Wednesday, December 19, 2012


Plotting the Perfect Itinerary
In life, there are pantsers and there are plotters. Pantsers like to live by the seat of their pants (hence the term ‘pantsers'), winging it as they go with the flow and see where the universe takes them. Plotters, on the other hand, plot out their tasks, their grocery lists, their errands and practically everything else in life, making sure they don't skip a thing.
To plan the perfect travel itinerary, it helps to be a serious plotter (like most travel agents are). But to truly enjoy that well-plotted itinerary, you need to have a little pantser in you (like most travel agents do!). Here are three key tips to plotting the perfect, seamless itinerary:

Give Yourself Time

An overly-ambitious planner would schedule an event for every second of every day, creating an itinerary that maximizes time but leaves no room for error or even improvisational exploration. So prioritize your sightseeing, choose only those at the top of your list and give yourself plenty of time to get there and enjoy these fantastic sights. Also realize that there are many factors you cannot plan for—such as traffic, missed connections or local events that shut down streets—so the more room you leave in your daily schedule, the less stress you'll experience completing it.

Include the Minor Details
Most people think their itinerary consists only of flights and hotels. Not so. It should also include travel time to the airport and from the airport's parking lots to the terminal. And let's not forget travel from the destination airport to your hotel, time to eat during your trip, and time to leisurely catch a connecting flight if your first one is delayed. Only by thinking of all of these various factors will you be able to create a seamless itinerary.

Add an Extra Day of Nothing
Regardless of how well-planned your vacation is, everything changes once you arrive at your destination. You may become ill or need time to shop if your luggage is delayed. Maybe you learned on the flight over about an incredible new restaurant you want to try but didn't schedule. Or perhaps a storm douses your plans for an all-day outdoor activity. The best thing to do is add an extra day of nothing at the end of your schedule, which will give you a cushion to do the things you might have missed.


Wednesday, December 12, 2012


Dreams Puerto Vallarta December 2012

Just returned from my first visit to the Pacific side of Mexico, along the beautiful coast of Puerto Vallarta. This resort, to my surprise has become a new favorite of mine! I traveled with my husband and another agent and his wife from 3D Cruise and Travel.

A short 20 minute cab ride from the airport, all local cabs are safe and can whisk you away to the resort for @$22 USD. The ride to the resort actually takes you through the streets of downtown Puerto Vallarta. It's hustle and bustle by day, with many locals, cruise ship passengers and tourists alike. The locals pride themselves with "living with the tourists" as one of our cab drivers told us. The cobblestone streets were interesting to say the least, but lots to see and do with shops, restaurants and markets at every turn. Be ready to sit in some traffic, but still not a difficult commute.

This resort sits about five minutes on the outside of town. Even with it's close proximity, it feels secluded and quite it's own little paradise. We were dropped off out front and handed our champagne and cold towel- only to be recognized by the e-concierge, Bethy who had spoken with me on Facebook. She made sure we were comfortable, and escorted us through to the Preferred Club lounge for check-in. The agent was wonderful, and even upgraded us to the Penthouse Dream Suite!

The Preferred Club at this hotel is located it's own separate high-rise with only PC members accommodations. The lounge itself is none other then a small snack bar and a few bottles of liquor. It doesn't offer it's own bar or waiters. A staff member is own duty here, if you wish for a certain beverage they will make their way to the outside bar. The real perk to this Preferred Club is the rooms. They are currently updating the older tower, all with spectacular views, but the PC accommodations are terrific.

Our room, along with our friends room which was a Preferred Club Junior Suite were all very well appointed. The bed was amazing, and faced the patio with ocean views. Balconies are large, including a table and chairs, plunge pools in the Dream Suites. All rooms equipped with comfortable couches and chairs, flat screen TV's, soaking tubs and large rain head showers. I think the biggest treat was the sound of the surf even with the patio doors closed in the evening.

