tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87325726136716075992024-03-13T13:27:13.776-07:00H&K Luxury Travel BlogFREE TRAVEL REVIEWS AND INFORMATION,
Follow me on Twitter @theCTABryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.comBlogger219125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-14132854687454049732017-07-25T13:33:00.001-07:002017-07-28T11:36:19.301-07:00Your Advocate...The Travel Agent<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTU8AJcGWsgSYw0kI9RBRgQFjnzCJV8qSrFlxjvNQ7tTlT2_O6wbff4e1VGeld5CZaMTDcZI8J8fAvh-a7FmkTr-r2ZpyMvDw57rarVoRNYeigSucAmOXvC3qh5JUpd5wmzEiU78-s35Q/s1600/070220_passenger_hmed2p.h2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="423" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisTU8AJcGWsgSYw0kI9RBRgQFjnzCJV8qSrFlxjvNQ7tTlT2_O6wbff4e1VGeld5CZaMTDcZI8J8fAvh-a7FmkTr-r2ZpyMvDw57rarVoRNYeigSucAmOXvC3qh5JUpd5wmzEiU78-s35Q/s320/070220_passenger_hmed2p.h2.jpg" width="320" /></a>We get a lot of clients who come to us for help in planning their vacations because they don't have time to do it themselves or they need help with a complicated itinerary or they just need help with a destination that they are just not that familiar with etc. Some even come to us because they have read somewhere that travel agents can save you money. <br />
<br />
Those are all great reasons for using the services of a travel professional, but one of the reasons that gets overlooked is that we are the client's advocate when things don't go according to plan. While we all hope everything goes as scheduled and things are better than expected during the vacation, things can happen that are out of the control of the client as well as the travel professional. And when things do come up that are unexpected and not as you hoped, you want someone in your corner who will fight for <u>YOU</u>, not the resort, or the cruise line or the airline etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
Case in point. Sandals Grande Antigua announced a few days ago (from the time of this writing) that they were closing the resort from Sept to December for "major repairs." Well as you can imagine, vacationers who were looking forward to their tropical getaway during that timeframe just had their entire vacation uprooted. Yes, Sandals is offering options to the guests who cannot change their travel dates etc, but so many are left with the question of, "what do we do next?" I should say that the ones who did not use a travel professional are left with that question. <br />
<br />
Our clients know exactly what their options are. One such client didn't have to hear the news and panic because our consultant, Julia, had already heard and was putting together the options before the client had heard the news. Within a day, the client was given an alternative that fit their schedule and fit what they were expecting for their vacation. The client did not have to try to get in the phone queue with Sandals or with one of the online booking companies and spend their valuable time trying to figure things out on their own. They did not have to spend hours of researching what was available to them for alternate resorts etc. It was taken care of by their travel professional who interacted on their behalf with the tour operator and resort.<br />
<br />
So hopefully you see that we do more than quote and book vacations. We stand ready to assist our <u>clients </u>when assistance is needed and make sure <u>their</u> best interests are being represented when things come up before or during someone's well-deserved vacation. Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-14187268851931622792017-06-28T12:30:00.001-07:002017-06-28T12:49:57.415-07:00All Inclusive vs European Plan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRbt5Yqj6QM6AoPTQfcP_eNZUza4TraHOguMX6gjsu7dAzHz3Mmb_7NMaD65XazWZJPyGs0H0P_deTh9YgrPwZVKq7innXCUMCtHLJf1mfSDngIXWP_uip13jf7LteU_Jyux262kmpJqi/s1600/CSN-BAR-08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRbt5Yqj6QM6AoPTQfcP_eNZUza4TraHOguMX6gjsu7dAzHz3Mmb_7NMaD65XazWZJPyGs0H0P_deTh9YgrPwZVKq7innXCUMCtHLJf1mfSDngIXWP_uip13jf7LteU_Jyux262kmpJqi/s320/CSN-BAR-08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The all inclusive fad is in full swing. So much so that we get a lot of requests for all inclusive resorts for destinations here in the U.S., even though there are basically none. It seems everyone thinks all inclusive is the way to go. Well is it really? The answer to that question is no and also yes. Let me explain.<br />
<br />
Actually before I explain the no and yes answer, lets make sure everyone truly understands what an all inclusive resort is. A resort that is truly all inclusive will include all meals, all beverages, room service and even whats in the minibar in the rooms. There are a few exceptions to this but 99% of all inclusive resorts will be offering all of your food and drink for one packaged price. This is in contrast to resorts that are not all inclusive or European Plan (EP), as some are called. EP simply means no food or drink are included with the exception of the occasional breakfast daily or a resort credit of some sort which are usually offered as promotional items at the time of booking.<br />
<br />
So are we clear on the differences between the two? All inclusive resorts allow you to pay one price for all of your food and drink AT the resort and resorts that are EP will be charging you for any food and drink that you consume onsite at their resort above and beyond the room rate you might have paid.<br />
<br />
So some are probably reading this thinking, "why on earth would I want an EP plan when I can pay one price and get all of the food and drink included? Well the answer depends on the type of traveler you are. If you want a beach, some sun, and you really don't want to move yourself from the pool or ocean for your entire trip, then an all inclusive is a great option. If you are not one who needs top cuisine or craft cocktails, then an all inclusive is a great option. If you have children and you don't want to have to worry about what they are about to order off of a menu while on vacation, then an all inclusive is a great option. If you fit into one of those 3 categories, my answer would be yes, an all inclusive is the way to go for you. <br />
<br />
BUT...if you are not in those 3 categories, then here is why an all-inclusive may not be a great option for you. First, all inclusive resorts tend to "dumb down" the food and drink quality. What I mean by that is demand for non stop food and drink makes it hard for the resorts to keep up and the quality suffers. They have gone the way of the cruise lines. Cruises used to be known for excellent cuisine and pampered service. Now, cruisers can't wait to get onboard so they can hurry to the buffet and eat as much as possible before then heading to their stateroom so they can get ready for more food at dinner to only be followed by a trip to the all night pizza or burger or cookie stations around the ship. The constant demand for food has created a situation where cruise lines have to cut down on quality just to keep up with the constant demand for more and more food. Well, all inclusive resorts are now faced with the same issue. They know that as long as they can keep food in plentiful supply 24/7, their average guest will be satisfied with their stay. They can no longer afford the best of ingredients and the time needed to produce true gourmet cuisine. So if you like to taste incredible dishes while on vacation, you may be better off at a resort that is not all inclusive and where you pay for the actual amount of food you consume.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYULC7FGauTANcifqmqckRUe4H-M9-w3zBmAAUhQQ4vT2WxRDpioJ5BSsnFbrMmoMImS_tnSqY96KBL1WmVHV5NlVDytA-xXKsOd0PiLIMex7-VboSNs7TQQxo1ejP6iMuF_4iqa3dtJk/s1600/Secmaromalobbybar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="534" data-original-width="800" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYULC7FGauTANcifqmqckRUe4H-M9-w3zBmAAUhQQ4vT2WxRDpioJ5BSsnFbrMmoMImS_tnSqY96KBL1WmVHV5NlVDytA-xXKsOd0PiLIMex7-VboSNs7TQQxo1ejP6iMuF_4iqa3dtJk/s320/Secmaromalobbybar.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Second, if you are a traveler that likes to get out and see and do and eat more of the food that the destination actually offers, then you may be better off by not doing an all inclusive. If you pay for an all inclusive resort, you are paying for breakfast, lunch and dinner and all snacks. If you were to venture off the property and come across a great place to eat, you would most likely not eat there because you realize you have already paid for all of your food while on vacation. Staying at a non-all-inclusive gives you the freedom to eat wherever you please including great options away from the resort.<br />
<br />
And third, if you enjoy sitting in a wonderful lounge and enjoying a cocktail that was produced by a true mixologist, then all inclusive resorts are most likely not for you. Again, because things have been dumbed down at all inclusives, top spirits and beer are not always available and please don't count on being wooed by anything a bartender may produce at an all inclusive. Can they make a margarita or a mojito and it taste ok? Sure! But they are again producing drinks as fast as they possibly can because they have to keep up with those vacationers who like to have 2, 3 or 4 drinks in their hand at one time.<br />
<br />
Now this sounds like I am poo pooing all over all inclusive resorts but really I am not. I am just making sure everyone sees and understands what you get for the price you pay. Going on vacation with wrong expectations is usually why you see some really bad reviews on travel review sites. Someone saw an all inclusive that was supposedly 4 star and thought they were going to get the same quality of food and drink as they would have at a real 4 star resort that is not all inclusive. <br />
<br />
So before you jump on the all inclusive bandwagon, please talk to a travel professional and let them explain to you the pros and cons before you spend your hard earned money on your next vacation. Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-80911739240480730162017-05-19T11:52:00.000-07:002017-05-19T11:52:42.013-07:00The Modern Travel Agent (Part 2)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYt2m3Abzp-32dP5AZ4VUhLCGZlc2xZHMEIEsffrvhLSHCuXe3_8705qQfs00ElwgJT5i8kIpLX2p2bGLYEPI2rE9giRibNxQ_vwUNHwhdQRRmMLdPrXeO0ecKAgJE6URki4AcZBXHPsi/s1600/clientmaui.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzYt2m3Abzp-32dP5AZ4VUhLCGZlc2xZHMEIEsffrvhLSHCuXe3_8705qQfs00ElwgJT5i8kIpLX2p2bGLYEPI2rE9giRibNxQ_vwUNHwhdQRRmMLdPrXeO0ecKAgJE6URki4AcZBXHPsi/s200/clientmaui.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Awhile back I had written a post with the intent of answering a lot of questions that we receive frequently which really boil down to this one..."what is the difference between using you or going on the internet and doing it myself?" I focused that post on explaining who we are as modern day travel agents. Please feel free to go back and revisit that article at your leisure. But I feel a part 2 is required because we still get asked a lot of questions that lead me to believe that a lot of potential customers have no real idea of what we do and how we work & benefit them when it comes to travel planning.<br />
<br />
So instead of focusing again on who we are, lets focus this article and who we are NOT. <br />
<br />
1. <b>We are NOT cyber robots</b>. That seems obvious but when people compare us living and breathing professional travel consultants to the likes of Booking.goodluckwithgettingwhatyouthoughtyoupaidfor and cyber gnomes, it makes me think the obvious is not so obvious. When you call or email or text or do a face to face visit with us, you are speaking to real people who have real families and live in real homes just like you do. <br />
<br />
2. <b>We are NOT order takers.</b> We do not encourage our clients to do all the work and all the research and spend countless hours on hoards of websites perusing scores of travel options and then simply take what they want and hit the "book it" button. Instead, we do all of the work, spend our time and energy scouring the resources we use, as professionals, to find that perfect vacation that fits what our clients told us they wanted out of that perfect vacation and then we send that perfect option to the client for their final approval before anything is ever booked.<br />
<br />
3. <b>We are NOT the cheapest option</b>. Many will come to talk to us only because they think or they have heard that travel agents are cheaper than the internet. While some travel agents attempt to buy a client's loyalty by offering kickbacks or huge discounts, we are not that agency. We offer the best value. Value is very different than cheap. If someone is looking for the cheapest option, then there are countless websites saying they are the cheapest which means no one will really know if they received the cheapest price. Do you pick your Dr's based on them being the cheapest? Do you pick your lawyers or financial planners because they said they were guaranteeing to be the cheapest? We don't expect you to choose to work with us because we are the cheapest either.<br />
<br />
Modern travel agents are again thriving because of the things we are as well as the things we are not. Clients are coming to us because we save time and energy. They are coming to us because they trust our knowledge and experience and can offer ideas that they may never have thought of. They are coming to us because they appreciate our service and love knowing we are THEIR agents, not the resort's or the cruise line's or the tour operator's etc. <br />
<br />
So are you wanting to take a dream vacation and don't know where to begin with the search process or can't seem to pull the trigger because you are overwhelmed with countless options and opinions from friends and online reviewers? Search out a professional travel consultant (i.e. us here at H&K) and let us show you why you will never want to try to book a vacation without our<br />
help again.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-66364634629450368012017-03-31T06:35:00.002-07:002017-03-31T06:35:37.465-07:00The Non-vacation Vacation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmsT1r5ojAsZKL1oDPJQiecgQm1E79FsvC5JBpN7_uw6V8CTECjva1Ya9HMcOOBUsisRGZYWq_RuM1Ze1iUFiN1n8DtdFqjMqGjl87bLko5TlAU1_SIAXYtueCVdqPgCKAWXlxwHToTPh/s1600/1400454_10151831595692987_1460499015_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmsT1r5ojAsZKL1oDPJQiecgQm1E79FsvC5JBpN7_uw6V8CTECjva1Ya9HMcOOBUsisRGZYWq_RuM1Ze1iUFiN1n8DtdFqjMqGjl87bLko5TlAU1_SIAXYtueCVdqPgCKAWXlxwHToTPh/s640/1400454_10151831595692987_1460499015_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Before we get started...lets peruse good ole Webster's Dictionary and refresh our memories of what the word "vacation" actually means. Go ahead...I will give you a minute if you want to look it up yourselves. While you are doing that, I will fill everyone else in on what Webster has to say.<br />
<br />
<b>Vacation</b><br />
<br />
<i>1) a period of <u>suspension of work</u>, study, or other activity, usually used for rest, recreation, or travel; recess or holiday</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>2) <u>freedom or release from duty, business, or activity</u></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>3) a part of the year, regularly set aside, when normal activities of law courts, legislatures, etc., are suspended</i><br />
<br />
Now I thought most adults and even most younger children had a pretty good grasp of what the word meant, but from I am seeing these days from friends, peers, family members etc is telling me that our Country has totally lost the notion of what it really means to take a vacation. <br />
<br />
Families pack up once, maybe twice a year (if they are really lucky) and head out on vacation and one of the absolute must-packing-items is a small laptop. Well most won't call it a laptop but instead will call it a "smart phone." But let's be real. That device you carry in your pocket that now requires its own sub-packing list (i.e. charging cords, portable chargers etc) is in all reality a mini laptop because it does pretty much the same thing a laptop can do. It sends and receives email. It can access files. It has everyone's database installed for the most part. It edits pictures and can post to all social media outlets. Oh...and to ensure you stay connected to your work, it rings and dings even while on vacation in foreign countries thanks to international cell plans and sim cards. <br />
<br />
So imagine for a moment sitting on a tranquil beach somewhere in the South Pacific. Palm trees are swaying. The crystal clear blue seas are lapping up on the beautiful white sand beach. Got a visual? Now picture everyone sitting on that beach with their laptops open and everyone is typing away. Quite a sight it would be, eh? If we actually saw a bunch of people doing that while surrounded by such beauty and tranquility, we would be flabbergasted by such people who can't seem to get away from their work long enough to enjoy some time reflecting on more important things in life and letting their brains and their bodies truly vacate. If you really want a horrible visual...imagine those same folks with their laptops open and their spouse and children are sitting their being ignored during a time when the family was supposed to be enjoying some time away together. <br />
<br />
Well lets do some self-examination real quick. There is nothing different between the person sitting on vacation with their laptops open and the person sitting in that same spot staring down at their smart phone all the time. All the smart phones have done is make it less conspicuous when people are spending their days on vacation wrapped up in work and what is going on back at the office or home.<br />
<br />
It's sad, but we have become a nation that no longer truly understands the importance of taking time away from work. Recent studies have shown that there is even a horrible trend that is being called "vacation shaming." Co-workers and bosses are shaming those who actually try to take off their allotted vacation time as if it is some less-than-honorable thing now to want to spend quality time with those who should mean more to you than your work. The shaming should really be going the other direction, right?. Why are we not shaming the ones who think work is more important than family and health and spiritual wellness?<br />
<br />
