Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 - (Page 23)

AGENTADVICE Admission is free to these three museums. Albert Dock’s fourth museum is its most popular, despite the hefty admission charge of around $20 per adult and $12 per child. The Beatles Story (011-44-151-709-1963, www. beatlesstory.com) traces the influence of Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and other 1950s rock and blues stars on the young Liverpudlians who would create what became known as “the Mersey sound” in the ’60s. It’s pure nostalgia for those old enough to remember the raucous early days, and bittersweet for anyone viewing the white piano decorated with a single red rose and a framed photo of John Lennon, while “Imagine” plays softly. Lennon’s sister narrates the English version of the self-guided audio tour. Hop aboard a yellow minibus (not a yellow submarine) to visit the childhood homes of Paul McCartney and John Lennon, now both National Trust heritage properties (www. nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles). Or book a Blue Badge guide, one of the city’s licensed tour guides, for a customized Beatles tour (011-44151-237-3925, www.merseyside.org.uk). My guide, Hilary Oxlade (011-44-151-931-3075, hilary@liverpooltours.freeserve.co.uk), took me to Abbey Road, Penny Lane and Strawberry Field, all in the working-class Quarry section where the four Beatles grew up (Lennon’s original band was named the Quarrymen). Take the ferry for a one-hour loop of both sides of the Mersey River, immortalized by the Gerry & the Pacemakers song “Ferry Cross the Mersey”—also recorded by the Beatles—that plays over the loudspeaker when the ferry leaves the dock (011-44-151-330-1444, www. merseyferries.co.uk) in front of the baroque Cunard Building, which is being converted into upscale housing. Cunard and two other century-old buildings nearby are known as the “Three Graces” of Liverpool. CONTINUED ON PAGE 24 Liverpool is ideal for clients who don’t want to drive in England, because it’s on the main train line from London and Manchester and it’s easy to get around on local trains and buses, says Debbie Friedlander of Friedlander Travel in New York City (212-397-8770, ftvl@aol. com). A British specialist who has visited more than two dozen times, Friedlander is finding that “because of the weak dollar, more clients are asking for escorted tours than FIT, so they know what their costs will be upfront.” She recommends open-jaw flights, into London and out of Manchester or Liverpool, with train travel in between. “Liverpool is a kid-friendly city,” she says, and not just because of the Beatles. “There’s a lot to offer, and it’s less expensive than London.” A Beatles look-alike group in front of the Three Graces buildings December 10, 2007 TravelAgent | 23 http://www.merseyside.org.uk http://www.beatlesstory.com http://www.beatlesstory.com http://www.merseyferries.co.uk http://www.merseyferries.co.uk http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/beatles

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Travel Agent - December 10, 2007

Travel Agent - December 10, 2007 Online Now From the Editor Contributors Europe: Liverpool, The Beatles Hometown, Is also Known for it's Maritime Heritage, Art and Architecture European Hotel Highlights Central and South America: What You Need To Know About Selling Quito, the Historic Capital City of Ecuador Pacific/Asia: Malaysia Seeks to Grow Tourism as it Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of it's Independence Spa Resort in Goa, India Caribbean: Venerable Jamaican Resorts Tryall Club and Half Moon Marry Contemporary Design and Old-Time Elegence Caribbean Deals Las Vegas: A Three-Day Itinerary for Your Gen-Y Clients Las Vegas News and Notes Hotels: Sandals' 6th Annual Star Awards Tours: Escorted and FIT Packages in Western Canada Cruise: Barging 101 Cover Story: Wyndham's Way Agent Profile: Casto Travel's Marc Casto Technology Transportation Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Carnival's Plans for the Future Fairmont Expands in Africa Liberty Travel/Gogo is Sold Turks and Caicos Developments The New River Cruise Line, Jewel How to Protect Yourself When a Tour Operator Shuts Down In the Spotlight Classified Marketplace Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch Special Supplement: Destination Africa

Travel Agent - December 10, 2007

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