Walker Travel

Spring Break Air Fares

2012-02-04T09:32:00.000-08:00

Many travelers visit Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline for their air fare quotes. Next time try Walker Travel. Especially during the spring break travel period. We beat our competitors airfares 90% of the time during this peak travel period. Just send Doug your request at Doug@Walkertravel.com and he or one of his staff will get right back to you. Travel safe!!!!!!!

50% Off Hawaii Resort

2011-12-30T11:22:00.000-08:00

Tired of the rain? The Kona Reef Resort on the "big Island" of Hawaii is having a 1/2 off sale. Yes, even this winter. The resort is located beach side on the Kona (dry) side of the island. These one bedroom condominium units have an ocean view and come with a washer and dryer in every unit. Visit www.wizardpub.com for an aerial view of the resort. Good for stays January to July, 2012. Mahalo, Doug

Duck go to the Rose Bowl

2011-12-07T09:13:00.001-08:00

Yes the University of Oregon football team is going to the Rose Bowl again. January 2nd, 2012. Walker Travel has packages. Check us out at www.walkertravel.com. Next year it will be the Beavers turn!!!

Air Fare Comparisons

2011-11-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

Portland to Orlando Round trip with all taxes and fees:

December 23 - 30, 2012

EXPEDIA $793

PRICELINE $792

TRAVELOCITY $792

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES $932

WALKER TRAVEL $549

101st Visit To Maui

2011-10-20T14:15:00.000-07:00

Diane and I will be visiting Maui, Hawaii for our 101st time. We always love the warm sunny weather and the white sand beaches. Add the zip lines, Haleakala wilderness hikes, a
visit to the Tedeschi Winery, finding Charles Lindbergh's grave in Hana and visiting a shrine to the "George Washington" of China and our perfect trip to Maui begins. Mahalo, Doug

Walker Travel Beats Internet Pricing

2011-09-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Conventional wisdom says Southwest Airlines fares and always lower than United Airlines and Internet prices are lower than Walker Travels. Neither statement is true. Contact one of our 22 travel councilors for professional travel planning help. Mahalo and Dankeschon

Lunch & Ship Tour On Board MS Zuiderdam

2011-09-10T13:32:00.000-07:00

Join me for lunch and a ship tour on September 25th of the Holland American MS Zuiderdam. The ship is stopping is Astoria for the day. The time is 1:30pm to 4:30pm. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about sailing. Be my guest!

2011-08-08T12:21:00.000-07:00

Summer finally arrived in Oregon so Walker Travel will be closed Saturday and Sunday until after Labor Day. September 10 and 11 will be the next weekend open dates.

Why do travelers need a travel agent? Diane and I toured the Golden Princess ship in Seattle last Saturday. Because I was wearing a blue blazer I guess a cruiser asked me for directs to Cabin #312. They had gone on line to book a cabin next to their best friends traveling in cabin #312. I informed them their cabin was on the “other side” of the ship.

Oh they said, we should have used a travel agent to book our sailing.

Bon Voyage, Doug and Diane

Douglas Walker
Walker Travel and Cruises - An Ensemble Travel Agency
"Oregon's Most Experienced Travel Agency"
Founded in 1927
P. 503.666.3700
F. 503.669.5374
www.walkertravel.com
www.walkertravel.blogspot.com
Doug@walkertravel.com

Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend Jan. 27 - 29, 2012

2011-07-12T15:59:00.000-07:00

Plan your next family vacation around a magical weekend at Disneyland in sunny California. It starts with a family 5K and kids' races and culminates with a 13.1-mile run that weavers you through the "Disneyland Resort". Register at runDisney.com and then make your reservations with one of Walker Travels Disney specialists. We have packages for every one's budget.

Utopia Vineyards and Winery Newberg Oregon

2011-06-03T10:44:00.000-07:00

Diane and I visited the Oregon wine country last weekend. Our favorite winery was Utopia on Ribbon Ridge near Newberg. With a new tasting room, this small winery is a 10. Try the new Estate Reserve 2009 Pinot noir. We of course had to join their wine club. 17445 NE Ribbon Ridge Road, Newberg. Say hi two their two friendly dogs William and Harry for us.

Try the Painted Lady restaurant in Newberg after your tasting. !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reason # 9 - Why You Need Travel Insurance

2011-04-30T13:38:00.000-07:00

#9

A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise.

