Are escorted tours or guided tours a good idea?

by In General Travel Information Leave a comment

As a travel concierge, I’m often asked “what are escorted tours?” or “why should I take a guided tour?”  Escorted Tours or Guided Tours, call it what you want, tours are one of the most fun, efficient, and effective ways to experience your destination of choice.  There are tours available around the globe; the world is literally at your feet.  You can choose an in-depth single country experience or a multi-country experience. Getting an insider to take you through your destination opens up sights you didn’t even know existed.

 

Escorted and Guided Tours

Escorted and Guided Tours

 

Typically people think of escorted tours as being led around by someone who will ramble on about the highlights of a particular site.  In reality, you have a local guide who is from the area opening your eyes to amazing insights of the destination you were not aware of.

From the taste of real heart of palm from a roadside stand to stopping along your drive to take pictures of an unusual animal, having the insider look at somewhere new is what really makes the destination come alive. Sometimes it is those unique experiences that you remember most about your trip!   Escorted / Guided Tours are also one stop shopping!  Air, accommodations, transfers in destination and between destinations, tours, and some meals are all included!

The world is at your feet

The world is at your feet

Let’s clear up some escorted or guided tour myths.

Myth: Tours are only for retired people.
Reality: Adventures by Disney specializes in families.  There is a company that specializes in tours for 18-35 year olds.  One of my favorite tour companies states “Our most popular multi-country escorted tour has an average age of 42”

Myth: Tours leave travelers stuck on a bus.
Reality: Less than 20% of a touring day is on the motor coach.   Speaking of motor coaches – many of them are configured specifically for the tour companies with a maximum of only 40 passengers allowing for business class legroom!

Myth:  Escorted Tours don’t give travelers time on your own.
Reality: Typically a third to a half of your day is unstructured (free time).

Myth:  Guided or Escorted Tours are not for independent travelers
Reality:  Guided or Escorted Tours can be great for independent travelers.  I have been to a lot of places and I am very comfortable with traveling on my own.  But there are certain destinations I never appreciated until I travelled with a group and guide.  There is something about sharing unique experiences with other people that makes destinations so much more enjoyable.  I have done certain cities on cruises, on my own but it wasn’t until I had a guide showing me the secrets of the city that I really appreciated the destination.
While traveling on our own gives us independence to experience the destination on our time, it may also give you a big opportunity to miss something amazing.  Many people that travel on their own end up skipping a lot of cool things simply because they don’t have someone encouraging them to get a move on and get out there to explore.  A guide is not a task master but a local who loves their country and wants you to enjoy as much of it as possible before you have to get back to the reality of everyday life.

Myth:  Traveling with a group will slow me down and I won’t get to see everything or get in to the main attractions
Reality:  The guides specialize in making sure the tours are conducted in an efficient manner.  One of the great advantages to the guided or  escorted tours is that you often get to skip the line to some of the most popular attractions!  (Have you ever been to Rome and seen the lines outside of the Colosseum or the Vatican?)

Still not convinced?  There is also a hybrid option called a locally hosted tour.  Locally hosted tours provide a local host in each destination and some local tours are included.  You are not accompanied by a specific tour guide from start to finish of your trip.

Hopefully, you have learned a little and can see how an escorted or guided tour might be just the right fit for your next vacation experience!

Ireland – 5 things you don’t know

by In Destinations 5 Comments

In honor of my office assistant Emer, and last weekend’s St. Patrick’s Day holiday; I’d love to introduce you to Ireland.    Let’s take a look at what this fabulous country has to offer as a destination! Ireland is a unique and fun-filled country with breathtaking scenery, charming people, and attractions that are legendary.  The Irish are widely considered to be some of the friendliest folks in all of Europe.   Upon your arrival, you will soon understand why Ireland has been such an inspiration for poetry, theatre, music, arts, and of course – adult beverages!

