June 2009

In this issue:
Welcome
New young alumni trips promise round-the-world adventure
Experience Spain this fall with Iberian Discovery tour
2010 cruises promise smooth sailing

Also...
Tip: Go local for affordable adventures
We want to hear from you
Plan your own travel adventure
Words to leave by

Welcome
Summer is warming up the Arizona desert, and many Sun Devil alums—whether living close to ASU or not—are pondering what to do with their family vacation time.

The current economic climate is an excellent one in which to make travel plans. Prices for some travel services have decreased and businesses at your destination will definitely appreciate your patronage. Our travel schedule is loaded with trips that offer an excellent value for your money—many blend expert guidance from professional staff with a flexible schedule that allows you to explore your destination freely.

For alumni who prefer to travel on their own or with friends and family, Sun Devil Destinations now offers the Personal Vacation Club, powered by Virtuocard. You can join the club and plan an independent trip. Within the United States, you can also take advantage of the ASU Alumni Association Travel Portal if you’re planning a trip to the Valley of the Sun, or our reciprocal relationship with the Campus Travel Management network if your trip takes you to any one of dozens of American cities.

Finally, travelers age 35 and younger will want to take a look at our new set of four Young Alumni trips that will be offered later this year and in 2010. The itineraries will offer Sun Devils the chance to see Europe, Egypt, Italy and New Zealand in an immersive, active way!
Have a safe and happy summer!

Christine K. Wilkinson
President, ASU Alumni Association
Senior Vice President and University Secretary

Jennifer Holsman
Executive Director, Operations
ASU Alumni Association

Features

Young Alumni trips promise adventure, excitement
Sun Devil Destinations is offering four trips for the 35-and-under set in the coming year. What makes these trips different is not just the destinations offered, but what you’ll do when you get there. You can go clubbing in Florence, skydive in New Zealand or drink tea with the locals in Egypt. You’ll travel with other young adventurers and experience your destination in an immersive, unique way.

Each trip offers ample opportunity to soak up the culture of the destination and have a great time with recent graduates of ASU!

Trips in 2009
Sept. 25-Oct. 3: Italian Espresso
Nov. 25 – Dec.5: Scenic Southern New Zealand

Trips in 2010
March 19-27: Egypt & the Nile
May 22-June 4: Best of Europe

To register for one of these trips, visit the special Web site that’s been built for the Young Alumni trips or e-mail groups@contiki.com.

Around the World with ASU

Experience Spain this fall with Iberian Discovery tour
Visiting Spain is not only about sun, great cuisine and a warm welcome, but also the country’s rich cultural heritage and tradition. The Iberian Discovery tour will introduce young adult graduates of ASU to some of Spain's most intriguing cities, including Madrid, Seville and Granada. See the best the country has to offer in a fun, safe and hassle-free environment.
Book your Spanish adventure today!

2010 cruise schedule promises smooth sailing
See the world the way travelers have for centuries—by boat! Next year, Sun Devil Destinations will host three luxury cruise experiences that promise to transport participants to a new level of comfort and fun. Reserve your place on these cruises today and catch a “wave” of anticipation!

Passage to Panama: Feb. 9-25, 2010. Discover the treasures of Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Key West and the Caribbean while crossing from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean through the Panama Canal.

Asian Explorations/Oceania: March 24-April 9, 2010. Explore East Asian port cities in China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. Visit ancient shrines, see historic memorial sites and marvel at Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers.

Aegean Adventures: September 21-October 4, 2010. Immerse yourself in the striking beauty of the Greek countryside and visit ancient sites bursting with historical significance. This tour of the Greek coastline includes stops in Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete, Corfu and much more!

Other upcoming trips
Ireland (arts/culture), September 18-26
Tuscany/Cortona (arts/culture), October 7-15
Russia: Passage of Peter the Great (history/culture), July 27-August 8, 2010

Check out the complete list of Sun Devil Destinations trips

Packing Light…short takes on travel

Tip: When in Rome, eat with the Romans

“Go local. Ask the people who work at your hostel or hotel where they eat and what they do for fun. Guidebooks can be very helpful in recommending restaurants and events, but locals can often provide a more authentic experience. Their recommendations can be cheaper or a better value overall.”
—Patrick Evans “Stretch Your Dollar: Save Money While Traveling,”

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

Choose your own adventure with our Personal Vacation Club
Want to plan the vacation of a lifetime, on your own terms? Choose from dozens of vacation options when you book trips through our Personal Vacation Club, powered by Virtuocard. The club offers exciting trips, from city escapes to nature safaris to family-friendly itineraries. You also can book lodgings, transportation and rental cars for independent adventures in the world’s most exotic locations!
Plan your personal vacation today!

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
“The challenge of travel is not to recreate some mythic mindset on the return home … Instead, take your experiences from the road and let them help you move further along, no matter where your path finds you.”
—Freelance journalist Frank Johnson, writing for the Matador Network’s online travel magazine.