After taking a charter to Los Arcos, and seeing a nice tour of the bay, we realized that this resort offers the best beach in the area. While the winter months do offer strong surf at times, the beach size, views and lack of peddlers make it top notch. If you are a beach person, this is the place!

Pools are small, although the larger of the two with the swim-up bar is heated. Bartenders aren't to adventurous with drinks, but do serve the usual. The Adult pool was a bit disappointing in size, included built-in loungers, but empty during out stay due to the freezing water temps.

The dining experience here was what set this place apart in my opinion. With the exception of a lack luster Italian experience, the food here was some of the best I've experienced at an all-inclusive. To take that up another notch, most of the restaurants were open-air and had spectacular views of the beach and mountains. The main buffet, the World Cafe didn't look impressive, but did offer nice choices and were always hot. This also included theme nights, my favorite being the Asian cuisine offered during the Monday Night football party on the beach.

Nightlife is dull, the Rendezvous bar located off the lobby is the hot spot for an after dinner drink. They do have an older restaurant turned into a disco at night, but was empty and lacked a DJ. One thing to note, this resort doesn't offer top shelf alcohol. Most the of speciality drinks, martinis, etc were disappointing.

Overall, we all very much enjoyed our visit here and found ourselves wishing we hadn't split the week with another property. The summer months I see this not an ideal local for couples, but in the late fall and early winter months, a perfect quiet getaway. You will have to go into town for nightlife, but certain evenings with their theme parties gives it just enough to not be boring.

Hoping to return soon!

-Kim Gulick
3D Cruise and Travel Agent

Thursday, December 6, 2012


Top 10 Reasons You Need A Girlfriend Getaway

I'm sure you have a million reasons why you can't possibly get away for a day or two with the girls--
you have that covered. What we will go over in this article is why a girlfriend getaway is not a luxury but
a necessity in today's soceity where women are expected to multi-task from dusk to dawn (not to
mention all the stuff we have figured out how to do while we are sleeping).
Top 10 Reasons You Need A Girlfriend Getaway
1.You have something to celebrate! Be it a special birthday (29, AGAIN!) a great new job, or you have recently unloaded a heavy weight (boyfriend or those 10 extra lbs. you've been carrying around) what better way to celebrate than with the women who probably helped you get to where you are today.
2.It's time to branch out and try something different. You've had countless days of the same routine; wake up, feed the kids, get ready for work, commute, work, come home, make dinner...you get the picture. Time to change your routine even if it is only for 2 or 3 days. Trust me you will feel recharged and re-energized maybe upon return you will appreciate your routine or maybe you'll tweak it a little.
3.Travel with no extra baggage meaning boyfriend/husband and kids. Yes they are the center of your universe but taking time to charge your battery will make you a stronger person and that helps everyone
4.You are way to serious, responsible and you frown too much. It is so fun to let your hair down and it also gives your frown lines a rest!
5.It will give you the push you need to take yourself out of the comfort zone. You would think about rock climbing or zip lining on a work day in lovely suburbia but put you and a couple of friend on a resort weekend in Sedona and you'd be game for anything. Especially if you are promised an hour long massage when it is over.
6.Release yourself from the guilt. It's hard to feel guilty for doing something for yourself and being self-indulgent if you are not actually looking at the people you feel you are neglecting. Try not to phone home either! You deserve this and there is no need to make excuses!
7.Being a woman in today's society is a marathon not a sprint--most women will spend 17 years caring for children and 18 years helping an elderly parent. Is 1 weekend a year going to hurt? No, in fact it will help you build reserves for the rest of the race.
8.You could potentially be saving over $1,000. The cost of 1 therapy session twice a month for 1 year could be as much as $1,700. Plan a Girlfriend Getaway on a budget as small as $200 can be just as therapeutic and just way more fun.
9.You need the sleep. According to a 2004 Harris Poll conducted for Tylenol PM, almost 70% of the women polled said they get 6 hours of sleep or less per night during the work week. A couple days away from the rat race with the girls would provide a great opportunity to catch up on those zzzzzz's.
10.You don't have time for all the self-help and how-to books that are piling up on your nightstand. Instead of spending all those hours pouring over books, go away with the girls for great conversations. It could fill a book all the advice, tips and life lessons your girlfriends have to offer. Whether you need advice on losing weight, dealing with a colicky baby, a moody teenager or a difficult boss chances are your friends have been through it and can tell you what worked for them and what did not.
We have just laid out 10 fantastic reasons to take a Girlfriend Getaway. Here is our guarantee--do it once and you will be planning your next one before the trip is even over.



