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Haven’t made your plans for the December holidays yet?
Thinking about running away with friends and family to sit on a beach in the Caribbean this year?
It’s not too late!
Normally, by this time of year, you’d be hard-pressed to find availability for Caribbean villas over the holidays, and any that were still available would be requiring a two-week minimum stay. But not this year.
I’ve been receiving promotional emails from several of my villa vendors touting last-minute availability (and decent pricing) for 3-, 4- and 5-bedroom villas in Turks and Caicos, Barbados, Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and the USVI.
Just imagine…your own private beachfront hideaway, surrounded by your closest friends/family, with staff (if you want it) to do the cooking and cleaning. That sounds like a holiday to me!
If you’re interested, don’t delay. Give me a call today.
As if you really need ONE MORE reason to travel, just check out this article from Conde Nast Traveler about how your next vacation could literally save your life!
I agree completely. We Americans work too hard, take too little time off, and need to re-adjust our priorities. We need to spend more time relaxing with family and friends, trying new activities, and exploring other cultures. Coincidentally, that’s exactly the kind of vacation I plan for my clients.
What better way to rejuvenate yourself than a shared adventure with people you love!
After the one-two punch that Mexico suffered this year (the drug violence and the swine flu scare) their tourism business was really hurting, so it’s nice to see some good news in the media:
The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau recently reported that hotel occupancy for July was at 81%.
I guess the word is getting out that Mexico is still a great vacation destination, and there are some amazing deals to be had this year as hoteliers try to lure travelers back to Cancun, the Riviera Maya, and west coast destinations like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta.
I know I’ve been seeing rates at less than $1,000 per person (including air) for a one week stay in a nice all-inclusive in the Riviera Maya. How can you not jump at that?
I want to share a FANTASTIC letter I received today from some clients who just got back from a self-professed “trip of a lifetime” to Europe. Their thanks, and the glowing testimonial below, is better than any commission I could earn on a trip. Best of all, I now have proof that they actually listened and absorbed my message about what it means to be an “escape artist”, and why people should not book their own trips 🙂
May 28, 2009
Annie,
Beth & I have a hammer and nails at home, but that does not make us carpenters. We also have a computer and have access to travel planning vacation websites, but that does not make us travel agents. You were the consummate professional in all of the work you performed for us. You met us at our home to begin the itinerary and tolerated our many changes with the patience of a saint. Thank God that there were no blips in the plans but I am confident that you would have been there to save us.
We were in 5 countries over a two week period which was quite aggressive and with your help we pulled it off. Thank you for talking us out of Prague because that would have put us over the edge. Planes, trains and automobiles were always on time and your directions and guidance helped us to get there on time.
We were fortunate to have our son with us for the 2nd week as his German is quite good after five semesters in college. He helped read train and subway schedules, order off a German only menu and ask questions for us from the locals.
The architecture, culture and scenery were amazing. Makes one wonder how it all was accomplished so many years ago. We highly recommend Venice, Florence, Salzburg (our favorite) and Munich. The train ride from Venice to Salzburg through the Alps has created mind pictures for a lifetime.
I do have two suggestions for you to share with your clients:
1. When asked for directions, look for people under 30 as they probably speak English and teenagers most likely speak 4 languages.
2. Lay out all the clothes you want to bring, and then cut it in half. That was our biggest problem, dragging 100 lbs of stuff in each in our suitcases.
Thank you again Annie for putting together such a memorable trip for us. At every opportunity, we will refer you to anyone talking about a vacation.
All the best,
Brad & Beth
I read a great article in one of the travel trade magazines today. The author was talking about why consumers would use a travel agent, when surely most people believe that they have the knowledge and tools to make travel arrangements on their own. The one line that really resonated with me was this: “Having brushes and paint doesn’t make someone an artist.”
You might have a computer, a subscription to Conde Nast Traveler, and some basic knowledge of geography, but are you an artist?
I know that I am. In fact, I refer to myself as an “Escape Artist“, because I create custom-tailored vacations that fulfill my clients’ dreams. I ask the right questions, do the right research, use the right connections, and rely on the right partners to put together a vacation that’s seamless, stress-free and memorable.