Ireland Map

Ireland is an island Northwest of Continental Europe.  Ireland is separated from the larger island of Great Britain by the Irish Sea.  A bit of trivia for you, Ireland is the 3rd largest Island in Europe!  Politically, Ireland is divided in to The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  The Republic of Ireland covers approximately 5/6th of the island is largely where most of the tourists visit.  Northern Ireland is located on the northeast of the island.  The total population of Ireland according to recent statistics is approximately 4.5 million.
Ireland is an easy area to visit and tour; Ireland is easily accessible via most major air carriers from the US.   You can be on a guided tour or travel independently; both will provide you with an excellent experience in Ireland.  The accommodations range from bed and breakfasts to castles!  Ashford Castle, Castle Leslie, and Dromoland Castle are just a few of the castles that have been turned in to hotels.

Because of the mild climate and frequent rain that provides the lush vegetation in the country,  Ireland is often referred to as the Emerald Isle.  There are 3 World Heritage Sites in Ireland:  the Brú na Boinne, Skellig Michael and the Giant’s Causeway.  Some of the most visited sites in Ireland include Bunratty Castle, the Rock of Cashel, the Cliffs of Moher, Holy Cross Abbey and Blarney Castle.  The West Coast of Ireland has the most breathtaking views and coastline.  Dublin receives the most tourists and is home to the Book of Kells, the Guinness Storehouse, several other popular attractions, and of course, Irish Pubs.World Heritage Site

About those 5 things I promised you ……

Did you know that according to recent statistics, nearly 50% of the Dublin population is under the age of 27?  This certainly explains why Dublin has the reputation of “party central” where the Guinness never stops!
Did you know there are no snakes in Ireland?  That’s right, none!  

Until the 1970’s, Ireland was dry on St Patrick’s day; no pubs were allowed to open on March 17th. The only place where a person could legally acquire alcohol was on a train, or at the annual dog show in Dublin’s RDS stadium.

The official first language of the Republic of Ireland is not English, it’s Irish (sometimes called Gaelic).  One of Irish’s many curiosities compared to English is the absence of words that directly translate into “yes” or “no.”  When asked if someone is “Going to the pub?,” the answer might be “I am,” as opposed to “yes.”

Dalkey, a suburb of Dublin, is Ireland’s “Beverly Hills”, home to a number of Irish celebrities.  Among them are the authors Maeve Binchy, Roddy Doyle and Hugh Leonard as well as the film directors Neil Jordan and Jim Sheridan.   Several international music figures, including U2 members Bono and The Edge, Enya, Chris de Burgh and Van Morrison also call Dalkey home. Among former residents were James Joyce, George Bernard Shaw.

oh and …… The Irish consume in average 131.1 liters of beer per year – the 2nd highest per-capita consumption after the Czech Republic.   SLAINTE !!! (Cheers to your good health)

Lovely Day for a Guinness

Lovely Day for a Guinness

 

Ireland has so much more to offer than what I can possibly cover in this small space.  I encourage you to seriously consider Ireland for your destination.

         

 

 

Why a cruise?

by In Cruise 4 Comments

IMG_5227It’s hard to believe I’ve been home almost a week from my Panama Canal cruise on the Island Princess!  It was a great 10 night cruise with plenty of fun, relaxation, and education.  Yes, education!  The Panama Canal is a marvel, and I think it should be on everyone’s bucket list!  As you can tell from the picture, we traveled with a very fun group!

As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m often asked by brides and grooms why they should consider a cruise for their honeymoon; my first response is “Why not”?

First, let’s look at the general benefits of a cruise:

  • You have the ability to visit multiple countries or islands and only unpack once.
  • There are worldwide itineraries and cruises available every week of the year.  Itineraries range from most often thought of Caribbean cruise to the more exotic options of the South Pacific or the Far East and everywhere in between!
  • There are ocean cruises and river cruises – there is something for everyone.
  • Cruising is a great value!  As a general rule, included in your cruise fare are your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and your transportation between the countries / islands.  The entertainment onboard is amazing!  The newer generation ships have taken entertainment to all new levels.  You have comedians, Broadway style shows, Cirque du Soleil style shows, and top name entertainment such as Blue Man Group.

