Client Testimonial by Elisabeth and Jim

Vickie Rust, Travel Consultant, James Center

"We had an absolutely wonderful time in Arizona. The Boulders turned out to be a great choice - thank you so much for your help in finding it. The "villa" we rented was perfect in every way - I don't think there was anything about it that any of us would have changed. When I told our son that I was writing you about our reaction, he said his only complaint was that we had to come home! 

One thing that particularly impressed me was the friendliness of the staff - everyone, from the man who came daily to clean out the fireplace, to the drivers who shuttled guests around the resort was very helpful and cheery. The only slight change I would have wished for was to have some sort of play area for children - but Anna Katherine was in her bathing suit first thing each morning and ready for the pool.

The Boulders was much quieter and relaxing than the Westin Kierland which seemed so much bigger and oriented to conferences/groups. Renting a villa was definitely the way to go - it even had an outdoor gas grill - Jim and our son were delighted! We occasionally had lunch at the pool but had dinner in each night - by candlelight and firelight! Our son and Jim drove to Sedona one day and had a great time. Another day Jim and I went for a horseback ride - can't remember the last time I was on a horse but it was something we both wanted to do and we had a good time."

Client Testimonial by Allison

Millie Wassum, Covington Travel Counselor, Newport News

"My whole family joins me in thanking you and Covington for the most wonderful visit to the Homestead. We had no idea what you meant by an upgrade until we got there. We had rooms fit for royalty. Our sitting room was wonderful for general use, but the sunroom was especially nice for celebrating Bill's 50th birthday. What a great memory. We were also surprised by the coupons! You will be pleased to know we used them at the gun club and the ski lodge. We have and will spread the word about going through Covington next time, for anything."

Client Testimonial by Gina

Pat Franks, Travel Consulant, Innsbrook Location

  "We definitely would recommend this resort, especially to families with children. There are so many things to do. The staff was very warm and inviting. The food was great. The amenities were top rate. Thanks for suggesting this place."

Client Testimonial by Bill & Karen

Valerie Ambrose, Travel Consultant, Innsbrook Location 

"Just wanted to let you know that the trip you arranged for us to Hawaii was great. Absolutely no problems and the people we dealt with from Pleasant Holidays were professional and did a good job. We could not have asked for a better place to stay than the Westin Ocean Villas on Maui. Having a Frig/Microwave/washer/dryer for the one week period was also great as was the location. Again, thank you so much for the work you did for us in making our vacation a once in an lifetime experience."

Travel Review by Karen Kilyk, Virgin Galactic Accredited Space Agent

How do you describe the moment you first see a spaceship on which you could blast into space? Overwhelming? Exciting? Thrilling? Those were some of my sentiments that Monday night (12/07/09) in the freezing Mojave Desert as SpaceShipTwo, now christened VSS Enterprise, rolled onto the tarmac to the joyful cheers of the crowd. During the ceremony, everyone in attendance was energized by the "promise of space travel," especially the future astronauts who have already purchased their spaceflight tickets.

Covington Travel's Karen Kilyk is pictured with Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic.

Sir Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Galactic, and Burt Rutan, founder of Scaled Composites in Mojave, California, collaborated to produce a passenger spaceship on which six passengers and two pilots can fly. VSS Enterprise's future home will be Spaceport in New Mexico, with a planned completion in early 2011. Both Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bill Richardson, the governors of California and New Mexico respectively, have pledged their support to the endeavor.

Becoming an Accredited Space Agent (ASA) requires a rigorous and in-depth application process with Virgin Galactic. I was so honored to be chosen as one of only fifty ASAs in the United States who can book this unique flight. I always love to hear my clients' enthusiastic feedback on their amazing trip experiences and I think the feedback on these flights will be like none before.

My goal is to experience a spaceflight someday: to feel the breathtaking freedom as the VSS Enterprise disconnects from the mothership, VMS Eve, and the exhilarating thrust as the rockets ignite, pushing me through the atmosphere into the weightlessness of space. To see the curvature of the earth and the blue line of the atmosphere, then to continue up into the blackness of space will be so amazing. That will be a view like no other and a dream come true! *Second photo is credited to Jack Brockway.

8 STEPS TO SUBORBITAL SPACE

Ready to Take Off? Here's how. Click here for details regarding the cost, preflight training and preparation for a trip to "Suborbital Space." This article appears in the January/February issue of Virtuoso Life.

For more details, please contact Karen Kilyk at karenk@covtrav.com or 804-747-4152.

Client Testimonial by Sheree and Bruce

Pat Franks, Travel Consultant, Innsbrook Location

"I wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful trip. The hurricane ended up missing us completely and the weather was beautiful. The whole trip including travel all went smoothly. We would definitely recommend the Excellence Hotel. The service was great and the resort was beautiful with lots to do (or not do). "

"This resort was like being on a cruise. They had a lot of activities and shows. We really enjoyed celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary there. We will probably go back there in two years. Thanks so much for your help!!"

