Let's get back to the basics of travel and why you choose the vacation you are going to go on. In the olden days..you know the days when you had to use a pay phone with a quarter or even a dime for us oldies..when you remembered phone numbers and you used the neighborhood vendor just because they were in the neighborhood and they took good care of you.
Well neighborhoods are long gone, the local travel agent pretty much is long gone so you have a choice of basically putting up a map of the world and throwing a dart into the place you think you might want to go and then going ONLINE and picking the least expensive price for whichever resort was on special at that moment. Did the company care about you..no you are just a number to them. 1-10, 100-500 and so on.
Just the other day I said to someone I wish I could wake up and the age of technology would just disappear for a number of reason.
Those travel agents....real travel agents....not order takers...not transcribers of emails...the travel agents who know the resorts, all inclusive, honeymoon, and yes imagine a destination wedding. It was unheard of 40 yrs ago.
We...the real people who specialized in the Caribbean, or Mexico, or Europe or Cruises..We know..we know whats best for you and your family. We actually talk to you on the phone and find out your likes and dislikes. We actually wait for the phone call or "email" when you return to tell us if you actually liked where we sent you. It is important to us. It keeps us in business. The fact that we took care of you the way your doctor takes care of you is important to us.
Please friends and family..when thinking about a vacation..call us ...don't use the dartboard method or the internet method..choose someone that you can trust. Most people don't know that word anymore.."Trust" Its important when choosing any type of vendor. It's important when you spend your money...It's simply important...
They call me travelsue
atimetotravel.net
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, October 24, 2011
Travel Specials
There are so many travel specials out there. How do you know which to choose and which travel agent to go to...or should you just do it on the internet.
My answer is good and bad. If you choose to book thru the internet you may find very very inexpensive trips, but do you actually know where you are going? All resorts are NOT created equal and a picture is not worth a thousands words. Photographers are paid to make a resort look enticing...I just have to go there...Well in my opinion..you don't just have to go there..It's your money that is being spent and do you actually want to go someplace that looks great on the outside but on the inside....ewwww...I have been to many of those resorts...places that I wouldn't put my foot down on the floor without shoes...food that was inedible..but the pictures were fabulous..
My friends...go to a travel agent. We know about these resorts...I will tell you the good...bad..and ugly...and make sure you have a great time..Our small company employs only people who are there to help and are knowledgeable about where you want to go.
Don't waste your money and remember....we can match almost all prices you see out there...
My answer is good and bad. If you choose to book thru the internet you may find very very inexpensive trips, but do you actually know where you are going? All resorts are NOT created equal and a picture is not worth a thousands words. Photographers are paid to make a resort look enticing...I just have to go there...Well in my opinion..you don't just have to go there..It's your money that is being spent and do you actually want to go someplace that looks great on the outside but on the inside....ewwww...I have been to many of those resorts...places that I wouldn't put my foot down on the floor without shoes...food that was inedible..but the pictures were fabulous..
My friends...go to a travel agent. We know about these resorts...I will tell you the good...bad..and ugly...and make sure you have a great time..Our small company employs only people who are there to help and are knowledgeable about where you want to go.
Don't waste your money and remember....we can match almost all prices you see out there...
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Hard Rock Punta Cana
Well there is always good news and bad news when traveling and unfortunately although this new all inclusive resort in Punta Cana is spectular, it does have it's downfalls.
First of all...most of the staff try but they do not speak English. Now although I live in Florida where spanish is many people's primary language, it is not mine. That being said..I was at this Palace all inclusive resort in Punta Cana a year ago. It was new and trying to get it's kinks out.
The rooms were beautiful, food good and casino took all of my money. No sour grapes here but all in all it was a great experience.
Move ahead one year and I send a bunch of people for a golf vacation. For avid golfers this would not be the first place I would pick but they are offering many amenities and this could include unlimited golf. So we are good.
