#VastChat #8 Aug.9.13 – a Catch up on Twitter Chats #VastChat

This week, @moe_adventure and I had a catch up on #VastChat. Most of our suppliers were already en route to Vegas for @Virtuoso #Vast globe-trotting. Maureen and I were to hop a plane a little later in the afternoon to join them there, so we decided to go ahead with an abbreviated form of #VastChat.

Great info, still!

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I hope everyone is ready to learn more about VAST as @Sheila_gh & I will be heading to the largest event of the year tomorrow. #vastchat

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

woo hoo RT @moe_adventure: Welcome to another #Vastchat everyone! Today @sheila_gh & will be chatting about the #VAST program

so excited – guess I better pack! @Virtuoso #VirtuosoWk #VastChat RT @moe_adventure: I hope everyone is ready to learn more about VAST as…

>4000 suppliers, travel advisors headed to @BellagioLV for @Virtuoso #VirtuosoWk#Vastchat hosts @moe_adventure and I excited to be going!

A1. VAST is an acronym for @Virtuoso’s Active & Specialty Travel #VastChat (rt @tforesman from our #VastChat w her) cc/ @moe_adventure

A1.VAST is community for @Virtuoso Suppliers/Advisors looking to reach today’s luxury, active traveler #VastChat #VirtuosoWk @moe_adventure

A1. VAST is travel with meaning and travel that changes you and the world #VastChat rt @tforesman @Virtuoso #VastChat / cc @moe_adventure

are you joining us on #VastChat @Lunacee @TravelwJanet @TravelJasonsWay @TrvlwithMelissa @followmeroaming

RT @tforesman: Looking fwd to seeing you! RT @TheRegentPalms: Happy #TravelTuesday @Virtuoso @tforesman We can’t wait for #VirtuosoWk

woo hoo RT @traveljasonsway: On my way to @TorontoPearson with @pearsonlimo for my @AirCanada flight 597 to LAS and the @AriaLV @Virtuoso

here’s a video about what @Virtuoso travel advisors do for their clients – defining moments http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NDj6E9ykes4 … #VastChat

A2. GLOBE TROTTING is full day event at @Virtuoso Travel Week & allows VAST Suppliers to interact w @Virtuoso advisors #VirtuosoWk #VastChat

a2 cont.. it’s held one day prior to the official opening day of @Virtuoso Travel Week #VastChat (rt @tforesman http://ow.ly/nMBUu )

a2 globe-trotting takes place TOMORROW!!!! #VirtuosoWk #VastChat – so excited! @moe_adventure

a2:

a2 – Its “grass roots research” for advisors #VastChat / cc @moe_adventure

A2. Advisors rotate from booth 2 booth approx. every 7mins #VastChat

Advisors come prepared with their clients current travel interests & shopping list #VastChat (rt @tforesman ) cc @moe_adventure

a2. This allows them time to ask in-depth questions & garner insider information beneficial to their luxury active clients.#VastChat

Virtuoso is really life changing for travelers. RT @sheila_gh: here’s a video about what @Virtuoso travel advisors do for their clients -..

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

a2.Suppliers decorate their booths so they are fun interactive learning sessions about their products and destinations #VastChat

A2. B&R was a French Bistro- to introduce their new Bistro Bike Tours #VastChat pic.twitter.com/WdFP3DO2yf (rt @tforesman)

A2.This was African Travel’s booth last year. A campfire on safari #VastChat pic.twitter.com/R5wKAKERcj rt @tforesman

Just a reminder that we are here talking about VAST suppliers on our #Vastchat today w/ @Sheila_gh

Q3: What makes VAST suppliers great? #vastchat #Virtuoso

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

a3 @Virtuoso is a by invitation only network, so all of our suppliers are special #VastChat (rt @tforesman ) #VirtuosoWk

a3. in addition they have to meet certain standards and criteria to join @Virtuoso #VastChat

a3. VAST suppliers are a niche portfolio already qualified by @Virtuoso that specialize in Adventure Travel. #VastChat (rt @tforesman)

a3.They provide custom itineraries, carefully constructed & allow your clients to engage w/ some dramatic places on earth. #VastChat

They are very unique, just like the traveler. RT @sheila_gh: a3.They provide custom itineraries, carefully constructed & allow your…

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

a3. They employ immaculately qualified guides & expedition photographers #VastChat (rt@tforesman) @Virtuoso #VirtuosoWk @moe_adventure

a3 VAST suppliers are also deeply committed to supporting sustainable tourism best practices… #VastChat (rt @tforesman)

thanks @tforesman -we know you’re busy setting up @Virtuoso Globe-trotting -retweeting earlier answers from http://ow.ly/nMDap  #VastChat

I will be in couple of hours! 🙂 – are you going globe-trotting? hope meet irl #VastChat RT @trvlwithmelissa: Ditto “@Followmeroaming:..

RT @travelwjanet: Don’t forget #VASTCHAT is on right now live from Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. Just search Twitter for #VASTCHAT

Hi Janet.RT @travelwjanet: Don’t forget #VASTCHAT is on right now live from Virtuoso Travel Week in Las Vegas. Just search Twitter for.

