Contiki Winter FAM Trip

Our travel agent Kate is super excited to be apart of the Contiki Winter FAM trip that will take her to Holland, Switzerland and Germany! Stay posted for lots of pictures!

News Release on Travel Outlook

FOR MORE INFORMATION

                                                                        Contact: John Mallia

                                                                        Oshawa Travel Limited

                                                                        (905) 579-0297

                                                                        escape@oshawatravel.ca

Travelers Remain Resilient, Reliant on

Travel Professionals, Says New Travel Survey

Oshawa, Ontario, Nov. 13, 2017   – Volatile world events have done little to deter consumers from carrying through with their travel plans, according to results of the just-released 2017 Ensemble Insights Survey. What’s more, the role of the travel professional and interest in lesser-known destinations and travel insurance have taken on an even greater importance by consumers in their travel planning activities.

The survey was conducted in September and based on input from nearly 2,000 Ensemble Travel Group members in the U.S. and Canada, including Oshawa Travel Limited of Oshawa Results were released last month in Dallas at Ensemble’s annual conference attended by more than 850 members and industry partners. Of the survey respondents, 43 percent said world events such as terrorism, protests, and election results have had “little to no change” in their travel bookings for 2017 and 2018. Thirty-four percent of the respondents indicated their clients were placing a greater reliance on booking with a travel professional; 32 percent noted an increased interest in lesser-known destinations for their vacations; and 31 percent reported an increase in travel insurance bookings.  

“These positive survey results tell us that in spite of some very challenging world events – both natural and manmade – most consumers are resolute in carrying through with their travel plans,” said John Mallia, President of Oshawa Travel Limited. “We’re particularly encouraged by the metrics that showcase a travel advisor’s expertise because this tells us consumers understand a professional’s value given our world’s ever-changing conditions.”

In addition, the appeal of experiential travel continues to resonate with consumers. When asked what is more important to the majority of clients – price or experience – the latter was the clear preference as 70 percent of respondents selected experience, compared to a distant 30 percent opting for price.

Survey results also indicate 2018 to be a banner year ahead across all travel segments, with 66 percent of respondents expecting total travel bookings to increase compared to an already strong 2017 where 64 percent of those questioned expect bookings to be up this year.

According to John Mallia, President of Oshawa Travel Limited, the outlook and results at Oshawa Travel have also been very positive with substantial increases for several years and a banner year in 2016 with a 22% overall revenue and sales increase from 2015, the trend continues strong for 2017 and 2018 forecast.  Our business model continues to be primarily full service with face to face client communication but also mixed in with online and customized experiential travel. To reiterate Ensemble Travel Group, clients are very much looking at the service and value aspect and a different vacation travel experience rather than price, this is where we excel.

About Oshawa Travel Limited

Founded in 1958, Oshawa Travel Limited in 2018 celebrates 60 years in business. We are a solid established traditional full service Travel Agency with strong focus in travel groups, cruises, destination weddings and the International travel markets. For several years since 2005 under the guidance and leadership of John Mallia as President/Owner the perfect combination between traditional brick and mortar and online business practice has been developed successfully. www.oshawatravel.ca

About Ensemble Travel^® Group

Founded in 1968, Ensemble Travel® Group is a thriving member-owned organization of approximately 850 top-tier independent travel agencies in the U.S. and Canada, with an expanded international presence in Australia/New Zealand. With a membership that represents billions of dollars in travel sales each year, ,Ensemble Travel Group has achieved a near 50-year record of boosting members' profits and delivering high-volume sales to its preferred suppliers. To locate an Ensemble Travel Group specialist, visit www.ensembletravel.com. 

A view from the top of the Berliner Dome

 Berlin, Germany

Our new Travel Specialist Kate, became a specialist of Contiki!

If anyone has any questions about tours with Contiki, Kate is the girl to talk to! 

A view from the top of Table Mountain

Cape Town, South Africa

For Adrenaline Junkies

Try Shark Cage Diving 

When Traveling The UK Don't Forget To Visit This UNESCO World Heritage Site

Stonehenge

Boulders Beach in South Africa 

I guess not all penguins are fans of the cold!

New 2016 Destination Weddings & Honeymoon Programs have arrived: Contact us for more details!

Name your Destination Wedding Paradise: Select from White Sand Pristine Beaches to Tuscany Country Villas to Historic or Medieval Castles.

At Oshawa Travel we are truly your World Wide Honeymoon Destination Weddings Specialists.

 Visit our Travel Booth on Sunday Sept. 13, 2015 - Sass Fall Bridal Event at Oshawa Quality Hotel & Conference Centre. For FREE entrance tickets contact us!