This non-vacation vacation trend has been getting worse and worse as the years go by and, for some reason, it is more of a US trend. Other countries have long recognized the need for time away from work and balance in their life. Countries like France. The French receive around 30 days of vacation. Guess how many they actually take on average? If you guessed 30 you were correct. Germany also gets around 30 days off of work and they take an average of 28 of those days off. Finland, Austria, Italy all have around the same number of days off and the majority of the workers take almost all, if not all of the paid time off of work.<br />
<br />
Where are we here in the USofA? We are WAY down the list...almost dead last in fact. We get an average of 15 days off of work and most only take 12 of the 15. Some will act as if that is something to be proud of. But lets also see where we are on another list. We are third only to India and China when it comes to anxiety, depression and drug&alcohol use. Go figure! We wear this work honor badge like it is something to be proud of while our society suffers from mental stress and disorders. What relieves stress and anxiety? Balance in life can lead to a much less stressful and anxious life. Balance meaning taking time to focus on other things than just work and jobs. <br />
<br />
Many no longer allow themselves to be free from duty or business. Many no longer suspend work to go find rest and recreation. Too many sacrifice the things that hopefully last longer than some job such as their family or their spiritual life. Too many are wasting the precious moments they have with their spouses, kids etc while they bring work with them on the very thing that is supposed to be a break from work and stress and anxiety...that thing we used to call...vacation.<br />
<br />
So what happens to us if this trend continues? If more and more of us decide work is more important than being "present" with those we care most about, what happens to our mental and physical health? Ask yourself a question. If you were to become ill due to stress and anxiety at work and you were hospitalized, how many of your co-workers or bosses would be there at your hospital bedside? How important would that job really be if you Dr gave you bad news about the state of your health? Would you say, "excuse me Dr, but I need to check my email real quick before you continue with your prognosis."?<br />
<br />
That is where a lot of you are headed if things don't change. You sit there now engrossed in your phones never giving your brain and body a chance to rest and recoup. You sit there ignoring what is around you while you check texts, emails, voicemails etc and all the while your body and mind and family are begging you to stop. Meanwhile your mental and physical health is declining as is your life expectancy.<br />
<br />
So stop. Stop and take a look around you for Pete's sake. Stop and ponder what is really important in life. Stop before you regret the moments lost, moments you will never ever get back. Stop and take a real vacation for a change. Your body, mind and soul and for sure your family will appreciate you for doing that.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-34988176579231923042017-03-23T12:49:00.000-07:002017-03-23T12:49:37.923-07:00Travel: A True GiftThis month's post is brought to you by one of H&K Luxury Travel's travel consultants, Amber Dixon. She is a great resource for family vacation planning and we are proud to have her as a guest writer for our blog. Enjoy her insights and tips.<br />
<br />
As a parent it is so easy to get caught up in the day to day grind of school, homework, activities, cooking and laundry – not to mention making sure you are raising your children to be decent, productive human beings.<br />
<br />
One of the greatest gifts I have been able to give myself and my children has been one on one travel. I was recently in New York City with my middle son, Thomas, and it was the best trip ever. Just the two of us – no siblings, no spouse, just us. We were able to focus on the things that Thomas likes to do, move about the city more quickly than if we had more people in tow, and he had my undivided attention. But the greatest part of traveling one on one with one of your children is that you learn things about them that you didn’t know before – like the simple fact that Thomas likes kid shows that aren’t animation and wanted to see the new Beauty and the Beast movie.<br />
<br />
Traveling with kids – no matter how many – always brings unique challenges and you can make the most of your vacation by making some simple choices and thinking ahead.<br />
<br />
<b>1. Choose Your Flight Times Wisely</b><br />
Do as I say, not as I do. We live a couple of hours away from the closest large airport so when we travel as a family we generally pick a late morning/early afternoon flight so that we don’t have to wake up and get everyone ready at the break of dawn. I chose an early morning flight for our one on one trip to New York City which required us to leave our house before 6 am. That was a mistake. Thomas was tired by the time we got to New York City and we spent most of the first day just hanging out and had an early bed time. A later flight would have allowed us to sleep later and be more adventurous our first day in the city.<br />
<br />
<b>2. Let Your Kids Do Weird Things</b><br />
Thomas loves pigeons. When we were in Washington Square Park there was a man who was feeding and holding pigeons. Now, this is not normally something I would encourage my children to do because it seems ridiculously dirty. But I could tell Thomas really, really wanted to hold and feed a pigeon as he stared longingly as some other kids joined in. So I handed him a few dollars to donate for the bird seed and he had the absolute time of his life with those pigeons!<br />
<br />
<b>3. Consider Your Kids Interest</b><br />
Maybe the most important thing to consider when traveling with kids is what they are interested in. No matter where you travel if your days are full of only things that interest you as the parent then your kids behavior is going to be less than ideal. Thomas loves candy so we made several stops at candy stores, including Dylan’s Candy Bar. We also took into consideration that Thomas loves dance, drums and was interested in seeing the One World Observatory when planning our days. We also chose to see STOMP off-Broadway and Thomas belly laughed throughout the show because it fit his taste in entertainment and humor perfectly.<br />
<br />
<b>4. Be Flexible</b><br />
When traveling with kids even the best plans need to be tweaked. One of the things we wanted to do was eat at the Cookie Do restaurant that has recently become a viral sensation. But, due to the weather (it was cold and rainy) I knew that no one would be happy to wait in the two hour line. We also spent more time than I would have preferred playing in Central Park but at the end of our trip that was exactly what Thomas needed to do before traveling home.<br />
<br />
So take your kids to explore new places! It is one of the most precious gifts you can give your children and yourself.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-27179426581865888522017-01-27T07:17:00.001-08:002017-01-27T07:17:25.504-08:00Europe Without The Long Flight<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6hKIdf0yBHkkQ3CRCAfwidP41nVxXGm9FkoZKv2kbQjlSs35atrfmddxhUDPAw-b-Pb2HiSmPGISo-G_w-KVkjCJjuJR5tkAEYfOnJ11lLVZP6GW5_rSP6Ej4OIkuZyozlsQgeMwoLnS/s1600/IMG_7127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp6hKIdf0yBHkkQ3CRCAfwidP41nVxXGm9FkoZKv2kbQjlSs35atrfmddxhUDPAw-b-Pb2HiSmPGISo-G_w-KVkjCJjuJR5tkAEYfOnJ11lLVZP6GW5_rSP6Ej4OIkuZyozlsQgeMwoLnS/s400/IMG_7127.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Has visiting parts of Europe been on your bucket list for years, but you can't pull the trigger because of the time it takes to get there and the length of trip needed to do it right? Maybe the overall cost of a European vacation has you unable to make the decision to give it a go. Well I have some great news for you. <br />
<br />
I have this little secret that I am about to share with you so let me have your undivided attention and listen closely. What if I told you that you can see 16th Century architecture, pastel colored buildings similar to those on Italy's Amalfi Coast, piazzas similar to those in Rome, and have the culinary experience that matches that of Barcelona or Paris, but you only have a 3 to 4 hour flight and half the budget you might think you need? Would you be in for that? Who wouldn't, right? But there are tons of travelers here in the US that ignore this hidden gem and opportunity every time they make their vacation plans simply because...its in Mexico. That's right, Mexico! <br />
<br />
Let me formally introduce you to one of my favorite travel destinations in the whole wide world...San Miguel de Allende. San Miguel who you say? San Miguel de Allende. This beauty of a city is located in the hill country in what I refer to as the central, lower half of Mexico. Its a little over 160 miles northeast of Mexico City and about 75 miles or so from Leon (airport code BJX) which is the airport most travelers fly into when visiting the area. The distance from the airport is not a bad thing. The mountainous scenery between airport and San Miguel is beautiful and worth having your camera at the ready during the drive. Plus, you won't have any of the beauty of San Miguel spoiled by the noise of airplanes landing and taking off.<br />
<br />
After you skirt the outer edge of Guanajuato (another amazing historic city) and venture through a couple of smaller villages on the drive, San Miguel finally reveals itself and you can't help but feel a little emotional. You have officially stepped into an era when things were simpler and life was about friends and family and shared meals and faith. The cobblestone streets are all the proof you need to prove this place is special and amazingly preserved and protected from major tourism and commercialization. Residents here don't look to escape to another part of the world after graduation. They realize what they have and what they have is very very special.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjJcpm1mFrx5GichM2hXRiS4nKTlfjcB4LkLICzTguuSxRg4wx8fCpb5aF4COsSFTj-_Sko4lP4j2GYc5TSoqg9yqpEsUlFGGlFOYMh4YQEpg1Hc21RU07qaRIWwWdNMz-cZHd8x-lVIe/s1600/IMG_7213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOjJcpm1mFrx5GichM2hXRiS4nKTlfjcB4LkLICzTguuSxRg4wx8fCpb5aF4COsSFTj-_Sko4lP4j2GYc5TSoqg9yqpEsUlFGGlFOYMh4YQEpg1Hc21RU07qaRIWwWdNMz-cZHd8x-lVIe/s400/IMG_7213.JPG" width="400" /></a>Our hotel of choice for this experience was the <a href="http://www.belmond.com/casa-de-sierra-nevada-san-miguel-de-allende/" target="_blank"><i><b>Belmond Casa de Sierra Nevada.</b></i></a> It is a gorgeous property which was once an old hacienda now converted into a luxury boutique hotel. While the layout is not a traditional hotel design, the grounds are beautifully landscaped and rooms are elegantly yet simply decorated. The check in desk, main bar and restaurant are situated in a way that you feel like you have entered someones luxury home after walking through the front door. You feel stress and the outside world disappear. Is this a bunch of hyperbole you ask? Trust me when I say it is not. This hotel captivated me as did San Miguel. Tip: Upgrade to the deluxe junior suite.<br />
<br />
Another hotel visited during our stay was the fantastic Rosewood San Miguel de Allende just a few blocks from the Belmond. This is a bigger hotel and not as close to the main squares of San Miguel but it would be hard to say its not equal in all other aspects of luxury accommodations. The rooftop bar offers one of the best (if not the best) views of San Miguel. It's a must do at night. And it is closer to more of the local residential areas of San Miguel where you can venture into the nearby park on the weekends and see families enjoying some play time or watch a local pick-up game of soccer or basketball. <br />
<br />
So you have reached San Miguel, you have checked into your beautiful hacienda and now you are ready venture out. Make sure your camera phone is fully charged before you do because you will want to snap a pic at every corner. As you make the first corner from the Belmond towards the main square, you get the first glimpse of historic <b>La Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel</b>, the parish church of San Miguel. It is a magnificent sight. My recommendation is to grab a seat on one of the many park benches around the square that faces the church and sit and take it all in and listen for the ringing of the bells. Stop in one of the pastry shops on the many side streets that shoot off of the main square and sit and enjoy seeing what old Mexico was really all about.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF4nphYH-gN_GEg_9bkKrbHxETu3TKfK5dyJxo6h_s26niQWCZqzRUep-DVyOppoYtnnslnVhX3PV7orgIp6AkFHIeH1p4Gmu7OvcZf-xwErNmgix9qrww1pOf6IcuPFNEtDAk4yXVGoj/s1600/IMG_7071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTF4nphYH-gN_GEg_9bkKrbHxETu3TKfK5dyJxo6h_s26niQWCZqzRUep-DVyOppoYtnnslnVhX3PV7orgIp6AkFHIeH1p4Gmu7OvcZf-xwErNmgix9qrww1pOf6IcuPFNEtDAk4yXVGoj/s400/IMG_7071.JPG" width="400" /></a>But don't stop there...as you stroll the streets you will stumble upon many of the other squares and churches that makes this city a dream location for those that love historic architecture. The <b>Templo de San Francisco</b> and the <b>Nuestra Señora de la Salud Church</b> are must sees and each are surrounded by beautifully manicured trees and squares.<br />
<br />
Once you start walking...you will see that you are somewhere special. The quietness of the side streets pour into the lively squares where you can sit and savor great food while listening to a musician take you back to the 16th and 17th century by their simple strumming of a guitar.<br />
<br />
Are you a foodie? If so, you have to come to San Miguel. The menus are diverse. Fresh seafood is brought in daily from the Pacific and the local chefs take pride is their using of ingredients indigenous to the area. You can enjoy everything from shrimp tacos to pork belly sandwiches to the best ceviche found on the face of the planet accompanied by the best wines from the mountainous regions around San Miguel. <br />
<br />
Into shopping? Some of the best boutique clothiers in the world can be found in San Miguel as well as skilled and world renowned artisans selling their hand made, hand painted crafts.<br />
<br />
So can you see why I titled this blog the way I did? San Miguel offers everything that most major destinations do all throughout Europe and is much much easier to get to for those of us here in the U.S.<br />
<br />
So are you ready to see the jewel of Mexico? We sure hope so because you will not be disappointed that you decided it was ok to go to Mexico and forgo the beach. <br />
<br />
<br />Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-53491331626102654362016-12-27T13:28:00.002-08:002016-12-27T13:28:58.997-08:00Are We Earmarked?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj4lEvLP8GHeftBmj2Zaeu5bNk_TAcISqq9J5w8NJCooQqyDRDXV2f4a56gEbZbSkbYrpPchOX2dAxQGwoshp9Nqr0dSllMo8OIwjbF3l8lKSWhn99rvKKT2-sBdSD9YXd7eEuZ28Vd98/s1600/Traveplanning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj4lEvLP8GHeftBmj2Zaeu5bNk_TAcISqq9J5w8NJCooQqyDRDXV2f4a56gEbZbSkbYrpPchOX2dAxQGwoshp9Nqr0dSllMo8OIwjbF3l8lKSWhn99rvKKT2-sBdSD9YXd7eEuZ28Vd98/s320/Traveplanning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Are you an earmarked agency? We, as professional travel planners, get that question a lot from potential Disney-bound vacationers. New clients, who are out perusing the internet for "sound advice" when it comes to their future WDW getaway, get all sorts of recommendations when it comes to what to do or what not to do. But one of the bits of advice we witness a lot is, "only work with an authorized Disney vacation planner." When an agent or agency touts that they are an "authorized Disney vacation planner," they are saying that they are also a "Disney earmarked" agency. <br />
<br />
Disney gives that status to agencies that produce over a certain amount of dollar volume in a given period of time. Disney does not announce what that volume is, but once you hit it, Disney may then reach out to that agency and invite them to be earmarked. For some agencies, it is their goal to become earmarked because it then gives them the right to officially claim themselves to be "authorized" by Disney to sell Disney vacations. But therein lies the confusion to the general public.<br />
<br />
An agency that is not earmarked is NOT selling Disney illegally etc., yet the term "authorized" carries with it a certain connotation that anyone not earmarked should not be selling "official Disney vacations." As it is with most of my posts, I try to cut through the double-talk, fluffy, mamajahambo and speak clearly and honest. And just so you don't think this is some self-serving post, I want you to know that I am speaking on behalf of a lot of travel agencies that are great at what they do and who sell Disney vacations frequently, yet are not "earmarked." A good travel consultant who sells Disney vacations will have done two or more of the following:<br />
<br />
<b>1) They will have taken and passed Disney's specialist training that every earmarked AND non-earmarked agency has access to. I and a lot of other agents and agency owners have multiple certificates showing completion of that course from year to year hanging somewhere in our offices. </b><br />
<b>2) They will have visited one or more of the Disney destinations (i.e. WDW and DL) personally on their own vacation time.</b><br />
<b>3) They will have taken a Disney cruise at some point along the way</b><br />
<b>4) They will have stayed at every level of resort that there is at WDW and/or DL (Value, Moderate, Deluxe etc).</b><br />
<br />
What I mentioned above is what any travel professional can do in order to properly equip themselves to plan and sell Disney vacations to their clients, regardless of being earmarked or not. <br />
<br />
So let me repeat again, assuming someone does two or more of the above, the difference between an "authorized" (earmarked) Disney vacation planning agency and any other professional agency is the volume of sales that agency produces for Disney.<br />
<br />
