Manager, Barrhead Travel, Greenock
As a fan of John F Kennedy, Roseanne Gage’s Travel Weekly Cover Stars trip to Massachusetts, her first to the US, could not have been more apt. She found the experience so memorable, she says she would go back ‘in a heartbeat’
Q: What was one of the trip’s highlights?
A: When I found out about Boston and Cape Cod’s connections with John F Kennedy, I was so excited. I didn’t realise before we went, but the hotel we stayed at, the Omni Parker House Hotel in Boston, was where JFK proposed to Jacqueline Onassis. Ever since I found out, I have been telling all my customers. JFK used to holiday in Cape Cod, so I loved finding out more about him at the John F Kennedy Hyannis Museum.
Q: Did you get on well as a group?
A: We had the most amazing group of people on our trip and we have kept in touch on Facebook. We had a reunion in Manchester, and I went to Dublin earlier this year with some of the girls I met on the trip, and we are going again later this year. I have been on loads of trips before where you say you will keep in touch but never do. I even cried at the airport when we came home! But we got on so well and I speak regularly to fellow Cover Stars Amanda and Kirsty; we’ll definitely stay in touch. I have recommended the trip to other people, including Daniel Neise from Barrhead Travel, who is one of the Cover Stars for 2016. I told him he’d love it!
Q: How has your experience on a Virgin Atlantic flight helped your sales?
A: I was upgraded to Upper Class. I’ve never flown it before, so it was brilliant to be spoilt. We had a glass of champagne as we boarded, and during the flight, I ordered a wee drink at the bar! It was a lovely way to travel and we didn’t feel jet-lagged when we arrived. It’s quite hard to upgrade customers if you have not done it yourself; now I’ve experienced it, I can sell it. We have upgraded more people this year than ever before.
Q: Did the photoshoot on Boston Common faze you at all?
A: I wouldn’t have chosen to wear a dress, as it takes me out of my comfort zone, but I enjoyed the shoot and having my hair and make-up done. A couple of the women were nervous. I am not naturally confident, but I felt comfortable, and I didn’t want us standing around for ages. So I just thought ‘let’s get on with it’, and I loved it. The common was lovely, as although it was after the fall, there were still autumn leaves around.
Q: What did you think of Boston?
A: It was my first time in the US, so I didn’t know what to expect. It usually takes me a few days to find my feet, but I felt comfortable straight away. I did a city tour by bus and a walking tour to many historical sites and buildings. The city views from the Skywalk Observatory were amazing! I would go back in a heartbeat.
Q: How did Cape Cod compare?
A: It was a huge contrast to Boston. It was lovely to see somewhere so different that was only an hour and a half away. Although it was cold, it was beautiful and sunny – you could imagine how nice it would be in summer.
Roseanne’s outfit:
Roseanne’s clothes were provided by Simon Shopping Destinations at Wrentham Village Premium Outlets, south of Boston. Roseanne’s hair and make-up were styled by Aveda at Copley Place mall in Boston. The mall has embarked on a major renovation to add new retailers to its collection of luxury lifestyle brands, with the centre remaining open throughout the works.
Roseanne’s tips:
* Boston is a great alternative to New York. It’s smaller but full of places to visit.
* History, shopping, parks, sports – Boston has it all. It’s great for couples, especially if one wants to shop and the other is keen on historical sites.
* Combine Boston with Cape Cod to create a beach and city break.
Roseanne’s CV:
2013 to date: manager, Barrhead Travel, Greenock2009-13: manager, The Co-operative Travel, Greenock
1999-2009: sales consultant, Thomas Cook, Greenock
About our sponsors
Travel Weekly Cover Stars 2015 is running in association with headline sponsors Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and Brand USA, travel partner Virgin Holidays and makeover partner Simon Shopping Destinations.
Shop till you drop
Until, that is, she visited the Wrentham Village Premium Outlets shopping mall near Boston.
“I loved the shopping outlet and I spent an absolute fortune,” she admits.
“I totally spoiled myself! I just thought ‘why not?’ and I bought clothes, a Michael Kors watch, jewellery, make-up, two pairs of Converse shoes and more.”
So it was with more than a little relief on Roseanne’s part that each Cover Star was given a Samsonsite suitcase to take back to the UK. This was a life-saver for Roseanne.
“I needed an extra case, as I just didn’t have enough room in my luggage,” she jokes.
The experience has given her another selling point to tell customers about.
“I always tell customers about the shopping and that they should go to the outlet village,” she says.
“It’s really helped me to sell the destination.”