Frost’s escorted tours have an option for everyone The Montrealer June 3, 2009 4592 Spotlight on Travel – Mike Cohen Sandra Frost is indeed a travel agent who goes that extra mile for her clients. After 25 years in the business, the last eight with Groupe Ideal, she knows just how to customize trips for those with different interests. Not only do a lot of couples take advantage of her programs, but singles feel right at home as well. “I have been in the travel industry for 25 years this May,” Sandra was telling me just recently; “My group tours started 23 years ago when I planned and escorted my first theatre bus tour and never looked back. I’ve been fortunate to travel a great part of the world with wonderful people, many of whom have travelled with me for much of that time.” Right now Sandra is about to begin a journey of escorted tours that will carry into next winter. It all starts with a trip to Stratford June 16 to 19.Some 40 people are expected to climb aboard the 56 seat Coach Canada bus. Sandra serves everyone breakfast at their seat to help make good time. They do stop for lunch. Once they arrive at Stratford the group checks into their hotel and proceed to take in four plays. From July 14 to 16 it is off to Saratoga, New York where guests will stay for two nights at the Holiday Inn, see two performances of the New York City Ballet, have dinner at the Hall of Springs and another at a dinner theatre in Lake George. There is even time allotted to do some shopping in nearby and Albany. The Shaw Festival is on the agenda August 18 to 21. Here, the group stays at the gorgeous White Oaks Resort and Conference Centre at Niagara on the Lake. There are three breakfasts, three dinners and four theatre performances included. Those who wish will also get the chance to be dropped off at Niagara Falls, the vacation capital of the world, where they can shop, gamble at the casino or go for a whirl on the famous Maid of the Mist. Sandra will then get to work planning a beautiful 14 day cruise October 25 to November 8 aboard the Azamara Journey, a small ship that accommodates about 800 passengers. It departs from Rome and visits Sorrento, Santorini Mykonos, Rhodes, Antalya, Limassol, Haifa, Ashdod, Port Said, Alexandria and Chios. “What people like mainly about cruising is that you pack and unpack once,” she said. “This one is a little bit of a tease because you get a small taste of each destination. Each day the ship will dock and passengers will have a chance to explore. In November, the unstoppable Sandra will lead a four night trip to Las Vegas. “I promise people who come with me will see the real Vegas,” she says. “There is actually a lot to see.” The month of February is reserved for the sun and warmth of Arizona. “I had 24 people on the last trip,” she says. “About 16 were 80 years of age and more and I could not keep up with them.” Regarding the singles who come on the escorted tours, some are widows or widowers who want to get away, but cannot do so on their own. “This is a wonderful option,” Sandra says. “They know they can go on a fun trip and not be alone.” Sandra can be reached directly at 514-342-9554, ext: 259 or by email at [email protected] Mike Cohen’s email address is [email protected]. Log on to his travel advice column at www.sandboxworld.com/travel