Confederation College - Tourism and Travel

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.

Venezuela, 2009
(Zone 20P E0412566 N1218484 and Zone 20N E0659646 N0551344 )

This year the class chose Margarita Island, Venezuela as their destination trip. A highlight of the trip was a side trip to the Orinoco River delta as well as a visit to the spectacular Canaima National Park. The vast Orinoco River, which is one of the largest rivers in the world, measures 15mi/23km at its widest point. While on the Orinoco we were able to interact with the local Warao Indians. We then transferred to Canaima by aircraft and spent a full day at Canaima National Park. We toured in dugout canoes and walked behind the wall of water at Sapo Falls. Pemones Indians are indigenous to the area and are quite different from the Warao. On the return flight to Porlamar we enjoyed a fly-by of Angel Falls, the tallest waterfall in the world, measuring 1005 meters or 3300 feet. To access the falls directly, a 3-day canoe trip is involved. This trip to South America was definitely a remote splendor, and an experience never to be forgotten! The price of gasoline was an experience too. It sells for almost 4¢ per litre!

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!

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!

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 in protected areas, earning Costa Rica a reputation as an environmentally sensitive country and leader in ecological conservation.

Panama, Central America, 2005

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.

San Andres Island, Colombia, 2004

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.

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."

Cruising, 2002 & 1990

Cruising on the 'ms Maasdam' (Holland America Cruise Lines), was this year's field trip destination. This entailed a Western Caribbean itinerary, which included the following ports of call; Cozumel (Mexico), Grand Cayman, Jamaica and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). The students participated in several shore excursions, which included 'SNUBA' (a combination of snorkeling and scuba diving); the 'Atlantis' Deep-Dive Submarine (the ultimate underwater adventure into the deep seas), to frolicking with the 'stingrays' in Grand Cayman; climbing the 600' cascading Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica, then taking a short bus ride to Jamaica's newest attraction, 'Dolphin Cove', the dolphin encounter!

Hawaii, 2001

HAWAII, home of the world-renowned Waikiki Beach and Diamond-Head Volcano, was chosen as the field trip destination for the graduating class of 2001. Sightseeing excursions were taken to the Polynesian Cultural Center, the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbour and a pig roast at Germaine's Luau where the students participated in Hula dancing lessons. The last evening was spent dining at Planet Hollywood. ALOHA!!!!!

Dominican Republic, 2000

The class has been to the Dominican Republic two times. We have stayed in Sosua and Puerto Plata. One of our grads liked the DR so much that she revisited it a number of times. Presently she is working there as a Destination Representative.

Google image of the DR

Mexico, 1999

In 1999 the class chose Cancun, Mexico as the destination. Some of the places we visited were Isla Mujeres, Cancun town, Waterworld, Chichen Itza, as well as a few boat-dives

Barbados, 1995

The graduating class has visited Barbados a number of times. It is a very popular destination because this small, beautiful island is populated by truly wonderful people. Some of the more popular attractions are; Harrison's Cave, the Wildlife Reserve, Sam Lord's Castle (monkeys), Animal Flower Cave (sea anemones), and the capital Bridgetown. During the last trip, a number of students took their SCUBA certification tests in Carlisle Bay which is just offshore from Bridgetown. The Picies restaurant is always a favourite place to dine at the seashore.

Venezuela, 1991

In 1991 the class chose Margarita Island, Venezuela as their destination trip. A highlight of the trip was the spectacular scenic flight to Canaima National Park. Flying over the dense jungle flows the vast Orinoco River, which is one of the largest rivers in the world, measuring 15mi/23km at its widest point. The next stop was to circle into the Angel Falls Canyon - to view Angel Falls, the highest waterfall in the world, measuring 1005meters/3300feet. To access the falls directly, a 3-day canoe trip is involved. This trip to South America was definitely a remote splendor, and experience never to be forgotten!

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!

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.