One of the Most Common Misconceptions About Travel Agents.......

It seems that one of the most common misconceptions about travel agents is that it costs "extra" to use one. People seem to think they will save money by booking their vacation directly or by booking online. That simply is not the case, and, in fact, the opposite is often true.

The truth is that commissions are built into the price of virtually every travel product (with the exception of airline tickets, but that's another story).  It's the way the travel industry prices.  You pay this built-in commission even when you book directly (and they love it when you do!).  Booking directly is not a better deal for you; it's more profitable for them.

In addition,  many travelers do not realize that when they book online with a big travel company, they have chosen a  travel agent  - and it's a faceless computer that really couldn't care less.  By using one of the online travel agencies (OTA's), the traveler is basically paying for a level of service they are not receiving. 

Do the OTA's ask questions up front to make sure they understand the client's vision and to find the best fit for each and every customer? Do they shop around to make sure they find the best value and pricing?  Do they monitor industry specials and advise travelers of those that might apply to their trip? Do they develop relationships with resorts and suppliers to ensure their customers are treated well?  Do they act as a pre-trip concierge - suggesting additional activities or excursions that might be of interest and offer to pre-arrange them? Do they provide destination information and detailed trip itineraries?  Are they available to take customer calls during a trip to assist with a problem? Will they act as the customer's advocate before, during, and after travel?  Do they truly care about your travel experience, your satisfaction, and your business?

No, of course not, but travel agents do.

It's not at all unusual for an agent to find a better rate on a vacation package that a traveler has been quoted from an online source. (And if they can't find a better rate, they can often price-match and provide a higher level of service.)   Recently, two of my fellow agents cited incidents in which they were able to find a better deal for their clients saving them hundreds of dollars (and, in one case, obtaining a valuable "freebie" through our consortium).  Yes, she had to go looking for additional amenities that might be available to her client, but that's what travel agents do. 

So, go ahead - look around online to get some ideas of destinations, prices, etc. but when it comes time to book your trip, do yourself a favor and call a travel agent.

Fun 'n Sun Travel and Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

Tips for Visiting the Riviera Maya

Akumal Bay

There are a few questions that I frequently get asked  by people who are planning a visit to the Riviera Maya. Here are a few of the most common:

Q) What's the best way to get around in the Riviera Maya?

A) I have heard that it's safe to take the public buses, and I know many folks who have done so and returned unscathed.  I have an inexplicable aversion to public transportation in general and much prefer to either arrange for private transportation, take a taxi, or rent a car. Private transportation is easy to arrange and I frequently use companies that are very reliable and reasonably priced.  If you choose to take a taxi,  ask the concierge or bellhop what the typical taxi fare is.  Many resorts have fares posted in the lobby area. There are also many car rental facilities in the area, and you can rent by the day or for your entire stay. (Make sure you get the insurance.)

Q) What about tipping?

A) I recommend you bring at least $60- $100 in small bills.  USD is widely accepted, so don't worry about exchanging money before you leave.  15% for a transfer, a dollar per bag of handling for bellboys, and a dollar or two to the bartender   I also usually leave a few dollars per day for the maid. Otherwise, for other service people 10 -15% is good.  Here is a tipping guide from Fox News that you might find useful.

Q) What about shopping - should I use USD or pesos? 

A) If you are shopping, use pesos - you'll get a better conversion rate (current rate is about 12 pesos to the USD) You can get pesos from an ATM using your card or from a currency exchange booth in the main shopping areas.  Remember, there are new laws restricting the spending of US Dollars. You are only able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD cash per person per month into Mexican Pesos, and businesses can only accept a maximum of $100 USD cash per transaction
Note: Other payment methods such as credit cards, Travelers Checks, and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

Q) What are some fun things to do while we're there? 

Quinto Avenida

A) Excursion/day trips that I highly recommend:

Playa Del Carmen  - take a shuttle or cab to Quinto Avenida (aka 5th Avenue) for shopping/people watching. Have lunch/dinner and shop until you drop.  The shop keepers may call out to you and bartering is expected in most of the shops. Head toward the ferry terminal and grab a nice cold drink at Senor Frogs. Take a walk along the beautifully restored beach.

Akumal - Take a trip to visit the lagoon at Yal-ku (be sure to bring only biodegradable sun lotion) and then head to the beach in Akumal bay.  Bring equipment or rent it from Akumal Dive Shop.  Snorkel right from the beach. Swim with the Sea Turtles, look for grouper, baracuda, permit, etc. Have some pappas fritas and a cervesa at the Lol-Ha beach bar. Sheer perfection! 
You might be able to combine Akumal with a visit to Tulum - that would be ambitious.  If you wanted to do that, see the ruins first (early), and then head to Akumal to cool off.

Turtles in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres - Head to the ferry terminal north of Cancun and take the ferry to Isla Mujeres.  Rent a Golf cart and drive around the island.  Be sure to stop at the turtle sanctuary to see the babies, the teenagers, and the big guys.  You won't want to leave.
Snorkeling is also good on the island.