Thursday, November 29, 2012

Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Winter 2012/2013


Top Five Off-Peak Destinations for Winter 2012/2013
Menlo Castle, Ireland (Photo: Eoin Gardiner via flickr/CC Attribution)

Lots of people swear by low-season travel for two big reasons: crowds are shrinking and deals are plentiful. Moreover, during colder months many destinations feature special events, from Christmas markets to winter festivals, in addition to those alluring off-peak bargains. Ready to plan your trip? Here are five destinations that are offering exceptionally affordable low-season bargains—plus some cool happenings—this winter.
Montreal
Montreal High Lights Festival (Photo: Tourisme Montreal/Jean-F.Leblanc)

Montreal

Montreal makes an easy winter weekend getaway for the heavily populated northeastern U.S. It's a cinch to skip the airport security line (plus any possible winter-weather flight delays) and drive or take the train from the Northeast to the Canadian city. (Montreal is about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Boston.)
Plus, nightly hotel rates at many properties are significantly more affordable during colder months. We spotted winter rates at the Ritz-Carlton Montreal starting at $380 CAD (about $383 USD) on weekdays in January, February, and March. In comparison, in July and August, the lowest weekday starting rate jumps to $435 CAD (about $439 USD) per night. Seeking more affordable accommodations? At La Terra Nostra, a B&B near the St. Lawrence River, rates for the cheapest room drop from $149 CAD (about $150 USD) to $129 CAD (about $130 USD) during the winter season.
On top of those low-season rates, travelers can snag additional savings with this very comprehensive deal from Tourisme Montreal. Dozens of participating hotels are offering half off on second-night stays, in addition to a special welcome gift, for travel through the end of December.
Here's even more incentive to visit this season: There's tons to do in Montreal during winter, fromNuit Blanche a Montreal (an all-night event that takes place in February) to the annual family-friendly Fete des Neiges de Montreal winter event. There's also the Montreal High Lights Festival in February and March, one of the largest winter festivals in the world.
Sonoma
Artesa Vineyards and Winery (Photo: Jim G via flickr/CC Attribution)

Sonoma

Flash-sale sites are good bets for travelers seeking deals to Sonoma (as well as many other California Wine Country destinations). At time of publication, our sister site SniqueAway is featuring deeply discounted rates for Hotel Les Mars, a Sonoma Country property. Rates for travel from November through March were slashed from $435 per night to $299 per night.
We also saw some enticing Sonoma flash-sale deals on Jetsetter (discounted winter rates at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn) and Groupon Getaways (47 percent off low-season rates at Best Western Plus Sonoma Valley Inn). Although flash-sale offers come and go quickly (and the deals mentioned here may no longer be valid), it's a good idea to sign up to receive regular emails if you're interested in a winter trip to Sonoma, as now is the time to snap up those off-peak bargains.
So, is the low demand for hotels due to bad weather? Not at all. According to the New York Times, "There isn't really a bad time to visit Napa and Sonoma valleys. By going in December, when the weather is wet and mild, you avoid the heat, crowds and prices of the summer season." Plan your trip to coincide with Sonoma's annual Winter Wineland festival (January 19 and 20) to taste rare wines and sample delectable food and drink pairings.
Ireland
(Photo: Irish Cottage via Shutterstock)