My customers arrive on the property and everything seems to be great except when they attempt to go golfing. Their tee times were set up thru my wholesaler and the resort..yet the resort did not put it into their system, thus no golf. After my client spent a day arguing with the resort and resorted to calling me..I must have made 25 phone calls to Punta Cana (can't wait to see that bill).
Finally reached my sales rep who happened to be there on a fam and she went ahead and fixed everything...One small ooops...They were doing irrigation on some of the holes of the golf course..so the course if you are an avid golfer, was not playable.
I know the resort ultimately will take care of my guests, although they finished their vacation..Maybe next time...well no next time golf here as far as I am concerned...Sometimes when it's broke, you can't fix it.
So for anyone who is actually reading this...make sure you check on the condition of the golf course before travel.
Sometimes things happen...sometimes they can't be controlled. And most of the time everything goes right.
First of all...most of the staff try but they do not speak English. Now although I live in Florida where spanish is many people's primary language, it is not mine. That being said..I was at this Palace all inclusive resort in Punta Cana a year ago. It was new and trying to get it's kinks out.
The rooms were beautiful, food good and casino took all of my money. No sour grapes here but all in all it was a great experience.
Move ahead one year and I send a bunch of people for a golf vacation. For avid golfers this would not be the first place I would pick but they are offering many amenities and this could include unlimited golf. So we are good.
My customers arrive on the property and everything seems to be great except when they attempt to go golfing. Their tee times were set up thru my wholesaler and the resort..yet the resort did not put it into their system, thus no golf. After my client spent a day arguing with the resort and resorted to calling me..I must have made 25 phone calls to Punta Cana (can't wait to see that bill).
Finally reached my sales rep who happened to be there on a fam and she went ahead and fixed everything...One small ooops...They were doing irrigation on some of the holes of the golf course..so the course if you are an avid golfer, was not playable.
I know the resort ultimately will take care of my guests, although they finished their vacation..Maybe next time...well no next time golf here as far as I am concerned...Sometimes when it's broke, you can't fix it.
So for anyone who is actually reading this...make sure you check on the condition of the golf course before travel.
Sometimes things happen...sometimes they can't be controlled. And most of the time everything goes right.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Memories of 9/11
First, I would like to express my sincere condolences to all of the families and friends who lost someone and were deeply affected by the events of 9/11. I, myself along with my husband watched on TV as the second plane hit the tower and thought to myself..what the hell is going on.
Recently on my last fam to mexico, I met a gentleman in the pool named Jim LaPenna. Below is his story.
Jim Lapenna was working as an electrician just blocks away from the World Trade Center Complex on that tragic morning and instinctively fled from his job to the scene of the crime with a heart full of hope. He lost his job because he felt that helping in this tragedy was more important.
He was a first responder and when he told us his story..we could not believe that this brave man would give up everything to rush to ground zero.
He has many physical ailments resulting from him being at ground zero, but he doesn't let any of it stop him from telling his story.
I applaud him and people like him
Recently on my last fam to mexico, I met a gentleman in the pool named Jim LaPenna. Below is his story.
Jim Lapenna was working as an electrician just blocks away from the World Trade Center Complex on that tragic morning and instinctively fled from his job to the scene of the crime with a heart full of hope. He lost his job because he felt that helping in this tragedy was more important.
He was a first responder and when he told us his story..we could not believe that this brave man would give up everything to rush to ground zero.
He has many physical ailments resulting from him being at ground zero, but he doesn't let any of it stop him from telling his story.
I applaud him and people like him
Saturday, September 10, 2011
A boring saturday..not much to do
Ok..perks of the travel business. Somedays there is absolutely nothing to do and then there are days with plenty to do but you just have no desire to do it. Funny, I just hooked up on facebook with an old friend who used to be in the travel business and she was reminding me that in the old days customers would call..use our knowledge of the product and then book.
