By Patrick Totty

It has been two years now since we first started publishing The Cultured Traveler. During that time I’ve learned about places and cultures I had not been previously exposed to, and I loved every minute of it. I hope you have experienced the same excitement in discovery as I have.

Our philosophy is simple. We strive to create a forum where experienced travelers can share with others the special people, places and events that add meaning to our lives by opening our eyes to the diversity and uniqueness of every culture. I am glad that that vision has been so well accepted.

Since the start, what rather than where has been the guiding force of our editorial and directory design. The experience of exploration and discovery — finding that unique off-the-tourist-path trip — are what we promise to deliver. The companies we list are all specialists in their fields. They’re companies you won’t find on large brokerage sites where mass volume and cookie-cutter bus trips – not one-of-a-kind experiences – drive their economic model.

Our main business is publishing, not brokerage. We are dedicated to providing tons of unbiased, useful information. We don’t know all there is about any place or any travel option. All we can do is lead you to a specialized tour host or travel agent, (real people who answer their own phones) who will have the answers.

As with any publishing enterprise, advertising generates our revenues. We believe our advertising product is unique and a quality product that adds value for both advertisers and travelers. We refuse to insult you with loud, invasive ads, blinking banners or pop-up windows that won’t go away. Our Web Page Ad product allow you to sample a company’s website and view trip calendars all without leaving the CulturalTravels.net site, but only after you choose to view an ad.

So, how do you feel about us?

Now that I’ve told you what we believe, and some of what drives our company, we’d like to hear from you. Just how are we doing? We have all kinds of statistical data, but, like you, we’d rather hear from real people—what you like about our site and what you don’t. We are growing all the time and input from you is the best way to make sure we get our direction right.

Please take a moment to pick up the phone or drop us a line. We’ll even give you the phone numbers and e-mail addresses of our two top publishing people:

Sheri Leigh, CEO and founder, can be e-mailed or call her at 1-888-443-8687.

Patrick Totty, editorial director, can be e-mailed or call him at 1-888-443-8687.

We will personally answer all calls and e-mails. If you’d rather write, the corporate address is 1924 Camino del Prado, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, USA.

PS: Speaking of growing, we just signed a licensing agreement with a Japanese company for re-distribution of CulturalTravels.net in Japan—in Japanese, of course. Both Japanese and English language Tour Hosts will be able to offer trips to the second largest economy and the fastest growing Internet population on the globe. How’s that for cross cultural immersion?

Let us not forget Poor Alice Publishing, our online travel bookstore. Travelers were briefly introduced to her in our last print newsletter and she will make her official online debut later this month.

Thank you for all of your support.