Viet Nam Vets Return After 40 Years

2011-04-30T12:02:00.000-07:00

Walker Travel had the honor of helping four Viet Nam veterans return to their war fields this month. Jim is from Gresham and Philip now makes his home in Florida. These soldiers were stationed near the Ho Chi Minh trail and boarder of Laos. They finally found the old French plantation mansion swimming pool where they had a brief R and R. It was covered with jungle overgrowth.

Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Any More?

2011-04-10T15:29:00.000-07:00

FACT: Travel agents still sell 51% of all airlines tickets, 87% of all cruises, 81% of all tours/packages, 47% of all hotels and 45% of all car rentals. Source - America Society of Travel Agents

Sold Out Hotels - No Problem

2011-03-29T14:13:00.000-07:00

Often a hotel is sold out because of a convention in town or it's a holiday, no problem. Walker Travel has blocked rooms at most resorts and hotels (32,000 around the world). We also block air seats during popular travel times.

New Zealand Earthquake - Travel Insurance

2011-02-22T15:14:00.000-08:00

One of our good clients are now visiting New Zealand's South Island. Because of the recent earthquake in Christchurch his travel plans are being altered as we speak. Fortunately he purchased a very good travel insurance policy. Not only will he be covered for cancellation fees but also for trip interruption and travel delay. We wish Curtis a safe and peaceful journey home.

Duck's National Football Championship Packages

2010-12-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Yes, Walker Travel has University of Oregon Duck football packages. Our packages include game tickets, accommodations at the Doubletree Suites or Marriott Courtyard, transfers and tailgaters. If you need affordable air tickets then contact us 503.666.3700 or visit www.walkertravel.com for details. Space is very limited. Go Ducks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oregon Duck Football Package to National Championship

2010-11-30T09:13:00.000-08:00

Yes, if the Ducks can beat the Beavers in Corvallis this Saturday, we will have a football package. The national championship game will be held in Phoenix Monday night January 10th. Check our web site for details - but - Go Beavs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

United - Continental Merger - Old Tickets

2010-11-22T11:23:00.000-08:00

We can now reissue your unused United Airline tickets for Continental Airline flights and vice- versa. This is another advantage of the recent merger. Remember Walker Travel and Cruises is an authorized United Airlines agent. Let us help you with frequent flyer mileage itineraries and complicated domestic and international flights.

When Not Having An Airline Seat Assignment Is Good

2010-11-09T08:14:00.000-08:00

Recently Diane and I traveled to Orlando without pre assigned seating. Usually this is a bad thing however when made it a positive experience. We tried to print our boarding passes the evening before our flight. The only seats available were "premium" with an extra cost ($85 each). So the next morning we checked in at the airport ticket counter and were given boarding passes for "premium" seats at no additional cost.

United-Continental Airlines Merger - Good For Portland

2010-10-03T14:46:00.000-07:00

The recent United-Continental airlines merger will be a boon for PDX. Why? More non stop flights to the New York City airports, more Boeing 737 jet service up and down the west coast (Continental has surplus 737's), better service to Ft Lauderdale (Florida's cruise capitol) enhanced service to South America and Europe via the Houston International Airport (IAH)
The airport ticket counter will have better security and be more efficient. Look for the changes in early 2011.

Legoland California

2010-07-16T16:26:00.000-07:00

I just returned from Legoland near San Diego California. It is perfect for small children (9 and under) Adult kids will also enjoy the park! A Sheraton Resort is located next to the park with it's own entrance gate. Only purchase tickets for the main park as the water park tickets are additional and you my not have visiting time. Enjoy -
Doug

Luxury Bend Oregon Hotel

2010-06-22T16:37:00.000-07:00

I am often asked about accommodations in Bend Oregon because we travel their so often. We recently stayed at the new Oxford Hotel in downtown Bend at 10 NW Minnesota Avenue. This deluxe 50 room hotel is plush! All of the rooms are large and face south. Rates run about $150/ night and up. Another funky overnight er is the McMenamins - Old St. Francis School. Try the soaking tub before bed. Rates $129/night. Happy Traveling