My agency is an earmarked agency. But we focus our expertise on a broader range of destinations than just Disney. I like it that way and will keep it that way. I like to be able to help clients with destinations such as Universal Orlando, Mexico, the Caymans, Japan, Hawaii etc in addition to helping plan Disney-related vacations. But I am also proud of the fact that I have a team of agents who rival any agency's Disney experience and knowledge. We collectively have stayed at every onsite resort. we have collectively ate at every onsite restaurant. We have sailed on the Disney Dream, Fantasy, Wonder and Magic. I don't care how many conferences someone attends, nothing replaces first hand experience when it comes to Disney vacation planning. Are we experts at planning Disney vacations? Yep. And so are a lot more agencies out there who may or may not be "earmarked."<br />
<br />
So when choosing a professional vacation planner for your next Disney vacation, don't let fluff and titles make up your mind of whom you should use. Simply ask if they know a lot about Disney and if they have personally been before and then go with the person that you know, like and trust. <br />
<br />
Questions? Comments?<br />
<br />
<br />Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-11490629747258341032016-10-28T10:14:00.002-07:002016-10-28T10:14:12.110-07:00When To Buy Your Airfare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4yP7R4ufRNDUwmN1iIROxvhct7VLcJ8uacpSNhQFFTJLBQK3EO5xSbBuIwlBshfzcg3EAM3J-SuTXE87VVKGC3VgUkQoS0BB9_FUo0GnmTMWgmh-JnGvO12CGLYtgQ6JINT1HEcCNMYa/s1600/IMG_5453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4yP7R4ufRNDUwmN1iIROxvhct7VLcJ8uacpSNhQFFTJLBQK3EO5xSbBuIwlBshfzcg3EAM3J-SuTXE87VVKGC3VgUkQoS0BB9_FUo0GnmTMWgmh-JnGvO12CGLYtgQ6JINT1HEcCNMYa/s400/IMG_5453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This article may NOT contain the answer you are looking for, but I do hope it clears up some of the confusion and misinformation that is floating out in cyberspace when it comes to the best days and times to buy airfare for your upcoming dream vacation. <br />
<br />
First, here is a fact about airfare prices, they fluctuate on almost a minute by minute basis. The fluctuation is due to computer algorithms that set prices based on the number of seats still available on a certain flight. As seats sell, prices change. Its good ole supply and demand, plain and simple. There are a lot of detailed articles out there trying to give more detail into why prices are so different for the same flight on any given day, but it all boils down to economics. If a flight is a popular route, you can count on the fact that prices will reflect it (i.e. supply and demand) and that won't matter if it is on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday etc.<br />
<br />
Second, we get asked all the time whether it is cheaper to fly on a Tuesday vs a Friday etc. The answer still goes back to supply and demand. It very well may be cheaper because a lot of business travelers leave out on Sundays and Mondays and come back on Fridays or Saturdays. But keep in mind that airlines know this and the number of flights reflect the busier days and routes which brings up the issue of availability and the number of connections. <br />
<br />
Third, what you see when it comes to the published fare may not be the real cost of flight. For example, you bought a ticket on "ABC Airlines." Then when you went to choose your seat, the only available seat for the price was a middle seat near the back bathroom. So you see that the seat is in an awful location but you also see there are other seats that you can upgrade to for the everyday low price of $60. So you waited until Tuesday to buy that airfare that was $30 lower but ended up paying $60 more for a seat you actually want to sit in. <br />
<br />
So with all of this said, here are the factors that should play into your decision of when you want to buy your airfare:<br />
<br />
<b>1) How committed are you to the trip?</b> If your trip dates are set due to vacation schedules and you are set to a certain departure and return date, you should consider buying your airfare as soon as you can. I say that because if your vacation destination is a popular one, the good flights (good times and connections) can sell out while you wait to see if the fare is going to drop $20 to $50.<br />
<br />
<b>2) Single vs multiple connection flights.</b> Let's assume there are no direct flights between where you are and your destination so you will have at least one connection. You need to weigh the importance of the number of connections as well as the layover time. Waiting to buy on a certain day of the week and at a certain number of days before your trip can put at risk losing the best connection and layover times. Was it worth the difference in airfare if you now have to stop at 2 different airports before reaching your final destination? Each connection carries its own risks such as the chance for bags to get lost or issues with weather or airplane equipment. The money you might save may seem insignificant if you spend the first two days of your vacation in the same clothes you started in.<br />
<br />
<b>3) Time of year.</b> if you are flying to a destination that is popular during a certain time of year (i.e flying to Europe in June or July), the prices will not only change rapidly, but again, flights can literally sell out. The direct flight you wanted from Chicago to Rome not only could be sold out, but the longer connecting flight may also now cost more because you waited.<br />
<br />
Let me summarize by telling you how we consult our clients when it comes to purchasing their airfare. If we know that the client's dates are set and we know that destination is a popular one for that time of year, we always encourage them to buy as soon as possible with only a few exceptions. We advise them to consider the single vs multiple connection. We help them see that taking the last flight out may appear cheaper but it may not be worth it if that flight is canceled and there are no longer anymore options out that night. We make sure sure our clients see that the cheaper flight may have a layover until the next morning which means there will be an overnight hotel stay which also now adds to the cost. We make sure our clients know that if it is important that they are seated together, then we need to grab the flights and seats when we can to make sure that happens.<br />
<br />
So do you see that waiting to buy airfare on a certain day or picking days of the week that you think will be cheaper may not be the best choice? Its not a simple answer of "always buy on Tuesday because its cheaper." Let professionals help you understand the pros and cons of waiting or not waiting.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-17071361492316573922016-10-26T11:00:00.000-07:002016-10-26T11:00:19.177-07:00Making the Right Travel Decision<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvma5Lgj34uwo8NLG13KhLUTbQxsPcSoBegYdHztOf9gnw4CWCkTX4YCst6x-5wDfdOUvXNBGdu6zl4ndHTn161NFHLEEVQ0ntfDPf717HuYeJPAZQ_K6uQohM8TmuF3Lki5yZdjNGO04/s1600/bigstock-Travel-or-tourism-concept-Pas-87226538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLvma5Lgj34uwo8NLG13KhLUTbQxsPcSoBegYdHztOf9gnw4CWCkTX4YCst6x-5wDfdOUvXNBGdu6zl4ndHTn161NFHLEEVQ0ntfDPf717HuYeJPAZQ_K6uQohM8TmuF3Lki5yZdjNGO04/s320/bigstock-Travel-or-tourism-concept-Pas-87226538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Any consultant worth his or her salt, seeks to provide their clients with the best possible information so their clients can then take that information and make the best decision possible. Making right decisions, for the most part, relies on having the correct information ahead of making that decision. We rely on experts in certain fields to provide us with that correct info whether its health related, financially related etc. We don't turn to friends who have not been to medical school to advise us on how to treat some health ailment. We don't rely on someone who has never worked on a car engine to help us determine how to fix our broken down car. We don't take advice from financially broke friends on how to better invest our money. The same logic should apply when someone is wanting travel advice. Turning to non-professionals can sometimes render bad decisions because the non-professional information was flawed and possibly even incorrect.<br />
<br />
We see this a lot in the field of professional travel consulting. We hear of travelers being encouraged to take a cruise solely because a passport is not currently needed for a lot of cruises. But that information is only partially correct and may lead travelers to make the wrong decision for them and their family. We have clients come to us and say they only want to visit 2 of the 4 parks at Walt Disney World because a friend said they didn't think the other parks had enough for small children. Again, that is not a factual statement. Similarly we have had clients say they don't want to visit a destination like Universal Orlando Parks and Resorts because too many of the rides have a height requirement of 50in or taller. Clients were ready to not consider that option based on that one friend's comment. The friend's comment was incorrect. Many discount the idea of Mexico being a vacation destination based on friend's comments about safety in Mexico. 99% of the time, those friends are not stating facts but only passing on news stories that are also not stating facts. These are just small examples of how wrong information and opinion can alter a family's vacation plans.<br />
<br />
It is our job to help clients sift through the gobs of opinions and counter some of those opinions with simple facts so our clients can make the best decision possible for what is right for them, not for their friends. We can help clients see that having a passport is still highly encouraged even when taking a cruise for a variety of reasons. We can help clients see what is offered for all ages at every park that makes up Walt Disney World and then let the clients decide how they want to spend THEIR time. We can provide actual ride heights showing that the majority of the attractions at Universal Orlando are under that 50in requirement. We can even provide actual crime statistics that show Mexico is safer than places like the Bahamas, Jamaica. Punta Cana etc for tourists.<br />
<br />
We have opinions too. Clients come to us for our opinions. But even our opinions are based one what we factually know about a destination or certain type of vacation. This is why we take the time and spend the money to travel to the places we sell. We can then offer facts, personal experiences and opinion which gives our clients the best possible info so they can weed through the hoards of options and make the right vacation choice.<br />
<br />
So the next time you get an opinion from someone who is NOT a professional travel consultant, reach out to us or find a professional who is a right fit and trust their skill and knowledge. It could make the difference between an ok vacation and a great vacation.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-91299310692439832702016-03-22T10:55:00.000-07:002016-03-25T20:58:11.418-07:00Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TUfiEvL5N7Q_zz8HoEdGIQzu5lUqT3P75WLrKGiCh4ZX0uVEFDU8FEbR0QHqrAkWyvWbZ2OGV4q8s8jZsVhQZEFUpN45VhJK44prF6M41q5u7x11yDG9n1Q23xA19-hCLhtNOra2ClgD/s1600/2016-03-02+15.44.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TUfiEvL5N7Q_zz8HoEdGIQzu5lUqT3P75WLrKGiCh4ZX0uVEFDU8FEbR0QHqrAkWyvWbZ2OGV4q8s8jZsVhQZEFUpN45VhJK44prF6M41q5u7x11yDG9n1Q23xA19-hCLhtNOra2ClgD/s320/2016-03-02+15.44.00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As a first timer to New York City, I wasn’t sure what to expect…I mean sure I have heard plenty about it and my husband has been several times and LOVES it. But this mountain loving open space seeking girl isn’t exactly super excited about all the tall buildings and city life. So to say I was a bit worried I might not love it is an understatement. BUT, it was truly fabulous! There are so many fascinating things such as the sheer number of Starbucks in a 10 block radius, or the number foreign languages I heard…but what stood out the most is the number of people ALWAYS around…not matter what part of town you are in or what time of day…there are so many people. In a good way – mostly. ;-)<br />
<br />
When starting to plan our trip I did what any good travel consultant does…research.<br />
<br />
When it came to trying to figure out where to stay, there were so many great choices of course. But we landed on a new hotel that has a totally different approach to hotel living. We stayed at the EVEN Hotel near Penn Station. The reason I wanted to check it out is because it has a unique opportunity for the hotel guests. Each room has a workout space in it equipped with an exercise ball, yoga mat, exercise bands and loads of workout options from a booklet to multiple workout channels for you to turn on. From the catchy slogans on their signs to the water bottle for us (to be more green) this place impressed me the most by their outstanding service. Some of the best service I have ever had at a hotel to be honest. They have a healthy option restaurant, Cork and Kale, for breakfast, dinner and on the go meals. Of course this type of hotel wouldn’t be complete with a 24 hour fitness center with more equipment for you to use to make certain you can stay healthy while traveling!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Lje37XhE25OjsdqFP6_sibOgVYtMGZIAYblOu4XYJpb_k8FLHPujshyphenhyphenkBV_GCidheT4K6GqI0FysfFiuyr01A6Rs7SCjUwzjvcTOPXgbHxTdH28bN5BMK0Ertxo8bvb7MsPbR1mRr9zS/s1600/2016-03-02+16.37.54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_Lje37XhE25OjsdqFP6_sibOgVYtMGZIAYblOu4XYJpb_k8FLHPujshyphenhyphenkBV_GCidheT4K6GqI0FysfFiuyr01A6Rs7SCjUwzjvcTOPXgbHxTdH28bN5BMK0Ertxo8bvb7MsPbR1mRr9zS/s320/2016-03-02+16.37.54.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Since we chose to stay there, I made sure to get over to a couple other hotels so that I can see which room I will stay in next time I visit. The first stop was the JW Marriott Essex House. WOW. What can I say? Luxury feel, fabulous location, amazing views of Central Park and the city, great restaurant and bar, the list is long. What stood out the most you might wonder? The size of the rooms! Even the standard room is quite big for New York hotels. Plenty of space to move around, ample storage for your luggage - you don’t ever feel cramped. The overall vibe of the hotel was really nice, not pretentious, but rather a pretty affordable luxury hotel. The ballroom is remarkable for your next wedding or other event - where you will always be the ONLY event going on in that space, not matter how big or small. We dined in the restaurant and were impressed by the food and wine selection as well the ambiance. If you want to buy a table for breakfast the morning of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, you can enjoy a fabulous meal while watching the parade cruise by your table. You will even have street access if you prefer that. It would definitely be great to go back there for that event. To sum it up, you just can’t go wrong with this luxury hotel. The JW Marriott Essex House – a must!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNRlJHy017i7kYjJvj4iY0ct5Ivwg6VA-OGlLPhYhvWKXlzsfEfDB73Qa5ITyfX0HEhbDVhJyFTtnsEEa6hwzWXTYDg5za9w2zwzAhw2ZnNI7iGuVakIS7QSgKDniOkK1AiEcYsuADF73/s1600/2016-03-04+11.00.57+HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNRlJHy017i7kYjJvj4iY0ct5Ivwg6VA-OGlLPhYhvWKXlzsfEfDB73Qa5ITyfX0HEhbDVhJyFTtnsEEa6hwzWXTYDg5za9w2zwzAhw2ZnNI7iGuVakIS7QSgKDniOkK1AiEcYsuADF73/s320/2016-03-04+11.00.57+HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
One other hotel I wanted to check out was the Lotte New York Palace Hotel – it is right across from St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Another fabulous location with great city views as well as views of the famous historical St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This luxury hotel is another gem of New York City. The attention to detail and the thought behind each finish is truly amazing. The standard rooms and suites are also quite large with several great options for families or multifamily travel. There are a few options to have a cocktail at, a breakfast lunch/coffee place, and a restaurant that will be serving breakfast only soon with lunch and dinner to come in the months ahead. The most interesting place to get a drink there is Rarities. This place is essentially a drinkable museum. You must have a reservation to get in, but once you are in, you can try liquors and wines that have some amazing story behind them and were likely purchased at an auction. It truly is a “rare” find. You do not have to stay at the hotel to have a drink there…just be sure you get your reservation made in advance! My absolute favorite place in the hotel though is the Jewel Suite. A 3 story room with your own personal elevator, outdoor patio with fireplace and hot tub as well as plenty of tables and chairs to sit around while enjoying the stunning view of the city. Jewelry designer Martin Katz helped create this stunning room with his jewels showcased in the room for you to enjoy. This room has multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, an office that is too pretty to work in really, and the most amazing gathering area with the 3 story windows for you to take it all in. This suite is only matched by one other suite in town – and happens to be right next door in the Champagne Suite. A much more masculine room, but the same amazing views and features, the completely different décor including much darker wood finishes. This suite will not disappoint the Dom Perignon lover with the displays of Dom around the room and the glass chandelier that was made to look like champagne bubbles in your glass. Yes, the attention to detail is unmatched. <br />
<br />
So many things to do and see in NYC and too many to try to list here in this blog. One of the most unexpectedly interesting things we did was the Rockefeller Center Tour. I had no idea it was going to be mostly outside and all about the 19 buildings that make up Rockefeller Center. Who knew? Our tour guide was amazing and just the right amount funny! We learned a ton and were in awe most of the 75-minute tour. It is worth it if you haven’t done it. Some must-do’s in my opinion would be to visit the 911 Memorial, walk the financial district, get to the Top of the Rock and for the romantics out there, take a carriage ride with your sweetheart through Central Park. That is just the beginning of things to do over a long weekend in the city that never sleeps. <br />
<br />
New York is known for great food…and it did not
disappoint. We had dinner at Minetta
Tavern – a great spot in Greenwhich Village that seemed filled will
locals. It’s been around since 1937 and
for good reason. They are known for
their Black Label Burger, but have a wide range of options from Roasted Bone
Marrow to King Salmon and so much more.
