Family Adventure in South America

Real Life Story: “A” is for Advocacy
This is another Real Life Story article in our We Speak Travel-Ease campaign.

At Avant, we take the time to get to know our clients well – their interests, their preferences … even their “pet-peeves.” We combine that knowledge with detailed, meticulous research and planning to create a personalized itinerary for each of our clients on every trip. We take pride in going the extra mile, using our vast experience to circumvent potential pitfalls, and stepping in when necessary to resolve any issues or concerns. It’s why our clients keep coming back trip after trip, as is illustrated in the following client testimonial written by one of my favorite families for whom I’ve had the pleasure to advise on travel matters for many years.

 

Sharon Betts is the crucial element in our family vacations. I always say that I would not attempt to travel without her guidance. She has planned some incredible excursions for us.  My favorite was the three city tour of Italy­­ Rome, Florence and Venice. Our children loved the four city marathon of Baden-Baden, Munich and Berlin, Germany then on to Paris, France!  Most recently, Sharon coordinated an outstanding excursion through Buenos Aires and Mendoza, Argentina then over the Andes Mountains into Santiago, Chile.

 

The Buenos Aires Four Seasons hotel was a treat for us in so many ways. We were able to check in early after flying all night. We were thrilled when our rooms were upgraded.  And, to top that off, we were greeted in our suite with a great bottle of wine.  Our suite was gorgeous and spacious.  Since Sharon upgraded us to a special guest floor, we also had access to a wonderful sitting room which had refreshments 24/7 and a big balcony that overlooked the city.  Our family of five gathered here each morning, afternoon and night to catch up with each other.  (Our oldest child is 23, our middle child is 20 and had been studying abroad in Argentina for a month and our youngest is 16 years old.)

 

We absolutely loved our Buenos Aires guide that Sharon arranged for us. She gave us a city tour and escorted us to the Tango show and dinner. My husband’s favorite Argentine tour was the LaBamba Ranch where we were treated like royalty.  We enjoyed a family horse ride, a show by a horse whisperer, and an incredible meal eaten outside on the range with too many courses to count!

 

Next stop was the Mendoza wine region, which is located at the foot of the Andes Mountains. We visited three wineries here, with each so uniquely different in their processes and presentation. There are over 1000 wineries in the Mendoza region.

 

On to Santiago, Chile! This big beautiful city captured our hearts.  The Ritz Hotel had a wonderful trendy restaurant and a well-stocked grand old bar that we enjoyed to the fullest.  (They even had our favorite Kentucky bourbon to make an Old Fashion.)  Our guide here was one of the best, handling every detail from our flight confirmations to dinner reservations.  It is impossible to pick our favorite tour here.  Stunning Valparaiso with its beaches, colorful houses on the hillside and artistic graffiti; the unforgettable walk in the Andes Mountains; and of course the wineries!  Our trip was full of wonderful wine tours and tastings.

 

It is hard to express the appreciation we have for the care Sharon takes in each detail of our itinerary. It is always a relief to have her double checking each and every detail so we do not have any worries.  She takes extra care to ensure that each tour fits our family perfectly.  The amenities she obtains through her connections make the trips so much more enjoyable … from the free breakfasts, the food credits, the room upgrades and the privileged access. We always feel pampered.  Thank you Sharon and Avant Travel!

 

Carol M.

Avant Client

 

It’s always gratifying to hear that the work put into making a family’s trip a wonderful and memorable experience has paid off. It’s a double bonus to get such detailed, informative feedback following a trip.  I use this information to perfect customized itineraries for other clients, which helps to ensure unique and unforgettable travel adventures for them. Thank you so much, Carol. I look forward to helping you again in the near future.

 

Sharon Betts

Co-Owner, Travel Advisor

Sharon Betts