Ireland

First, the bad news: During winter, many attractions in Ireland shut down until the tourist season picks up again in spring. But that doesn't mean you should forgo a low-season trip. Winter weather on the Emerald Isle tends to be fairly mild: Temperatures don't often drop below 32 degrees. But when it gets chilly, the island's a fantastic place to stock up on hand-knit Aran sweaters. And in Ireland, enticing winter deals are as plentiful as woolly sheep, so we think the crisp air is a fair trade-off for a bargain-priced vacation.
Flights, for one, are worlds cheaper than those in the high summer season. A recent search on Irish budget airline Aer Lingus turned up direct flights from Boston to Dublin starting at $599 round-trip in January and February, including all taxes and fees. Compare this to airfares in July, which, according to TripAdvisor Flights (SmarterTravel's sister site), start at $825 round-trip for travel in 2013. (Note that those prices could easily rise as summer nears. Last summer, we saw high-season flights to Europe selling for more than $1,000 round-trip.)
Vacation packages, which are often a very cost-effective way to travel the Emerald Isle, become even cheaper when winter arrives. So cheap, in fact, that a traveler can easily finagle an entire trip for less than a grand per person. Go-Today's Amazing Ireland package, which includes five nights' accommodations, a car rental, and round-trip airfare, starts at $949 during winter; the same package costs as much as $1,799 during the high season.
Prague
(Photo: Prague via Shutterstock)

Prague

Prague's immense popularity makes the city a year-round destination, without a doubt. Still, prices for travel to the Bohemian capital tend to drop with the temperatures, and this year is no exception. Consider local hotel rates: A quick look at prices at Arcadia Residence, the number-one rated hotel in Prague on TripAdvisor, shows significantly reduced low-season prices. A studio apartment costs €65 (about $83) during low season and €110 (about $140) during high season. A two-bedroom apartment goes for €110 in low season but €180 (about $230) in high season. You get the idea—and you'll find similar pricing structures at many Prague hotels.
Airfares are also comparatively cheaper in winter. On Kayak.com, we spotted February flights from Chicago to Prague for as low as $743 round-trip. In May, L.A.-Prague flights jump to roughly $1,000 or more round-trip. For an East Coast route from New York to Prague, our Kayak search turned up flights as low as $616 in February; prices range from $853 to $956 for this route in June.
While winter brings fantastic off-peak prices, there are plenty of new and interesting attractions to keep you entertained during the season. This December, Prague is celebrating 20 years as a World Heritage site. Also in December, Prague's famous twinkling Christmas markets open their doors for festive travelers. Grab a cup of mulled wine, breathe in the crisp winter air, and spend that extra money you saved on some unique gifts to bring back home.
Sedona
(Photo: TLPOSCHARSKY via flickr/CC Attribution)

Sedona

While winter is low season for travel to Sedona, visitors will nonetheless find authentic Southwestern cuisine, colorful red-rock vistas, and dramatic sunsets no matter when they visit the popular Arizona destination. Winters tend to be mild in the area, and it doesn't snow too often. The heavy crowds of visitors that frequent Sedona's galleries, cafes, and turquoise-jewelry shops thin out during low season. Plus, there are all those off-peak deals.
At Best Western Plus Arroyo Roble Hotel & Creekside Villas, nightly rates in January start at around $170. In June, the lowest best-available rates jump to around $240. We saw similar low-season price drops at many other Sedona properties, including Canyon Villa Bed & Breakfast Inn and Boots & Saddles Bed and Breakfast.
Flights to Sedona are also wonderfully affordable during winter, especially when fare sales break. We found flights from New York to Flagstaff starting at $354 round-trip. In July, however, the lowest fares we found for the same route started at $576 round-trip. (Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is one of the closest airports to Sedona; it's about 25 miles away. Flyers can also arrive in Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, which is about 120 miles away.)
November 10, 2012 by Caroline Costello, SmarterTravel Staff


Thursday, November 15, 2012

Happy Honeymoon Clients - Thailand


Hi Debby!