Great wine list, excellent Martini, and impeccable service. If you decide to go, be sure to make
reservations a few weeks in advance!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We also hit David Burke Kitchen in SoHo. My husband has been there for dinner a few
times so we had planned to have brunch there, but ended up doing breakfast,
which was amazing! Best French Toast I
have ever had! Most unique Bloody Mary
we have come across – but the hubs says it was amazing! You can’t go wrong with anything you order
any time of day! Reservations are ideal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course we hit the random pizza joint on the street to
grab a slice and it was great! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One more place to note that we hadn’t planned on going to
but SO glad we did is Patsy’s Italian Restaurant New York. It is a family run restaurant that has been
there since 1944 in the Theater District in Midtown Manhattan. From the moment you walk in the door you are
greeted with fabulous service and likely to see at least one of the family
members. They have only had 3 chefs –
the late Patsy himself, his son Joe, or Joe’s son Sal (who has been running the
kitchen for the past 29 years). The best
service we have ever had, some amazing Italian food and we even got to see Tony
Danza dining at his regular table. And
yes, we made eye contact but I did not bother him. ;-)
This restaurant is a must! And
you will want to have a reservation there also! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
<w:UseFELayout/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have the opportunity to go to the Big Apple for the
first time or your 10<sup>th</sup> time, there is always something new to see
or a restaurant you haven’t hit. Needless to say, his first time visitor will be back!</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->(Article contributed by Jamie Eldridge, H&K's adventure travel expert. You can see her profile by clicking on this link <a href="http://www.hkluxurytravel.com/#!travel-advisors/w0z1z" target="_blank">H&K Luxury Travel</a>)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-52073287899484371752016-02-18T14:38:00.002-08:002016-02-19T09:07:31.263-08:00The Modern Travel Consultant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffRrlt01Ct-7MCtFEPfVOcAw3U3K0GcA_xuno_fsCwQmeIiYp1wsPIvShlXyBMCW2JtAYF5AGDqx-mngNXSR1VA7BCQ0QB3GEzpqdJ3FoDxol4iZf8zScjS4hHgz8CjGWGHE_bO-Cyh8i/s1600/bigstock-Business-Man-Standing-On-The-T-91498259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjffRrlt01Ct-7MCtFEPfVOcAw3U3K0GcA_xuno_fsCwQmeIiYp1wsPIvShlXyBMCW2JtAYF5AGDqx-mngNXSR1VA7BCQ0QB3GEzpqdJ3FoDxol4iZf8zScjS4hHgz8CjGWGHE_bO-Cyh8i/s320/bigstock-Business-Man-Standing-On-The-T-91498259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
First let's make the statement that should be an obvious one since I am a travel consultant myself...we exist. Yep. Surprise surprise. Travel consultants still exist and in fact, we are thriving. We are thriving because we are not what so many travelers out there picture we are. And when I say we, I am referring to the more modern travel consultant. This is not an all-encompassing rule because there are still exceptions to what I am about to say.<br />
<br />
We are not order takers. We don't sit there and listen to what you want us to book and then simply type it all up, take your money and then book the trip.<br />
<br />
We are not the same as the internet. We are living, breathing, creative-thinking people who you can actually text, snapchat, call, see in person or video chat with. The internet cannot give you personal recommendations. We can. The internet cannot act on your behalf when problems occasionally arise. We can.<br />
<br />
We are not the "cheapest" vacation planning option. The internet has made people think that cheap is somehow always a good thing.<br />
<br />
We are not a "Costco-type" travel agency. Our motto is not "book a ton of business and give away the farm in the way of kickbacks so we can get more business."<br />
<br />
We are not amateurs. The internet is full of those who may have traveled once or twice and think their reviews and opinions are the same as those who do this for a living. Sites like TripAdvisor make everyone think they are a travel professional.<br />
<br />
So those are things that we are not. And here is what we are.<br />
<br />
We ARE consultants. We use our knowledge and experience to help our clients find the best vacation options possible. We consult when it comes to true budgets needed for destinations of interest. <br />
<br />
We ARE value oriented. We provide vacation options that are the best value for our clients. Big difference between value and cheap. The best value may be the upgraded room category coupled with great flight times and connections. The best value may be the resort that is known for better food and beverage. The best value may be using a supplier that we have a great relationship with knowing that our clients will get special treatment upon arrival.<br />
<br />
We ARE a small, service oriented agency dedicated to making sure every client of ours knows how important they are to the success of our business. Our clients know that we are there to help when needed.<br />
<br />
We ARE technology savvy. We communicate with whatever the best method is for our clients and their schedules. As previously mentioned, we text, snapchat, vid chat, and utilize the technology needed to stay in communication with our clients even while they are on vacation.<br />
<br />
We ARE professionals. We spend time and money on training to make sure we are current when it comes to up and coming destinations, hotel trends, travel alerts etc. We have the experience needed to be able to provide real reviews of hotels and resorts. <br />
<br />
That is a glimpse into the modern travel consultant. We are real, tangible people with real professional travel experience. We are highly trained. We are your advocate and advisor. We don't hide behind a desk. We get out and see the destinations and work hard at establishing key relationships with those staff members that can make your vacation even more special. We will give you our professional opinions because it is our job as consultants to do so. This is who we are. Let a modern day travel consultant show you the real value in using a professional help you in planning your next dream getaway.<br />
<br />
Want to see what real breathing travel consultants look like? Click on this link to visit our "About Us" page. <a href="http://www.hkluxurytravel.com/#!travel-advisors/w0z1z" target="_blank">H&K Luxury Travel</a>Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-9249008623959512092016-01-14T10:19:00.001-08:002016-01-14T10:21:10.165-08:00Travel Trends for 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux66W1Sq1MvOpcdUy_gPDFUVErJsoabF2CSWXxrikJTNME3sv6anNOkqzfll4X95uFp9K9HodvYTfs0JsVTkuq5E2zoCkwObWIzkHrDS5Oaczm_rC2HKYr5rVDV8BIRPhLNb1CV2lErNp/s1600/IMG_8887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgux66W1Sq1MvOpcdUy_gPDFUVErJsoabF2CSWXxrikJTNME3sv6anNOkqzfll4X95uFp9K9HodvYTfs0JsVTkuq5E2zoCkwObWIzkHrDS5Oaczm_rC2HKYr5rVDV8BIRPhLNb1CV2lErNp/s320/IMG_8887.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
A new year is upon us. New years bring new beginnings and new opportunities. Maybe you are one of those persons that like the newness of the new year. Maybe you like to think about doing things you have never done or seeing places you have never seen. Well the travel industry is well equipped this year to offer everyone something new and exciting. Here are some examples of what is hot for 2016.<br />
<br />
<b>1) Cuba.</b> This destination has been making the news now for quite some time but it is still very misunderstood. It is not "open" to tourism as some headlines make you think. But it is accessible through the right tourism channels. Now is the time to investigate those channels before it does become more open and more hotels and resorts descend upon the pristine beaches staking their claim for the future. <br />
<br />
<b>2) The "other side of Mexico."</b> Major hotels and luxury resorts are seeing the potential in places like Cabo San Lucas and Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. These are still destinations where you can escape the larger crowds that flock to the Caribbean side of Mexico. Hotels to consider are the new <i>The Cape</i> in Cabo and <i>Capella</i> in Ixtapa. Enjoy some of the most gorgeous sunsets and beautiful beaches found anywhere in the world.<br />
<br />
<b>3) Experiential Travel.</b> More and more travelers are weary of the same old same old when it comes to vacationing. Sitting on a beach with an umbrella drink was fun the first 5 or so times, but thanks to social media, more travelers are seeing that there are exciting experiences awaiting them out in the big old world. So travelers are now looking for their vacations to be one of a kind experiences that they can brag about to their friends via sites such as Instagram, Snapchat etc. This makes destinations such as Costa Rica or Guatemala places that are seeing increases in tourism.<br />
<br />
<b>4) Year of the Dragon.</b> I am using that phrase generically to show that so many areas of Asia are on the radar now for 2016. When large luxury hoteliers such as St Regis or the Four Seasons start building new properties in areas, you know that they are seeing trends that are making these destinations the next hot area. Such is the case with Japan, China and Korea. If you have been to Hawaii, you are already half way there. <br />
<br />
<b>5) River Cruising.</b> No longer are river cruises for those that carry certain cards to get certain benefits because of their birth dates falling before a certain year. Get what I mean? Tour companies such as Tauck and Disney are seeing that river cruising is for all age groups within a family. It is one of those vacations where grandma, grandpa, mom, dad and son and daughter can all go together and have something enjoyable to see and do during the vacation. This means that staterooms, menus and activities are all being designed to cater to all ages and families are seeing this as a great opportunity for the whole group to get together for a once in a lifetime vacation.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-60763124999037083432015-12-04T10:55:00.001-08:002015-12-04T10:55:33.767-08:00Giving Winter the Slip<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjqdKpUidyURQmBYnP0_aoqcvbuut2aFNkOfLFrUFSQHBohkqwMs0cEQ_NVbYEcR0z3E8mgX-NJTXe0LcFDwRAaNfDNb5DTwqOtvCvcE91ZRMcFA9Jf5GUlvLIa4Q4FfBu0L0rNTYAvQ-/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjqdKpUidyURQmBYnP0_aoqcvbuut2aFNkOfLFrUFSQHBohkqwMs0cEQ_NVbYEcR0z3E8mgX-NJTXe0LcFDwRAaNfDNb5DTwqOtvCvcE91ZRMcFA9Jf5GUlvLIa4Q4FfBu0L0rNTYAvQ-/s400/IMG_0476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
One of my favorite songs that I love to listen to in the winter is <b>"Under the Sun"</b> by Michael Franks. One of my favorite lines in the lyrics of that song is when he says <i>"Snow in my shoes, mid-winter blues, have got me down, just point me south lets go now, the clothes on back are too Pasternak, from soul to crown, where in the hell's the snow plow? Down 95 we'll come alive, and by the time we get somewhere near Savannah, give winter the slip, it's well worth the trip..."</i> Don't we all want to give winter the slip after a few days in the 20 or 30 degree temp range? Palm trees, sand and sun start to call our name.<br />
<br />
Well the problem comes in when people come to us, as their trusted travel professionals, and say they are ready to give winter the slip but they prefer to be able to drive to that sunny and warm destination. Or they are willing to leave the Country, but only on a short cruise or a short flight to the Bahamas. Trust us when we say that driving as far south as the Keys or even planning a trip to the Bahamas in January or February will NOT guarantee that you will be giving winter the slip.<br />
<br />
I have personally traveled to Florida (by car) and have cruised to the Bahamas twice in December and January and at least 3 trips were met with cool to cold temperatures. There is nothing more disappointing than stepping out on the white sands of the Bahamas in a hoodie. Nobody wants to be packing a hoodie for their winter escape.<br />
<br />
So where are some places that you can travel to in the winter where you will be truly giving winter the slip and leaving your hoodies and warm socks back at home? Here are our top 5 based on flight distance from the USA or cruise length.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Cancun, Mexico</b>. Even if you get down there and the temps are in the low 80's, no hoodie required. You will be met with white sand beaches, blue Caribbean water, friendly people and a warm sun. </li>
<li><b>San Juan Puerto Rico</b>. Flight times are good from most major airports, easy immigration process for US citizens, and plenty of warmth, sun, and sand. And, it is a destination rich in culture. </li>
<li><b>Puerto Vallarta, Mexico</b>. Some are thinking...where did you say? This awesome destination is on the Pacific side of Mexico and offers a true winter escape and is a nice change in scenery for those who have been to Cancun more than once. </li>
<li><b>Turks and Caicos</b>. If you look on the map you will see that T&Cs are closer than most other Caribbean destinations from Miami International Airport. If you have not visited this destination yet, it needs to be on your radar before it becomes even more popular and more crowded. </li>
<li><b>5 night Caribbean Cruise</b>. Royal Caribbean offers 5 night options from Tampa as well as Port Everglades (Ft Lauderdale). The 5 night cruises will usually take you as far south as Cozumel (short ferry ride from Playa del Carmen and Cancun). 4 night cruises can't get that far south usually unless they sail from Galveston TX and we have our reasons why we are not recommending those cruises. Trust us.</li>
</ol>
<div>
So there you have it. Our top five pics for giving winter the slip without the fear of winter sneaking into your checked luggage. And all of these are not going to require an all-day travel experience to get there. </div>
Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-22621244104905815812015-11-13T07:28:00.001-08:002015-11-17T15:45:31.212-08:00I Left My Heart in Savannah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfsIWXreXMK6PAuB_cVXf4q4SC_NoScI8QD48-S-qoCiYfT9Iv2XMlp6QVp34-rFIqnXNNy5C9fJva7ngcqdplDB0rMIKXji4hXXQyDywCeh4kDlQEgPpHFk_cyBVhM6NHQXTkw8lkaKL/s1600/IMG_0954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfsIWXreXMK6PAuB_cVXf4q4SC_NoScI8QD48-S-qoCiYfT9Iv2XMlp6QVp34-rFIqnXNNy5C9fJva7ngcqdplDB0rMIKXji4hXXQyDywCeh4kDlQEgPpHFk_cyBVhM6NHQXTkw8lkaKL/s320/IMG_0954.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I know, that is not the right lyric but if you have ever visited Savannah GA, you will know what I mean. I completely understand why writers use it as a back drop for their novels. I know now why photographers flock to its squares. I am fully aware now why food shows shoot episode after episode there. I understand 100%. And I also understand why it is a city where romance blossoms.<br />
<br />
It is everything a traveler could want out of a destination. It is steeped in so many centuries of history. Pirate stories, revolutionary and civil war stories make Savannah a historian's paradise. You see its history around every corner and on every step that you take down one of its cobblestoned streets. <br />
<br />
I could go on and on but what I want to do is give you an idea of how to spend a weekend in this southern gem. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf379khHv0zCVz-NAMDB14P4t29kmTGMH_p527K3PZ0RRhQRPBXJA8sJq4l0RMNei7kxmSEQ31PqEtz14EcE3FWVqtvgwDMioWJXKTPpRDj2DmfZ4vNq9XdJq-HZW8yJHyBxDlAvdwwt4/s1600/IMG_0949.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUf379khHv0zCVz-NAMDB14P4t29kmTGMH_p527K3PZ0RRhQRPBXJA8sJq4l0RMNei7kxmSEQ31PqEtz14EcE3FWVqtvgwDMioWJXKTPpRDj2DmfZ4vNq9XdJq-HZW8yJHyBxDlAvdwwt4/s320/IMG_0949.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
First...try to stay somewhere along Bull Street. The Mansion on Forsyth Park offers a very unique experience with a very eclectic design in the main hotel building which is juxtaposed against the historic mansion adjacent which houses the hotel's main restaurant and lounge. Or you can choose to stay at he Hilton Savannah DeSoto which is also located on one of the historic squares, but closer to the main downtown area of Savannah. Or maybe you prefer smaller, boutique hotels. If that is the case, try a few nights at the Eliza Thompson House which too is situated right on one of the 6 parks/squares that are along Bull Street.<br />
<br />