Client Testimonial by Patricia and Warren

Valerie Ambrose, Travel Consultant, Innsbrook Location

"..Just wanted to email you to THANK YOU for the splendid vacation resort that you booked for us. Based upon this resort, my views have changed entirely about all inclusives. The Paradisus is far beyond my expectations. The people, surroundings, etc were all very nice. As far as the food, I could not ask for any better. We did 3 tours (including a 11-zip line canopy tour)."

"What an experience! Again, thanks for your suggestions. Looking forward to next year's vacation!"

Client testimonal by: Brandon, Riley, Laurie & Mark

Jean Riekers, Travel Consultant, Innsbrook Location

• Chip and Dale giving my eight year old daughter a big hug and making her laugh.
• Watching my husband escort the beautiful Cinderella to our table.
• My 12 year old son finally agreeing to have his picture taken with Sleeping Beauty.
• Surviving the spinning tea cups and Mission Space!

These are a few of the fun memories from our first trip to Walt Disney World! My family stayed at the Spanish themed Coronado Springs Resort Hotel. The room was very nicely appointed and comfortable. The pool had a Mayan temple and water slide that provided lots of entertainment. The staff members were all extremely helpful. We found the Disney transportation system very easy to use. Short wait time, air conditioning. It was great.

I recommend the Disney Dining Plan - this worked well for us. The quick service meals were far more than we expected, and the table service meals included tons of food. And dessert!

We had wonderful meals and some highlights include the Mexico area of Epcot, 1900 Park Fare and the Sci Fi Theater at Hollywood Studios for the fun factor. We visited the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Hollywood Studios and Animal Kingdom, and we enjoyed all of them. The park grounds were so clean and every Disney employee was so helpful.

We wore our "first time visitor" buttons to get into the spirit of things and that elicited helpful advice from every park employee we encountered. We didn't need Fast Passes on too many rides, but at peak times this is a must! The shows were all fun - Nemo, the Festival of the Lion King and the Hoop de Doo Musical Review and the stunt shows at Hollywood. Expedition Everest was a favorite for the 12 year old. The 8 year old (and Mom) liked Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.

This is not a relaxing vacation, but a fun one and you will never be bored.

Client Testimonial by Lisa, Emily, Veronica, Veronica and Edie

Jean Riekers, Travel Consultant, Innsbrook Location

Six members of our Richmond Family traveled this summer to London and Paris. This was a graduation trip for two granddaughters: one graduating from college and the other from high school. Covington planned a 12-day trip to Great Britian and France for the girls' Grandmother, their Moms and an Aunt. It was a trip of a Lifetime. 

The guide that Covington set us up with in London was incredible. He took us to all the sights and was a wealth of knowledge. He was flexible skipping things that weren't our interests and adding places we wanted to go to. His restaurant suggestions were the best! We traveled a couple of days with him to the Cotswolds and that part of England was breathtaking! Everywhere you looked was a picture postcard. We especially loved the town of Oxford with all the Spires; it is so picturesque.

Across the English Channel through the Chunnel we made it to Paris. Side trips to Versailles and Giverney, Monet's Garden were a treat. Paris was beautiful and our accommodations were perfect.

Thank you Covington for making our overseas adventure the best!

Client Testimonial by Jim & Lee

Jean Riekers, Travel Consultant, Innsbrook location

This was our first-ever European vacation and Jean's helpfulness and expertise made the planning a very pleasant experience.

On the day after arriving in London, we made our way to Victoria Coach Station for the first of three excellently guided tours: 1) The Essential London Tour; 2) Leeds Castle, Canterbury and Dover; and 3) Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. We traveled in comfortable coaches and each of our guides was superb—articulate, organized and extremely knowledgeable.

During our "unstructured" days,  Jean had arranged for tickets on the London Eye, a three-day "London Pass" to enter dozens of sites and riding on London's very efficient public transportation system. Our London hotel, the Harrington Hall, was lovely with rooms nicely appointed. Each morning began with a marvelous breakfast—which was included.

We caught the EuroRail high-speed train from London to Paris, arriving at the Le Gare du Nord in less than 2 1/2 hours. Our Paris hotel, the Lutecia was spectacular with the buffet breakfast even more delicious and varied.

We enjoyed an evening dinner cruise on the Seine including two days of "hop-on" and "hop-off" bus tours with one day exploring on our own.  Once again, Jean had arranged the passes for us. Four fantastic and very full days later, we departed Paris for home.

We had two weeks of nothing but marvelous memories. A flawless journey, wonderful accommodations, no detail left undone. Many thanks, Jean for all you did.