Hurricane Season – How does it affect your travel ??

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Hi Everyone,
Now that we are bringing May to a close, June 1 is fast upon us.  June 1 is significant in the world of travel as it is the official start of Hurricane Season.  This year, experts are predicting a very active hurricane season with 16 named storms; 3 of which are expected to make US landfall.

I’m often asked what travelers can do to mitigate their risk when traveling during hurricane season.  There are ways to lesson your risk, both financially and emotionally.   The financial risks are obvious, but some don’t realize there can be emotional risk as well.

 

What if you have a destination wedding planned on a certain day in a certain port of call or destination?  That can certainly be stressful for you if 1 week prior to your special event a named storm pops up and your destination is straight in its path!

With a little research and assistance from your travel professional, you can determine if your dream destination will be at risk during the time frame you want to travel.  There are certain types of travel less impacted than others and certain destinations less impacted than others by hurricanes.  Cruising for example, is actually a good choice during hurricane season.  Remember that the ships move and can change course to keep ahead or avoid storms.  I’ve been on many cruises where we have had to alter the order of the ports of call, or completely change an itinerary so as to avoid a storm.  If a cruise isn’t your vacation style, there are certain Caribbean destinations less impacted by hurricanes such as Aruba and Barbados.
            
ARUBA                                                                                BARBADOS

Another thing to remember is travel insurance.

Travel Insurance can protect your financial risk in the event of a hurricane.  If you are traveling anytime during hurricane season, it is highly advisable to purchase your travel insurance as soon as book your trip, and absolutely no later than final payment for your best protection.  (The terms and conditions vary, and we can discuss during the planning process)  The important thing to remember, once a hurricane becomes a “known event”, it is too late to insure it.   You can’t wait until the hurricane is on its way then take out the insurance; insurance should be proactive, not reactive.

Above all, be flexible.  Flexibility is the best way to handle any weather related travel issues.  If possible, have a back up plan (such as alternative travel dates if possible), if a back up plan is not possible, flexibility is key.  You may end up on a cruise to the Eastern Caribbean instead of Western, staying a resort for a day longer, or leaving a resort day earlier.
               
Finally, a sense of humor can be the best coping mechanism.   I’ve heard it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  I have found one thing to be true.  Those that handle the challenge with flexibility and good humor seem to weather the storms much easier.
Kelley

 

What’s to eat ??

by In Cruise, Destinations, Dining, General Travel Information Tagged , , , , Leave a comment

Kelley’s Travel Times 

 

When it comes to planning your vacation, food can be an important consideration! Can you imagine going to a destination, or taking a cruise, and being hungry the whole time you are gone? Okay, so that has never actually happened to me…but there are destinations, cruise lines, and resorts that are perfect the foodie in all of us.

An important part of your vacation planning should be letting me know your food tastes and styles. If you are a very casual person or have very simple tastes, my recommendations will be slightly different than if you like formal dining or haut cuisine

 

                           

When it comes to cruising, most cruise lines have such a variety of restaurants that there is truly something for everyone.  There are a couple of lines that place more of an emphasis on their cuisine such as Holland America and Oceania.  Holland America has demonstration kitchens and offers a variety of cooking lessons.  Oceania has the legendary master chef Jacques Pépin as their executive culinary director.  Norwegian has partnered with Iron Chef Geoffrey Zakaran and Cake Boss; while Carnival has partnered with Guy Fieri.  These are just a few of the samples.
       
When it comes to resorts, there are some resorts that really excel in the world of culinary arts.  Karisma Resorts uses the tag line Gourmet Inclusive.  Azul is their family brand and they really know how to keep the food interesting for kids of all ages.  El Dorado is their adult only brand and the food choices are amazing at these resorts.  The Gourmet Inclusive tag line lives up to expectations; truly something for everyone and all high quality.
                
As for destinations, there are many for the foodie in all of us.   Italy and France come to top of mind.  You can do entire culinary oriented tours in both countries!  These are two of my favorite countries for food, but the list is too long to list.

Hopefully I’ve given you one more thing to consider for your vacation planning.  Now that I’ve made myself (and hopefully you) hungry, it’s time to go find my next culinary adventure!

Kelley

 

Do you need a break ??