Once you are situated in your hotel, get out and walk. Don't take a shuttle, don't call a cab...walk. Walking is by far the best way to enjoy Savannah over a weekend. Walking allows you to stop and savor what you are really seeing with your own eyes. And make sure your phone/camera has plenty of storage space. You will want to snap a pic of literally everything you are seeing. So as you are walking, you will notice the small, local pubs and bistros that go from Forsyth Park all the way down to Bay Street. Pick one and enjoy an awesome dinner. One with a fun atmosphere for your first night would be the Six Pence Pub. Try the shrimp and corn chowder (if available) or the crab cakes. And get yourself a pint. Its an English Pub for Pete's sake. Finish the night with a historic tour via a horse carriage and take in the romance of a southern night.<br />
<br />
The next morning, wake up and head down to the "Arts Cafe" which is affiliated with the Savannah College of Art and Design. A piece of Savannah History resides inside. It was such a refreshing alternative to a heavy, southern-fried breakfast. Healthy eating and the south can go together and they do well at the Arts. You can't miss it. Just look for the big red bus inside and ask about it while you are there.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcEw0BPvI6bEGL6eC8TzUHRMXUseoNn9OJpMJqb5HNhJ8YO_6Dk5izVfnfCLfmzSt_a4edG6_xrQVeF-TsyaQFVJ0qJroIHP32yp0x_q0-KDI842Z5NLirFJTcQj-TGeaY159z_95MXEu/s1600/IMG_1067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcEw0BPvI6bEGL6eC8TzUHRMXUseoNn9OJpMJqb5HNhJ8YO_6Dk5izVfnfCLfmzSt_a4edG6_xrQVeF-TsyaQFVJ0qJroIHP32yp0x_q0-KDI842Z5NLirFJTcQj-TGeaY159z_95MXEu/s320/IMG_1067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Now that you did not have a heavy, painful breakfast, enjoy some more walking around and take in some of the many boutique decor and clothing shops along Bull Street and within two blocks on either side of Bull Street such as One Fish, Two Fish or Folklorico. After you have shopped and explored...take a break at the Crystal Beer Parlor and act like a local because this is a local's watering hole. Take time to read the menu on the outside of the building and you will appreciate what you are about to step into.<br />
<br />
Then...go back to your hotel and take a breather and prepare yourself for one of the most confusing, yet pleasurable dining experiences of your life. You might want a shuttle or pedicab ride to get to this next dining experience since it is down on Bay Street. And please don't confuse this place with some of the other more touristy options down in that area of town. Bay Street is where you can find all of the souvenir shops and other tourist-oriented activities, but surely you can see that this itinerary is leaning heavily towards the local scene in Savannah. And the Treylor Park is nowhere (currently) on the tourist's radar. As we sat and ate our PB&J chicken wing appetizer, we noticed it was filled with the younger, local demographic and yes...I said PB&J chicken wings. Just go with it. Hope you get there thirsty because the beer and bar menu is something you need to venture into. Then load up with the chicken pancake tacos. Yep, you heard me correctly again. That is fried chicken strips inside a savory pancake topped with some form of strawberry concoction that made me want to reenact the scene from When Harry Met Sally. So go and enjoy my friends. You will want to tell everyone about the transcendent food experience you just had and they won't get it until they too head to Savannah to hitch up at the Treylor Park.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Qf801F2zVW2nSBsaoZv4qeTyYkJqvuFJx9x0Yx65O2H1BivKmquCmtyjRe1LZZDq8Klx_24wLj5SR0u1dlqWL1Ridnp5AoGBKzqmPslI4rJcr577L8zqJsNlOcgppqmS8RHh8ikwv5X/s1600/IMG_1131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj7Qf801F2zVW2nSBsaoZv4qeTyYkJqvuFJx9x0Yx65O2H1BivKmquCmtyjRe1LZZDq8Klx_24wLj5SR0u1dlqWL1Ridnp5AoGBKzqmPslI4rJcr577L8zqJsNlOcgppqmS8RHh8ikwv5X/s320/IMG_1131.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
So after your brain catches up with your stomach, enjoy a leisurely stroll back up Bull Street and make a stop at The Public Kitchen and Bar and have their mixologists whip you up something real nice and again enjoy feeling a part of the neighborhood. <br />
<br />
So...now you have come to the last morning. I say head to 700 Drayton which is inside the mansion section of the Mansion on Forsyth Park Hotel. Their omelet and pancakes were incredible. Service was a tad slow but we had to remind ourselves that we were in the south and southerners tend relax more and enjoy life so sit back, take in the ambience of the restaurant, sip your coffee and let Savannah take your heart one last time (like it did mine) before heading back home.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-50132769761519278632015-10-19T15:32:00.001-07:002015-10-19T15:32:44.675-07:00The "Best Airfare" Conundrum <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx2rrg3ruyEnz-VCo0Pl0cNyRpsLnt5lF9pebCG5rkniJGwMK2iNZqXztM1Ou6RvoS7IVRjHtQ_v0VDiOs4WwCGtC_K95aKIS47zAVi4bg_LA-P76KW-pouNGcSVfB4YR5ybSl3TJ1N89/s1600/IMG_5453.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHx2rrg3ruyEnz-VCo0Pl0cNyRpsLnt5lF9pebCG5rkniJGwMK2iNZqXztM1Ou6RvoS7IVRjHtQ_v0VDiOs4WwCGtC_K95aKIS47zAVi4bg_LA-P76KW-pouNGcSVfB4YR5ybSl3TJ1N89/s400/IMG_5453.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Some of you remember back in the day when flying was a gigantic luxury. The cost of airfare kept most American families out of the air and stuck to vacations within driving distance. Then, as the economy changed, flying became more and more of a feasible way to get you from point A to B. Because of that, slowly but surely flying became an ordinary thing for travelers and now it is something that everyone treats as a commodity on the open market. "How cheap can I get it?" That is now the standard measuring stick someone uses when looking to fly. <br />
<br />
Article after article are being written about how you can attempt to get the cheapest price out there. Some will tell you to make sure you buy on a Tuesday or a Thursday or try logging on a different computer in case the airline knows you were looking at that flight previously. Some will tell you to fly on certain days in order to get a better fare (I will come back to flying on certain days in a minute). And other "experts" will try to tell you to wait 60 days to buy before your trip or some other amount of time before you are wanting to fly. <br />
<br />
But here is something that is very important when it comes to waiting or looking for cheaper airfare etc.; what if the flight you really wanted is sold out after you waited to see if airfare is getting any cheaper? What if you really wanted to leave on a Thursday, but those flights are gone and now you are leaving on a Friday? What if your 6 night vacation just got shortened to a 5 night vacation because seats sold out?<br />
<br />
The "how to get cheap airfare" articles never ever address the issue of sold out flights. They also never address the issue of double connections or terrible layovers. <br />
<br />
The majority of the traveling public will not want sit in an airport for 6 hours because that long layover saved the person $30. The majority of our clients do not want to leave at 5am and arrive at their destination at 9pm because they left one airport, flew to another with a 3 hour layover, flew to another one with a 3 hour layover and then finally on to their destination. But that all day-double connecting flight may have been the cheapest by $30-$40 each way. Is the extra $60 to $80 worth it if you have to spend $20 to $40 for airport food because you traveled all day and on flights where there was no food service? Is that extra savings worth the chance that your luggage may get lost between points A to D? We professionals say no it is not. We say there are more factors at play when deciding on what airline to fly and how much the ticket is going to cost.<br />
<br />
So when looking at airfare, here are the criteria WE use for our clients when it comes to the air portion of their vacation:<br />
<br />
<b>1) How early can we get you to your destination? </b> Our theory is to get you relaxed in a pool chair or hammock as quickly as possible. Early morning departures with single connections and shorter layovers usually accomplish just that. Early departures also allow for mishaps such as weather delays, mechanical issues etc. If you are taking the last flight out because it is the cheapest, you have no room for mishaps and may end up spending the night in the airport.<br />
<br />
<b>2) How long is the layover?</b> We prefer an hour to 2 hours. Anything shorter has the traveler at risk of missing a connection. Anything longer than 2 hours is overkill and not preferable.<br />
<br />
<b>3) Where is the connecting city?</b> If you are flying in the winter, connecting in Dallas may be better than connecting in Chicago or Detroit. If you are flying internationally, we know which airports have the better customs set-up and which ones do not. Miami is horrific (generally) when it comes to getting through customs. Dallas on the other hand seems to have theirs more organized and streamlined. So connecting cities matter.<br />
<br />
<b>4) Are you flexible when it comes to schedule?</b> I mentioned above that I would come back to this. Flying on a Tuesday or Thursday may be preferable simply because the airports tend to be less crowded. Forget the idea that it might be cheaper to fly on certain days. I like to fly on certain days for the sake of possible shorter security lines and check in lines. Sundays, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays tend to be more crowded due to business and leisure travel. So regardless of being cheaper or not, days of the week can make for a better overall travel experience.<br />
<br />
<b>5) Do you have a frequent flier account?</b> United may be $50 cheaper than American, but you may have a frequent flier account with American and this next trip may give you enough miles for a free airline ticket on your next vacation. So spending that extra $50 may end up saving you $500.<br />
<br />
So again...none of the above is ever discussed in the "How to get cheap airfare" articles. No one walks into a clothing store and says, "I want the cheapest pair of pants you have. I don't care about how they fit, what they look like etc. I just want the cheapest." Yet so many treat their travel plans this way, especially when it comes to airfare.<br />
<br />
So there you have it. You now have our airfare advice and we didn't have to write some complicated computer program to help you figure it all out.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-46829018856548679332015-10-16T14:57:00.001-07:002015-10-16T14:57:50.168-07:00So You Want To Be A Rock Star?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b_8Kt9m6RQRw7KGJtxRP0OKZUi3tAfC3Me9iZXXuvonMl1u1eIJcbM94KRvOA8u58VGKDnB6ctYnjrjfb-8t4YMHPAoRsxS3Zj9TooRUU9LRvKhUjAkqOwjcrHZ60_hxp_g146ZSlaAl/s1600/IMG_4502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1b_8Kt9m6RQRw7KGJtxRP0OKZUi3tAfC3Me9iZXXuvonMl1u1eIJcbM94KRvOA8u58VGKDnB6ctYnjrjfb-8t4YMHPAoRsxS3Zj9TooRUU9LRvKhUjAkqOwjcrHZ60_hxp_g146ZSlaAl/s200/IMG_4502.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
Whether you are already a rock star, an aspiring rock star or just want to see how a rock star lives for the day, we have the perfect idea for you. Pack your bags and let us send you to Universal Orlando Resort. They know how to turn ordinary folks (like you and me) into VIP's. <br />
<br />
You can become the most important person(s) in their two theme parks once you arrange for their VIP Tour Experience.<br />
<br />
Be the envy of everyone as your personal tour guide escorts you to the front of the line of your favorite attractions. Smile as people wonder who you are when your guide takes you into areas usually only reserved for Universal personnel. Look good for the cameras as other guests assume you are someone famous because you are being seen in areas of some attractions that others had no idea they could access.<br />
<br />
The knowledge of each tour guide is amazing. They spend hours training to qualify for the exam that gives them the honor of becoming a VIP tour guide. They can help you maximize points on rides such as Men in Black by telling you exactly where to aim. They can show you where certain cameos of famous people appear on rides such as The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman. In addition, you will get to eat in some of Universal's top dining spots and all arranged in advance.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSCKHp1hNBWY9phPyuwji6bVa6zE2LW75V0i1jG9SEVfbrzbhV_mX2B-E9uwQ5EvS0iidmtccDdfF1t42pTdOgp0gcUnJ1gWQii6P4ON387CKXAlosL7nIrSrYS3Dk_Z9CGQXCO3r3mPz/s1600/VIP.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdSCKHp1hNBWY9phPyuwji6bVa6zE2LW75V0i1jG9SEVfbrzbhV_mX2B-E9uwQ5EvS0iidmtccDdfF1t42pTdOgp0gcUnJ1gWQii6P4ON387CKXAlosL7nIrSrYS3Dk_Z9CGQXCO3r3mPz/s200/VIP.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
And for the ultimate rock star experience, plan a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel which is just steps away from the entrance to the parks. Book the King or Graceland suite and upgrade to "Rock Royalty" for the ultimate in rock star luxury. Enjoy all the perks that a VIP should such as a concierge service, access to their exclusive rock royalty lounge, discounts on pool cabanas etc. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
I can tell you from personal experience, once you enjoy the perks of their VIP tour experience, you will never want to plan another theme park trip without it. Couple it with a suite at the Hard Rock and you may never go home.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-23789486893311980052015-10-13T08:36:00.002-07:002015-10-13T08:43:29.450-07:00More Than Quoting and Booking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7gnBu-ahExzRHZnUaSW6ZBXQ7V1SWjX4qhGlGf_WnRSpIMs_WOcshB3Cyqi2lyKZgBoTRtHjxKLBJwnj9R2qMYRpjGxT03P1gJCPd-c_UJGlB7_7ciVXaaxZT-zWa00eL5J66IJXP0g_/s1600/Suppliergroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf7gnBu-ahExzRHZnUaSW6ZBXQ7V1SWjX4qhGlGf_WnRSpIMs_WOcshB3Cyqi2lyKZgBoTRtHjxKLBJwnj9R2qMYRpjGxT03P1gJCPd-c_UJGlB7_7ciVXaaxZT-zWa00eL5J66IJXP0g_/s320/Suppliergroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Unfortunately the internet has made so many people think that all there is to certain professions is quoting and booking. Insurance, mortgages, home renovations, photography and tons of other services have been effected by people thinking they can go find someone online and get them to simply quote what they want so they can choose between the cheapest option and then book that service. No other industry has been more effected by this mentality than the travel industry.<br />
<br />
But it is so much more than that. Relationships play a key role in travel. The time we spend traveling to various destinations and attending conferences, dinners and luncheons is not because we love food or just love being away from our families so much. It's not just for the purpose of touring and evaluating various resorts and hotels. It is for the relationships we build with the key personnel at those resorts and hotels or with our preferred tour operators and wholesalers.<br />
<br />
The benefits of those relationships are passed down to our clients. Those little welcome amenities or those occasional free upgrades or those special dinners or excursions are all results of the time we spend getting to know the resort managers or concierge staff or our wholesaler's business development managers (BDM's as we refer to them). And when the occasional error is made because we are all human, it is our relationship again with key contacts that gets things corrected.<br />
<br />
This is why we tell people, sure you can book it on your own through some online travel site, but you may never ever know what you are missing out on until you work with a professional who has become good friends with the key contacts at that resort that you chose. <br />
<br />
Now you may think, well I will try to get to know the resort staff myself when I am there. Feel free to do so, but what the general public cannot do is be a resource of hundreds of possible new clients. You may decide to vacation at that resort again, but travel professionals may send scores of new clients to that one resort...or they may not, depending on client experiences and relationships with that resort. <br />
<br />
And this is where the HUMAN travel professional is different than the online travel agency, or OTA as they are called; it is impossible to build goodwill and trust with a computer. The persons behind the scenes at the online agencies are only interested in getting things as cheap as they can so they can convince their users to simply get a quote via them and click "book it." The resorts know that the online agencies are only interested in beating them down to get prices lower and lower. What do you think that does to the relationship between resort and OTA? Do you think that the OTA client is high on the resort's priority list when they check in? <br />
<br />