Not yet. Haven’t started packing yet. Leave soon.RT @travelwjanet: @moe_adventure You are already there, excellent!

Maureen Hutchison ‏@moe_adventure9 Aug

Q4. Who are some of the VAST partners you’ll be meeting tomorrow? What do they specialize in? #vastchat

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

a4 companies like @SWAINtours offer some interesting itineraries #vastchat– looking forward to meeting them irl at globe-trotting tomorrow

@SWAINtours visits A4: Australia, NZ, Tahiti, Fiji, Southern & East Africa, Egypt, SE Asia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, India, Dubai #VastChat

A4 Many of these @SWAINtours destinations are in the top 10 @Virtuoso dream destination list! #VastChat

A4: in 1987, Aussie Ian Swain and American wife Linda created the co to design completely customized itineraries to select destin #VastChat

and here is twitter chat transcript from our chat w them http://storify.com/sheila_gh/vast-chat-5-w-swain-tours-july-19-2013 … @SWAINtours fab @Virtuosopartner

A4: And then there are fab companies like Rocky Mountaineer @rmountaineer with partners like @CynthiaatRocky #VastChat

a4. @rmountaineer has 5 routes to offer! All in daylight through the canadian Rockies and one from/to Seattle! #VastChat

fab scenery + sublime food RT @cynthiaatrocky: @moe_adventure@rmountaineer don’t sleep on train! get off ‘n sleep in hotel travel #vastchat

a4: @rmountaineer @moe_adventure Most popular route is First Passage to the West, Vancouver to LakeLouise/Banff/Calgary! #vastchat

yes w @moe_adventure RT @followmeroaming: @TrvlwithMelissa I’m on a couple panels. Will look for u both 2nd half of #Globetrotter #VastChat

#VastChat transcript of our previous chat with @rmountaineer and @CynthiaatRocky http://storify.com/sheila_gh/vastchat-1-may-31-2013 …

a5: well we have trips with @tauck – here’s a twitter chat we did w them http://storify.com/sheila_gh/vastchat-w-tauck-jul-6-13 … #VastChat

a5: and then of course, there is @BackroadsTravel http://storify.com/Jessilab/vast-chat-6-w-backroadstravel-july-26-13 … #VastChat – another fab @Virtuosoactive partner

a5 RT @backroadstravel: Active travel is the difference between looking at life & living it! #VastChat

Absolutely! RT @sheila_gh: a5 RT @BackroadsTravel: Active travel is the difference between looking at life & living it! #VastChat

SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

a5: with @backroadstravel: it means biking, walking & hiking to explore a region of the world. No buses or large tour groups. #VastChat

a5- and then there is amazing trips with @LindbladExp and lindblad and @Expeditiongaloffers unique itineraries too

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  • SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    #VastChat transcript from @LindbladExp and @Expeditiongal chat http://storify.com/Jessilab/vast-chat-6-w-lindblad-expeditions-august-02-13 

    a5: Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered the father of eco-tourism, started Lindblad Travel in 1958. #vastchat

    a5: He was the first to take citizen explorers to Antarctica and Galapagos. #vastchat @lindbladexp @Expeditiongal

    a5: Lindblad covers Everything from the Arctic Circle to Antarctica. 2 ships in Galapagos yr-rnd, Alaska, Baja, Costa Rica, Panama

    @lunacee hey alex – welcome #VastChat @moe_adventure

    Q6: How many VAST companies are there? #vastchat @VirtuosoWk

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    a6 Supplier Attendance: 38 VAST Suppliers and VAST Tourist Boards #VastChat (rt @tforesmanfrom earlier interview)

    The best 38 in the business.RT @sheila_gh: a6 Supplier Attendance: 38 VAST Suppliers and VAST Tourist Boards #VastChat (rt

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    a6 450 advisors registered for vast globe-trotting – that’s tomorrow – so excited!!! #VastChat #VirtuosoWk

    welcome – weekly chat w @virtuoso active partners RT @antitourist: Hello #vastchat! I’m new…what’s it all about? Just saw my pal..

    a6 as our friends say – the world is vast – go explore #VastChat

    great pic – the world is in our hands – and that of our #VastChat @Virtuoso suppliers https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/1094998_525504557539242_477731573_n.jpg 

    RT @moe_adventure: The best 38 in the business.RT @sheila_gh: a6 Supplier Attendance: 38 VAST Suppliers and VAST Tourist Boards #VastChat

    Q7: Did you know that @tauck culturious is part of @Virtuoso‘s VAST? #VastChat #VirtuosoWk / @moe_adventure

    A7. Tauck’s been around since 1925. They are the world’s premier name in upscale, escorted travel cc. @Tauckagent #vastchat

    A7. How you see the world matters to @Tauck! Cookie cutter vacations just don’t cut it. They are known to go above & beyond. #vastchat

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    weekly chat – usu host a supplier, but everyone getting ready for @virtuosoglobe-trotting tomorrow – so we’re focussing on recap w…

    welcome – please join in chat! love to have you RT @thetravelcamel: @AntiTourist I’m still new here, @moe_adventure or @sheila_ghcan…