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Cruise Planners
 Do you need a Break  ??Date: April  2013                       Issue #: 10

Kelley’s Travel Times 

 

Do you need a break   ??
Last weekend I had the pleasure of spending a long weekend with girlfriends.   Every year I am fortunate enough that one of my friends invites me (and 3 or 4 more of us) to a weekend getaway at a nearby camp.  Now don’t start thinking that I’m pitching a tent – we camp in a 3 bedroom log cabin with a back porch that overlooks a beautiful lake.   While our trips are not long vacations, they do help to refresh, relax and rejuvenate each one of us.
As you are busy in your everyday life, do you ever feel like you need to just take a break and get away?  There are some great destinations that will allow you to do just this!   All you need is a long weekend (3 or 4 nights), a non-stop flight, and the perfect hotel or resort. A couple of my suggestions may just surprise you!
Las Vegas, yes, you read correctly, Las Vegas.  It is the perfect escape for a girl’s trip, or a couple’s trip.  I personally love Las Vegas but not for the reason you may think.  I do not gamble, I have not donated 1 penny to any of the casinos in years.  What do I love about Las Vegas?  Let’s start with some great luxury hotels, pampering spas, world class shopping, amazing dining options, and the fabulous entertainment options.

 

                        

 

Arizona is another great place for the shorter getaway. With a flight in to Phoenix, Scottsdale and Sedona are easy options.  While Phoenix itself is a great destination, I prefer Scottsdale or Sedona. World class golf, shopping, spas and dining are all available to you.  Arizona also is a great place for active relaxation.  There is nothing like a great hike to help clear the mind.    For couples, the guys can golf and the gals can shop and spa – sounds like a perfect trip to me!!

 

 

San Antonio, TX is another great option for that shorter getaway.  I’m not talking about the hustle and bustle of the River Walk and other tourist attractions.  The JW Marriott Hill Country Resort is a fantastic getaway.  They have a great pool area, a lazy river, fantastic spa, a tequila tasting bar, great foods and service standard that is sure to make you feel pampered.  You are also close enough to go in to San Antonio and enjoy the attractions and activities, but just enough outside of town to be away from it all.

 

Sometimes that shorter vacation is just exactly what you need.
It sure worked for me last weekend!  Thank you Debbie, Stacey, Pam, and Tracey!

Kelley

 

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

Are you spending too much or not enough ???

by In Cruise, Destinations, General Travel Information Tagged , Leave a comment
Cruise Planners
 Are You spending too much or not enough ??Date: April  2013                       Issue #: 9

Kelley’s Travel Times #9

 

Are you spending too much or not enough ??
Dear [fname]

It’s hard to believe we are nearly mid-way through the month of April!  Where does the time go?        

Next Monday is the 15th; we all know what that day means… it’s the deadline for filing your income taxes!

If you are like me, it is this time of year I often look at what I make vs. what I spend.

It can be very enlightening!  Some years in a good way, others … well… you have to wonder…

The one thing I never wonder about is the value I add to my personal vacations and the value I bring to my clients when planning their destination weddings, honeymoons, or vacations. One of my very favorite quotes is by Warren Buffet:

“Price is what you pay, value is what you get.”   Value, what is it to you?

 

For some people, value is time and time is money.  For some people value is convenience.  For some people value is knowledge and expertise.  As a professional travel concierge I work with only the best vacation providers to insure that you have a seamless and flawless vacation experience from start to finish thus providing you with time, convenience, my knowledge and expertise.   I constantly attend meetings and educational events to increase my knowledge and expertise.  When planning your vacation experience and spending your hard earned dollars, the focus should always be on the value you are receiving, not the price you are paying.  That does not necessarily mean that the more expensive things are the better value; price and value are not always equal players.   Aside from the value you receive when working with me, let’s look at some ways to add value items to your vacation experience.

              
Upgraded Transfers:

Do they cost more?  Of course they do, but they can bring considerable value to you.  If you are on a shorter vacation, it can add a couple of hours or more to your vacation if you opt for non-stop or private transfers to your resort.   Also, if you are in a country you are not familiar with, you have an immediate point of contact upon arrival and you aren’t left to wonder, where is that shuttle bus?  Private transfers are also much more relaxing than group bus transfers, after the chaos of the airport it is a nice way to decompress and start your vacation already relaxed!  Are you vacationing in a bustling city?  Private transfers can be a life saver for making that return flight on time!  Are you traveling the day after your wedding and very long wedding reception?  Are you even awake enough to negotiate the airports and seek out the right bus?  Heaven forbid you need to negotiate a cab in a foreign country if you are an inexperienced traveler working on little or no sleep!