This is why we no longer consider an OTA as our competition. We know that our relationships within our industry is what makes for an incredible vacation experience for our clients. We know vacation planning is more than quoting and booking. Want to learn more about how we are different than some online travel site? <a href="http://www.hkluxurytravel.com/" target="_blank"><b><i><span style="color: blue;">Click on this link and let us show you.</span></i></b></a>Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-11083833943895963552015-09-17T12:31:00.000-07:002015-10-14T06:22:01.505-07:00The Best Onsite/Offsite Disney Property<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeWqxI3EXjFu5qDpNFLpaFJK7rVya3wqyplq48fZMj2yq1SGWmNhQExpBxnARHqVHUXt-VJiICx3NBUdVdd2wc0JENU99_rJKq3I7-CrKpx_NMjNgiW9F9NVd8_kyPTrlrfMYdqDPZYsS/s1600/IMG_9750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeWqxI3EXjFu5qDpNFLpaFJK7rVya3wqyplq48fZMj2yq1SGWmNhQExpBxnARHqVHUXt-VJiICx3NBUdVdd2wc0JENU99_rJKq3I7-CrKpx_NMjNgiW9F9NVd8_kyPTrlrfMYdqDPZYsS/s320/IMG_9750.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Is it possible to even have an onsite/offsite property when it comes to Walt Disney World? Well yes it is. The Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World is that property. It sits on Disney property and actually within a Disney residential development. What makes it an offsite property is that it does not come with the standard onsite perks such as extra magic hours, 60 day in advance fast pass planning, the ability to make it a package with dining etc. But who cares in this instance. The property, its service, the rooms, the food and beverage quality trump the lack of other perks, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
It is an amazing place and now puts some serious pressure on Disney to up their game when it comes to their deluxe properties. What did I like so much about the Four Seasons you ask? Well let me tell you. <br />
<br />
First, the rooms are comfortable, spacious and decked out with what you expect at a luxury property; iPads, expresso makers, large LED televisions, gigantic bathrooms with double vanities and a tv in the mirror (yes a tv in the mirror I said), tons of storage, and a huge closet. Those are just some of things that make the rooms a place you really want to just hang out in and those come with the standard rooms. On top of what is inside the rooms, you can choose to have a park view room where you will have a view every night of the Wishes Fireworks Show over at the Magic Kingdom. You can easily see Cinderella's Castle from our view which I enjoyed seeing every morning with my cup of coffee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg-pdR7fnQ_fbTpLq5WIbSic-titqotXFWJ7OxD99j_EbZIc4ufM8W1Pm-nOspboR1H_1CWJ-n23IZoV1bh-zNX1xI-UwDsTx3JBDtoEN1y8VZGvXIOcfGfMRcTP9jd93e_ypGmg1MwrP/s1600/IMG_9685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmg-pdR7fnQ_fbTpLq5WIbSic-titqotXFWJ7OxD99j_EbZIc4ufM8W1Pm-nOspboR1H_1CWJ-n23IZoV1bh-zNX1xI-UwDsTx3JBDtoEN1y8VZGvXIOcfGfMRcTP9jd93e_ypGmg1MwrP/s320/IMG_9685.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Second, the grounds are amazingly beautiful. Everywhere you turn, you want to snap a photo and hurry and Instagram it and hashtag it #PrettiestPlaceEver. But this is what you come to expect with a Four Seasons property. We enjoyed just walking around and seeing how they integrated the property within the natural landscape which made it feel like it has been there a long time vs a property that literally just opened last year. <br />
<br />
Third, activities are as abundant as you want them to be. You can golf, play tennis, exercise in their state of the art gym, enjoy a spa day, launch yourself down their 3-story waterslide, float along in their lazy river, relax in their adults only oasis area, or sip a beverage while watching a movie pool-side at their family friendly pool. And that does not even touch on the activities just for kids. If you hear someone say they are bored while they are at this property, run like the wind because something is drastically wrong with them.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZDq3NrKZ0sUdBmfd3tLnlOzs2Dr1aLnBvfkC34rVW_m2lggsRoBI9TbAhdJcQvQqA59K3ketJXJpVhdNoBeO9S7e-LuXzmNjFl3VFfSJ-yrclSAs-yC9gFdId7h9YsgzrfoLXRz9guH0/s1600/IMG_9694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ZDq3NrKZ0sUdBmfd3tLnlOzs2Dr1aLnBvfkC34rVW_m2lggsRoBI9TbAhdJcQvQqA59K3ketJXJpVhdNoBeO9S7e-LuXzmNjFl3VFfSJ-yrclSAs-yC9gFdId7h9YsgzrfoLXRz9guH0/s320/IMG_9694.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Fourth and finally, it is the service that really makes this property the best onsite/offsite option. From the time you pull up to the property, you are made to feel like a VIP. Every staff member we encountered seemed thrilled to be there and greeted us with a smile and wished us a great stay. We were there over the Labor Day weekend. It was hot and the resort was at over 80% capacity, but we never felt like the staff was being overworked or pushed to their limit. Service was as we expected. There was only one time where things may have been a little slower than what some might like, but we have to remind ourselves that you are there because you are on vacation and not on your way to business meeting. Relax, take a load off and enjoy and who cares if it took 10 mins to get your drink or food. You are on vacation. <br />
<br />
I usually try to find some negatives about a property and the only negative some may talk about is the price of food and beverage. You need to go there understanding that things will not be the same as your local eateries in your hometown. You will be paying "Four Seasons" prices for burgers, sandwiches, drinks etc. The fun little coffee, ice-cream, pastry, grab and go, venue called "Lickety Split" was one of our favorites as was the lobby bar. Both have food options that are less expensive than some of the other on-property restaurants. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPUrEyGapuFOsftU14eXzLDYcylvvggSsJczneWov7UIgLRzuK8Nw2A2lRYb8PfMgyqPzf79UrRdkQYtApFE0WDA0yrdYRid7cI-6MXPRFqp6Ak2xCWkdlxHUOT_SVfJiOAoqqQa9eSeN/s1600/IMG_9825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmPUrEyGapuFOsftU14eXzLDYcylvvggSsJczneWov7UIgLRzuK8Nw2A2lRYb8PfMgyqPzf79UrRdkQYtApFE0WDA0yrdYRid7cI-6MXPRFqp6Ak2xCWkdlxHUOT_SVfJiOAoqqQa9eSeN/s320/IMG_9825.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But let's compare value to the other actual onsite Disney options. When looking at pricing, you will find that the average rate per night for one of Disney's deluxe properties runs between $450 to $650 for the standard, garden view rooms. Four Seasons nightly rates will run between $490 to $550 for their standard, golden oak view room (no park view). So rates are very comparable. So you then have to look at value and what you are getting for the rate. This is where, to me, the Four Seasons stands above the deluxe onsite properties. Rooms are a huge step up. Service is as good if not better than what we have received during our onsite, deluxe stays. It feels far less crowded and is a respite when coming back from one of the theme parks. It is a destination itself with everything it has to offer for families and adults without kids.<br />
<br />
You do get free shuttle to the 4 parks and you are shuttled there in a Four Seasons comfortable motor coach for those that may wonder how you can get to the theme parks. And the shuttle schedule is much better than any other offsite option. It literally runs every 30 mins to and from the Magic Kingdom. So again, to me, the pros outweigh the cons when considering a deluxe Disney resort vs a stay at the Four Seasons.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wqsQdo0_smcn2UUtNd7o5To3x_z90mb-N-TDK3UzEUmQ3KYGfN1r-dUG3bNmzboZxVuvKPDz8IAmYHGeNbV2xkuh6zh5PJayaw3cOlTYziU9q-NjTD9i8HsLbpmBcoPabwnDkfiXXt-q/s1600/IMG_9847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wqsQdo0_smcn2UUtNd7o5To3x_z90mb-N-TDK3UzEUmQ3KYGfN1r-dUG3bNmzboZxVuvKPDz8IAmYHGeNbV2xkuh6zh5PJayaw3cOlTYziU9q-NjTD9i8HsLbpmBcoPabwnDkfiXXt-q/s320/IMG_9847.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So the new Four Seasons Orlando at Walt Disney World gets an thumbs up from me and it is a place that I cannot wait to return to. So...looking for luxury in the heart of theme park heaven? The Four Seasons now allows you to visit the "happiest place on earth" without sacrificing some of the extra touches you come to expect from a 4-5 star luxury resort. Have you been already? If so...do you agree with my assessment or do you have a differing opinion. Would love to hear your thoughts, especially from those diehard Disney fans out there that feel you HAVE to stay onsite.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-54971584943563427122015-08-17T09:22:00.001-07:002015-08-17T09:22:10.577-07:00Not a Good FitNOT A GOOD FIT<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpc-pBkF9BlCItDFGEUHaa3woVEoniLMcxnNtst5VTVsuoAljRdq_HPYjguUgeWozucavphj5ED4hSuR-BGurjN2ni3BfdfdKGOAgDpHJco4vslZmtUFr48EKc4mu5-23-t4yqiirtbEC/s1600/handshake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpc-pBkF9BlCItDFGEUHaa3woVEoniLMcxnNtst5VTVsuoAljRdq_HPYjguUgeWozucavphj5ED4hSuR-BGurjN2ni3BfdfdKGOAgDpHJco4vslZmtUFr48EKc4mu5-23-t4yqiirtbEC/s320/handshake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A big mistake that almost every small business person makes starting out is thinking that every possible client is a great client and good fit for their business. I made those same mistakes and have made them even recently. But with the exciting changes coming to my agency, I have had to really put into practice the truth that not every possible client is a good fit for me or my agents. It will help you, our valued-clients as well as anyone reading this post, to know what is NOT a good fit for us when it comes to those you might want to refer. Here are some characteristics that some have that make them NOT a good fit for what we do:<br />
<br />
1) <b>They are checking multiple online sites and want someone only to match or beat the prices they are finding. </b> There is always someone out there wanting to beat someone's price and we are not in the pricing-war game. <br />
<br />
2) <b>They don't value our expertise or our personal service.</b> This really goes with the first one. Someone just wanting the "lowest possible price" usually does not attach value to a professional's knowledge and personal experience.<br />
<br />
3) <b>They expect us to give them freebies in order for them to work with us. </b> We are not here to win someone's loyalty by throwing gifts at them. We have bills to pay just like our clients do and this is our livelihood as well as our profession. <br />
<br />
4) <b>They expect us to reply to texts, phone calls and emails well after what some consider to be normal business hours.</b> While we are always accessible for our clients who are traveling, we do have lives just like everyone else does and we need our time with family as much as anyone does. We may choose to work after hours, but that is our choice and clients cannot expect us to be watching our phones for questions at 9pm on a Friday night, for example.<br />
<br />
5) <b>They just don't want to listen.</b> There are clients out there who refuse to take any advice we give when it comes to flights, resort or hotel reputations, etc and then come back and complain about the very things we tried to warn them about.<br />
<br />
If you are reading these and thinking...but I thought travel agents always guaranteed the best price... you have been misled. What we do is provide the best vacation value. Lowest price does not equate to best value. Our expertise and skill allow us to provide each client with the best overall vacation which could include the best possible flight times/connections, the most favorable room location at their resort, the most memorable tours/excursions etc. We guide our clients on how to navigate customs, we offer insider information when it comes to restaurants and sites to see and our custom itineraries may never be the lowest priced option.<br />
<br />
So, if you find yourself in one of the areas listed above, then you are probably not a good fit for us and we would be glad to refer you to a website that would be willing to work with you. But if you do value professional service and expertise and want the best overall value from your dream vacation/adventure, then we would be thrilled to consider you our client and we would be honored to become your travel consultants for life.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-92037141246913513222015-07-16T15:05:00.004-07:002015-07-16T15:05:44.063-07:00The Other Side of Mexico<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwshDkBjmQGgiCTjg5hIMczWK1CgLFwfO4Fpzu7iBkPdOXhr9r-LrMLfkGvILCU1f0BTJaOg43UAVYHjP3KHoqeg_wfenJCMmYBmjrP1MdipIrlHGGoQVy7aVGvecyU-1SnQPeIPVgRTRD/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwshDkBjmQGgiCTjg5hIMczWK1CgLFwfO4Fpzu7iBkPdOXhr9r-LrMLfkGvILCU1f0BTJaOg43UAVYHjP3KHoqeg_wfenJCMmYBmjrP1MdipIrlHGGoQVy7aVGvecyU-1SnQPeIPVgRTRD/s320/IMG_2650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
So many travelers seem to think Cancun encompasses all of Mexico. When someone says, "we want to go to Mexico," they usually mean Cancun. Well I am here to officially inform you that Mexico is a great, big, incredible Country and extends well beyond the areas of Cancun. In fact...let me introduce you to the other side of Mexico...the Pacific side.<br />
<br />
Now that I have personally been to the Pacific side 3 times (and a 4th visit is planned), I can say without a doubt that it is my favorite side. In my humbled opinion, it has so much more to offer than the Caribbean side of Mexico. Yes the Caribbean side has white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. So if you are a water person, you may be very content with only seeing the Caribbean side. But if you want culture, history and adventure as well as beautiful sunsets and a laid back atmosphere, then you must plan a visit to the Pacific side asap. <br />
<br />
For example, San Jose del Cabo has the historic Mission de San Jose del Cabo dating back to 1730AD. You can participate in the art walk in San Jose del Cabo every Thursday night between June and November. Or visit Los Cabos during the winter and enjoy seeing humpback whales breech the water as you sip your morning coffee on your oceanfront balcony.<br />
<br />
Or you can enjoy a walk through downtown Puerto Vallarta (PVR) and eat at one of the 5-star dining venues that has made PVR a foodies paradise. Wine connoisseur? Plan a trip to PVR in March and enjoy their annual wine fest.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4DEQi5K-kACBJ3LW43I476lCt8HrFUl_3fOoI-SrIaUikUSZ5hf8uTVHOaFaMn4XikIZm8BULWeQ9Ge-20dzpljzuMyMrdDH_KFIXDVI1Wg9syycHGlgOTJbQc0s0LKq5auKE-XsPNtJ/s1600/IMG_3675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi4DEQi5K-kACBJ3LW43I476lCt8HrFUl_3fOoI-SrIaUikUSZ5hf8uTVHOaFaMn4XikIZm8BULWeQ9Ge-20dzpljzuMyMrdDH_KFIXDVI1Wg9syycHGlgOTJbQc0s0LKq5auKE-XsPNtJ/s320/IMG_3675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Visitors to Zihuatanejo get taken back in time when it was small fishing village and life went by at a much slower pace. You can still go back in time as you walk the cobblestone streets. Maybe you enjoy museum visits when traveling abroad. If you do, then plan a visit to the Museo Arqueológico de la Costa Grande. <br />
<br />
And we can't talk about the Pacific side of Mexico without talking about Acapulco. It is the original Mexico Riviera. It has been the home of the rich and famous for decades and still is. It is the "Vegas" of Mexico. Nightlife abounds along with the abundance of tours up into the rain forest or out and about on the blue waters of the Pacific. From Acapulco, you can plan a side trip up into the historic silver mining town of Taxco and still see Mexico as it was back during the colonial periods of its history.<br />
<br />
So much to do...so much to see. It is worth every minute of extra time that it might take you to fly into the cities I just mentioned. And I have not even touched on the geographical differences vs what pretty much all of Cancun and the Riviera Maya area looks like.<br />
<br />
In the Los Cabos area, you have the beautiful and rugged desert mountains that look like they literally plunge down into the Sea of Cortez & Pacific Ocean. That is contrasted with the lush, green rain forests and palm-lined beaches of Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta and Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo.<br />
<br />