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel - The Best

2010-06-14T08:26:00.000-07:00

I can still remember my first visit to the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel on the Big island of Hawaii. Walking into the lobby I saw the most beautiful white sand beach and ocean vista. Aunty Barbara Izumi greeted me. She remembered the beach and played on it before the Rockefeller's built the resort. The tennis courts are right on the ocean to the north. This allows sea breezes to cool the courts during play. Now the hotel has reopens after extensive remodeling. Special summer rates $299 - $359 per night until September 30th. Oh, did I mention the legendary golf and exquisite dinning. Aloha

Paris Hotel Montpensier

2010-05-18T18:32:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a reasonable good location Paris hotel (2 blocks for the Louvre) try the Hotel Montpensier. It's only 2 stars with small rooms but the location! Talking about the Louvre, the best time to visit is Wednesday or Friday evenings. Why? The crowds are small and admission is 1/2 price after 6pm. (9 Euros) They stay open until 9pm.

Africa Visit For 31 Days WOW

2010-04-28T17:11:00.000-07:00

I am often asked about "last minute" value travel deals. Yes, it is true. Wait for 30 days before you cruise and score. This weeks best value in a 31 day African Princess cruise. $3500 per person. Next week it may be Mexico or the Caribbean. Subscribe to our "last minute travel e-mails" by contacting me Doug@walkertravel.com

Kona Village Hawaii Special

2010-04-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

Diane and my favorite Hawaii resort is having a sale. Stay in hales (huts) with no TV, no radio, no phones and no computers - just paradise. The regular rate is usually $600 to $700 per night however the sale starts at $225 per night. This includes breakfast daily and beach activities. WOW, a great deal. Michael Dell of Dell computers has purchased the resort and voes to keep "paradise" at the Kona Village.

Princess Cruise $899 for 18 Days

2010-02-26T16:20:00.000-08:00

Yes, can you believe it. A 18 day Princess cruise from Rio de Janeiro to Ft. Lauderdale Florida starting at $899 per person for an inside cabin. Departs Tuesday March 16th. I have a few cabins remaining. Call my cell number at 503.799.9989

Three New Attractions From Disney

2010-01-28T12:36:00.000-08:00

One. The new Disney Dream ship will offer the only "Water Coaster" at Sea when launched January 2011. Two. The Disneyland Grand California Hotel & Spa added 250 new rooms. Three. Disney's newest resort (Aulani) will open in Oahu, Hawaii on August 1, 2011. Aloha

Return From Maui

2010-01-22T07:09:00.000-08:00

The weather was beautiful - 82 degrees and sunny. We visited the new "Dukes" restaurant just north of Kaanapali. It's a winner. The Maui Sheraton, Napili Kai Beach Resort and the Puamana resorts were outstanding and well maintained. Tennis at the Kapalua and Makena clubs were fun. Diane and I enjoyed playing with our friend the McKenzies and Nizics.

Maui Visit

2009-12-29T14:28:00.000-08:00

It's hard to believe this is my 102nd visit to Hawaii. I can always remember my first, it was in December. As I stepped off the jet and it was summer! More later on the new zip lines and adventure tours. Aloha, Doug

Lessons Learned From I Phone Salesman

2009-12-14T17:44:00.000-08:00

So Diane and I broke down and purchased new IPhones. Sunday we visited our local AT&T Mobility store. Walid Salloud not only helped us transfer our contacts but connected the web and our emails. WOW! Was he fast. Then I remembered he does this everyday for a living. Do your prepare your own income taxes? Change your own engine oil? Plan you own cruise or complicated travel itinerary? Something to think about.

Rose Bowl Football Packages

2009-12-02T09:43:00.000-08:00

Visit our web site at www.osubowls.com for the latest football bowl information. Yes, even if the Oregon Ducks win, they can use our Rose Bowl package. But - Go Beavs

Kids Fly Free

2009-11-20T09:32:00.000-08:00

Another Walker Travel exclusive is our "Kids Fly Free" program. This special applies to domestic and international air travel from Portland, Oregon or Seattle. The minor (under 19) needs to fly on the same itinerary as the full paying adult. Travel needs to be completed by June 15, 2010. Check with one of our agents for the details.

Newark Airport Lost Baggage - Welcome To America

2009-08-31T14:34:00.000-07:00

My flight was recently delayed 4 hours at the Newark airport. With nothing better to do I hopped on the monorail and traveled from concourse to concourse. Stepping into one car I saw a small back pack with no one around. I picked up the package, stepped backward off the mono rail and gave it to an airport employee with a red blazer. He said I should not have touched the item because it could be a bomb. However, now that I removed it he could take it from me. The employee telephoned around the terminal and within 30 seconds a traveler was reporting the lost item. I waited about 1/2 hour before a couple raced up the stairs to claim the pack. The youngsters were from Milan Italy and when they opened to latch out fell Euros, credit cards and passports. They tried to pay me however I make so much money in the travel business I decline (Ha).