Quarter Marathon Oshawa 2014

The 1/4 Marathon in Oshawa coming up will be my 4th racing, this year in your race kit if you are participating you will see a postcard from my company www.oshawatravel.ca that will highlight customized destinations marathons for this year and next. Most important at this event I will be giving back to The Refuge $25.00 for each marathon confirmed, a great cause to help the homeless in need. As well, each postcard will contain a $50,00 discount for every booking made. Have a great race and have fun

Extraordinary Romantic Getaways!

When you think of a romantic vacation what comes to mind? Let me guess, all inclusive, with white sand beaches and the one you love?? Ahhhh yes that does sound romantic, but if you have done the all inclusive thing many times wouldn't you like to try something out of the ordinary?

Don't get me wrong a 5* resort adults only is definitely the way to go for most, but why not step out of your comfort zone and try something different. My idea of romance is seclusion from the rest of the world. Just myself and my honey. My perfect romantic getaway is a private villa where you can walk out of your room into your own private swimming pool over looking the beautiful Caribbean sea, long lazy days of just the two of us. Walking distance to your own beach, where you take long romantic walks and skinny dip in the ocean. At night fire up the barbecue and have a private dinner out side on your own private veranda with a bottle of wine then take a midnight swim before you head to bed. That is romance! Planning a vacation like this is easier than you think, and it wont break the bank, the memories you will build will last a life time, Once you try this type of vacation you will never go back to reservations at the A la Carte, or waiting for your drinks and fighting for a beach chair by the ocean! You can view our villa inventory on www.oshawatravel.ca you wont be disappointed!

Merry Christmas from Oshawa Travel, Best Wishes!

Oshawa Travel Client Feedback

Thank you for your kind notes Steve and Diana, always wonderful to know that we continue do a GREAT job at Oshawa Travel and provide the best service! 

"Hello John,

Thank you very much for all your help as well, what a great team you have, it must be such a joy to come to work, knowing that you have a great Team.

Thank you for your kindness, not many people would give you a drink water or otherwise, as soon as I came in Melanie and your self made me feel relaxed and confident knowing that I chose the right Travel place.

I must admit that I was scared, and mess everything up hahah!!!
But between your self and Melanie you made it so easy for myself and Diana to to make a dream Vacation come true.

I know that If we go on anymore holidays we will come to you.
Sometimes John, we forget people like yourself and Melanie, who make it such a joy to come to your Dream Holidays Come True
Store. !!!!

Once again John thank you for all that you have done for myself and Diana

Merry Christmas
And myself and Diana
Want to say have a Wonderful
Sensational
New Year

LOVE IS IN THE AIR!!!

When you have met the person of your dreams who you plan on spending the rest of your life with what is the next step?? MARRAIGE!! Weddings can sometimes be a difficult task especially when you are trying to please and accommodate everyone!

Finding the right venue, photographer, DJ, cake, wedding hall and the list goes on, this sometimes becomes more stressful that fun, not to mention the expense!!!!

Why not eliminate the stress and celebrate your love and devotion with a destination wedding where all your friends and family can take a break from the hustle and bustle of work and enjoy a fun filled week with you and your soon to be husband/wife, on a beach enjoying the sun, surf and sand while having a some great laughs and few rum punches!! Take the stress out of planning the perfect day and let us take care of the worry! With so many beautiful resorts and great destinations there is something special for everyone! The options are endless!! If this sounds better than all the worry than give us a call and let us know how we can help your dream wedding come true!

EXCURSIONS!!!!!

Travel Plans already made? Why not take in all there is offer? Explore your destination and experience it with a day trip or excursion. With many to choose from here is a list of our favorites. To book or for more information Contact Melanie (905)579-0297

Mexico-Cancun- Xel-Ha

Enjoy the magical creation of the Mayan gods: Xel-Ha, a place where the best of the Mexican Caribbean nature comes together. Embark on an aquatic adventure created by the Mayan gods themselves. Enjoy nature through the crystal clear waters of this spectacular natural aquarium. Underground rivers flowing out to the Sea. Explore creeks, lagoons, natural wells and ancient caves. Explore the underwater world by snorkeling and coming face to face with exotic underwater flora and fauna such as curious rays and schools of French Angel fish. Other activities include rope swing diving, rope bridge walking, bicycling, kayaking, and much more!

Jamaica- Ocho Rios

Cruise through the clear waters of the Caribbean aboard a spacious catamaran and discover where Dunn’s River Falls meets the sea. Snorkel over spectacular coral reefs along the way, and sway to the rhythms of Jamaican music while sipping a rum punch on your return to Ocho Rios or Montego Bay. At Dunn’s River Falls, you’ll have ample time to swim in the lagoons and climb the terraced rocks up the stunning cascade, with help from your friendly guide.


