Baby Boomers have been known to cause change…well they are at it again!

Now that the Baby Boomers have more money and time to travel, the travel industry is looking for ways to capture this market. The Boomers, once again are rejecting what their parents did before them, they don’t want to sit on a bus going from one tourist sight to another with just time for a photo or two and a visit to the gift store. After all they have always done things their way; back packing through Europe stopping when and where they wanted to and taking time to investigate the area and meet the people. Not that they are getting older…but there is something said about a nice bed, clean bathroom and someone taking care of the bags, and I speak as a Boomer!

Two of the tour companies that have come out with tours for people who don’t like tours, to capture this market, are Tauck and Insight Vacations.

Tauck’s new division – Centurions Tours
Where travelers can immerse in the culture, shop in a local market for your cooking class; or hiking, bicycling or kayaking through the area. The groups are smaller, an average of 20 passengers, traveling in small vehicles – not big buses. Most important is Tauck’s 84 years of experience, which makes touring areas not open to the public and other special experiences possible. Think – more active, more culture and small groups.  Destinations: Tuscany & Cinque Terre, South Africa & Namibia, Provence and Costa Rica.

Insight Vacations – Select
The Select journeys give the independent minded traveler choices not available in past group travel. You have flexibility, you can join the tour when you want and you can leave when you want.  While on the tour an orientation sightseeing tour is included in each city, you can then tour on your own or take a Select sightseeing package in each city…do as little or as much as you want.. You can be independent while having the benefits of traveling with a group; travel arrangements, baggage handling and a tour guide to assist and answer questions.  European Destinations available. 

Baby Boomers want adventure, to be active, to participate and to learn.  The day’s of if this is Tuesday it must be Belgium with groups spending one night in each place, is fast becoming a thing of the past.  Thanks to the Boomers travelers are coming home with more then a photo of a monument they passed by on the bus!  Imagine the Possibilities…
 

29,000,000

The number of Americans who traveled with their dogs and cats during the last three years.

Travel Industry Association.

Chines New Year
2007 is the Year of the Pig!
Chinese Zodiac Signs

Rat (1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
You are imaginative, charming and truly generous to the person you love. However you have a tendency to be quick-tempered and overly critical. You should be happy in sales or as a writer, critic, or publicist.

Ox (1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009)
A born leader, you inspire confidence from all around you. You are conservative, methodical and good with your hands. Guard against being chauvinistic. You would be successful as a skilled surgeon, general, or hairdresser.

Tiger (1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010)
You are sensitive, emotional and capable of great love. However, you have a tendency to get carried away and be stubborn about what you think is right. You would be excellent as a boss, an explorer, a race car driver, or matador.

Rabbit (1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, and 2011)
You are the kind of person that people like to be around -affectionate, obliging, and always pleasant. You have a tendency, to get too sentimental and seem superficial. You would make a good lawyer, diplomat, or actor.

Dragon (1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012)
Full of vitality and enthusiasm, the Dragon is a popular individual even with the reputation of being foolhardy and a big mouth at times. You are intelligent, gifted and a perfectionist. You would be well-suited as an artist, priest, or politician.

Snake (1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, and 2013)
Rich in wisdom and charm, you are romantic and deep thinking and your intuition guides you strongly. Avoid procrastination and your stingy attitude towards money. You would be content as a teacher, philosopher, writer and fortune teller.

Horse (1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014)
Your capacity for hard work is amazing. You are your own person-very independent. While intelligent and friendly, you should guard against being egotistical. You could have success as an adventurer, scientist, poet or politician

Sheep (1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015)
Except for the knack of always getting off on the wrong foot with people, the Sheep can be charming company. You are elegant and artistic but the first to complain about things. You are best as an actor, gardener, or beachcomber.

Monkey (1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016)
You are very intelligent and have a very clever wit. Because of your extraordinary nature and magnetic personality your are always well-liked. You must guard against being distrustful of others. You will be successful in any field you try.

Rooster (1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017)
You are a hard worker, shrewd and definite in decision making often speaking your mind, you can seem boastful to others. You are a dreamer, flashy dresser and extravagant. Your best as a restaurant owner, publicist or world traveler.

Dog (1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018)
The Dog will never let you down. Born under this sign you are honest and faithful to those you love. Plagued by constant worry, a sharp tongue and being a fault finder. You would be an excellent businessman, activist, teacher or secret agent

Pig (1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, and 2019)
You are a splendid companion, an intellectual with a very strong need to set difficult goals. You are sincere, tolerant and honest. Your quest for material goods could be your down fall. Best in the arts as an entertainer, or lawyer.

GOOD HEALTH, LUCK AND WEALTH IN THE NEW YEAR!
Travel by Tatten

Did you know…The average American worker gets 14 days of vacation. The U.S. is the only industrialized country without a law requiring employers to provide a minimum number of paid vacations days. We take fewer vacation days then Europeans.

Italians have 42 days

The French have 37 days

Germans have 35 days

The British enjoy 28 days

and even Japan has an average of 17 days.