Now they drain me dry of information and even though I can offer them the same price, they go and book online. Don't you see something wrong with that? I have few brain cells left, but to take what little there is left ...not cool. So for all you people who are taking my brain cells...I will give you all of the information you want. I will tell you the absolute truth and then charge you $50 to have done so. If you book your trip thru me and I certainly hope you do, we will apply the $50 toward the purchase price.
I am contemplating going to Jamaica in the next few weeks if the prices decide to drop. I don't know what's up with the high air prices but it's making it so tough for people to travel because the air ends up costing more than the hotel with meals. Come on airlines...get with the program..
I guess I am in a vacation paradise. A mile from the beach near Ft Lauderdale. This is a great great place to vacation...although the fall is pretty inexpensive, it rains every day so bring your raincoat and galloshes
Now they drain me dry of information and even though I can offer them the same price, they go and book online. Don't you see something wrong with that? I have few brain cells left, but to take what little there is left ...not cool. So for all you people who are taking my brain cells...I will give you all of the information you want. I will tell you the absolute truth and then charge you $50 to have done so. If you book your trip thru me and I certainly hope you do, we will apply the $50 toward the purchase price.
I am contemplating going to Jamaica in the next few weeks if the prices decide to drop. I don't know what's up with the high air prices but it's making it so tough for people to travel because the air ends up costing more than the hotel with meals. Come on airlines...get with the program..
I guess I am in a vacation paradise. A mile from the beach near Ft Lauderdale. This is a great great place to vacation...although the fall is pretty inexpensive, it rains every day so bring your raincoat and galloshes
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Is summer over?
Summer is technically over. Not for those of us who live in warm climates and not for the many who love to travel to the caribbean. It is always summer there...maybe a few storms thrown in but the caribbean and Mexico have bounced back from the dreaded Irene and as of Oct 1..most of the damaged properties in the bahamas are open for business. That means open for vacation and the time of your life.
I am going to start posting every day..(great thought, huh) or as often as you can. Please follow me my friends and even my non friends because what I have to say is important to me and to everyone that travels.
Again..why use a travel agent.
For simple reason. If there is a hurricane approaching, we can get you out of the destination relatively easily with no panic involved. We use wholesalers..we work hand in hand with people who are level headed and not thrown into panic situations.My main wholesaler is a company called Travel Impressions....owned by American Express they are my go to people when I need HELP!!! and yes every once in a while I need help to take care of you.
Travel agents will get you the best price...we will be there at your beck and call and we will know your likes and dislikes...PLUS we will know ahead of time if a storm is brewing..
Don't forget to pick up the phone and call 954 575 6101 and ask for me...Sue...to ask almost any question...
I am going to start posting every day..(great thought, huh) or as often as you can. Please follow me my friends and even my non friends because what I have to say is important to me and to everyone that travels.
Again..why use a travel agent.
For simple reason. If there is a hurricane approaching, we can get you out of the destination relatively easily with no panic involved. We use wholesalers..we work hand in hand with people who are level headed and not thrown into panic situations.My main wholesaler is a company called Travel Impressions....owned by American Express they are my go to people when I need HELP!!! and yes every once in a while I need help to take care of you.
Travel agents will get you the best price...we will be there at your beck and call and we will know your likes and dislikes...PLUS we will know ahead of time if a storm is brewing..
Don't forget to pick up the phone and call 954 575 6101 and ask for me...Sue...to ask almost any question...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
it's been about a week since I last wrote
It's been about a week since I last wrote about things. My move is almost complete and starting anew in Hallandale beach. A half mile from the beach.
A comment I wanted to make..did you know we travel agents can generally match any price you see on the internet and give you personalized service too. Fix anything that is wrong. Let the resort know that you are a VIP and just general service that you wouldn't get from booking online. I had someone call me yesterday and ask about a resort. They had already booked using one of the big name online companies but really didn't know much about the resort. I had been there and I tell it like it is usually and after I gave her my honest opinion...she asked, "how can I change my destination?" I said had you booked thru me...a travel professional you wouldn't be in the position you are in because I would have told you not to go there in the first place.
