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The Secrets to Traveling Well
Collette Vacations...featured destination Oberammergau
Traveling well is a phrase we’ve coined here at Collette Vacations that describes much more than customer satisfaction with a particular tour. It is a philosophy that we believe in; essentially Collette’s Traveling Well is about exploring new destinations to improve mind, body and soul.
Seneca, a Roman philosopher, is quoted saying “Travel and change of place brings new vigor to the mind.” What other leisure activity allows you to break away from your normal routine and experience new cultures, see amazing sights, and meet new people? Passengers returning from a Collette tour often use words like inspiring, invigorating, rejuvenating and relaxing to describe their vacation experience. From broadening the mind, learning about new cultures and trying new things to getting more fresh air and exercise, travel benefits us all.
Since 1918, Collette Vacations has been innovative in its approach to the art of traveling well. It’s not just about the places we visit, although we do have 125 custom crafted tours to all 7 continents—it’s also about the value and service we offer. The inclusiveness of an escorted tour means unbeatable value and budget planning for you. Trying to do it on your own costs more and can be stressful. Enriching travel starts with a vacation that is hassle-free where details like getting directions, choosing great hotels, and purchasing sightseeing tickets are handled for you. In its 3rd generation of Sullivan family ownership, Collette still takes a family approach to travel. Our tours have that personal touch that adds a little something extra to your travel experience.
Collette’s tour managers are also with you from start to finish—handling every detail—and brightening your vacation with history and anecdotes that bring a destination to life. Tour managers also uncover activities and experiences where you will enjoy an intimate glimpse into a destination’s culture, history and natural treasures. Learn the art of Viennese strüdel making, or start the day with a private Tai Chi lesson in China; ride an elephant in India or chat with local Native Americans in Arizona about their history and modern day life. There truly is no limit to the education you can get traveling the world. In fact, our Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures learning brand provides the kind of in-depth experiences that transcend simply sightseeing. Expert guest speakers –from archaeologists to historians--share their passion and knowledge on location and enable you to experience your destination in a more meaningful way.
Satisfying a curiosity and exercising your mind are just part of the equation for vitality and wellness. It’s no secret that physical exercise is one of the best things we can do for our bodies. Increased physical activity has been shown to keep weight from creeping up, ease arthritis, and prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and heart disease. But even though we know it’s good for us, it’s often hard to get motivated. Unless, of course, that workout is a swim in the Dead Sea or a tango lesson in Buenos Aires! Even taking a guided walking tour of Florence is an opportunity to improve circulation.
After expending all that energy, it is important to re-fuel with wholesome foods. And while all Collette tours provide the opportunity to try local cuisine without the stress of preparing meals yourself, Collette’s Explorations passengers, who travel with just 16-24 passengers per tour, are able to enjoy more customized dining experiences– including chef-led demonstrations and winery tours. Collette Vacations’ President, Daniel Sullivan, adds that “there was an interest in learning more about the culinary aspects of a destination, and we worked toward creating specific itineraries to meet that need. Our small group brand, Explorations, was developed to feature unique dining experiences and other opportunities for deeper cultural immersion.”
While we don’t proclaim to know the secret to eternal youth, we can speak from 90-plus years of experience when we say that the pure joy of traveling to an exciting destination can contribute to an over-all sense of well being. If you don’t believe that, how about we show you Thailand…Galapagos…the Amazon…or your very own dream destination?
FEATURE DESTINATION 2010
Oberammergau …where passion lives on forever
Ringing in 2010 means the epic event we’ve all heard so much about is finally here! The tiny Bavarian hamlet once again prepares for a flood of travelers that will come from all corners for the world-famous Passion Play. It began as a solemn vow in 1634 that this quaint Bavarian village would perform a play that depicted the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ every 10 years if God would spare its residents from the clutches of the Bubonic Plague.
And a legend was born
Ever since, their descendants have carried out that pledge and today the Passion Play has become a historic event – and one that puts Oberammergau on the world’s center stage. In May 2010, the 41st production will take the world by storm again. Almost 2,000 locals have been busy preparing for this year’s production, making costumes, scenery – and growing their beards and hair. All roles are played by villagers.
Your Ticket to this World Event
The Passion Play performances run six days a week from May to September. The spellbinding performance lasts for five hours – with a break for dinner in the middle. Being situated in a beautiful and charming part of Germany, most travelers like to weave the experience into a European vacation. For the Collette traveler, you have 8 European programs to choose from, which all include reserved seating at Oberammergau’s Passion Play. With must-see sightseeing and experiences in countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, and even Croatia, each program is unique.
To learn more about Collette Vacations’ European tours featuring Oberammergau or any of our other tours, please visit www.collettevacations.com or call 1-800-852-5655.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The play is performed in German – though its emotive depiction transcends language barriers.
• Only residents and children who were born or have lived in Oberammergau for at least 20 years are allowed to participate.
• In this year’s production, the role of Jesus will be played by a psychologist and the Mary Magdalene’s role by a flight attendant.
• Profits made by Oberammergau for the Passion Play are reinvested locally, helping to make Oberammergau a great place to live and visit.
