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.

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

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

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...