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Jon & Susan P.
Vermont
2015
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I could write a book about our three trips with Carol, twice to France, once to Italy. Carol's years of experience, knowledge of locations, local
accommodations, cultural sites and language fluency are embodied in a gem of a small group guide. When you decide to put your trust in Carol your dreams materialize.
The fun begins the moment you meet Carol and her trips are clearly not minor events. During a thorough planning process each individual's needs and desires are considered. Additionally
she has the willingness to make minor plan modifications along the way if suitable to the group and schedule.
Susan and I are convinced we will use her services again. "Why look for silver when you
already have gold?"
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Cathy P.
Marketing Executive
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Carol's insights into French Culture and incredible "insider" knowledge of the country and its people make traveling France a truly extraordinary experience.
Carol combines detailed planning with her own infectious "joie de vive" to make my travel worry-free and my French experience magical!
You don't "visit" France with Carol... you LIVE it!
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Jeanne and Antoine
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There is only one way to spend 14 days in the south of France and three in Paris - Traveling with Carol.
She took care of every detail for our party of six from time of year for newcomers to see the lavender fields of Provence to a pre-adventure gathering to answer questions and note suggestions for points of intgerest. Accomodations were lovely and flexibility was built into every day. She is also extremely knowledgeable about everything from local dining to history. We arrived home with memories for a lifetime.
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Roxanne
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Many times a year I think back fondly of the incredibly fabulous trip to France designed and executed with the utmost perfection by our good friend, Carol Bonow. My granddaughter and I had one of the most interesting, educational, and fun experiences of our lives. Our tour guide planned our experience
with the utmost care and precision. I can't think of any way it could have been better. We look forward to the day we can join Carol again on whatever incredible journey she is planning.
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John A. & Heather C.
Computer Consultant
Education Consultant
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Heather and I have been on two trips with Carol, once to Paris which we know very well and once to Barcelona which was a first time.
On both trips, Carol came up with great things to do for the group and also had plenty of good suggestions for people like us who do most things on our own.
Rather than a totally fixed itinerary, she was able to adjust midstream to new interests and opportunities – especially appreciated were the concerts she arranged while we were there.
The candlelight ancient music a cappella recital at Notre Dame will never be forgotten! Parisians were lined up trying to get in, but somehow Madame Bonow prevailed.
All in all, imagine traveling with Aunty Mame at her best. Life is to be experienced in all its possibilities and beauty every day. - Food, wine, architecture, music...
PS. Carol's positive attitude was a great help in dealing with the minor problems that inevitably happen. Helpful but unflappable!
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Jon W.
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We have used Carol's services twice for traveling to France.
First, in 2011, Carol planned our itinerary, made the
necessary hotel arrangements and created an individual guide book with the highlights for each area that we planned to visit.
history.
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Jerry B.
Comptroller & Director of Human Resources
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I have had the wonderful experience of taking three trips to France with Carol since 1992. I came to Carol as a first time overseas traveler in 1992 when I accompanied a group totaling ten people.They included first time travelers like myself to those with a great deal of previous exposure to Europe. My second and third trips with Carol were with similar groups.
What Carol brings to the traveling experience is her unlimited enthusiasm, love and knowledge of French history, language, culture and geography combined with a meticulous attention to
detail. While her trips are well planned and organized, tier spontaneous nature allows for changes in plans or itineraries when desired or needed.
But, the most memorable aspect of any traveling experience with Carol is ..."Fun!" These trips have been so much fun ....no matter
where we were in France. Whether in small towns or villages, large cities such as Paris, restaurants, bistros, museums, Cathedrals, Chateaux, Wineries, beaches, markets in small towns, antique shopping. nightclubs,
picnics, barge trips on canals/rivers or visits to prehistoric caves or ruins everything was fun! We never felt like tourists when traveling with Carol, and she seemed able to tailor each of these trips to suit the
needs and wants of each particular group. To top all of this off, her ability to speak fluent "Parisian" French only makes the experience more incredible. The
responses that she generates from the people are wonderful, and this positive energy and feedback is felt and shared by members of her groups.
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Susanne & Wally W.
Author of Children's Books, Executive of Computer Co.
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I've been vacationing in Europe since 1970, but of all my trips, the most exciting, the most memorable and always the least stressful have been those
arranged by Carol Bonow. Our itineraries are always completely personalized, reflecting our interests and providing a pace comfortable for us. My husband and I are history buffs; with Carol's guidance, we've followed the trail of the 1066 Norman Conquest, starting in Bayeux, France and culminating in Battle, England to witness a reenactment of the Battle of Hastings. Another trip focused on the prehistory era, taking us to the extraordinary Dordogne area of France to explore the Cro Magnon caves. And the accommodations ...fabuleux! Without Bonow tours, we would probably never have experience lodgings at a 16th century château (where we enjoyed aperitifs with the proprietors, the Count and Countess who then served us our dinner. Nor would we have cherished memories of a spectacular view of the valley from our hillside hotel in Domme, or wonderful meals at a country auberge in the Loire Valley.