So, when it’s time to plan a really important “escape” — a honeymoon, family reunion, anniversary celebration, or girls’ getaway — why would you try and do it yourself? Come to think of it, ANY vacation is important these days, so why wouldn’t you put yourself in the capable hands of an Escape Artist?
My husband and I are heading off on a road trip tomorrow, and I can’t wait!
We’re dropping the kids at my mom’s house (yay!) and spending the weekend at the Jersey Shore. Yes, it’s still the off-season there. And, no, we aren’t planning on any beach time. But we got a great rate at a cozy inn and we’re counting on some serious relaxation.
With no kids to worry about, we’ll be able to sleep late and then spend the whole day exploring. I’ve been to LBI, and we’ve both been to Atlantic City, so we’ll probably skip both of those and just poke around the various seaside towns as we head south towards Cape May. I see some fried seafood and cold beer in my future 🙂
Stay tuned for my trip report on Monday…
The Atlantis Resort (Paradise Island, Bahamas) has offered some very attractive rates over the past few months, but their newest promotion is one of the best I’ve seen!
From April 19th through July 1st, you can stay four nights for the price of three — starting at just $399 per person for a four night stay in the Beach Tower. Plus, kids age 11 and younger stay and play for free, and dining plans start at just $69 per person per day.
Restrictions apply, and availability is limited. If you’re interested, let me know!
I was just reading an article in one of the travel trade magazines that confirms what I’ve been seeing first hand — travel to London is more affordable this year.
Why? Well, it’s a combination of things.
The (global) economic situation has led to discounting (on hotels, tours, sightseeing packages and more) in many destinations, including London. Plus, the dollar has been steadily gaining on the British pound (it was at $1.38 in mid-March, a low not seen since 1985). The end result is that the average room rate (in dollars) has fallen by up to 30%.
If you’ve always wanted to see Big Ben, watch the changing of the guard, ride on the London Eye, and grab a pint at a pub, now is the time!
I came across a great article today. It’s written by a former travel agent, and it offers some solid advice on how to best take advantage of a travel agent’s knowledge, expertise and service.
To me, the key points he makes can be summarized as be upfront with your agent (discuss your real budget, explain where you can make tradeoffs, disclose any research or price/shopping you’ve already done, etc.) and treat your agent as you would any professional consultant (understand why he/she might charge a fee, respect their advice, develop a trust-based relationship)
Today’s travel consultant is an educated, experienced guide who can make your vacation experience so much richer if you just work hand in hand!
As I have been saying for a few months now, 2009 is going the be the year of the travel deal!
We always expect to see fantastic cruise deals at this time of year — it’s “Wave Season”, after all, when the cruise lines hope to bolster their bottom lines with some advance bookings for the year. But I have been seeing some not-to-be-missed promotions from major land-based resorts as well.
Visiting Minnie Mouse
For families, you can’t beat the “Buy Four Get Three Free” deal that Walt Disney World is offering: from now through the end of March, purchase a four-night package and receive three additional nights (with park passes) for free. It’s good for travel through June, but space is limited and restrictions apply.
Atlantis Resort
Not interested in Orlando? How about Atlantis Resort’s “Stay Four Nights for the Price of Three” offer? Visit this popular Paradise Island resort from now through April 1st, and your special package can include: four nights for the price of three, kids (under 12) stay and play for free, plus two free dolphin experiences and free admission to the Aura nightclub. Again, space is limited and restrictions apply, but this is a very family-friendly deal!
Looking for a more romantic experience? All five Almond Resorts, in Barbados and St. Lucia, are offering up to 50% off their room rates for bookings made from now through February 9th (for travel any time in 2009).
Or, if you’re leaving the kids at home, check out Couples Resorts special promotional rates of up to 50% off for their adults-only resorts in Jamaica. Must be booked by 2/28 for travel through the end of 2009.
The list could go on and on, but the point is that even the “biggies” who normally would not have to be discounting at this time of year are coming out with all sorts of special deals and promotions to entice you to travel again. So why not give in? You know you need an escape!
If these sales don’t necessarily do it for you, what WOULD get you to travel this year? Post your comment below.
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