When it comes to romance or celebrations, there are many ways to enhance your cruise experience.  Most of the newer ships have adult only areas if you want a quieter adult only retreat.  Many of the ships also have a “ship within a ship” feel because the suite areas are accessible only be those guests in suites; some have their own lounges, pools, etc…   How about a couple’s massage?  A champagne toast on your balcony is always a great way to start your cruise!   You can also have a private meal on your balcony or try one of the specialty dining venues that offers a quieter more intimate atmosphere.  Who doesn’t like a sunset stroll along the deck?  How about decorations and a party just for your group? These are just a few of the many options to enhance your cruise.

When it comes to cruises, there is an option for every budget range and travel style.    Here are just a few samples of what is avaialable:

  • River Cruises – This is destination immersion at its finest!  Some of the world’s greatest cities are accessible only by river – not by the ocean.  You visit a different city each day and have the entire day and often the evening to enjoy the local area and culture. Cruising the world’s rivers from Europe to Russia and is truly a special experience.
  • Luxury – this can be a luxury destination, a luxury category ship or cabin, or both!  When you cruise on a luxury cruise line, there are generally more inclusions than in your premium or mass market cruise lines.  Some of them are more like an all-inclusive resort at sea really increasing your value.
  • Premium – the premium cruise lines offer a more upscale adult experience and the emphasis is on the adult market.  This does not mean there is necessarily an older age group onboard, but that although they do welcome families, they typically do not have extensive children’s programs, activities, or itineraries specifically tailored for the families.
  • Moderate – the moderate cruise lines offer a great all-around cruise experience and can be couple focused depending on the itinerary, cruise line, and cabin type chosen.
  • Budget – with all of the cruise options now out of Galveston,  soon Houston, and other US ports that may be in driving distance of you, your vacation dollar goes further because you no longer have to fly to cruise on some of the better cruise lines!  The money you may have spent on air can be used to upgrade your cruise experience and try that suite that may have been otherwise out of reach for you.  Perhaps your vacation time is limited, you have 4 or 5 night options out of Galveston that we can also enhance to make it your perfect honeymoon.

My role as a Couples Travel Concierge is to provide you with your ideal vacation experience.   I hope that this brief overview has increased your awareness of the possibilities that a cruise can provide to you.  As your personal travel advisor, we’ll discuss all vacation options available to you and if a cruise isn’t a good fit for you don’t worry – that’s why you have me!

Why use a Professional Couples Travel Concierge Agent?

by In General Travel Information 1 Comment

As a Couples Travel Concierge, I help couples celebrate and embrace the special moments in life.  I believe every vacation should be a vacation experience – not just another trip away from home or time away from the office. 

As a travel professional, I’m often asked why people should use a travel agent.  There are literally hundreds of answers to this question; today, we are going to talk about specifically why people would use a Couples Travel Concierge.   As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m here to help you create your perfect vacation experience and start creating future memories.

Who uses a Couples Travel Concierge?

Couples that want to have their trips planned to their exact specifications.   You should be taking your perfect vacation – not the “picture perfect” vacation you see in brochures.   

Perhaps you are a honeymoon couple or a landmark anniversary couple and want to be recognized as such during your honeymoon or anniversary trip.

Couples who want special activities or events planned during their vacation.  How about that romantic dinner on the beach?   Or that private, personalized guided tour in your destination?  Are you not the “shuttle bus” kind of person – How about private transfers? 

Are you traveling with a group of couples?  Would you like to have a private event just for your group?  Is this a special occasion – do you want gifts delivered for members of your group?  Do you want private transfers just for your group?  Do you want to make sure staterooms on the cruise ship are in close proximity?  (Balcony row, as one of my groups refers to it!)

These are just a few examples of what working with a professional travel concierge can do for you.  Contact me today to start planning your perfect vacation experience and future memories!

The ocean for 2 please...

The ocean for 2 please…