Everything went smooth as silk -- flights were basically on time, they picked us up for tours, the tour were well run with guides that spoke excellent english ... we had a blast.

Phuket --

we picked Kata beach to be out of the hustle and bustle. It was still plenty busy with lots of stuff to do. We did not venture to Patong (supposedly the crazy area) so we cant compare. Had an excellent massage at Kata day Spa. Really liked Metadee Resort. We saw some of the other options while walking around and we were happy with our choice. The front desk was helpful, breakfast was plentiful with a lot of variety. It is not on the beach (which was fine with us - they have a shuttle) - but you'd want to warn your clients.

Phi Phi Island Tour - highly recommend. Take a speed boat to the islands. See viking cave, monkey beach, the beach from the movie "the beach"  have lunch on phi phi, snorkel, see bamboo island, swim in a lagoon. Really couldnt have made this trip any better.

Sea canoe -- defn recommend the lunch and dinner time cruise. you get to see some lagoons in daylight, you get to make an offering to the water spirits (really pretty), go in the caves at night and see the water light up (bioluminescence!). Food was great for lunch and dinner. Very well run. All the guides said it is way better to do afternoon cause the lagoons are really crowded in the AM.

Chiang mai - our favorite (and everyone else that Ive talked to's favorite)
Its hard to explain why its everyones favorite. its a slower pace, more in the countryside. no one is in a hurry. We only had a 3 days there and 2 were with the elephants. Night market was awesome - make sure all travelers are there for a sat or sunday night (we just got lucky!). The elephants were my favorite part and not just cause I got to ride elephants. The guide was great, by staying overnight you get to talk with him and really hear about life in Thailand. We also heard about the Burman's that handled the elephants and what their lives were like. They have a surprise camp fire, lantern release, made sticky rice, just went above and beyond to make it a wonderful experience beyond anything I expected. If ppl have time have them stay the night. 2nd day -- hiking to waterfall, rafting, seeing a Thai village -- packed day!

Joys house - great place. Feel like we didnt really get to know everyone cause we were in and out. They treat everyone like family. I would recommend it if ppl are up for a B&B type place.


Bangkok - its like a big new york city. 2 days was plenty for us

tiger temple -- very good cause I touched and walked tigers. They do NOT limit the AM breakfast tour to 12 ppl (would be soooo much better if they did). We prob had 40 ppl there. We felt pretty rushed -- they would drag you next to a tiger and then start snapping pictures. They had to cause they had to get everyone through but I just wanted to pet the tiger and sit with him for a sec ;) overall have everyone do the am tour. You have to drive 2.5 hrs to get there - might as well stay a few hrs. you get to see babies, play with teenage tigers and then see the handlers play with the big dudes.   I was hoping for more out of the tour because i thought it would be more intimate. From a vet perspective I think someone is going to get hurt one day. They promote it as a sanctuary, i think they do care for the tigers but not as more as the elephant folks cared for the elephants. Just felt rushed -- they need to limit the ppl and make it a little slower paced and more safe.

That's it for now -- trip of a lifetime -- thanks for all your help.


Thursday, November 8, 2012

African Safari Anyone?


One of our preferred suppliers, G Adventures offers tours of the most exotic places on earth. They eliminate the stress and questions of planning an adventure overseas. Give us a call and we'll help you plan the next item on your bucket list!

                                                                    
Exploring the Masai Mara and incredible game reserves, photographing countless flamingos at Lake Nakuru, taking in views of Mt Kilimanjaro at Amboseli, enjoying the experience at comfortable lodges and luxury camps.

If you’re of the opinion that ‘safari’ doesn’t have to be synonymous with ‘roughing it’, have we got an adventure for you! Designed for travellers who long to get out into the thick of Kenya’s game parks and reserves by day and sleep in a cozy bed by night, this trip maximizes both wildlife access and creature comforts. Witness thousands of flamingos stopping for a drink in Lake Nakuru, explore the vast plains of the Masai Mara National Reserve and gaze in awe at the peaks of Kilimanjaro in the distance from Amboseli National Park. Maximum Africa—minimal sweat.

