Discover Your Own Backyard

I have been preparing for an upcoming event at the GSBA Tourism Luncheon on June 14th, 2017 as I have a table where I can present my business to the attendees of the luncheon. This is my first time showcasing my business to this group and I was flattered that they asked me to participate. I have done many other events before but it is a challenge to find the right way to highlight my business. I want to provide valuable information and engage people in a conversation rather than offering a free hotel stay or buying branded pens or something that you give away to the attendees. So, I have decided to focus on offering information about select destinations and specific types of travel to the attendees. I thought these would make great blog articles as well.

In case you don’t already know, the GSBA (Greater Seattle Business Association) is the largest LGBT and allied chamber of commerce in North America. GSBA is widely known throughout the Puget Sound region for its work on business development, connecting community through business, advocacy for both civil rights and business interests and promoting LGBT tourism through its Travel Gay Seattle initiative. That is why I decided to focus my marketing efforts on LGBT friendly destinations and travel opportunities.

DISCOVER YOUR OWN BACKYARD

Sometimes the best places to vacation are located in your own backyard. I live in the Pacific Northwest and we are surrounded by so much amazing natural beauty that I tend to take it for granted. There is an amazing company called UnCruise Adventures and they offer unique and experiential travel for people who love adventure and going off the beaten path. They offer trips to exotic places like Hawaii, Costa Rica, Galapogas Islands and the Pacific Northwest! I really can’t explain it better than they can…

“At the intersection of connection, adventure, and place. You’re headed where the big ships can’t go. UnCruise Adventures inclusive adventure and river cruises spotlight wilderness, wildlife, culture, and heritage. Live life on the outside, hands-on, wild and free. With just 22 to 88 guests on each vessel, you’re in on all the action. Define your Un-ness.”

UnCruise is not your typical “cruise” as they really focus more on the activities and experiencing the destination rather than activities and entertainment on a huge cruise ship. The first itinerary that I share below caters to people who like luxury, great food and wine. These guests are a bit older as there are not many adventurous activities. It is still an active trip and anyone interested in river cruising would be a good fit for an UnCruise river cruise. The second itinerary is in their expedition style cruise ship so it definitely caters to those who like an adventuresome and bold travel experience.

OPTION 1: RIVERS OF WINE

Do you love wine, hand-crafted meals, exclusive tours, spectacular vistas and experience the engineering feats to navigate the Columbia river? This is the cruise for you! This fun wine tasting adventure begins and ends in Portland, OR and it will take you to Multnomah Falls, multiple wineries with wine tastings with experts, shopping, Palouse Falls State Park, Maryhill Museum & winery, and more! They even have great options for solo travelers and low single supplement rates. Contact us for more information or a quote!

HIGHLIGHTED DEPARTURES

• Oct 14 or 21, 2017 with fares starting at $3,995 per person
• Oct 20 or 27, 2018 with fares starting at $4,145 per person

FARES INCLUDE

Onboard meals; onboard spirits, wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/hotel/vessel on embark/disembark days; entry fees to parks/preserves/winery; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment; wellness amenities: hot tub, fitness equipment, yoga mats, and a complimentary massage. **Port taxes/fees are in addition to your cruise fare**

OPTION 2: EXPLORE! OLYMPIC WILDERNESS & SAN JUAN ISLANDS

Maybe you prefer beer instead of wine? Try this special themed itinerary and enjoy craft beer tastings, beer pairings with your meals, and special presentations with beer brewing experts. This itinerary provides a wild world of natural wonder which begins and ends in Seattle, WA. Explore islands, hike in rainforests and up mountains, paddle in Puget Sound waterways and the San Juan Islands. You will watch for birds, orca, and other marine life. They even have great options for solo travelers and low single supplement rates. Contact us for more information or a quote!

BEER THEME DEPARTURES

• Oct 21, 2017 with fares starting at $2,595 per person
• Apr 7 or 14, 2018 with fares starting at $$2,595 per person

FARES INCLUDE

Onboard meals; spirits, wine, beer; non-alcoholic beverages; transfers and baggage handling between airport/vessel on embark/disembark day; entry fees to national parks/preserves; all from-the-vessel activities and equipment. **Port taxes/fees are in addition to your cruise fare**

Originally Published Jun 3, 2017 – Updated: Oct 8, 2020