Most of our trips have been just my husband and I, but one January I had the opportunity to join Carol in a small group trip to Paris. It was a delightful experience combining the
best aspects of an arranged tour without a hint of the forced march, everyoneupat 6:30, breakfastat 8:00, on the bus at 8:45 aspects that never sound very much like a vacation to me. Each day Carol provided a list of suggested destinations; we were free to join her or explore on our own or in small groups. The arrangements were flawless, and the hotel was charming. There was at least one gourmet dinner for the entire group, and this evening of camaraderie and hilarity was a trip highlight!
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Heide M.
Professional Artist, R.N.
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Carol exemplifies a vivacious leadership mode. She attacks the agenda with confidence and bubbling enthusiasm. Her
trips are not only fun but are packed with educational tidbits. "A transcontinental leaderA global wizard indeed." Can't wait to travel with her again and again.
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Marie-Jeanne C.
Head Librarian
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I have wanted for some time to travel to the land of my ancestors, especially after doing my family tree and locating the places they came from such
a long time ago. I wanted the opportunity to visit the towns and villages; to walk the streets and roads that they must have traveled; to visit the churches where they once worshipped; to be surrounded by the language. Five years ago I had the good fortune to take my first trip to France with Carol Bonow as my tour director, personal guide, and friendly traveling companion. Our group was very small and we soon got to know each other. The mix of people was just right. We had opportunities to do things together or to do things on our own; to have as much planned for us or to daringly pick the places we wanted to go. Carol has a sense of her clients and encourages them to pIan their activities based on their interests. The trip (I cannot use the word "tour") was custom made for each of us!
(Carol made arrangements for us in small hotels and showed us the beauty of the country as we journeyed. Of course, no visit would be complete without the Eiffel Tower, L'Arc de Triomphe, etc.)
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Barbara B.
Mediator for At Risk Families
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Love the magnetic Vibes or our leader, Carol. She attracts fabulous people to her trips, always good times, good food, good sights. Her choices of the lodgings are unique and conveniently located. Hope to go on many, many more.
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Diane & Doug J.
Professional Artist and International Art Instructor, International Business Executive
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For the last two years Carol Bonow has prepared the most exceptional excursions in France for us. We were amazed at her ability to tailor everything
to our tastes, preferences and budget. She not only arranged the itinerary, hotels, and food, but equipped with us what to say, how
to get around, and included many special touches of what to see and do. The most wonderful part is how enthused she is when planning a trip as if it was her own. Don't miss an opportunity to have Carol create a
magical trip for you!
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Paul B.
Retired Postal worker, Artist
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We just returned from our trip to Alaska and it was totally unlike the ones that you do.
Yours are more intimate and spontaneous. Because of the small groups, if something doesn't work for some reason, there is always a plan B! I learned so much with you on our
trips to Paris and Barcelona! Reading city street maps, using the metro system, enjoying museums and neighborhood restaurants. And, of course, taking pictures of the unusual while walking, walking, walking. With you
I will go somewhere again!!
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Judy & Allen W.
Vice-President of Toy Co., Antique Memorabilia Collector
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If you want a dream vacation, there is only one person who can make that dream come true ~ Carol Bonow! Carol books the most fabulous places to stay,
with incredible picnics and dinners. One gourmet delight took place on a beach at sunset across the river from an 11th century château that cast an astounding reflection in the water. Because of her passion for the people, the language, and the history of France, our experience was simply great! We know we will go on many more trips with Carol.
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Barbara W.
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... Hotels and Inns of the highest quality ... French country inn - hospitality magnifique, gourmet meals at Auberge Le Bon Laboureur in Chenonceaux ... Sipping
an aperitif on a Medieval rampart as the ocean plays its games ... Watching the tide recede from our window on Mont St Michel ... Paris - Love, warmth, pastries and CHOCOLATE! ... Evening boat ride down the Seine - The City of Light at its best ... Carrieres de Lumiere - Impressionist's paintings projected on the walls of a bauxite quarry ... Shops, restaurants, and art galleries galore ... Mind boggling, upscale department store – Galleries Lafayette ... Locking our love forever on the Pont Des Arts Bridge in Paris
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CONTACT: Carol Bonow (207) 747-5286 e-mail: crbonow @ aol.com
© 2020 Carol Bonow www.TravelingWithCarol.com
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