Chicago, IL -
Jeffrey Ward, a 20-year travel industry veteran and executive coach, has launched a specialized gay tour company catering to sophisticated male travelers. With three departures planned in 2009, Savvy Navigator offers 12-day experiential, life-changing journeys for small groups to sample some of South Africa's lesser-known attractions and meet with leading artists, naturalists and intellectuals.
Mr. Ward combines his executive experience in the trade with a passion for deeply enriching travel to create total immersion adventures for clients around the world.
"I started Savvy Navigator Tours because I saw a need among affluent gay men for escorted, one-of-a-kind travel experiences that would allow them to go beyond the standard vacation," said Mr. Ward, whose background includes more than a decade with American Airlines, where he concentrated on improving the customer experience. "Savvy Navigator will take select groups on exhilarating journeys through areas known only to the most devoted chowhounds, wine enthusiasts, cultural critics and nightlife connoisseurs."
Highlights of the "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" South Africa package, January 13-26, 2009, include a gourmet dinner hosted by a leading South African playwright and a safari at the luxurious Londolozi Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sands next to Kruger National Park. Other South Africa tours will depart in May and November 2009.
"My concept for Savvy Navigator is the best dinner party imaginable extended over 12 days in settings of startling beauty," said Mr. Ward. "Sophisticated travelers are craving something different and want the opportunity to have a transformative adventure that includes getting to know interesting locals, and not just have a traditional tourist experience."
Mr. Ward also noted that low air fares, combined with the value of the South African Rand currency, make January an excellent time for a South Africa vacation.
Mr. Ward combines his executive experience in the trade with a passion for deeply enriching travel to create total immersion adventures for clients around the world.
"I started Savvy Navigator Tours because I saw a need among affluent gay men for escorted, one-of-a-kind travel experiences that would allow them to go beyond the standard vacation," said Mr. Ward, whose background includes more than a decade with American Airlines, where he concentrated on improving the customer experience. "Savvy Navigator will take select groups on exhilarating journeys through areas known only to the most devoted chowhounds, wine enthusiasts, cultural critics and nightlife connoisseurs."
Highlights of the "Eat, Drink and Be Merry" South Africa package, January 13-26, 2009, include a gourmet dinner hosted by a leading South African playwright and a safari at the luxurious Londolozi Private Game Reserve in Sabi Sands next to Kruger National Park. Other South Africa tours will depart in May and November 2009.
"My concept for Savvy Navigator is the best dinner party imaginable extended over 12 days in settings of startling beauty," said Mr. Ward. "Sophisticated travelers are craving something different and want the opportunity to have a transformative adventure that includes getting to know interesting locals, and not just have a traditional tourist experience."
Mr. Ward also noted that low air fares, combined with the value of the South African Rand currency, make January an excellent time for a South Africa vacation.
