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...

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

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.

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