Avanti Destinations is America’s premier travel management specialist located in Portland, Oregon. Since 1981, we have worked exclusively with Travel Advisors and we’re excited about helping you and your clients design their custom travel experience. We are recognized as the pre-eminent provider of independent travel in Europe, Central & South America, Asia, North Africa & the Middle East, and the South Pacific focused on delivering authentic experiences with great service. Read the rest of this entry »

It should come as no surprise that Gina Bang is having some serious impact on Avanti Destinations. It’s as if her name was a literal description of her effect on the Portland, Oregon-based travel wholesaler.

Since she was promoted last January to chief sales and marketing officer, she has expanded, restructured and reignited Avanti’s sales team. She’s been cleaning out the cobwebs of the system and making things run more smoothly.

Ms. Bang has been with Avanti for 21 years. She’s worked all over the company and knows how things work. She has great people skills and has been inspiring the team, which then inspires its respective travel advisor customers in each sales region Read the rest of this entry »

Known as the “City of Sails,” Auckland is the most populous urban area in New Zealand. It sits on the North Island, surrounded by beautiful harbors and volcanic landscapes. Nearby Auckland is an island of vineyards and beaches. This multicultural city has a food and art scene to rival some of the more cosmopolitan cities around the world—and is always close to natural wonders.

Panama is located in the middle of countries with such natural wonders that it can be difficult to choose just one. Yet, Panama has its own charm with rich cultures and diverse landscapes. Being bordered by ocean on two sides, it has beaches galore. From the modern skyline of Panama City to the biodiversity of wildlife at Bocas del Toro, to the highlands of Boquete, Panama is packed with chances for a true Central American experience.

For the average traveler who just wants to take a two-week vacation sometime during the year, there are all sorts of messes she can stumble into. We are now in a world of constant change, and to travel well requires the guidance of a full-time professional—one that can keep on top of the changes as they affect travel and inform clients about the many things that could ruin their vacations. Read the rest of this entry »

Avanti Destinations named Tenerife as a new destination on its roster of places where it provides components for independent vacation packages. It’s the first new destination Avanti has added for a while. Adding destinations was not a big trend during the Covid lockdown, or even now while the industry is re-tooling and getting back on its feet. Avanti’s last introduction of a major destination was Abu Dhabi in June 2022.

The summer of 2021 tied with 1936 as the hottest summer in the 148 years records have been kept. This summer of 2022 hasn’t been quite as hot overall. It’s only the third hottest in history, but it’s had the hottest nights in US history, and multiple heat records set across the country. Climate is only one of ways the world is changing at a head-spinning rate. And it’s only one of the reasons to re-examine the conventional ways of looking at seasonality in travel.

Right now, as people are finally breaking free of the restraints of COVID, overcrowding at tourism sites has re-emerged as an issue to consider when making travel plans. This is a good time to consider traveling outside the historic summer vacation period.

With the Philippines opening its borders to international tourists since February of 2022, the tropical paradise is looking to spread the word. Now, the wholesale tour operator Avanti Destinations and the Philippine Department of Tourism have collaborated in the creation of an e-brochure for travel advisors.

The new brochure includes eight destinations within the Philippines, along with two customizable Avanti vacations, six private sightseeing tours, and 15 four-star hotels and resorts.

The e-brochure, The Philippines: Pearl of the Orient Sea, is available here.

Paul Barry, CEO of Avanti Destinations, had this say, “If your clients are looking for a tropical paradise with friendly local people, it’s hard to top the Philippines.”

He continued, “There are so many eco-adventures to be had: snorkeling, scuba diving, world-class surfing, volcano-trekking, parasailing, wildlife-spotting, swimming with the world’s largest fish – the list goes on and on. We have several unique private tours and experiences, like a visit to the indigenous Aetas people or a foodie tour of Manila’s Chinatown, that can be added to any custom itinerary. We are pleased to be partnering with the Department of Tourism on this campaign to show travel advisors the many possibilities.”

The webinar for more details on the collaboration will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at 1 pm EST—click here to register for the webinar.