Starting at $2799                      8 DAYS,NAIROBI TO NAIROBI

What's Included

  • Arrival transfer, Entrances and game drives in Masai Mara Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park and Amboseli National Park.
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners. (Allow USD85-100 for meals and drinks (including bottled water) not included.)
  • Comfort hotels (2 nts), safari lodge (1 nt), classic tented camp (4 nts).
  • 7-seat 4x4 safari vehicle(s).
  • Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, certified driver/guide.
  • Small group experience; Max 12, Avg 10

Thursday, November 1, 2012

An island you may not have heard of..


Bequia

October 15, 2012By: Susan YoungTravel Agent
 


Admiralty Bay
Luxury and niche cruise ships drop anchor in Admiralty Bay, just offshore from Port Elizabeth, Bequia’s main village.

When clients step ashore on Bequia, they’ll discover a laid-back isle that conjures up images of the Caribbean of yore. Only 5,000 people live on this sleepy island that’s part of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the southern Caribbean.
Called “island of the clouds” by the Carib Indians, Bequia has a small-town feel, even today. Locals say hello to travelers on the street. Fishing boats are dragged by hand out of the water and rest quietly on the beach at Port Elizabeth, the island’s main village. The seven-square-mile island has stunning natural beauty with swaying palm groves, mountainous vistas and lovely sandy beaches.
Port Elizabeth
Tenders from cruise ships dock along this jetty at Port Elizabeth; just beyond the jetty’s gate, safari-like touring vehicles await cruisers.

Small Isle, Smaller Ships
Bequia has a strong seafaring and whaling heritage, and boat building and repairing are still important to the island’s economy. Cocooned within Admiralty Bay, Port Elizabeth is both picturesque and a working harbor where luxury yachts drop anchor. 
Cruise-wise, the island attracts many small-ship, niche or luxury cruise lines, such as Seabourn Cruise Line. If clients want the thrill of sailing off Bequia combined with snorkeling, Seabourn’s “Caribbean Sail and Snorkel” trip begins with a catamaran ride past Bequia’s Moon Hole area, which is filled with unusual, natural rock formations and arches. 
Then it’s on to the snorkeling site, where Seabourn guests might spot shellfish, sea fans, sponges and schools of tropical fish. Rum punch is served onboard. Seabourn Spirit will call at Bequia this winter and in late 2013 during the 14-day “Exotic Caribbean In-Depth” voyages, among other cruises. 
During the 2012-2013 winter, SeaDream Yacht Club will call at Bequia with SeaDream I and SeaDream II. And Windstar Cruises’ Wind Spirit will also operate voyages to Bequia this winter.
Travel Agent was onboard Silver Spirit of Silversea Cruises when that luxury ship called at Bequia last winter. This fall and winter, Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper and Silver Cloud will call at the island and several of those ships plus Silver Explorer, the line’s expedition ship, will call at Bequia in late 2013.
Among the shore excursions? Silversea’s “Bequia Sailing Tour” via catamaran is $99 per person, while a six-hour “Magical Mustique” shore option that’s essentially transportation to Mustique and a self-guided visit to the playground for the rich and royal—costs $239 per person. Last winter, Travel Agent opted for an island overview of Bequia itself—booking Silversea’s three-hour “Scenes of Bequia” shore excursion; it’s $69 per person this winter.  
The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary
The Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary is a popular spot on a round-island Bequia tour.
It’s important to note that this same itinerary is essentially provided by island operators for most lines coming to Bequia, including Seabourn and Windstar. Windstar’s around-island tour, called “Bequia and Scenic Sightseeing,” is $79 per person. While tourism is becoming increasingly important in Bequia and many high-end lines call there, clients shouldn’t expect a fleet of luxurious limos or huge modern buses when they disembark a tender at the small Port Elizabeth cruise pier. 
Rather, typical tourist transportation consists of safari-like, non-air-conditioned vehicles. These are small pickup trucks with covered seating on cushioned benches in the truck bed. Most cruise lines caution guests that the trip is not recommended for those with physical disabilities or anyone with back or knee problems. Guests must climb into the truck bed and hold on tightly as the vehicles bounce around the island. The ride is open-air and bumpy, but a fun adventure.
The safari vehicles are essentially a caravan. After picking up guests at the cruise pier, they typically motor through the north side of Admiralty Bay and the fishing village of Hamilton to a hilltop that was once the site of the 18th-century Hamilton Fort. The original structure is gone, but a few French and English cannons are displayed. The main attraction, though, is the stunning view of Admiralty Bay. 
Guests then reboard the vehicles, which backtrack through Port Elizabeth and head up a hill on the other side, ultimately reaching Mount Pleasant, the island’s highest spot. Guides talk about the geology, ecology and history of the island as cruisers admire gorgeous scenic views—this time to the neighboring island of Mustique. 
Then the vehicles briefly take guests to another lookout spot—great for a photo of their ship in the harbor below—before heading on to a mid-island handicraft shop and bar for a restroom break and rum punch refreshment. Finally, the caravan winds through the island’s agricultural interior to the Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary.

Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit
Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit joins luxury yachts in anchoring at Admiralty Bay, Bequia.

Outside, palm trees sway in the breeze along the sanctuary’s Atlantic Ocean beach setting. Inside, cruisers can view turtles of all ages. Cruisers can learn how the organization removes young hawksbill sea turtles from nests to avert poaching, and then later releases them at three years of age back into the wild, when they have the best shot at survival.
Overall, the three-hour tour offers a revealing taste of island life and sites. Before your clients take any tour, though, they might access St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ (SVG) newly upgraded mobile app. First launched in 2011, the free app is newly updated with more detailed information on the eight inhabited islands, including Bequia. 
The new app has a more user-friendly interface, updated iPhone and iPad versions (via the Apple iTunes Store) as well as the Android, and a web app version for all handheld touch devices such as BlackBerry available at www.discoversvg.com. 
For those exploring independently, Princess Margaret Beach is a popular spot; snorkeling hot spots include Friendship Bay, Northwest Point and Spring Bay; and two local PADI certified shops—Bequia Dive Adventures and Dive Bequia—will rent scuba equipment and set up scuba or snorkeling trips. 
Cruisers may get information about Port Elizabeth’s sites at a tourism information office close to the cruise pier. Those walking around Port Elizabeth will learn that the village consists primarily of two main parallel streets and just a few short streets connecting those. It’s not a big place. 
Local bars serve rum punch and island concoctions, while Port Elizabeth’s restaurants cook up such specialties as West Indiesbarbecue, pumpkin soup and Creole-style lobster. If your clients’ ship happens to be in port late on a Thursday, the outdoor bar, barbecue and steel band music at Port Elizabeth’s Frangipani Hotel are legendary; clients are likely to encounter fellow cruisers, yacht enthusiasts and the locals.
Boutiques sell local crafts, clothing, spices, tea, batik fabrics and miniature model boats, a vestige of the island’s seafaring past. The Bequia Tech Internet CafĂ© & Technology Center offers Internet access near the ferry dock.
While many small, niche and luxury lines call directly on Bequia, your clients also might visit the island on a shore trip from nearby St. Vincent. For example, Star Clippers anchors off the sheltered side of Young Island near St. Vincent, which is just a 10-minute ferry ride from Bequia. 
Oceania Cruises is among the lines that offer a catamaran shore excursion to Bequia from St. Vincent; Oceania’s day trip to Bequia is priced at $169 per person. 