Private Shore Excursions for cruise ports:

Do they cost more?  Surprisingly, often they do not!  The independent companies that I recommend provide for a more enhanced in-destination experience.  There are often less people on the tour; therefore the tour can operate more efficiently.   If you choose a private tour, then you can absolutely customize the tour to what you want it to be, not what the cruise line or the rest of the group thinks it should be.  Let’s take Whale watching in Alaska – would you rather be crammed in to a boat with 100 passengers, or have a great day on a smaller boat with only 6 – 15 passengers?  Personally, at only 5’1” tall, I’m going for the 6 – 15 person boat so I can actually see a whale instead of just the back of someone in front of me.

Upgraded Room category or cabin category on a ship:

Yes, of course they cost more.  However, often it is not that much more and you can have a great view of the beach or ocean as opposed to the building next to you.  On a cruise ship it can be the difference of deck and location on the deck.  (very important for first time cruisers!)  Also, if you are mobility challenged, often the better room and cabin categories are more centrally located resulting in less difficulty getting to the activities or venues you want to experience.  Another thing to consider for your resort vacations – room service!  The entry level room categories often do not include the ability to have room service.  This can be a great value if you are having a lazy (or romantic) day and would love to have breakfast or lunch delivered to your room.

     

 

Hopefully this helps you to understand that sometimes, price and value are not equivalent.  It’s the value that will enhance your vacation experience.
Kelley

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

Are You ready for an ADVENTURE ???

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Cruise Planners
 Are You Ready For An ADVENTURE ??Date: April  2013                       Issue #: 8

Kelley’s Travel Times #8

 

Are You Ready For An Adventure ??
It’s hard to believe that Easter has come and gone already this year!  I hope you had a great Easter weekend and you were able to celebrate with family and friends.  Steve and I had a nice (and much needed!) quiet Easter weekend and spent part of Easter day with my mom.  Mom is loving being in Texas for the winter months; she now understands why I left Ohio so many years ago.  I have to admit, while it was nice to spend some of the day with mom, my favorite times are the times I spend with Steve.
As a travel concierge who specializes in couples travel, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely.  Couples travel can be any form of travel such as cruises, resorts, escorted tours, independent touring, and more.  Couples travel can involve 1 couple traveling for romance or to celebrate a lifetime milestone; it can also be a group of couples traveling together for a special occasion or to experience new cultures.
              

One of the trends in couples travel is the more adventurous luxury travel for the romantic celebrations.  Because the average age for marriage is getting older, these couples are often established and have a desire for longer or more sophisticated honeymoons.   For many adults that are marrying for a second time, those couples no longer dream of the back packing trip through Europe.  African safaris are becoming very trendy for honeymooners as well as milestone anniversaries and other life celebrations.  This combines the best of both worlds!  Imagine yourself on your African Game Safari during the day, and in the evening your private romantic sunset dinner with breathtaking views.

               

 

Did you know you can do wine tours and river cruising while on your African safari vacation?  Exotic travel is also a hot trend.  Travel to Asia, Cambodia, and Vietnam is very popular.  Nearly all of the river cruise lines now offer these exotic itineraries.  I expect these destinations in particular to become more and more popular.  I expect within the next year, the Africa and Asia itineraries will sell out as quickly as some of the more popular Europe itineraries.  We are already seeing a variety of tour operators and river cruise companies increase the number of sailings or adventures to these destinations.
Some of the best advice I can give to my adventure minded couples is plan early and plan well.  Work with an experienced and professional travel consultant so all of your details are handled appropriately.  You wouldn’t want to get to your far away exotic destination only to be turned away because you don’t have the proper documentation.

Kelley

 

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

New York – New York

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Kelley’s Travel Times                              

New York – New York !!

It’s been a very busy week!! I have been in New York City all week attending a Cruise Planners regional meeting and attending the inaugural event for the new Norwegian Breakaway.

Next week I will update you on the new ship and all it has to offer for your vacation experience.

