What a Travel Professional Provides - Did You See This Article

I saw this article and want to share.  It is very important to verify information of travel companies. There are so many deals now that may be too good to be true. It probably is too good.  As this article reads, it was the tour directors left to help travelers.  Another reason to have this valuable source - the tour director - on tour.

My own experience was when I was ready to purchase international airfare (last minute).  I found a great price on the internet. When I did my due diligence of the company advertising online (found on one of the major consumer online sites), I decided to NOT to reserve it.  I called a local Travel Agency which I know from my professional travel association to find a fare. They did. Same price. No headaches.
 

Remember the National Tour Association (NTA) in the USA requires tour company members to have a bond when doing business. California and Florida requires all travel professionals (agents) selling any type of travel to residents of their states to be registered within their state.  Professionals are required to set aside clients monies (deposits) in an bank account or have a trust fund established - that is not affiliated with their own monies. The state agency sets aside monies for consumers in case company is going out of business.

A travel professional will have this FL or CA number listed on all advertising material. This includes travel businesses outside of these states. I arrange hotels, cruises, and other tour company packages for you. I work with these companies and know their operating procedures.  I will direct you to great travel agencies to reserve air for you as well.

Another reason to use a travel professional you know to reserve is - we already have a network of people established which we may ask questions.  We are all specialists - we know who to ask to make other reservations like air, hotels, and cars. 

Travel Safe. Have Fun. Enjoy. 

The Funtourguru - California Seller of Travel Registration # 2053373-40

Article about travelers being stranded

To verify CST registration

Happy Hour and Music On Main Street - Campbell CA

Silicon Valley is comprised of several small communities from San Jose to Palo Alto. Summertime brings weekend festivals and music in the parks throughout many Silicon Valley communities.



One well known community is Campbell, CA.  Campbell is north of Los Gatos and surrounded by San Jose - is actually known for many of the start up companies located here. Entrepreneurs may take time out and visit either downtown Campbell or Pruneyard for relaxation.  

This month I found Music on Main Street at Pruneyard Shopping Center in Campbell. The Main Street through the Center is closed off and people enjoy sounds of local bands from 6 - 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings.  Tessora’s Barra di Vino is a fun place to relax on the patio and Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery is always a favorite - there's happy hour drink price too. 

There are a wide range of restaurants to choose from throughout this shopping center from Cafe Artemis,  El Burro, and Outback Steakhouse (and more!) ~ remember to save for a special treat from Sugar Butter Flour or ice cream from Cold Stone Creamery. The Pruneyard Plaza Hotel, a tuscany inspired hotel for travelers is also at the Pruneyard.

 

Silicon Valley is famous for start ups and entrepreneurs ~ networking is not new to Silicon Valley and may be found in unusual places as people relax after work! 

Follow me online or on a trip! ~ The Funtourguru
Meetings & Tours ~ Try our San Jose Sampler Day Trip!

Visit the Birth of Impressionism in San Francisco 2010

Do you go visit the de Young Museum and see the works of Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay?

Or, do you plan a day to become absorbed with the french impressionists artists and their works from the 1800s of the Birth of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée d’Orsay?

 

It is a big deal when the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, France sends some of their masterpieces around the world for people to enjoy.  We are grateful that San Francisco is a recipient of these. This is the first of two exhibits.  This is your chance to have quiet conversations with Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Sisley during their trip to California. 

The Birth of Impressionism exhibit runs until September 26, 2010.  There is another exhibit running at the same time at the Legion of Honor called Impressionist Paris through September 26.

Both are extraordinary ~ exhibits are different.  Please keep this in mind as you purchase tickets.

The second exhibit is Van Gogh, Gauguin, Cezanne and Beyond? opens on Saturday, September 25, 2010 and closes on January 18, 2011.
 
As the de Young website reads, “Exhibition begins with paintings by the great academic artist Bouguereau and the arch-Realist Courbet, and includes American expatriate Whistler’s Arrangement in Gray and Black, known to many as 'Whistler’s Mother.' Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Sisley are showcased with works dating from the 1860s through 1880s, along with a selection of Degas’ paintings that depict images of the ballet, the racetrack, and life in the Belle Époque.”