What one person likes...another person might not. You need to tell you agent your likes and dislikes and what you are looking for in a resort. It's your hard earned money you are spending and when you book online you don't know what you are getting because ALL OF THE PHOTOS LOOK FABULOUS!!
I have been there. I am a specialist. I know and I am honest.
And I do want your business
A comment I wanted to make..did you know we travel agents can generally match any price you see on the internet and give you personalized service too. Fix anything that is wrong. Let the resort know that you are a VIP and just general service that you wouldn't get from booking online. I had someone call me yesterday and ask about a resort. They had already booked using one of the big name online companies but really didn't know much about the resort. I had been there and I tell it like it is usually and after I gave her my honest opinion...she asked, "how can I change my destination?" I said had you booked thru me...a travel professional you wouldn't be in the position you are in because I would have told you not to go there in the first place.
What one person likes...another person might not. You need to tell you agent your likes and dislikes and what you are looking for in a resort. It's your hard earned money you are spending and when you book online you don't know what you are getting because ALL OF THE PHOTOS LOOK FABULOUS!!
I have been there. I am a specialist. I know and I am honest.
And I do want your business
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Just a few words to say
Ok friends, I am in the middle of moving hell. I am relocating my office and myself to Hallandale Beach, Fl. So much work..But near the water, just in time for the hurricane..See my black cloud follows me everywhere..
What I wanted to say in this mini post..Be careful when you chose the airline you are going to travel on. I try to tell my customers that not all airlines are created equal. They are trying to take your money. Especially watch Spirit air. Even though the price might be inexpensive, you still will be hit with all kinds of charges. They charge for carry on. Of course they reduced the weight requirement to 40 not 50 lbs and didn't bother to announce it...and they charge for luggage. So when you weigh the pros and cons ask your travel agent what SHE thinks.
My favorites are Jet Blue, American and Delta...The rest well, ask me how I feel that day.
There are all kinds of sales out there for travel, so why don't you give me a call and we'll talk
954 575 6101
So..I am now traveling to Hallandale beach for my current trip..Not too far away..but certainly different from where I am now.
Friday, July 29, 2011
A Palace Resorts Mexican Tour
So here I was, clumsy me expecting a nice and easy fam. Well guess again..but we will get into that later.
We stayed at the Cancun Palace which I would recommend to singles, couples and all around partiers. Bachelor parties and just a friends getaway.
The shots flowed like water at the pool bar. And there was tons of entertainment. I think a bit risque for little kids but the older teens might find it amusing.
The beach is fabulous and the food plentiful. I had an oceanview room and the view was to die for.
We dined at the Cancun Palace for the entire first day. All you can eat, drink and then some.
The next morning we were to do two site inspections...so I went next door to my friend Hedy's room to have room service. Had to use the bathroom and the lights were out. My room was opposite hers and i was so tired I thought the shower was the throne..so I tripped over the lip of the shower and ended up banging my head on the marble. Hedy's heard me scream and said "Why are you going to the bathroom in my shower"...a joke but she was scared so she called the doctor. He came within 5 minutes. .."If you get sick..I would suggest Mexico"..After giving me a shot in my behind..he left and told me to sleep which I did..missing the sun and beach palace. I had been there before so it was ok..
Clumsy, clutzy...and should be wrapped in bubble wrap is my title.
That night we went to Le Blanc Spa which is the upscale adult version of the other palace resorts...An all white resort...this hotel is amazing. Food was impressive as was the resort.
The next day...an all morning excursion to Moon Palace. It's big. When I say big I mean huge..2500 rooms with another 1000 being built. There is a separate section just for the wedding people. We had a cake tasting and might I said, bring on that icing..!!!
The beach is a little small for my taste but the resort is beautiful.
Back to Cancun Palace to eat, drink and be merry. "Did I say drink"...
We met a wonderful man who was a first responder at 9/11 and he told us the most amazing stories..brings tears to your eyes. He was also a great one for getting bargains on the beach. Silver bracelets galore...(sterling) I might add....and after spending a minimal amount and getting fabulouse jewelry..It was time to leave.