As the couple was exiting the platform the man in the red blazer said "Welcome to America".

Get a U. S Passport!

2009-08-21T10:22:00.000-07:00

Often passengers are presented with opportunities to travel out of the country but are disappointed. Why? Because they didn't have a U.S. Passport. Adult passports are good for 10 years. Go to www.travel.state.gov/ to apply. You now need a passport to travel is Canada, Mexico and even Guam if flying through Tokyo.

Get a U. S Passport!

2009-08-21T10:19:00.000-07:00

1 Night Cruises to Nowhere

2009-08-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, for as little as $29 you can dine and dance either September 19th or 20th out of Seattle Washington. Norwegian Cruise line's popular 1 night cruises to nowhere are back. Sail on either the Norwegian Star or Pearl. This is the cruise line which pioneered the "Freestyle Cruising" eat when you want.

Royal Hawaii Band

2009-07-17T13:25:00.000-07:00

Did you know the State of Hawaii has a Royal Hawaiian Band? Yes, and they play every Friday at noon. The Iolani Palace in Honolulu hosts the band. A tip, make lunch reservations at the Hawaii State Art Museum (Downtown Restaurant). They have a nice organic menu. Make your reservations for 1:15pm. Aloha, Doug

Terranea - Los Angeles Has A New Resort

2009-06-22T18:40:00.000-07:00

I just returned for the opening of a new resort in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area called the
Terranea. Built on the grounds of the old Marineland of the Pacific, the resort is a winner. With a wonderful Spa, fitness and wellness center, swimming pool for adults and children, the resort will be a "10" within a year.

The discovery trails were easy to walk. Take the Bluff Top Trail to the interpretive center and learn about the old Marineland and the Catalina Islands just west of the Terranea. I would wait until this fall before visiting the resort. All the opening bugs will be worked out and a new 5 star property is born!!!! When you are ready to book contact me. I have set up special amenities just for Walker Travel clients. Happy Traveling, DW

$99 Air Fares To Hawaii

2009-06-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

QUESTION: Doug, where do you find $99 plus tax one way air fares to Hawaii?

ANSWER: These fares often appear for only a few hours. A group may cancel then an
airline dumps seats or the airline reservation system called (GDS) makes
a mistake.

Sign up on my email tree at http://www.walkertravel.com/ and specify "last minute Hawaii fares"

Aloha, DW doug@walkertravel.com

The Best Family Travel Value For Summer of 2009

2009-06-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

Mexico and The Dominican Republic. Why? Palace Resorts have kids and teens (17 & under) stay and eat free all summer. The Palace resorts are unique because they give you free local tours (6) of the area as well as all inclusive meals. Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort, Cancun Palace, Aventura Cove Palace and Beach Palace in Mexico plus the all-new Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. One of my 22 agents will be happy to arrange your summer holiday doug@walkertravel.com http://www.walkertravel.com/ DW

The 82% Rule for Air Fares

2009-06-09T12:19:00.000-07:00

Walker Travel and Cruises can beat the air fares of Expedia, Travelocity, CheapOair and most online travel agencies 82% of the time. How? "Relationships" A particular type of connection existing between people having dealings with each other.

Walker Travel was founded by my grandfather 82 years ago. Give us a try doug@walkertravel.com or http://www.walkertravel.com/. DW

Branson Missouri's New Airport

2009-06-09T11:43:00.000-07:00

Diane and I just returned from the grand opening of Branson Missouri's new airport. The first major airport to be opened in the United States in 17 years. Now you can fly directly into Branson rather than Kanasas City or St. Louis. An airshow followed with the US Air Force Thunderbirds.

We enjoyed the Righteous Brother (Bill Medley) and Paul Revere & The Raiders concert. Great show. We talked to Paul after the show and he still claims to have recorded the song Louie, Louie first!
He is Idaho boy you know. The show was in the Andy Williams theater - good sounds.

Visit http://www.walkertravel.com/ for updates on our other travels. Travel In Peace DW