Turning Fam Trips Into Sales
by Bobbie Murphy, MCC

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Ciao, traveling friends! It's been a busy spring...and I had PROMISED myself that I was going to stay in Ohio this spring and focus all my energies on you, my special clients.

Well, your vacations have been researched, booked, deposited or paid in full, depending on the stage we're in...and I was able to sneak in a 7 night Costa cruise with my sisters, TWO trade shows, one in NYC and one in Charlotte, a two night inaugural trip on RCCL Liberty of the Seas, as well as a FABULOUS five night Italy Symposium with the Italian Tourism Board. This trip was incredibly rewarding, as it was my first experience in Italy. Allow me to share a bit of the adventure with you.

On April 20, about 250 travel consultants and 50 journalists and Italy travel suppliers met at JFK for the inaugural flight to Pescara, a city in the Abruzzo region, east of Rome to the sea. Imagine our delight as we disembarked after a smooth flight across the Atlantic to a red-carpet greeting! A welcome lunch buffet, live music and, of course, the very first taste of the deliciously wonderful wines of the Abruzzo area was offered by the gracious Italian hosts and hostesses. I hadn't slept much...antsy person that I am...but I was revived by the aromas and energized by the musicians.

Oh my, this was going to be a special trip, made even more special because my good friend Monique had joined me, as well as another friend Phyllis from my TA networking group. The group was in three hotels, and Monique and I were separated (I think they knew what they were doing here!:), but Phyllis and I were both assigned to the Grand Berti, the same hotel where we were to dine as a group that evening. This allowed for a nice walk along the sea, collecting interesting stones and seashells.

The town of Montesilvano is more alive in the summer months, when Italians crowd the seashore for R&R. Each agent was given a single room; a VERY nice and quiet retreat. It was obvious that the beach was not used much in the winter...weeds had sprouted and no beach chairs were in sight. Yes, the place had a charm about it, and I imagined as I walked how lively it must be in the hot summer months.

Our cocktails were served around the pool at nightfall (the Italians dine VERY late at night!), with a cool night breeze and lovely water fountains spouting high. Dinner was special, in a HUGE room, and the large tables led us to lively and loud conversation. I won't make you salivate by describing our meals during this trip...that would be cruel! I can tell you that each meal was amazing, using the fresh regional produce, fish, cheeses and meat, and each chef tried to outshine the other! The dining experience is long and relaxed, with a different wine accompanying each course. Oh my....how luxurious. And how lucky I felt while there that I was in this fabulous industry so that I can share the experience with you! The Abruzzo region is chock full of authentic little towns, ski areas, national parks and amazing scenery.

If you browse my photos, you will get a feel for what there is to see and do. I won't go into detail about each little town, though I would LOVE to share more with you individually about the area and all there is to see. I have been given some fabulous books about Abruzzo, and others about individual towns, so if you would like to take a look at them, just ask!

Email me if you would like me to link you with my Snapfish file. I also have more detailed pictures of the two hotels I had the pleasure of staying in. Our Rome hotel was the Adelph, a very chic property near the Spanish Steps. I didn't include very many of these photos in my Snapfish upload.

PS Don't forget to sign up on my web site (see address in my signature) to have access to all the Vacation.com special offers. It's FREE! It's never too early to begin planning your next travel adventure! Many of you will have a milestone to celebrate this year. Allow me the pleasure of assisting you in your planning. Call me today!

Bobbie Murphy, MCC
Master Cruise Counselor
Bobbie's Travel, Ltd.
An affiliate of Vacation.com
513-922-4204
513-922-4203 fax
513-708-1803 cell
btravel@fuse.net
www.bobbies-travel.com
Your Travel Agency for a Lifetime of Memories!

Bobbie Murphy, MCC, is the owner of Bobbie’s Travel, Ltd., a home-based agency and Vacation.com affiliate in Cincinnati, Ohio. She serves as director of the OSSN Northern Kentucky Chapter. She may be reached at btravel@fuse.net.

(Credit: Bobbie Murphy)