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The FOGHORN
ROTARY CLUB OF HALF MOON BAY
November 17, 2022
Ginger Minoletti, Travel Consultant
Bay World Travel
Article by Joe Brennan
Our speaker today is Ginger Child Minnoletti of Bay World Travel who is in her 35th year as a travel consultant. Her specialty is travel for groups, families and to exotic destinations. Her topic is the travel environment we find ourselves in today. Ginger is a long time ASTA - American Society for Travel Advisors member and a member of WESTA. WESTA is a group of around 150 agents in the western states marketing the area and looking out for our west coast interests.
She illustrated the impact of the Pandemic shutdowns on the Travel Industry by quoting her companies business; 2019 $2.6mil, 2020 $200K, 2021 $1 mil, 2022 looking up.
Ginger summarized the outcomes of different segments of the travel industry thusly:
The Airlines took advantage of the slow down to retrofit planes for better air flow and filtering plus other upgrades. Coming out of it they are suffering from a major surge of Pilot retirements, flights overbooked are being overbooked and also many cancellations. She pointed out that everyone asks if airlines are safe and pointed out that flight attendants are not wearing masks.
The Cruise Lines also did major retrofitting and upgrades, they are offering deals to stimulate the demand back up to pre Pandemic levels. Cruise lines have bundled in many shore activities formerly charged on a pay as you go basis to entice us back.
The rental car industry sold off a lot of their inventory during the Pandemic sending prices skyrocketing and availability plummeting which has created a huge problem which will be with us for some time.
Hotels are eager to be back in the game too and are offering packages and deals. They have scaled service back, many no longer offer daily service to your room unless requested.
Ginger’s hints for Holiday travel is to travel in the early morning to lessen the crowds.
Travel light - without checked bags if possible. Consider public transit and Uber/Lyft in lieu of a rental car.
Ginger passed around the brochures for a number of small cruise operators she represents. She reports that the smaller cruises and expeditions are booming. National Geographic is partnering with a few as a nice enhancement.
Ginger offered a quote from Mark Twain regarding travel:
The Cruise Lines also did major retrofitting and upgrades, they are offering deals to stimulate the demand back up to pre Pandemic levels. Cruise lines have bundled in many shore activities formerly charged on a pay as you go basis to entice us back.
The rental car industry sold off a lot of their inventory during the Pandemic sending prices skyrocketing and availability plummeting which has created a huge problem which will be with us for some time.
Hotels are eager to be back in the game too and are offering packages and deals. They have scaled service back, many no longer offer daily service to your room unless requested.
Ginger’s hints for Holiday travel is to travel in the early morning to lessen the crowds.
Travel light - without checked bags if possible. Consider public transit and Uber/Lyft in lieu of a rental car.
Ginger passed around the brochures for a number of small cruise operators she represents. She reports that the smaller cruises and expeditions are booming. National Geographic is partnering with a few as a nice enhancement.
Ginger offered a quote from Mark Twain regarding travel:
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it - sorely on these accounts.
Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one. little corner of the Earth all one's life."
The topic of Travel Insurance brought a number of stories from the attendees and the conclusion was obvious that it is a good idea, especially in these times.
Q&A:
After 35 years what do you I love about travel?
So much out there to see, she hasn’t’t even seen Ireland and Britain…then there’s Africa! Ginger likes people and the vicarious thrill of her clients in the field.
Q&A:
After 35 years what do you I love about travel?
So much out there to see, she hasn’t’t even seen Ireland and Britain…then there’s Africa! Ginger likes people and the vicarious thrill of her clients in the field.
CLUB MEETING, NOVEMBER 17, 2022
Pledge of Allegiance - Led by President Krystlyn
Inspriational Thought - N/A
President Krystlyn Geidt called the meeting to order by ringing the bell and leading the Pledge of Allegiance.
She noted that 11 members had volunteered for the Magic of the Coast committee and they would meet and consult soon on the type of fundraiser we will stage during her year.
Announcements
Paul had mounted our marching banner and Krystlyn reminded us of the parade on December 2nd for the Night of Lights.
Mitone raised issues with the outdated Rotary branding on the banner and suggested replacing it (around $100).
Happy/Crappy News 
Marble Game - 
Coming Soon
The Club schedule for the remainder of 2022 will be:
November 25th dark for Thanksgiving - HAPPY THANKSGIVING to you and yours!
December 1st will be an evening Social Meeting at 5:30 p.m. at San Benito House.
December 8th will be our annual Club Assembly meeting at the Library
December 15th will be our annual end of year meeting at the Odd Fellows for Lunch
December 22nd and 29th will be dark for the Holidays
Our first meeting in 2023 will be January 5th at the Library.
PHOTO GALLERY