In the meantime, enjoy a few pictures from my Adventure this week.  New York is fun vibrant and non-stop and has something for everyone.

 

     

 

Lady Liberty                                                                   Times Square at night

 

What an entertaining week – we went to see a show “Kinky Boots” If anyone comes to NYC, you MUST see the musical Kinky Boots! It is amazing !!! They are nominated for multiple Tony Awards and they deserve every one of them!   We saw Whoopie, Rosie, and Cindy Lauper after the show!

Ellens Stardust Diner – Times Square, Midtown Manhattan NYC – home to Broadway theatres and the biggest New Years Eve party in the world, is also home to the future stars of stage & screen at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – THE home of the singing waiters, and some of the best diner food in town!

 

                   

 

Ooooh and look who I ran into at the Cruise Planners Regional conference:  Andrew McCarthy was an entertaining and engaging speaker! Can’t wait to read his new book – The Longest Way Home

Have a great week everyone – can’t wait to fill you in on the exciting new Norwegian Breakaway.
Kelley

 

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com

 

 

The Island of Romance

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The Island of Romance

Last week I attended a training conference with a group of travel agents.  While I certainly had a great time and we shared many laughs and meals, I quickly realized that I have completely different expectations when I travel with Steve than when I am with a group of travel industry colleagues.  Sometimes Steve and I are about the romance and beauty of a destination, other times we are about the culture or adventure of a destination.  I would venture to say that Steve and I are never about the meeting schedule or facilities of a destination!  Those of you that know Steve know this to be very true!

This week, I have booked several romance vacations so let’s take a look at one of my favorite romance and couples destinations, Bora Bora.  Bora Bora is often referred to and considered to be the most romantic island in the world.  Bora Bora is a very popular honeymoon destination and also a bucket list destination for many couples.

Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of Society Islands of French Polynesia.  Bora Bora is surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef.   In the center of the island, rising high above the ground are 2 extinct volcanoes, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemaru.  The commune of Bora-Bora is made up of the island of Bora Bora and its surrounding islets emerging from the coral reef, The surrounding islets include: Motu Tapu, Motu Ahuna, Tevairoa, Motu Tane, Motu Mute, Motu Tufari, Motu Pitiaau, Sofitel Motu, Motu Toopua and Toopuaiti.

French Polynesia basically has 2 seasons, the dry season and the humid season.
•The dry season -also called Austral winter- taking place between April and October brings an expected coolness, July and August being the coolest months of the year due to southeast trade winds called maraamu. As a consequence a cotton sweater will often be enjoyable in the evening (or early in the morning).
•The humid season -also called Rainy season- starts in November and ends in March. It brings mugginess, humidity as well as heavier and more frequent rains than in the dry season.
Bora-Bora has some micro-climates within these seasons due to the varying landscape and elevations on the island.

 


Bora Bora is less than a 1 hour flight from Tahiti.  Air Tahiti flies out of LAX and in to Tahiti, you then connect to Bora Bora.  Often this is an overnight process, remember – you have to get to LAX from your home airport.  I always advise that people plan on 2 days travel to get there, and 2 days to get home.

Because of the lengthy travel (it can be 4 days of travel alone!), I rarely recommend anything less than 7 – 10 nights for your vacation to Bora Bora.   A 7 night vacation really only means 3 or 4 at the resort; that is a long way to go for a short stay.  Can it be done?  Certainly!  I just don’t recommend it if you are looking for a relaxing vacation.

 

Bora Bora is home of the famous over-water bungalows.  Those private overwater bungalows that over-look the turquoise colored lagoon just scream romance!  Imagine having your breakfast brought to your overwater bungalow private balcony by an outrigger canoe decorated with flowers everywhere.

How does a private sunset catamaran sail with a 4 course dinner sound?  I can just hear the Polynesian music now…
There is also much more to Bora Bora than romance.  Of course water activities are abundant, snorkeling, glass bottom boats, sailing, and jet skis just to name a few. There are also activities for the land lovers among us, 4×4’s are a popular way to tour the interior of the “main land proper” of Bora Bora.  There are guided hikes to Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, as well as exploring the ancient Marae temples along the coast, horseback riding, and discovering WW2 relics.

 

 

Hopefully I’ve sparked your curiosity about this fabulous romance destination.
Kelley

 

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!

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…