The list goes on and on - ziplining, cenote exploring, sailing.  What's your favorite day trip to take while in the Riviera Maya?

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

Is Mexico Safe?

Recent photo taken at the Aventura Cove Palace

Recent media reports have many people concerned about the safety of traveling to Mexico. Potential travelers often ask me:

• Is it safe in Cancun (or Playa  del Carmen)?
• Will I be able to leave the resort?
• Will I be safe while traveling to and from my resort?

The answer to all of these questions is a resounding YES!

Allow me to point out that the Mexican government is fully aware of the value of the tourist industry on the Yucatan peninsula (which also happens to be more than 1000 miles away from the nearest "hotspot").  And, while there is the presence of armed police patrolling the main roads, they are there to ensure that the tourist areas remain safe.

I recently returned from a week in the Riviera Maya and did not at any time feel that I was in any type of danger.  I visited Playa Del Carmen, Cozumel, Akumal, and Puerto Aventuras.  There were many other tourists out and about shopping, eating, and enjoying themselves.  My visits to Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel were made after dark, and while I generally avoided dark alleys and stuck to the main centers, at no time did I feel threatened.

There was an aggressive shopkeeper in Playa who insisted that I come visit his shop and didn't want to take "no gracias" for an answer. A nuisance? Perhaps.  A threat or danger? Absolutely not.

I saw no drug dealers, no violence, and no scared tourists.  I did see lots of people walking, talking, shopping, sun-bathing, swimming, and people-watching.  The beaches, towns, and roads were all bustling with visitors.

The weather was gorgeous, the shopping was fun, and the food was great.  We "discovered" a cenote on the road to Coba, we snorkeled with the turtles in Akumal, we poked around the shops and watched the dolphins in Puerto Aventuras, and we shopped 'till we dropped in Cozumel and Playa.

There is so much to do and see in the Riviera Maya that it's never the same trip twice.  This was my fifth trip to the Riviera Maya and I have never felt safer.  If I could go again tomorrow, I would!

Tell me, are you concerned about safety in Cancun and the Riviera Maya?

Six Ways to Spice up Your Honeymoon

Looking for ways to add romance to

• your honeymoon
• your weddingmoon
• an anniversary trip
• a special birthday
• or any other romantic getaway?

Here are six ways to do just that!

1. Breakfast in Bed
Many hotels and resorts will offer breakfast in bed for their honeymoon guests or upon request. If it's not offered, call room service for breakfast. It's the next best thing!

2. Romantic Candlelight Dinner for Two
Sandals, and other luxury resorts that cater to couples, offer candlelight dinners for two on the beach. A private table is set up in a special location complete with table cloth, candlelight, flowers, and wine.  A private waiter is yours for the meal and provides personal service.

3. Bottle of Champagne
A bottle of champagne in your room (or at your candlelight dinner) is a fun way to add a bit of romantic celebration to any trip.

4. Couples Massage
A couples massage reserves a special "room for two" and two masseuses for your treatment.  Some couples massages also include a jacuzzi tub and some quiet time. Be sure to reserve your massage before you leave home so that you can be assured of availability.

5. A Nice Warm Bath
Many resorts will work with you to make a special night even more romantic.  Arrange beforehand for them to draw a bath, sprinkle in some rose petals, and light some candles while you are at dinner.

6. Sunset Walk on the Beach
Go for a nice long walk just as the sun is setting.  It doesn't cost a thing and the memory will be priceless.

As with most special occasions, a little planning goes a long way.  Be sure to ask about availability for any of these extras.  A good travel agent will be able to make arrangements for you.  All you have to do is ask!

Do you have any other Romantic tips to share?

Fun 'n Sun Travel and Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, honeymoon, or cruise at one of the best prices available. Call us at 1-855-557-5588, visit us on the web at fnstravel.com, or email us at info@fnstravel.com.

Where to for Spring Break?

Ah yes, spring break is almost upon us. New Year's resolutions are in full-swing, the fitness club is packed with new members, the winter weather is getting a bit oppressive, and we all have the urge to head for the sun and sand. The question is: Am I too late, and where are the best deals?

It is not too late to book your trip, especially if you are flexible about your dates, your flight itinerary, and/or the airport that you would like to depart from.  Reasonable packages can still be found.  Where to? Well, it's hard to narrow it down to just a few spots, but here are 3 of the most popular:

1) Mexico - warm, sunny days, white powdery beaches, turquoise waters, and some of the best all-inclusive resorts on the planet. It's really hard to beat the value that Mexico offers. The violence that plagues our neighbor is far from the main tourist areas (more than 1300 miles from Cancun), and tourism to Mexico is up more than 20% from the previous year. Cancun and the Riviera Maya recently benefited from millions of dollars that the government invested in restoring the beaches - they are white and wide! Everything from Dolphin encounters, to ancient ruins, to zip-lining can easily be found here. Do nothing but lay on the beach or do it all - it's entirely up to you.