Tickets may be purchased online ($20) or at the door ($25).  I recommend purchase online ~ remember Friday is active as a part of the weekend now. There is a small discount for senior and childrens tickets. This special exhibit has timed entry tickets. The recommended time from the de Young website to see is 90 minutes, I suggest planning to spend longer. The self guided audio tour for $7 is worth the purchase to be able to listen about each painting.  There is limited parking on the street or paid parking for $20 in the Music Concourse garage – within walking distance of the de Young. 

There may be a small wait depending on the crowd that day.  The de Young is very organized and has easy to follow instructions. 

I encourage everyone to be respectful and follow the no photography guidelines of these valued pictures.  And, neither sketching nor painting are allowed.

Private docent-led tours are available in the morning before the exhibition opens to the public. If interested, I may assist you with arranging for a small group.  An accent to this ~ perhaps a Food Tastes & Cultural Walking Tour through downtown San Francisco.  The local guide does a great job with this ~ bonus ~ he is from Paris.

These two exhibitions include nearly 220 paintings, remember there is still a large portion of the Orsay’s collection on display in Paris. Certain paintings in the Orsay’s collection are not permitted to travel due to their status as French national treasures or by virtue of the conditions of their gift to the French Republic.

Musee d’Orsay is partially closed for a refurbishment that is expected to take 14 months. During that time, two exhibitions of paintings will travel the world.  It is scheduled to re-open sometime in 2011. 

Another item to keep in mind as you make vacation plans this year ~ Paris or San Francisco.  

I highly recommend to get acquainted with this special community of artists and their works this summer!  Spend some time getting acquainted with Manet, Monet, Renoir, and Sisley this summer ~ locally!

Try something new - locally. It is fun!  The Fun Tour Guru

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Local Trip to the San Jose Earthquakes, Professional Soccer, Silicon Valley

Activities in Silicon Valley 

With many things to do - and one of the most popular attraction is our Soccer sports. 

My latest local experience finds me at a professional soccer game at Buck Shaw Stadium, Santa Clara University.  Santa Clara, CA is the former home of San Jose Earthquakes.  I am going to be honest and say this was my first game.  It was amazing to see this great sport.  Timing is everything as all eyes gather upon the World Cup in Africa right now. 

 

I enjoy watching Soccer. And to see a live game raises the sport to a higher level.  The crowds were well behaved and this Saturday evening there was a full stadium with spectators.  

 Before Avaya Stadium We Went To

Buck Shaw Stadium is easy to get to located on the University grounds.  There are different areas to park in - it is $20 to park in the garage which is located next to the stadium.  You may park across El Camino Real which is more affordable - it is within easy walking distance.

The stadium is across the street from Santa Clara Train Station.  CalTrain goes through familiar peninsula towns from San Francisco to San Jose.  In San Jose, visitors may catch the Capital Corridor to Sacramento.

An insiders hint: include extra time and walk to see the beautiful historic Santa Clara Mission which is also on University grounds a very short distance away. 

USA and Canada

This was a close game as the Earthquakes played Toronto FC - 2 countries, 2 flags, 2 national anthems.  A nice ceremony to start the game off with.

Non stop action during the game - never boring.  It was great to be up close with the players on the field.

The first 2 months of MLS are important as players try to earn places on the final 23-man USA National Team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. 

The hometown team did make a score ......

even though the ending was not in our favor. 

Go San Jose Earthquakes! 

I waited far too long to experience this local action in town. I do recommend go see the San Jose Earthquakes - they have a huge presence with the Silicon Valley international influence.

A few generic restaurant recommendations you may go to before games - Chili's on El Camino and Lawrence Expressway - my tasty chicken nachos and  Patron Pomegranate Margaritas were fabulous and quick.

Try something locally. It is fun!  The Fun Tour Guru

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Memorial Day 2010 - Tribute to Veterans everywhere

It is fabulous to find special reminders around the world about our USA Veterans.  I found this one on my Italy vacation.  

Tribute to All Veterans Everywhere

FLORENCE AMERICAN CEMETERY AND MEMORIAL

Thank you ~ The Fun Tour Guru

Information about this cemetery may be found at the
American Battle Monuments Commission

Share your comments with us now!  ~ The FunTourGuru

Images credits to The FunTourGuru