    RT @moe_adventure: A7. Tauck’s been around since 1925. They are the world’s premier name in upscale, escorted travel cc. @TauckAgent

    @Tauck Rule No #1, How you see the world Matters to their travelers. #vastchat @tauckagent

    A7. Virtually All Inclusive, Stress Free Holiday, the @Tauck Reputation just like travelers envision their journey. #vastchat

    A7. For the Culturally Curious! Small group journeys avg 20 guests. Enjoy Activity, Culture, History @Tauckagent #vastchat

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    are you already en route to #VirtuosoWk @lunacee – ready for #Vast Globetrotting tomorrow #VastChat

    Q8: Did you know the women’s only @tauck group @moe_adventure + @sheila_gh r escorting next yr is going to Cinque Terre & Tuscany #VastChat

    A8. Our departure is May 5, 2014 and there will only be 18 travelers including the two of us. Smaller is better, don’t you agree? #vastchat

    A8. A great point about small groups tours is that you are treated as individuals. This is very important to travelers these days. #vastchat

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    RT @moe_adventure: A8. Our departure is May 5, 2014- only 18 travelers including the two of us. Smaller is better, don’t u agree? #vastchat

    @moe_adventure definitely smaller is better ! w @tauck culturious tours @yearsoftravel #VastChat

    Who has traveled to Cinque Terre & Tuscany? #vastchat w/ @Sheila_gh

    Discover what being Culturious is all about in the idyllic Tuscan countryside and the seaside with @Tauck #vastcaht

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    looking forward to it w @tauck RT @moe_adventure: Who has traveled to Cinque Terre & Tuscany? #vastchat w/ @sheila_gh / cc @tauck_chris

    RT @moe_adventure: Discover what being Culturious is all abt in idyllic Tuscan countryside + seaside w @tauck #vastcaht / cc @yearsoftravel

    q9: what is included in this @tauck women’s only group? @moe_adventure #VastChat @moe_adventure

    A9. Women will get to sample street foods in a Florentine market and enjoy a hands on Tuscan pasta-making class. #vastchat

    A9. Foodies would love this tour: wine & olive oil tastings, pasta-making class in 2 of the best food destinations in the world. #vastchat

    A9. Lecture by a Florentine art historian, go inside an artisan’s workshop and studio. #vastchat @yearsoftravel @Tauckagent

    A9. Watch this video on Cinque Terre & Tuscany. http://ow.ly/mGZ2J  #vastchat

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    did you enjoy tuscany? RT @thetravelcamel: @moe_adventure @sheila_gh Tuscany – yes; Cinque Terre – no. Would love to fill that gap #VastChat

    RT @moe_adventure: A9. Women will get to sample street foods in a Florentine market and enjoy a hands on Tuscan pasta-making class #vastchat

    RT @moe_adventure: A9. Lecture by a Florentine art historian, go inside an artisan’s workshop +studio. #vastchat @yearsoftravel @TauckAgent

    what about by bike? RT @thetravelcamel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Wonderful part of Italy. had car-drove myself arnd countryside.#VastChat

    q10: does this @tauck tour also include active excursions? @moe_adventure #VastChat

    A10. Hiking & cycling are included. #vastchat

    A10. Cycling through Lucca and walking the streets through Cinque Terre while watching the incredible scenery. rt @yearsoftravel #vastchat

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    oh my – looking forward to it! RT @moe_adventure: A9. Watch this video on Cinque Terre & Tuscany. http://ow.ly/mGZ2J  #vastchat

    RT @moe_adventure: A10. Hiking & cycling are included. #vastchat

    A10. Lucca is topographically flat – unlike most Tuscan towns – so it’s a cyclist’s dream. #vastchat

    A10. One of the best ways to explore this historically powerful and culturally rich city is by bicycle. #vastchat

    One of the world’s most spectacular coastal hikes, through terraced vineyards overlooking the sea from Monterosso to Vernazza #vastchat

    LOL RT @thetravelcamel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Bicycle would be lovely too, as long as someone else carried all my luggage. #VastChat

     

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    RT @moe_adventure: A10. Cycling thru Lucca + walking streets thru Cinque Terre while watching incredible scenery rt @yearsoftravel #vastchat

    fab RT @moe_adventure: A10. Lucca is topographically flat – unlike most Tuscan towns – so cyclist’s dream. #vastchat @TauckAgent @tauck

    @tauck tour does that! RT @thetravelcamel: @moe_adventure Bicycle would be lovely too, as long as some1 else carried all luggage. #VastChat

    Very nice.RT @thetravelcamel: @sheila_gh @moe_adventure Wonderful part of Italy.I had a car so drove myself around the countryside.Great..

    SheilaGallantHallora ‏@sheila_gh9 Aug

    would you like to do a @tauck tour @TravelwJanet @lunacee? #VastChat

    q11: What hotels are included on this group @tauck trip @moe_adventure ? #VastChat

    A11. The Hotel L’Orologia-Florence, Italy, the Hotel Porto Roca-Monterosso, Italy, and the Grand Hotel Continental – Siena, Italy #vastchat

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