a hostess.

Travelers have shared their horror stories of these companies and their "guides" who have pulled stunts such as not showing up for the tour, abandoning the passengers and flying home on the first day of a tour, sexually patronizing select passengers, screaming at hotel staff, and a myriad of other unprofessional activity.

Other companies claim their tours are guided, but its left to the driver to both guide and drive. While the drivers do the best job possible, its just not the same level of service that a dedicated guide would provide.

5. Handling Money

Tour companies depend on cash flow, more than other industries, often because their product is tied to long term deposits, and distant sales, and income now, means available funds to reserve cruise cabins for next year.

With the recent down-turn in the economy, cash flow for tour companies serving only winter visitors, has dried up for a better part of the year. To compensate, some companies are resorting to guerrilla tactics to keep from refunding money they have already spent.

First, they claim their accountant has to process the refunds, yet its all handled in-house. Second, they claim its in process, and may take up to 60 days - a stall tactic so they can budget the refund to be paid with new income. After the 60 days, if they don't have funds, they will claim its been lost, or a family emergency, or an employee messed it up, and she has been dismissed.

If its on a credit card, and you file a claim, they will refute it, so it goes through a 30 day cycle, then if resubmitted, they will not respond, so it takes another 30 days for your credit card company to be able to refund your money - and effectively buying them time.


Sound Familiar?

If you have done any traveling with tour companies in the Metro Phoenix area, I'm sure you have encountered a company or two, that are doing some of these items, and yes, I think you are getting ripped off!

What else can you do?

1. Pay by credit card! Your credit card company has certain protections that can assist you in these circumstances. If you are not comfortable giving your card information to a sales person in the field, or by phone; reputable companies have online payment, where you can pay through a secure server - and its safer than any transaction done in person!

2. Get Travelers Insurance. Your tour company should be able to provide you with insurance. If they cannot - look elsewhere, as any professional operation has it available. Plans can cover just one tour, or if you tour more than three trips a year, a year-round policy is probably more cost effective.

3. Ask upfront what the company will do if there are not enough passengers, and demand that you must be notified if any significant changes will occur. A reputable company will be forthright, and your request not needed, but for those that have shady operations, its added protection. If they refuse - just move on, they have told you enough about how they conduct business.

4. When their are ambiguous claims made on a flyer or brochure, ask for specifics. For example, If it says "10 national parks" ask them to list them. If they can't get back to you with them listed, move on, and perhaps consider not using that company.

5. If on tour, and significant changes have been made, document each one, and the reason if given. This will empower you later if you need to address them with the company, or take other action.

Travel safe, and travel smart! If you think you are getting ripped off by a company, contact us, and let us help!

In my next article, I will address how to share your story, good or bad, so others can learn from your experience. With 10's of thousands of new winter visitors annually, its very helpful to let everyone know what has happened.

As always, Consider traveling with East-West Global Tours, where you are assured quality tours, and "over the top" customer service.