Punta Cana- Shark and Ray Experience

Discover the beauty of the underwater world as you snorkel and swim along the biggest coral reefs of Punta Cana, making friends with the giant sting rays and nurse sharks. Then its on to some natural pools where you can enjoy a beautiful cocktail as you relax in the water! With something for everyone, this family friendly excursion is a must do when visiting the Dominican Republic!

St.Maarten

No trip to St. Martin is complete without a day trip to the gorgeous and unspoiled island of sun and sand - Anguilla. You'll cruise to the island by catamaran, go snorkeling off Sandy Island and spend a relaxing afternoon on Anguilla's Road Bay Beach.

Grazie Oshawa Travel From Italy!!!

Thank you, John:

- for steering us through the muddy waters of trip planning,

- for having more patience than could be expected,

- for being there when we needed you enroute,
...
- for suggesting & setting up amazing local tours (Sistine Chapel/Vatican Museum and Cinque Terre),

- for arranging the best transportation(s) ever - all our drivers were over the top (friendly, knowledgeable, VERY accommodating)

- for booking the high speed train - so much fun - THE WAY to travel Naples to Florence (you were right though - we should have travelled light),

- for booking the exact rental vehicle we needed, it was perfect (Ford C-Max),

- for checking & rechecking our accommodation (our anxiety over this was unjustified as we ended up on all occasions being more than satisfied - we were thrilled),

- for calling us after our trip for feedback,

for everything you did to make this the trip of a lifetime for all of us.. from Tania`s 1st overseas trip to the more seasoned veteran(s) among us,

- ...did you say a word to the right person too... the weather was the best and nobody got really sick or very hurt (although we weren't without incident!)

- We LOVED our Italy experience!

Thanks again
Janice
Sandra
Tania
Barb

Gay and Lesbian Travel

Beyond the bling and bikinis of South Beach, lies a city of excitement, with stylish restaurants, irresistible night life, decadent bars and lounges, Miami is the perfect playground for gays and lesbians. Miami has a wide variety of exceptional and carefully chosen gay and lesbian friendly hotels that will accommodate no matter what your travel budget is, there is something for everyone.

Enjoy the excitement of the city, the many activities and festivals it hosts throughout the year. You can check out all upcoming events on www.gogaymiami.com don’t miss the opportunity to soak up the sand and surf at Miami’s world famous Haulover nude gay beach.

 Customized packages available for more information contact Melanie at Oshawa travel  

(905) 579-0297 or email me at melanie@oshawatravel.ca

FESTIVAL SEASON

PUERTO RICO
Oct 24-28, 2013  Tango Festival: Few dances are as passionate and romantic as the tango, so what better place to host a dance festival than the sizzling city of San Juan. There will be various venues hosting Tango performances while workshops will be available to give beginners an extra hand in learning.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Oct 31^st-Nov 3, 2013: JAZZ FESTIVAL: Jazz musicians from all around the world will gather in the D.R for some world class jams with an unforgettable line up of musicians like Artura Sandoval and Stanly Jordan. This year marks the 17^th anniversary, making it the longest running jazz event in the country. This fun and musical event takes place in the beautiful cities of Cabarete and Sosua.

GRENADA

Nov 22-23, 2013: CARIBBEAN RUM AND BEER FESTIVAL: Rum and Beer is celebrated top notch in Grenada every year during this annual festival. This year will include a CAB taste contest, golf tournament and live culinary displays. Master classes from experts and an epic showdown of skills will pit Grenada’s own mixologists against the Caribbean’s best and brightest. Every night you can enjoy tasty local creole food, local arts, live music and crafts.

CUBA  

Feb 26- Mar 2, 2014: HABANO CIGAR FESTIVAL: There nothing more quintessentially Cuban than a fresh rolled cigar. The Habano Cigar Festival celebrates this iconic accoutrement with tours of the local cigar factories, seminars, cigar tastings. This year a special tribute will be given to Cohiba and Romeo y Julieta, tow of the most prestigious Habanos brands.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

March 3-4, 2014: CARNIVAL: There is no party like a Carnival party and many will argue that Trinidad & Tobago does it the best. Regarded as being on the biggest and best events in the Caribbean and often called the greatest show on earth. Trinidad’s Carnival is unparalleled when it comes to colorful costumes, floats and all night parties.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience one of these amazing festivals. We can customize any type of travel to suit your needs. For pricing and information contact Melanie at Oshawa Travel or email me at melanie@oshawatravel.ca