Packages Can Save You $$$

One of the very best ways to save money on your travel arrangements is to buy all of the arrangements together as a package. There are several reasons why it costs less to book everything together. Let's break it down and look at each of the pieces.

First, let's look at airfare. Large vacation providers, such as Apple Vacations & Funjet, buy "bulk", "contracted", "negotiated", or "charter" airfare. In exchange for buying large numbers of seats (or the entire plane!), they get a discount. They pass these savings on to you when you purchase a package. Many airlines also have their own offerings of discounted airfare - as long as you buy it in combination with at least one hotel night. US Airways Vacations, Delta Vacations, and Southwest Vacations are just a few examples.

Often, if you purchase a package through a travel agent, in addition to getting the lower airfare, you also can put a reduced deposit on the package and hold your arrangements with a small "down payment". For example, if you purchase a US Airways Vacations package through a travel agent, the deposit is only $150 per person. That gives you the opportunity to hold your travel arrangements without paying in full.

Now, let's look at hotel and resort rates. Vacation providers and airlines negotiate discounted rates with the hotels and resorts and hold those rooms to be sold to their own customers. This is known as "blocking" rooms. They purchase a large number (a block) of rooms in advance and hold them in inventory until they are sold. The vacation provider is acting as a wholesaler, and you get the benefit of their discounted pricing. Because these rooms are held by the vacation provider, they are not in the resort's inventory. This is why sometimes a resort can be "sold out" but rooms may be found through another channel.

Rental cars are also subject to the same wholesale pricing. A rental car can often be reserved as part of a package for a lower rate than if you were to reserve the car separately.

Purchasing everything together allows you to get the best discounts on all the components of your vacation. Booking separately might allow you to get a good rate on one component, but the benefit might be outweighed when you have to pay full price for the other pieces.

Try "Off Peak" Travel

One of the best ways to make the most of your vacation dollars is to consider traveling "off peak".  Exactly what does "off peak" mean?  It means that you travel at a different time of the year than many other people who visit that same destination, often at a reduced cost.

Here are a few examples:

• You decide to visit Alaska late Spring or early Fall rather than peak season, the Summer.  Rates on Alaskan cruises are lower during this "shoulder" season, the weather is pleasant, the crowds are less, and the wildlife may be more active.
  


• European tours & cruises offer similar values.  Try a "Christmas Markets" cruise in the late fall to do your sightseeing (and Christmas shopping), or visit Italy in the winter.  Be creative!
  


• Costa Rica is a very popular destination in the winter as the climate is warm and tropical when it's cold in the USA.  Try this - take a tour or plan your vacation for the summertime when it is "green season" in the jungles.  Yes, this means you may get a bit wet, but the showers usually pass, the foliage is in full bloom, and certain species of turtles are nesting. Some consider "green season" the best time to visit.
  


• Think it's too hot to visit Mexico in the summer?  You might be surprised to learn that the average high in Playa Del Carmen (in the Riviera Maya, Mexico) in July & August is high 80's with a nice ocean breeze. Resort prices in Mexico are generally much lower in the summer than they are during the winter and spring. It's a great time to visit and will likely be more cost effective (and less crowded) than visiting many domestic beach destinations.

With a little creative thinking, you can stretch your vacation dollars to see many destinations for far less than you might have initially thought!

Book Early to Save Big

One of the best ways to save money on your vacation or cruise is to plan well in advance of your travel date.  And by "well in advance", I mean at least 6 months out from your travel date.

Many resorts offer Early Booking Rates for those willing to commit (and deposit) for their vacation stay.  The benefit to the resort is that they can better control occupancy rates by planning ahead.  As the date draws closer, the early booking discount may decrease or disappear all together. This is because the hotel is approaching full capacity and doesn't need to fill the remaining rooms at a discount.  The benefit to you is that you save (sometimes more than 50%!) by planning ahead.

In some unusual circumstances, a resort may have more rooms than they anticipated available at the last minute and may drop their rates.  Some travel protection plans, such as the AV-OK plus option offered by Apple Vacations, will allow you to re-book at the lower rate.

Cruise lines offer their best rates early (or last minute) as well.  Many cruise itineraries book more than 1 year in advance of the sailing. Book as far out as possible to get the best rate.  If the rate drops prior to your final payment being made, travel agents can, in most instances, re-book you at the lower rate with no penalty.  Remember, with a cruise, your deposit is fully refundable up until 75 or 90 days prior to departure (rules vary, check with your cruise line), so go ahead and put the deposit on while the rate is low.

If you wait until the last minute hoping to get the best deal you may be disappointed.  The sailing may be full, staterooms may be selling at a premium, or the cabin type you wanted (i.e. a balcony) may be sold out.  If you know that you want a particular ship, itinerary or stateroom type, booking early will ensure that you aren't disappointed.

When you book at an early booking rate, airfare for your trip may not yet be available. Airlines book up to 330 days in advance.  If you find a good rate on the resort or the cruise, book that piece - you can add your airfare later.

Now sit back and relax, knowing that you purchased wisely.  Bonus: the "been there, done that" smug feeling that comes from being organized and checking those items off your To Do list.  Cheers!