My feeling. Palace resorts is offering up to a $1500 credit toward stays of 7 nights. It is a great bang for the buck and the hotels are certainly 4 star and higher. I don't like the time share people but they didn't bother me at all. I was just pissed that I couldn't sell anything to the people who had time shares.
3days in Cancun..a lot of food....a lot of drink..whatever your pleasure is...and a lot of fun..
Mexico is a very safe place to go. Don't let anyone tell you anything different.
This was a short and sweet fam trip...and I highly recommend it to all of my customers. There is a little something for everyone plus a new palace in Punta Cana
We stayed at the Cancun Palace which I would recommend to singles, couples and all around partiers. Bachelor parties and just a friends getaway.
The shots flowed like water at the pool bar. And there was tons of entertainment. I think a bit risque for little kids but the older teens might find it amusing.
The beach is fabulous and the food plentiful. I had an oceanview room and the view was to die for.
We dined at the Cancun Palace for the entire first day. All you can eat, drink and then some.
The next morning we were to do two site inspections...so I went next door to my friend Hedy's room to have room service. Had to use the bathroom and the lights were out. My room was opposite hers and i was so tired I thought the shower was the throne..so I tripped over the lip of the shower and ended up banging my head on the marble. Hedy's heard me scream and said "Why are you going to the bathroom in my shower"...a joke but she was scared so she called the doctor. He came within 5 minutes. .."If you get sick..I would suggest Mexico"..After giving me a shot in my behind..he left and told me to sleep which I did..missing the sun and beach palace. I had been there before so it was ok..
Clumsy, clutzy...and should be wrapped in bubble wrap is my title.
That night we went to Le Blanc Spa which is the upscale adult version of the other palace resorts...An all white resort...this hotel is amazing. Food was impressive as was the resort.
The next day...an all morning excursion to Moon Palace. It's big. When I say big I mean huge..2500 rooms with another 1000 being built. There is a separate section just for the wedding people. We had a cake tasting and might I said, bring on that icing..!!!
The beach is a little small for my taste but the resort is beautiful.
Back to Cancun Palace to eat, drink and be merry. "Did I say drink"...
We met a wonderful man who was a first responder at 9/11 and he told us the most amazing stories..brings tears to your eyes. He was also a great one for getting bargains on the beach. Silver bracelets galore...(sterling) I might add....and after spending a minimal amount and getting fabulouse jewelry..It was time to leave.
My feeling. Palace resorts is offering up to a $1500 credit toward stays of 7 nights. It is a great bang for the buck and the hotels are certainly 4 star and higher. I don't like the time share people but they didn't bother me at all. I was just pissed that I couldn't sell anything to the people who had time shares.
3days in Cancun..a lot of food....a lot of drink..whatever your pleasure is...and a lot of fun..
Mexico is a very safe place to go. Don't let anyone tell you anything different.
This was a short and sweet fam trip...and I highly recommend it to all of my customers. There is a little something for everyone plus a new palace in Punta Cana
Thursday, July 21, 2011
In case you don't know what a fam is...it's a familiarization trip...To familiarize we travel agents with the resorts. With that thought in mind, Last week I took two travel agents with me to Sandals Royal Bahamian. From the last time I was there until now, the resort has changed remarkably. There is fun in the sun. Playmakers that work hard to help you have a good time. Poolside there used to be what I call elevator music...Now reggae...soca and more...games galore..The new General Manager, Patrick Drake along with his staff is just amazing.I was able to arrange a birthday party for a guest with the butler manager Rory (who has an amazing voice) singing for us.
Also visiting Atlantis, which I find way to big and crowded, although beautiful.
We were there for 5 nts. I tasted more booze than I ever did. And had a great great time. One of my new favorites.
I even snorkeled..... sort of. But everyone knows my opinion of snorkeling....
On the way back to the airport we stopped for a bit of fire in de hole erotic rum..A must try..
