Familiarization Trips

In reality, a Familiarization trip and is known throughout the industry as a "Fam" Trip. Fam trips are one of the best and most enjoyable ways for counsellors to continue their education. A fam trip is a training device [in fact, sponsors now frequently describe them as educational tours] that can be turned into a sales tool. It is not a reward in the sense of a holiday although some managers use them as rewards for productivity.

Most suppliers are enthusiastic about fam trips as they raise counsellor awareness and increase bookings. Successful fams accomplish two purposes; they acquaint counsellors with the product and they show the most effective way to sell it. Unless counsellors apply the knowledge gained during a tour by building sales, the experience will be worthless. Fam trips help to build a counsellor's confidence; they permit a counsellor to say "I've been there" and this can have a very strong influence on clients.

•       Visits to several hotels to inspect rooms and facilities.
•       Visits to sightseeing attractions so that counselors can acquire first-hand information for their clients.
•       Meeting locals to discuss culture, facilities, shopping and the like.

Costa Rica, Central America, 2008
(Zone 16P E0820332 N1099130 or N 09° 55' 43.1' W 84° 04' 47.5")

There seems to be a reoccurring theme for Central America as a destination. For the second time the class chose Costa Rica. When one considers the diversity in Central America, it makes choosing it as a destination easy!

     

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Panama, Central America, 2007
(Zone 17P E618352 N1025199 or N 09° 16.372' W 79° 55.348')

The graduating class of 2007 travelled to Panama, Central America for their familiarization trip, applying skills and concepts gained in the classroom. The students had the opportunity to acquaint themselves with travel industry products, such as tours, attractions, resorts, airlines, etc. They also participated in adventure activities such as zip lining through the jungle in the Anton Valley, scuba-diving in the waters of the Pacific Ocean, and a visit to Monkey Island via the Panama Canal.

Taking a step back in time, the students ventured by dug-out canoe via the Chagres River to the Embera Indigenous Village, where they observed and experienced the fascinating culture and people that have remained unchanged for centuries. A highlight of the trip was a visit to the Panama Canal, the 8^th Wonder of the Modern World, and one of the greatest civil engineering achievements.

This was truly a National Geographic experience!

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Costa Rica, Central America, 2006
(Zone 16P E0820332 N1099130 or N 09° 55' 43.1' W 84° 04' 47.5")

The class of 2006 chose Costa Rica as the destination. Costa Rica is practically synonymous with ecotourism travel that incorporates education about the environment and promotes preservation of natural resources. The country has a large number of national parks and nature preserves that boast a rich array of birds, mammals, reptiles and rain-forest plants. The variety of birds, in particular, is astounding: some 850 species are packed into a relatively small area. Approximately 25% of the country's land has been set aside as protected areas, earning Costa Rica a reputation as an environmentally sensitive country and leader in ecological conservation.

  

  

     

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Panama, Central America, 2005
(Zone 17P E618352 N1025199 or N 09° 16.372' W 79° 55.348')

The graduating class of 2005 was able to experience Panama, Central America for their International Field Trip, which is quickly becoming one of the hottest adventure and ecotourism destinations. Panama is world-renowned for its 8th Engineering Wonder of the World, The Panama Canal. The Canal is both an engineering marvel and one of the most significant waterways on earth. As in a picture out of National Geographic, we were able to canoe on a jungle river through the rainforest in authentic dug-out canoes to the Embera Indigenous Community. Pamama is one of the few Latin American countries where indigenous populations still thrive. We were able to swim in a tiered waterfall-fed pool, feed white-faced capucin monkeys, take a snap-shot of the crocodiles on the shore and have lunch (served on banana leaves)in a thatched hut. Our adventurous students participated in horse-back riding, ATV adventures through the rainforest, canopy zipline tours and much more. A spectacular drive on the Pan American highway over the 'Bridge of the Americas' took us to Panama City, which is now a thriving commercial centre, as well as still having its colonial grandeur and Spanish flare.

  

  

  

  

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San Andres Island, Colombia, 2004
(Zone 17 E0422063 N1391165 or N 12° 35' 0" W 81° 43' 3")

This was the second visit to Colombia, but the first to San Andres Island. We stayed at the DeCameron Marazul and after inspections, believe it to be the best of the 5 DeCameron hotels on the island. We took part in a lot of activities and were busy all of the time. SCUBA diving, snorkelling, island tours, and deep-sea fishing were on our itinerary. The people are very friendly and there is no crime.

        
  
  

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Cuba, 2003, 1998 & 1996
The class has been to Cuba three times. In 2003 the class stayed at the RIU Turquesa in Varadaro. In 1998 we stayed in the Santiago de Cuba area and in 96 we were in the Manzanillo area. One day we went swimming with dolphins. Another day we felt adventurous and rented a four-wheel drive Jeep and tried to discover the US naval base at Guantanamo Bay. We never found the naval base but did get lost and found Guantanamo City. As we got closer to Guantanamo Bay we saw more and more road signs like the one in the picture. The translation is, "Capitalism is humiliating and degrading to the dignity of humans."

     

  

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Colombia, 1993
Colombia was chosen once as the destination for the graduating class. Although known as a volatile country, the coastal area is quite safe. Cartagena was the arrival airport and then a four hour bus ride took us eastward to Santa Marta. Santa Marta is the oldest city in Colombia and was founded in 1525. It was a great trip. The most memorable thing was a torrential rain one evening while dining in an outside restaurant. We eventually finished our meal with water up to mid-calf. Trees were uprooted and we could see them floating down the sidewalk!

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Europe, 1989
Europe is one of the most intriguing destinations of the world and was chosen as the field trip for the graduating class of 1989. A fascinating sight was the "Changing of the Guard" at Buckingham Palace and only 60 miles away, was Windsor Castle (the Queen's Summer Residence). A visit to one of the Modern "Wonders of the World", the Eiffel Tower was the highlight in Paris, France. Lastly, a gondola ride down the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy.

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