2) Jamaica - another great value destination with a wide variety of accommodations. There are fabulous luxury resorts, and there are budget hotels. Stay in Montego Bay to enjoy the shopping and nightlife of the Hip Strip or find a small secluded beach away from it all. Negril has 7 miles of gorgeous white beach, and, because it faces West, guests are treated to amazing sunsets virtually every night. Visit Dunn's River Falls, tour a coffee plantation, watch the cliff diving. See if you can resist saying "ya mon" after a day or two. I think not!

3) Dominican Republic - Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana is one of the Caribbean's finest, white sand beaches. Punta Cana is also home to many fine all-inclusive resorts. In addition to Punta Cana, there are several other great beach destinations in the DR: La Romana, Samana, Puerto Plata. Swim with the sharks, play some world-class golf, take a surfing lesson. There is plenty to keep you busy here.

A few words of warning before you go - many resorts have age limits for guests, so be sure to check before you make your reservation. Also, the Dominican Republic limits motorized water sports and public club hours in the week prior to Easter. Check with your resort prior to arrival.

Are there other beach destinations that are good for Spring Break? Absolutely! The Caribbean offers so many options that it's impossible to cover them all in one article, but wherever you decide to go, you'll find warm, friendly people and plenty of fun and sun!

Honeymoon Do's and Don'ts

With honeymoon season coming up in just a few short months, many couples are making their plans. Here are a few quick tips for those who are tackling their once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Let's start with the "Do's".

DO:

• Keep in mind that all aspects of marriage require an open mind, communication, and some good ol' fashion compromising.


• Have a chat with your soon-to-be spouse about what you envision for your honeymoon. Compare notes, and see how closely you are to agreeing on "the perfect trip".


• Use a travel agent. Their expertise, guidance, and attention to detail will save you time, eliminate confusion, help you find the perfect fit, and ensure that you haven't missed an important detail.


• Set a budget and clearly communicate this to your travel agent. Be realistic about what your budgeted amount will buy. We would all like a fabulous 5 star trip to an exotic destination, but that isn't going to happen on a shoestring.
  


• Pick one or two destinations that seem to be a good fit for what you are looking for.
  


• Consider a Honeymoon Registry whereby your wedding guests can contribute toward your trip.
  


• Include travel protection in your budget. The small cost of the protection is a wise investment in your peace of mind (and one less detail to worry about).
  


• Make the worthwhile effort to plan your trip well in advance of your wedding date. At least 6 months in advance is ideal, especially if you are traveling at a peak travel time. Leave too short of a timeframe and you may be disappointed in what's available.

Now for the Don'ts....

DON'T:

• Listen to your friends about what they did or didn't like about their honeymoon. They may be well-intentioned, but they are not you. They may have LOVED their cruise, but you might be a land-lubber. They may have hated their resort - for reasons that wouldn't bother you. Smile, listen, and forget it.
  


• Dismiss a viable option without proper consideration as to its merits. You might think you want to go to Jamaica but find that Belize is a better fit.
  


• Feel that you absolutely, positively have to leave early in the morning on the day after your wedding. A day in between can offer a much-needed respite. Dragging yourself out of bed at 3:30 in the morning (or pulling an all-nighter) to board a flight is over-rated. Few things are as miserable as boarding a plane exhausted and woozy.

With these do's and don'ts in mind, you will find the honeymoon planning process to be one of the more pleasant tasks on your plate. It sure beats trying to figure out the reception seating plan!

Have any other tips to add to the list?

Compare Apples to Apples

Let's face it, people like to shop, and they like to get a good value for their dollar. Many travelers will go shopping for travel on the large "Do It Yourself" (translation: no service) sites and consider purchasing what looks like a very good deal. Here are a few things that they aren't going to tell you about, but we will!

Be sure that you are comparing "Apples to Apples". The beachfront, luxury, Caribbean all-inclusive is going to have a higher upfront price tag than the "European Plan" - no meals or drinks included - off-beach, 3 star property. Remember to add the cost of meals and drinks into your budget. Dining on the islands is relatively expensive because all the food is flown in. So, be prepared for higher meal costs than you would have back home. When all is said and done, you might wish you had opted for the all-inclusive.

When looking at flight options, check to make sure that you have no more than 1 connection, your layover is reasonable (less than 4 hours), and you aren't leaving at an undesirable time. Who wants to depart from home at 3:00 pm when you won't arrive until midnight? There goes Day 1 of your vacation, and you haven't even seen the beach yet! Or, on the other end, why get up on your last day of vacation at 4:00 am to make that 7:50 am flight home? You might find yourself wondering why you paid for the extra hotel night when you didn't get an extra day to go with it! Funky air arrangements can easily eat up 2 or more days of your precious vacation time.

The next time you see a price on "CheapoVacation,com" that looks too good to be true, you might very well take a look at the details and find that the savings aren't worth the aggravation, inconvenience, and lost time that you would endure if you were to purchase. It might be a cheap price, but it's NOT a good value!