February Newsletter

Hello Fellow Travelers!

We say goodbye to spring and now it’s time to look ahead to see what summer will bring. Although many forecasters still predict doom and gloom, Going Places! Custom Travel has declared 2009 as the year of “YES WE CAN” –with help from GP!CT, we can all embrace the challenges before us, and rest assured you will have a guaranteed return on your travel investment.

In the present economy, most CEOs are saying that although they are watching expenses, they are continuing to make investments that will pay dividends in the future. Those who loaded up on debt to buy, buy, buy are no longer finding much comfort in their purchases. But somehow, people don’t have hollow feelings about money spent on multigenerational trips with their family, or girlfriend getaways or destination weddings or a visit to the land of their ancestors. These are experiences that cannot rust, will never break and can never be lost. They don’t depreciate; they only appreciate. They are the very best kinds of investments in the future.

So, in the spirit of “YES WE CAN” lets have the economy work in our favor for this year’s travel plans. This will be a great year to travel. Almost everything is deeply discounted.

  Remember, Travel Yields a Clear Return That Pays Lifelong Dividends.

  Consider Travel As Close To A Sure-Thing Investment As You Can Make in 2009.

    Places That Will Make You Secretly Want to Miss Your Flight

This little Palazzo, classified as an historical residence (therefore, no stars), has opened in the medieval center of Radda, one of the most well known towns in the Chianti countryside of Italy. Originally built in the medieval period, the house is named for an Archduke who stayed there in 1837 when the structure was a private manor house. A wonderful base for exploring the countryside, the palazzo offers large rooms, junior suites and spacious suites with fireplace and frescoes. Buffet breakfast is served either in the 17th century kitchen or on the terrace overlooking the hills and castles. There is a "wellness center" with sauna, Jacuzzi, solarium beauty treatments and massages available on the property. The hotel's restaurant, Perla del Palazzo, features Tuscan cuisine is available with indoor and outdoor seating - weather permitting, of course. There is also an enoteca for wine tastings. There may even be an indoor pool in the hotel's future! The drive to Florence is about 40 minutes via beautiful country roads.

GPCT is Pleased to Offer the Following Exclusive Package

Valid April 1-November 15, 2009

·Three nights accommodation in a Superior room

·Complimentary upgrade to the next room category, if available at check-in

·Welcome bottle of Prosecco

·Buffet breakfast daily

·One Dinner in the hotel's La Perla del Palazzo restaurant (beverages excluded)

·One Dinner in a typical area restaurant of the Chianti region

·Two wine tastings at 2 local Chianti Classico wineries; transportation additional if required

·Farewell bottle of Chianti Classico

Rate: € 810 double occupancy, additional nights: € 200

  What's Playing!

Amsterdam, Netherlands: In June, the city celebrates the $50 million restoration and expansion of the Hermitage Amsterdam. It’s opening exhibit, “At the Russian Court” showcases more than 1,800 works from the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. The exhibition, which runs through January 2010, explores the over-the-top luxuries, cultural traditions and social strata of the 19th century court of the czars.

And, Finally…Whether your travel plans this year will take you near or far, or if your plans are on hold at the moment, don’t forget that GP!CT will be here, ready to make your daydreams into realities. The best is before us.

Patty Van Wyck

13 Wedgewood Place

Clayton, North Carolina 27527

(919) 550-0417

(877) 275-1622