Avoiding Post-Vacation Sticker Shock

Many people set aside a certain amount for their vacation, only to be surprised at how much they ended up spending.  The credit card bill comes in, and the reality hits home.  "Whoa, that vacation cost a whole lot more than I thought it would!" Never fear, there are ways to predict - and plan for - these "hidden costs":

1) Unforeseen Airline Expenses (my pet peeve....)

• Baggage fees (these can really add up when you travel with a family)
• Food & drinks
• Premium seating (If you want extra leg room, plan on paying for it)
• "Express" seating (the first few rows of coach on some airlines)
• Pillows, blankets, headphones

2) Excursions/Extras

• For cruise passengers, plan ahead for each port to determine how much additional spending can be anticipated.
• For resort guests, be sure to factor in your expected costs for snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, zip-lining, golfing etc.  Some resorts include many of these activities (yes, even scuba diving!). Most do not.  Be sure to evaluate exactly what is included.
• Spa services can be a wonderfully relaxing part of your vacation or cruise. Ask ahead for the spa menu, so that you know what each service will cost.
• Souvenirs (need I say more?)

3) Alcohol

• Cruise ships make lots of money from bar bills.  If you like to party every night, this can add up to hundreds of dollars over a week-long cruise.
• Hotels that are not all-inclusive, are going to charge you for each and every drink (see cruise ships, above)
• Resorts that are all-inclusive often include beer & liquor, but not bottled wine. If you like wine with dinner every night, plan on paying extra for it.

4) Transportation

• From the airport to your resort or ship (aka transfers)
• At your Destination (Dining out, shopping, sightseeing)

5) Tips

• Some "Super Inclusive" resorts prohibit tipping and include it in their pricing.  This is not the norm - most resort staff members, cruise ship workers, tour guides, bus drivers, etc. appreciate and/or expect a gratuity.
• Many cruise lines are now adding gratuities onto your room charges, often at a rate of $10 or $11 per person, per day.

6) Foreign Currency Exchanges

• Every time you exchange currency you will lose a little bit of value.  Pay attention to the posted rates to make sure you are exchanging at a fair rate.
• Credit Card fees can add up, especially if you make some big purchases.  Your credit card statement will reflect a foreign exchange fee for every time you use your card in a foreign country. Check with your card issuer before you leave to determine what the rate will be.

7) Car Rental Extras

• Even though you may have paid for and reserved your car in advance, taxes are often due at pick up.
• Your credit card may cover insurance in the US, but not in a foreign country.  Be sure to verify with the card issuer before you leave.
• Additional charges will apply for child seats, GPS, additional drivers. etc.
• Gas. Be sure you ask the rental car company how you will be charged for gas. Return the car with less than a full tank and you may be charged a premium for the missing fuel.

Plan ahead for these expenses.  They can add significantly to the total cost of your vacation (and your post-vacation blues).

Successful Vacation Planning

Congratulations! You've decided to splurge and take the vacation that you've been dreaming of. But where do you begin? The options and the choices are so overwhelming, and the travel websites sites are no help at all. There are so many choices, the reviews vary greatly from one traveler to the next, and there's a lot riding on this decision. So, what's the best way to begin sifting through all of this information?

The very first step - one that is oh-so-important but frequently overlooked - is to sit down, preferably with your fellow traveler(s) and define what it is that you are looking for. Start by identifying what you want to do and what is important to you. Think about your previous vacations: Where did you go? What did you like about it? What was missing? What activities do you enjoy? These questions will allow you to avoid repeating your past mistakes and build on your prior successes.

Now, think about your ideal experience and what you expect to get from your next trip. Are you looking for a destination with many available activities and excursions? Or, is a vision of private thatched cabanas on a secluded beach dancing in your head? Be forewarned, you may have to compromise! If you want a primitive adventure filled with action and variety but your partner wants pampering and spa treatments, there is going to be some serious negotiating. Get agreement from everyone who is traveling and write it down. Your list may look like this:

• All-Inclusive
• Must have swim-up bar
• Needs white powdery beach
• Adults only!
• Excellent food and variety of restaurants
• Must be serviced by non-stop flights
• Pre-arrange couples massage
• Budget $abc
  

Or like this:

• Want to see live volcano
• Zip-lining is a must
• White water rafting
• Sport fishing
• Move around and stay at different places
• Food not important
• 2 or 3 star accommodations are fine
• Budget $xyz
  

This list you just made will make it so much easier for you (and your travel planner) to find the perfect match. This magical list of agreed upon criteria will virtually guarantee that you will not arrive at your destination in a state of bliss only to find a black cloud descending on your travel partner. It will also serve to narrow down your options so that the choices don't seem so overwhelming. It is your first step toward taking control of your next vacation experience.

There, now that you've made your list, don't you feel better?

