February 2009
In this issue:
Welcome
Traveling smart in a recession
Discover Japan with us!
ASU Tour of Europe deadline approaching
Also...
Tip: Save like the locals do
Stretch your travel dollar, use the Sun Devil travel portal
We want to hear from you
Words to leave by
Welcome
The great irony of the current economic climate is that, although the last several months have been one of the darkest economic periods in American history, travel, for many, has become more affordable than ever.
Planning a 2009 trip through Sun Devil Destinations is a wise investment that will pay dividends not only to you, but to every life you touch during your travels. Here are just a few reasons why:
Economic stimulation. Your explorations of a country’s culture, trade or history pumps money into the local economy, strengthening its vibrancy.
Price shift. Due to changes in the currency exchange rates, travel to many areas may have actually decreased substantially.
An investment in the future. Travel pays for itself in terms of new contacts, ideas and experiences.
We’ve included several items in this issue of the newsletter related to helping you make the most of your travel dollar. If you live outside the Valley of the Sun, you can save money when you come back to ASU or Phoenix by visiting the ASU Alumni Association’s travel portal. The portal will connect you to dozens of Sun Devil-friendly hotels and motels that offer great rates to friends and graduates of ASU.
Think positively in these trying times, and may all your travels be safe and interesting.
Christine K. Wilkinson
President, ASU Alumni Association
Senior Vice President and University Secretary
Jennifer Holsman
Executive Director, Operations
ASU Alumni Association
Features
Traveling smart in a recession
It’s true—successful travel does take time, money and planning. However, in the Internet age, information abounds on how to travel thriftily, so there is no reason to cross your dream vacation off your 2009 goals list.
- The Independent Traveler has a comprehensive article, “Recession-Proof Travel,” that gives insight on the best places to look for deals when booking a vacation and when not to worry about prices.
- Another option, admittedly more radical, is to consider your traveling as a work-as-you-go venture. The Traveler’s Notebook site has a series of articles that focus on travel and adventure jobs that a person not currently in a 9-to-5 day job might consider to reach the destination of their dreams.
- Finally the Intrepid Express blog, which features real tips from real travelers, recently posted two great articles related to saving money on the road: one on how to collect souvenirs for free and another on how to save up money for traveling by making simple budget-trimming changes.
Around the World with ASU
Discover Japan with us!
Our trip to Japan on June 1-9 will allow travelers to explore the cities of Kyoto and Nara and their splendid collections of historic monuments and temples. The itinerary also includes a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, lessons in cooking Japanese cuisine, as well as visit to Nijo Castle, built in 1603!
ASU Tour of Europe deadline approaching for new grads
Orion Worldwide Tours is partnering with the Alumni Association to present the ASU Tour of Europe Sun Devil graduates! This year’s trip is May 22-June 6, with a Greece add-on adventure running June 6-11.
The trip is the perfect graduation gift for a worthy Sun Devil senior, or a perfect perspective-setter for a recent grad. This whirlwind tour of the continent includes stops in London, Brussels, Venice, Rome and many other popular destinations.
The final booking deadline for the trip is April 1. Alums who book the tour by Feb. 28 will be entered into a drawing to win the Greece add-on trip!
Check out the tour itinerary
Other upcoming trips
Machu Picchu Explorer/Peru (history/culture), Sept. 4-12
Tuscany/Cortona (arts/culinary), Oct. 7-15
Mediterranean Cruise (luxury cruise), Oct. 16-29
Sun Devil Destinations complete 2009 trip list
Packing Light…short takes on travel
Tip: Save like the locals do when traveling
''(Travel) coupons and offers show up in daily and weekly local publications that no outsider would usually see; pick up a few local papers (often for free) at delis, convenience stores and other small establishments.”
– Ed Hewitt, features editor, The Independent Traveler
Stretch your travel dollar, use the Sun Devil travel portal
Coming back to ASU or the Valley of the Sun for a big game, a conference, or to visit family and friends? The Alumni Association has partnered with Campus Travel Management to create a unique travel portal.
You can use this portal to check out ASU area hotels that offer special Sun Devils rates, enhanced availability and a “Go Devils!” attitude, as well as fill out an ASU Alumni Association Reservation Request Form that will let hotels know you are one of our VIP members.
You can expand your savings by utilizing Campus Travel Management’s network of college-centric travel portals, which covers dozens of other cities throughout the country.
Visit the ASU portal today!
Explore the Campus Travel Management network
Get in on the good stuff: join the Alumni Association now
Travel with the ASU Alumni Association is a member benefit. Join now so you can start seeing the world with other ASU alums today!
To start your travel adventures with us, join online and enter “Travel” in the campaign code line.
We want to hear from you
Got a suggestion for a travel destination? Want to refer a potential traveler? Tell us about it. We want to create a travel program that meets your needs.
Words to leave by
“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.”
– Miriam Beard