So much diversity in every aspect of travel when you venture over to the Pacific side of Mexico. Please please don't overlook that part of Mexico when it comes to planning your next adventure. You will not be disappointed. Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-78496357858576866692015-06-15T12:31:00.004-07:002015-06-15T12:31:58.551-07:00Supplier Spotlight: Tauck<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM_RWVQ77KddHJB5oAduur-bx4QZq5XxPghB3Obm5gleCrhG6H7gyVTyjbjEfpNfjryer3ubXK_2nE7Ixeh3VEItZtbxKXBAkX3t4boU5IgYqCZEtE3vNapRqPssobjk1F2O68lmIGFfN/s1600/african-safari.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM_RWVQ77KddHJB5oAduur-bx4QZq5XxPghB3Obm5gleCrhG6H7gyVTyjbjEfpNfjryer3ubXK_2nE7Ixeh3VEItZtbxKXBAkX3t4boU5IgYqCZEtE3vNapRqPssobjk1F2O68lmIGFfN/s400/african-safari.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Not all tour operators are created equal. When someone sits down with a travel professional to start planning their European or Australian or African tour, options are usually presented that fit with a client's budget, timeframe and overall vacation goals. Some client's budgets are more flexible than others yet some may hesitate to go with the tour operator that is the agent's top choice simply because it is higher priced. <br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Well please know that not all tour operators are created equal. The one I am going to spotlight takes tours to a level that is hard to surpass. <b><i> <a href="http://www.tauck.com/" target="_blank">Tauck Tours</a></i></b> has fast become my number one choice for my clients. Do all of my tour operators provide good service? Yes. Do they all provide clean and safe accommodations? Yes. Do they all offer a knowledgable guide and comfortable transportation? Yes. But the memories made during a trip of a lifetime are in the details and that is where Tauck sets itself apart. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everyone can offer a tour of Italy, but not everyone touring Italy will get a chance to eat with a Contessa in her private villa. Everyone can take a tour of France, but not everyone can have dinner at a private country estate in châteaux country with a hunting hound demonstration in full regalia. Everyone can go on an African safari, but not everyone can offer their child a chance to walk with an elephant during lunch at an elephant sanctuary. Those are some of the Tauck differences. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But the biggest differences to me are when clients come home from a Tauck tour and can't wait to tell you what they experienced. The biggest difference is when clients say, "We will never ever allow you to sell us anything else but Tauck." And the absolute biggest difference is when a client tells you the following stories related to their Tauck guide going the extra mile:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><i>"Our guide knew that our family was related to a famous sculptor/painter from a small town in Italy and one night we came back to our room where a small gift was packaged and waiting on our bed. The guide had found a local bookstore where they had two copies of a book related to our ancestors work. He bought the books, gift wrapped them and had them sent to our rooms."</i></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That same client went on to tell me another story about how their guide went above and beyond and had paid attention to every little detail. The client went on to say, "We have been on good tours, but nothing compares now to our Tauck tour. It was incredible." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When clients return and give you reports like that, it makes our jobs so worth it and it solidifies the decision to make Tauck our number one choice for guided tours throughout the world. It's seldom that I spotlight one tour operator over another, but in this case, Tauck gets a huge tip of the cap from me.</div>
<br />
<br />
Contact me and let me show you how Tauck can help you see the world in a way like no other tour company can.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-47221350068500185862015-05-15T13:38:00.002-07:002015-05-18T05:43:26.715-07:00Costa Rica is Pura Vida...When Done Right<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri727eJBRP9E0sKYHzW4vk-1D2kL1MTIrNL7JOevYqydfKoD2QEgQDptEZwcGxBF63yX5FHzDP_gCXNMY5SutwMiU9M6mcE5TZsot5GVN-swtLScRZUxgcZtdOK_1YHkBXJT7699OFYhZ/s1600/IMG_8887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiri727eJBRP9E0sKYHzW4vk-1D2kL1MTIrNL7JOevYqydfKoD2QEgQDptEZwcGxBF63yX5FHzDP_gCXNMY5SutwMiU9M6mcE5TZsot5GVN-swtLScRZUxgcZtdOK_1YHkBXJT7699OFYhZ/s400/IMG_8887.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
You feel it as soon as you land in Costa Rica. There is a sense of peace or relaxation that permeates the air. Is it the people? Is it the culture? Is it the landscape all around you? Yes, yes and yes. See...Costa Ricans have embraced a living and existence centered around "pura vida" which simply means "pure life." People, friends and family are important. The land around them that they work, live and play in is highly regarded and protected. Every level of creation that co-exists with them is valued and loved. While tourism is on the rise, Costa Rica is not willing to lose its identity for the sake of bringing in more and more tourists. If you plan on visiting Costa Rica, you too must respect and value everything around you. They do not tolerate visitors who want to come in and destroy things for the sake of pleasure or recreation. But everything combined in Costa Rica is what sets it apart from so many other tourism choices and it is what makes it one of my most favorite places to visit.<br />
<br />
I could write this whole article on why I loved the change in climate such as when you drive from the dry Guanacaste area and trek up to the lush rainforest that surrounds the Arenal volcano. Or why I loved the smiles on literally everyone's faces. Or why I loved the noises of the wildlife that are around you every day. But I really want to focus this blog on one thing...where you stay in Costa Rica is probably the most important decision you will make in regards to your vacation.<br />
<br />
Costa Rica does not take up a large footprint when it comes to land mass. It is smaller than the State of Kansas. So you would think you could stay about anywhere and be close to about anything. But that is where so many make a mistake. Getting around Costa Rica by bus or car can be an adventure. The roads are windy and rough in several spots which makes travel somewhat slow-going. So while it looks like it should be only a 30 minute trip (as the bird flies) turns into a 90 minute trip by car due to having to slow for every corner and fender-dismantling bump in the road. So staying in one area of Costa Rica can pretty much isolate you from a lot of other areas unless you like spending hours in a car each day introducing your kidneys to your tonsils.<br />
<br />
But this is where Costa Rica is so unique. One area has you looking down on the rainforest from your cloud-forest lodge while another area has you surfing with dolphins and taking in the beautiful sunset over the Pacific and those two areas can be separated by a 4 hour one way trek. So splitting your stay between various areas is the ideal thing to do. I know I know...unpacking and packing back up is not a fun exercise, but you will thank me when you get home. Take 3 or 4 nights and spend them in the lushness and quietness of the rainforest. Become one with nature. Find your inner zen. Take lots and lots of videos and pictures. You will want to because you will want to capture all there is to see so you can make your friends back home green with tree-frog envy. Then pack up, brace yourself for the denture loosening drive down the mountains to the beautiful Pacific and enjoy a new sense of relaxation as you kick back in your hammock with a local Imperial (google it) in hand.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVW_JMb8ZC9SZk_29paZV-ybpEm6BxPEiGommDmD5YRQX2lldfRPWmQ29yfI8XxeMVuT7CsPkUinD2s0RVYNQ2fA3auZq94TcjZsSe6L49RXj5e5rVsymQ7aK4v3qm8zGZlHn2nl0jnnS/s1600/IMG_8869.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYVW_JMb8ZC9SZk_29paZV-ybpEm6BxPEiGommDmD5YRQX2lldfRPWmQ29yfI8XxeMVuT7CsPkUinD2s0RVYNQ2fA3auZq94TcjZsSe6L49RXj5e5rVsymQ7aK4v3qm8zGZlHn2nl0jnnS/s400/IMG_8869.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So you took my advice, you planned a split stay. Yay! Now here is another bit of free advice. Choose a lodge or hotel that lets you actually experience Costa Rica. We had the pleasure of staying in two different resorts during our stay. One was the RIU Palace Costa Rica and the other was a boutique hotel called El Mangroove. Go ahead...take a guess as to which one I am about to write a very favorable review for. Any guesses? How many think the RIU? Bzzzzzz!! Wrong! For those that already guessed El Mangroove...ding ding ding. You win.<br />
<br />
When you come to Costa Rica, you need to stay at places that try to incorporate as much of the local decor, landscape and food into their resort as possible. The RIU Palace came up with a big zero in all three. If you go to a RIU Palace in Cancun. Take good pictures because you will not need to go to another one anywhere else. They all look the same. Same room decor. Same lobby decor. Same bland buffet choices. Same non-local specialty restaurant choices. Same drinks same everything. It is really a shame. You trek all that way to a new destination only to be welcomed by the same thing you would see in Jamaica, Cancun, Punta Cana etc. It is just no bueno. I read the reviews of those traveling to the RIU in Costa Rica and I shake my head at today's travelers, especially those from here in the US. I read things like "best food ever" or "most luxurious place we have been" or "best resort ever" and it just makes me cringe. What have we done? Have we become a society that thinks travel to a foreign Country needs to be as homogenous as possible as to not take us out of our social comfort zone? Have we become so used to mediocrity that we actually think bland food, stale bread, luke-warmed entrees are a step above what we normally get?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM_Ia7zaTX0q1ln2RAfhD3zfgmdK9mKBuRctD01FEFf3NEYbuVrvF_Cvk3j01D9TWByDEtdHmzLvcpQ7l6qXCP3XZ7b3OBBV1FRrO9KTmwqs3-yBSKmHX90WvTl6aIErLyRbUxW5GrQEN/s1600/IMG_8833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGM_Ia7zaTX0q1ln2RAfhD3zfgmdK9mKBuRctD01FEFf3NEYbuVrvF_Cvk3j01D9TWByDEtdHmzLvcpQ7l6qXCP3XZ7b3OBBV1FRrO9KTmwqs3-yBSKmHX90WvTl6aIErLyRbUxW5GrQEN/s400/IMG_8833.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
If you are not used to what I just wrote above, then the RIU Palace Costa Rica is not for you. I will give the RIU Palace high marks when it comes to their staff. For the most part, every staff member was friendly and happy and always greeted you with a friendly "hola." Our pool guy, Jose, was awesome. He paid attention to what we liked to drink and was always around when we needed him and was a genuinely warm and friendly guy. So the staff at the RIU gets an A! The rest of the RIU gets a C...maybe C+. The thing that really surprised me was how cheap things were done in the rooms. Plywood and white paint were the two most-used supplies when decorating the room. The coffee table, the desk, the headboard were all nailed-together plywood and simply painted white (and the paint job was not that good). They then simply laid a glass top on the desk and coffee table which is something I have never seen before in a 4+ star resort. The whole room was a "get up in the middle of the night nightmare." The glass top on the coffee table had 4 sharp corners and were perfectly placed at shin level. They then thought it a good idea to place the whirlpool tub directly between the bed and the bathroom and it too had some really nice pointy corners that would love to welcome a leg or a toe at 3am. I just kept looking at the layout wondering, "what were they thinking??" But here is where I get picky in case you think I am not being picky enough yet (HA)...our room was "ready" for us by around 2:30pm the day of our arrival. We had found some trash that was had not been picked up when we sat our things down and then found the remote control for the TV to be all cracked and busted. I went to turn on the TV and nothing worked. I opened the remote and discovered the batteries were in backwards. Yes I know that is picky, but this is supposed to be a 4+ star resort. If you tout yourself as a 4+ star resort, then attention to detail is a must. If you replace batteries in a remote, the first little detail you should do is make sure it works. And if you replaced the batteries, surely you noticed that the back of the remote was broken. When you see things like that, it makes you start to look around. Our rain shower head in the shower was broken to where it was more like a rain pour instead of a shower since water was coming up around the shower head and not through it. Then once you see that, you notice that one of the glass blocks they used to separate the shower from the rest of the bathroom is cracked in half. Would I have noticed all of this had the remote worked and not been busted up? Maybe, but 4+ star resorts have to do better in my opinion if they want to be lumped into the "deluxe or luxury" resort market. Other than the landscaping and staff, there was nothing deluxe or luxurious about this resort.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdKjcnP45BoCYm5-IaxigMbCwKrQanqXmooPmvMvGCh9UWyYP9eBZ_ubieFXWi-y_gd8FMb6sqC0X2SkLrj5S137W6q3vPDAFLXpCp1xSQi6KEB56oJdDhypKf8QSog_ga_O1lTVld9Wo/s1600/IMG_9018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdKjcnP45BoCYm5-IaxigMbCwKrQanqXmooPmvMvGCh9UWyYP9eBZ_ubieFXWi-y_gd8FMb6sqC0X2SkLrj5S137W6q3vPDAFLXpCp1xSQi6KEB56oJdDhypKf8QSog_ga_O1lTVld9Wo/s400/IMG_9018.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now...lets move to the second part of our stay and get back to some more positive things. El Mangroove does it right. They thought things out. The construction, the decor, the layout of the resort fits perfectly within its surrounding environment. Service? Impeccable. Staff was friendly and there for anything you might need. Rooms were what you expected at a 4+ star resort. Clean, comfortable decor, tons of space for clothes etc. Their rain shower head worked as it was supposed to. Food and drink were excellent. If you are a foodie or a mixologist...this is the place for you. They did a good job of incorporating the countries abundance of fresh vegetables, fruits and fish into their menu. The fish tacos at their pool/beach side restaurant were wonderful. I am bragging on their food because it enhanced the stay. The food and drink are a part of a hotel's success or failure and El Mangroove gets a A in the food and beverage department. Service was great at their pool or in their restaurants. Was it slow at times? Maybe, but you are on vacation! Why are you in a hurry for your meal to get over? Central and Latin Americans are not on the same rushed schedule as we are here in the US which makes me quite envious to be honest. The only other negative some might find with the resort is that a lot of the rooms will not have a view of the ocean. They built the resort to go with the landscape, including existing trees and many of the rooms have wonderful mangrove views, but only a small handful have ocean views. This is a small resort. If you want big and sprawling and lots of restaurant choices onsite, this is not the resort for you. If you want a relaxing, intimate, luxury, service-oriented resort, then check out El Mangroove for your vacation to Costa Rica. They exude "pura vida." You will actually know that you are in Costa Rica.<br />
<br />
So before I end this article...I have to give a shout out to CATOURS. We used them for our excursion up to the Arenal volcano area where we zip lined at speeds up to 50mph and at heights above 600ft over the top of the rainforest. We also had the pleasure of having one of their expert guides along with us who helped us understand even more why Costa Ricans believe in pura vida. We also used them for our transfers from airport to hotel, hotel to hotel and then hotel back to airport. They were wonderful and professional and I HIGHLY recommend using them on your next trip to Costa Rica.<br />
<br />
So in summary...please do Costa Rica right. Pick a place that let's you see the culture and the environment and for sure plan it to where you will come home knowing full well what pura vida really means. You won't be sorry if you do.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-22444413093520852862015-04-15T14:00:00.001-07:002015-04-16T07:05:39.277-07:00To Fee or Not to Fee...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYUJyVlj7e8kmQy8DG1f5IZ8Vn-BFqgGpcFRPPHU6ljlzqLwP_hmARYsPt0IxLAAIwFtqUlTSAIa93sax4zZ3m8zSnl1AintKS9qbqIzIT0U3ZC3UfwBIU7RleF2KLiW42OFdP-QRvv6O/s1600/travel-agency.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYUJyVlj7e8kmQy8DG1f5IZ8Vn-BFqgGpcFRPPHU6ljlzqLwP_hmARYsPt0IxLAAIwFtqUlTSAIa93sax4zZ3m8zSnl1AintKS9qbqIzIT0U3ZC3UfwBIU7RleF2KLiW42OFdP-QRvv6O/s1600/travel-agency.gif" height="362" width="400" /></a></div>
That is the number one prevailing question in the travel agency industry right now. Do we deserve to get paid for our time and expertise? Or should the general public expect us to give our consulting skills away for free? <br />
<br />