Thursday, October 18, 2012


Disney announces weekly park surprises for 2013

NEW YORK (AP) — Social media will be a big component of a new program announced by Disney Wednesday in which the company's parks in California and Florida will feature weekly surprise themes and events.
The "Limited Time Magic" program announced Wednesday will include impromptu concerts, dance parties, colored lighting, character meet-and-greets, new menu and merchandise items and other events at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., near Orlando.
Disney will use Twitter, blogs, websites and other online activity to let park visitors know what's happening. Guests might also be asked to vote on which characters they'd like to see or be sent on scavenger hunts with hints to figure out what's new or different.
"It's a fun, lighthearted, new way to get people engaged," Leslie Ferraro, executive vice president of global marketing and sales forWalt Disney Parks and Resorts, said at a news conference in Manhattan announcing the program.
Disney erected a 25-foot-tall castle made of ice in Times Square to symbolize the fleeting nature of the weekly surprises, and water ran down the turrets as the ice melted Wednesday morning. Blase New Yorkers hurried past without giving it a second glance but some fans and tourists donned mouse ears and took pictures.
Each "Limited Time Magic" theme will last a week. Plans include celebrations of July Fourth, "Pirate Week," 3-D chalk art, "Long Lost Friends Week" featuring lesser-known Disney characters. A Valentine's Day celebration will feature pink and red lighting on Disney castles and romantic candlelit dinners in park restaurants.
Other Disney park news this year includes the June opening of Cars Land at California Adventure at Disneyland, and the continuing expansion of Fantasyland at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. The Fantasyland project, which is the largest expansion in the park's 41-year history, began in March with the first of two Dumbo rides taking flight and is expected to be completed in 2014.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Congrats to Debby, winner of Excellence Award!!


For Immediate Release
Round Rock based travel agent honored with Nexion
Circle of Excellence Award
Debby Stevens of 3D Cruise and Travel, LLC Achieves Top Industry Award for
Cruise and Tour Sales in 2012

Texas (October 5, 2012 ) –Round Rock-based travel agent Debby Stevens has been recognized as one of the travel industry’s top home-based travel agents based on her cruise and tour sales by premier travel host agency, Nexion. Stevens was honored with Nexion’s “Circle of Excellence” award during the organization’s annual CoNexion national conference, which was held at the Hyatt Regency – Dallas at Reunion Tower from October 4-6, 2012. The Circle of Excellence is one of two major national sales recognition awards that Nexion announces each fall.

Nexion sets lofty goals for its independent home-based travel professionals Debby Stevens has exceeded those ambitious goals,” said Nexion President Jackie Friedman. “We are proud to honor her for striving to achieve success in cruise and tour components of a traveler’s vacation. Debby truly deserves recognition among our elite agents. Nexion would not be able to succeed without our agents achieving this level of success.

Stevens is one of just 42 independent home-based agents – out of Nexion’s network of more than 3,200 agents throughout the United States – to be honored with the prestigious Circle of Excellence award. The award is given to those agencies achieving the highest total of cruise and tour sales among Nexion’s supplier partners booked from September 1, 2011, to August 31, 2012.

I am very pleased to be honored as one of Nexion’s top agents,” said Stevens of 3D Cruise and Travel. “To be recognized with the Circle of Excellence award is very gratifying. The resources and training Nexion makes available to me as a part of my membership helps me achieve this level of success and, more importantly, allows me to provide each of my clients with the best possible vacation options to suit their style of travel and budget.”
Each Circle of Excellence inductee, including Stevens will also be treated to an exclusive trip reserved for the award winners. This year’s retreat, courtesy of Funjet Vacations and Azul Fives by Karisma, will allow winners the opportunity to enjoy Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, from November 30 – December 3, 2012.

To tap into Steven’s travel expertise, contact her at 512-218-0291, online at www.3dcruiseandtravel.com or via email at Debby@3DCruiseandTravel.com..

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[Debby Stevens is the owner of 3D Cruise and Travel and has been in the industry since 1989, operating in Central Texas since 1992. Debby has many destination specialist certifications and specializes in Celebration Vacations, including, but not limited to: Honeymoons, Destination Weddings, Romantic Vacations and Family Reunions.