And only bought 4 fluie vuttons.
See our photos above
We were there for 5 nts. I tasted more booze than I ever did. And had a great great time. One of my new favorites.
I even snorkeled..... sort of. But everyone knows my opinion of snorkeling....
On the way back to the airport we stopped for a bit of fire in de hole erotic rum..A must try..
And only bought 4 fluie vuttons.
See our photos above
A Mini fam trip to Nassau
In case you don't know what a fam is...it's a familiarization trip...To familiarize we travel agents with the resorts. With that thought in mind, Last week I took two travel agents with me to Sandals Royal Bahamian. From the last time I was there until now, the resort has changed remarkably. There is fun in the sun. Playmakers that work hard to help you have a good time. Poolside there used to be what I call elevator music...Now reggae...soca and more...games galore..The new General Manager, Patrick Drake along with his staff is just amazing.
I was able to arrange a birthday party for a guest with the butler manager Rory (who has an amazing voice) singing for us.
Also visiting Atlantis, which I find way to big and crowded, although beautiful.
We were there for 5 nts. I tasted more booze than I ever did. And had a great great time. One of my new favorites.
I even snorkeled..... sort of. But everyone knows my opinion of snorkeling....
On the way back to the airport we stopped for a bit of fire in de hole erotic rum..A must try..
And only bought 4 fluie vuttons.
See our photos below...even Fred...we love fred...
I was able to arrange a birthday party for a guest with the butler manager Rory (who has an amazing voice) singing for us.
Also visiting Atlantis, which I find way to big and crowded, although beautiful.
We were there for 5 nts. I tasted more booze than I ever did. And had a great great time. One of my new favorites.
I even snorkeled..... sort of. But everyone knows my opinion of snorkeling....
On the way back to the airport we stopped for a bit of fire in de hole erotic rum..A must try..
And only bought 4 fluie vuttons.
See our photos below...even Fred...we love fred...
Monday, May 9, 2011
Why should people use travel agents.
I will tell you a story. Last week I had a customer who called me Sunday morning about 10 times in a row. I knew that there must be something wrong cause who calls you on Mothers day at 830am...certainly not me.
Well it seems the airline postponed their flight for later that morning..making it impossible to connect to their next plane. If you had booked thru expedia what would they have said...Sorry...nothing I can do..and by the way you will be staying one less night..
He told me he was going to ft lauderdale for the night and then going to Jamaica the next day...what could I do? First I booked him a hotel for one night in Ft Lauderdale and not at a place that would be considered dumps r us. Then I said well did you ask the airline to extend your stay. No one ever asks those questions, including him. I said run, ask, do what you can do..and guess what....my wholesaler had no seats but the airline had two seats left on the plane. So we have gotten him to Ft Lauderdale..We extended the stay..but then what ..He was going to a resort that is always sold out. When you are a professional, it is your job to know who to speak with, how to get stays that don't exist.
I made a few phone calls and got him the extra night extention at no charge.
WOULD ONE OF THE ON LINE AGENTS HAVE DONE THAT
Well it seems the airline postponed their flight for later that morning..making it impossible to connect to their next plane. If you had booked thru expedia what would they have said...Sorry...nothing I can do..and by the way you will be staying one less night..
He told me he was going to ft lauderdale for the night and then going to Jamaica the next day...what could I do? First I booked him a hotel for one night in Ft Lauderdale and not at a place that would be considered dumps r us. Then I said well did you ask the airline to extend your stay. No one ever asks those questions, including him. I said run, ask, do what you can do..and guess what....my wholesaler had no seats but the airline had two seats left on the plane. So we have gotten him to Ft Lauderdale..We extended the stay..but then what ..He was going to a resort that is always sold out. When you are a professional, it is your job to know who to speak with, how to get stays that don't exist.
I made a few phone calls and got him the extra night extention at no charge.
WOULD ONE OF THE ON LINE AGENTS HAVE DONE THAT
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