Let's roll the clock back about 9 to 10 years ago. Some folks came into the travel planning industry and touted the idea that you should never have to pay any fees for booking hotels, airfare, car rentals etc. These new companies made it sound like you had been getting ripped off for years because you were walking into a travel agency office and sitting down with a real person, asking them questions, hearing their professional opinions and ideas and actually paying them a fee for that experience. Those new companies are what we refer to as OTA's in our industry. That stands for "Online Travel Agencies." The more famous OTA's are companies such as Expedia, Hotwire, Priceline and Orbitz. These OTA's made it sound like you didn't ever need anyone's professional advice because you could go to their site, see every hotel in every part of the world (or at least they want you to believe you can), see the lowest price and simply book it yourself and save a lot of money. This basically lumped everything every professional travel person had done for years into this idea that they were nothing but middle men/women and order takers. So you could now avoid the middle person and place the "travel order" yourself. <br />
<br />
These OTA's did a great job at marketing. Their "no fee" ads were causing hoards of travelers to run from professionals and turn to their one-stop shop for booking vacations, business trips etc. Mom and pop travel agencies were closing right and left because fees were needed to maintain employees, pay for office overhead etc. <br />
<br />
A new breed of travel professional was born out of the ashes and I am not sure the big OTA's saw what was coming. Professional travel agents were learning to evolve with the change in market and many changed their work environment to where they too could operate without passing along fees and just live on whatever hotels, car companies and tour operators were willing to pay in the way of commissions. That's correct...hotels, car companies and tour operators pay travel agents commission as a thank you for bringing clients their way. And guess what...the large OTA's get commissions too. They wanted you to think they were not a travel agent and you were cutting out the agent and therefore saving money, but guess what, they are middle people too and they get commissions and in many cases brow beat hotels and other travel related companies to give them even more than what most professionals would have ever received and then they turn around and kick some of it back to the consumer and call it "savings." You can imagine what that is doing to their relationship with hotels, resorts etc. But that is a story for another time. <br />
<br />
Here we are now 9 to 10 years later and our industry is back stronger than ever and more and more travelers are turning to agents again because they are hearing that we no longer charge fees and they can still take advantage of our expertise, our experience and our relationships with key companies in the travel industry. And many have learned that when going through an OTA, you are taking on the role of the professional agent because YOU are selecting that hotel and YOU are choosing those flights and YOU are doing all of the research and YOU are left to deal with issues on YOUR own when you hit the "book now" button on their site. <br />
<br />
So let's be clear of the difference between a professional and an OTA. A professional travel agent offers destination advice. They offer destination experience. They offer resorts that are vetted. They offer flights that actually exist with connections that make a vacation that much better. They offer great vacation value and experiences that make vacations memorable. They are trained and skilled in the art of travel planning. They are professional. OTA's are none of those...none.<br />
<br />
And guess what...reading stuff on the internet no more makes you a professional travel consultant than does sleeping in a Holiday Inn Express. Reading things on the internet does not make someone a professional wedding planner or a professional interior designer or a professional style consultant etc. And almost every person understands that going to a professional and seeking consultation or help will most likely result in a fee to cover their time.<br />
<br />
So again..yes, we get commission from companies, resorts, hotels, car companies and tour operators that we sell. But we don't make a dime when offering professional travel advice to someone who then takes our advice and goes and books things themselves. Not a dime...until now. That is officially changing as of the posting of this blog. My agents and I love what we do. We love planning awesome vacations for families and clients and seeing their pictures and hearing their awesome stories. But we can't spend the time and energy we need on our valued current clients when we are chasing down info for those possible new clients who just want our free advice and have no intention of booking through our agency. We can't afford to work pro bono. So any new client coming to us as of now will be paying a "plan to book fee" that will be discussed with the possible client upfront. Many agencies in our industry have already been charging for their skill and expertise and it is time every professional agent is recognized as being a professional. Professionals deserve compensation for their time.<br />
<br />
Again...can someone go online and hit a "book now" button and do things themselves? Sure. Many do and will continue to do so. And they are on their own if things go wrong and if they made a poor vacation choice. But again, no one goes to a wedding planner and expects them to work for free and no one hires an interior designer and expects their advice and help for free. And so it is with us. No one should expect to call a travel agent and expect them to work for free. If you come to us and book your trip...we will discuss with you how that fee is applied, but coming to us and picking our brains for ideas and plans will cost you something if you take that advice and walk away with it.<br />
<br />
So to fee or not to fee...that is no longer a question with my agents and agency.Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-40137127556167769032015-03-19T16:14:00.000-07:002015-03-20T08:54:52.610-07:00Google Flights...What You Should KnowThere seems to be a lot of hubbub these days when it comes to Google and their dabble into the travel arena. Some are saying it will transform our industry yet again while at the same time giving Google and particularly their new flight search site Google.com/flights way too many props for being some form of ingenious new way to book your airfare. One recent travel writer made a claim that Google flights is even better than a travel agent. So what I thought I would do is simply show what it does and explain how I even use it as a tool when looking for the best airfare for my clients. Then you be the judge whether or not you think it is the best thing since sliced bread and professional advice from a experienced travel consultant.<br />
<br />
First...let's be clear. Google.com/flights is simply an airfare search page. That is all it is. It is not a vacation package booking engine. It is not even an airfare booking engine. It is simply a search site. Let me show you how it works and how I use it. Let's assume you want to fly from good ole Nashvegas (that's Nashville to you lay-people) to Los Angeles during May of this year. Let's even assume that your dates are flexible. For the most part, regardless of advertising gimmicks, travelers and their schedules are usually not that flexible due to vacation times at work, school etc. But let's assume you ARE flexible and can travel at any point in May. <br />
<br />
Here is what the search page would look like as you enter the originating airport, your destination airport and the dates of travel...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TSaVaGJU-9ofGknQqykn0rJAfpPtN7R4HBgRYqj75kIa26oNSe4RPlncdOyaOAOyGUY19JCMttIUpYDqAapVFVzY9CcUFmSPXYUC5ML8fxfNfOAddAJEWQPXXFPFDBCy4l3OWosys0BA/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-19+17.30.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TSaVaGJU-9ofGknQqykn0rJAfpPtN7R4HBgRYqj75kIa26oNSe4RPlncdOyaOAOyGUY19JCMttIUpYDqAapVFVzY9CcUFmSPXYUC5ML8fxfNfOAddAJEWQPXXFPFDBCy4l3OWosys0BA/s1600/Screenshot+2015-03-19+17.30.44.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
You can see that <b><u>$322 round trip</u></b> looks to be the best looking fare for the entire month of May. So if I click on May 1st and then click on May 16th for my return...it shows me the following options for my outbound flight...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVv1EmHC7OPjkFuLBeeXu3VijqM7luZDTdPi_Oin2fB7f4SbjiokN6ogJjazkpNy50FVDO_CdxdjxMO_F2UPY6DRO6MBemw2UhB2IykYqZ4KVTg4EkOx1WpcPxliSphwdluwMlFUkjTDx/s1600/outbound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVv1EmHC7OPjkFuLBeeXu3VijqM7luZDTdPi_Oin2fB7f4SbjiokN6ogJjazkpNy50FVDO_CdxdjxMO_F2UPY6DRO6MBemw2UhB2IykYqZ4KVTg4EkOx1WpcPxliSphwdluwMlFUkjTDx/s1600/outbound.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So after choosing the 6:00am departure...it shows me more details of that segment of the trip...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7wPypYvN1Y5TheuY2ZJPp_qeRW-izNagITplrbKwBK0aKGkYu-gK-dTO0A3lpQMsiRXv564LeO25n26tZAZQRTxZDmrgeP_jUPKK8KUCgSPlfNA46XTPvqHzg7pwl1H-_sE0ATjZFVuJ/s1600/outbounddetails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-7wPypYvN1Y5TheuY2ZJPp_qeRW-izNagITplrbKwBK0aKGkYu-gK-dTO0A3lpQMsiRXv564LeO25n26tZAZQRTxZDmrgeP_jUPKK8KUCgSPlfNA46XTPvqHzg7pwl1H-_sE0ATjZFVuJ/s1600/outbounddetails.jpg" height="504" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
So in case you were unsure of what IAH stood for on the previous screen, you now know that your flight is connecting through Houston and has a 3+hour layover. So then I went to the next step which was to select my return flight option. To keep it in that $322 range, I decided to come home on the 1:30pm flight which connects through Chicago. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpITOtfz8ju5daTNDEVMcgG1wLEmn-ldEnNjwtP_BPyVo42EDI47xL1iFCMAH_bWXY5ZzgT-uaVFvoHng_H3pHAWfAuaRqL_dle9XY9VjR9-AWHMa1QYp-BPJKQthzIX8cnpunyoPY4MUd/s1600/returndettails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpITOtfz8ju5daTNDEVMcgG1wLEmn-ldEnNjwtP_BPyVo42EDI47xL1iFCMAH_bWXY5ZzgT-uaVFvoHng_H3pHAWfAuaRqL_dle9XY9VjR9-AWHMa1QYp-BPJKQthzIX8cnpunyoPY4MUd/s1600/returndettails.jpg" height="518" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Now here is what I want you to notice. I have the flights I want and it appears that the price is going to be $322 round trip for these flights. So what is my next step? Book them right here on the Google site? Is Google now also my booking engine? No, not at all. In order to book this flight, Google is directing me to "book with United." United's website is where I would actually go to book the flights. So Google did a good job of showing prices and flights associated with those prices. But did it offer advice on which airport is the easiest to connect through? Did it tell you that a 48 min layover may not be enough time to make a connection through Chicago's O'hare Airport? Did it advise you that taking the latest flight out leaves virtually no options in case a delay were to happen due to weather or mechanical trouble with an aircraft? Did Google.com/flights offer any sound travel advice other than providing you with times and prices?<br />
<br />
So does this new search site mark the end of the need for sound professional travel agent advice? What is it doing that some search sites have not already done? Is it neatly arranged and easy to navigate? Yes! That is why I use it to see which airline may be offering the best prices for a given destination during a given time. I then take that info and head straight to the airline itself to book for my clients. And here is something to keep in mind...it is not offering any better price than what you are going to get straight from the airline. It is not a cost saver in that way...it is a search time saver. So do I, a professional travel consultant, use Google.com/flights? I sure do. But let's not make it out to be more than it really is. Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8732572613671607599.post-11730247876846283912015-02-18T13:10:00.000-08:002015-02-18T13:30:09.763-08:00The "Splurge Affect"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrzn77q-Saykd3S7QLADt5YcKUl5rTTh6Acc-57cL0emGtvUYQ5dA7TRXjWbLkrgx6ALwGPaed6dVzAY79a8jXS6vN6MBF6wqJoQdwpsz-ym5VB2qJLz6TfQRRZpeQUfkRYX45rOHVZrM/s1600/theupgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHrzn77q-Saykd3S7QLADt5YcKUl5rTTh6Acc-57cL0emGtvUYQ5dA7TRXjWbLkrgx6ALwGPaed6dVzAY79a8jXS6vN6MBF6wqJoQdwpsz-ym5VB2qJLz6TfQRRZpeQUfkRYX45rOHVZrM/s1600/theupgrade.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></div>
How many times have you or someone else said, "let's splurge" when it comes to dinner choices or while out shopping for various things? We all like to splurge occasionally and just enjoy ourselves and throw budgets to the wind. Some of us splurge on a daily basis when we head down to our favorite coffee house and pay $4.00 for a cup of coffee that would only cost us $0.75 if we made it at home. The splurging we do takes money out of one budget coffer and moves it to another. Some of us call that other coffer the "fun money" or "mad money" coffer. It is the money we give ourselves each month to just have fun with and, if you are like me, the fun only lasts for a few hours. <br />
<br />
Now think about your splurging that you might do each month how much it might add up to if you took that splurging amount and saved it for a year. How much are we talking? $600? $1200? More?<br />
<br />
Ok, you know I am a travel consultant so surely you have figured out that I am going to bring this topic around to travel. So here it goes. I deal with traveler's budgets on a daily basis. Some are good...some are not so good. I define not so good as those budgets where someone only wants to spend $500-$750 per person on a 6 night trip to the Caribbean. That is just not good. No easy way to say it. It is a limburger cheese budget. So that brings up the splurge affect. Those same folks or in fact anyone who is looking to travel, needs to look at their splurging that is done on a monthly basis. Maybe you don't feel like you splurge on anything. Good for you. But a lot of us splurge, we just don't call it splurging. We call it normal life because we think eating out or buying a Starbucks cup of coffee is normal when it fact, that is something a lot of people around the world could never afford to do. But I digress. <br />
<br />
Add up the splurging you do and be honest about it and annualize it. Now think about that amount and the how much time of enjoyment it really gives you. Now let me show you how the splurge affect can relate to your next vacation. Most people will take a 5 to 7 day vacation these days. So while that upgraded cup of coffee or dessert or entree may bring you enjoyment for an hour or so, vacations bring enjoyment for a minimum of a few days if not for a lifetime. So if you splurge in the amount of $50 per month, that same amount of "fun money" could get you:<br />
<ul>
<li>Upgraded from <b>coach</b> to <b>business class</b></li>
<li>Upgrade from an <b>ocean view</b> (window only) to a <b>balcony stateroom</b> on a cruise</li>
<li>Upgraded from a <b>"garden view"</b> to an <b>ocean view</b> room at a resort</li>
</ul>
If you splurge on the order of $100 a month, you could<br />
<ul>
<li>Upgrade from coach to business or first class</li>
<li>Upgrade from a<b> balcony </b>to a <b>junior suite</b> stateroom on a cruise</li>
<li>Upgrade from <b>garden view</b> to an <b>ocean front with premium club privileges or to a larger suite</b></li>
</ul>
<div>
Naturally these upgrades depend on destination, time of year etc, but I want you to see that we all make choices. Maybe the ocean view or even the inside stateroom is all you really want and that is ok. Maybe a tropical or garden view room is perfectly acceptable which is 100% fine. But make sure you have factored in the splurge affect before saying that your travel budget is all you can afford and that is what is driving your choice of accommodations or cruise choice etc. Am I writing this in hopes of getting every client to spend more money on their trips? Not at all. I respect every client's budget when it it is given to me. But what I want you to see is how much it actually takes to possibly enhance an experience that lasts a whole lot longer than some of the things we splurge on daily. Add up that amount and you might be surprised. I am also writing this because we travel professionals have too many potential clients these days who come to us with incredibly unrealistic budgets and those same travelers need to go back and re-evaluate their budgets before only allotting a certain amount to their family's vacation. And trust me, I am not immune to the splurge affect. I have decided to do some upgrades myself for my next trip and take some of my "mad money" and use it for something other than my Frothy Monkey coffee habit etc. <br />
<br />
So there it is...the splurge affect. I am sure economic students will be seeing this phrase pop up in text books very soon. </div>
Bryan Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08413732932600996151noreply@blogger.com0