MS Fram Cruise Ship Inspection

I went to Gloucester, Mass. in October to have lunch and inspect Hurtigruten's M/S FRAM. The following is my report and some photos:

http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=2505150013/a=106081225_106081225/otsc=SHR/otsi=SALBlink/COBRAND_NAME=snapfish/

The Itineraries:

• Hurtigruten has unique itineraries to Norway, Antarctica, Spitsbergen (up near the Arctic circle), and Greenland.
• They focus on the destination, the wildlife, the natural beauty, the culture, and some very unique excursion experiences.
• If you would like more information about the destinations, there is a Webinar for agents on 10/13 and one for consumers on 10/22 - see the Hurtigruten website.
• The Norway itineraries are port-heavy and can be port-to-port so that if your client wants to do some cruising and some land touring, it can be customized.

The Typical Customer is:

• Empty Nester
• Well-Educated
• Relaxed Lifestyle
• Independent
• Has time & money
• Retired or semi-retired

The Ship:

• The FRAM is Hurtigruten's newest ship and was built in 2007.
  
• The ship is small compared to the mass market cruise lines and has a capacity of 318.
• The Captain and crew were very friendly and efficient.
• Everything on board was in tip-top shape - clean & well-maintained.
• The art work on board is lovely and is all native art from Greenland.
• The public areas were plentiful, welcoming, and cozy.
• The observation lounge has glass throughout and offers spectacular views.
• There is wireless available throughout Deck 4 (fee) for those wanting to blog about their daily adventures.
• The ship itself has a shallow draft allowing it to come very close to land.
• The Polar Circle Boats that are used for getting up very close to the ice. land, and wildlife are well constructed and have handrails and seats.
• The life rafts are covered - something you may not think of as being important until you had to use one!

The Difference (from typical mass market cruise ships):

• There are very few balcony cabins
• They serve 3 meals a day - no 24 hr buffets
• No pools (but there were two whirlpools topside), no casino, no shows - remember these cruises are about the destination, not the ship
• Boots and coats are available for all guests
  

The Cabins:

• I found the cabins to be on the small side, very sensibly & tastefully decorated, and constructed for efficiency.
• The largest cabin, the Grand Suite, was rather modest considering it was the largest and most expensive cabin on the ship (it did have a balcony). The bathroom in the Grand Suite was "cruise ship standard" - small, cramped, with no tub.
• The suite and mini suite were smaller, but still comfortably sized with small sitting areas.
• The interior and standard outside cabins were "petite" even by cruiseship standards. As you can see from the photos, the inside cabin that was set up for quad occupancy had room for little else but the beds. Where would 4 people put their luggage?

The Food:

• We were treated to a buffet lunch which was freshly prepared and consisted of a wide variety of Scandinavian dishes, fresh vegetables, soup, salad, meats, fish, cheeses, breads, and a great dessert buffet . Delicious!
• The small ship allows the chefs to be more creative and the food to be served freshly prepared.

The "Secret" :
Shh! The Marketing Director shared with us that the Captain, Arnvid Hansen, was one of the first to come to the rescue of the Explorer. a ship that sank in the Antarctic after being hit by ice in 2007. All passengers were recovered with no injuries (but their life rafts weren't covered and the cold and wind could have really caused some problems). He has been widely recognized and given awards for his life-saving work and quick response.

In Summary:
If you are looking for luxury, pampering, and a spacious stateroom, this ship is not for you. If you are looking for small ship intimacy on some really interesting itineraries, this ship could be just the ticket!

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso

Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso
Playa Paraiso, Mexico
Site Inspection 2/20/09


Introduction:
Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso is an adults only (18+) resort located in Playa Paraiso (20 minutes from the airport). The Grand is the newest and most luxurious hotel in this complex that contains 4 other Iberostar hotels.

Best Features:
• Butler & Concierge service
• All suites
• Outside dining in every restaurant
• 18 hole Championship golf course (P.B. Dye)
• Adults only
Overview:
• 310 suites & 10 Honeymoon Villa Suites
• Every room is assigned a butler
• Opened 2007
• Full access to all neighboring Iberostar resorts
• Fresh flowers in every room
• Wireless in every room
• 4 specialty restaurants - reservations required
• Playing privileges at Golf course. (currently 1 round with 3 night stay, 2 rounds with 5 nights)
• High ceilings, teak floors on balconies, ipod dock, safe, closet with wood hangars, bathrobes and slippers in rooms
• 6 pm cocktail wagon (exactly what we all need!)
• Mini-bar with no limits
• 24 hour room service
• 3 pools - 1 large saltwater infinity pool overlooking ocean, 1 lake “tranquility” pool, 1 indoor pool at spa with retractable roof.
• 4 hot tubs integrated into main pool
• Snack bar and swim up bar
• Gym with state of the art equipment and flat screen TV’s (yoga, spinning, Tai Chi classes)
• Spa
• Coliseum theatre with lights, sound, and stadium seating (nightly shows)
• Music Bar, Cigar Bar
• Beautiful wide white sand beach with complimentary snorkeling and water sports.
• 24 hour room service
• Jetted tubs

Spa:
• The Spa at The Grand is centered around couples treatments.
• Guests can also access the main 36,000 square foot spa that services all the Iberostar Playa Paraiso guests.

Outdoors:
• Very large white sand beach with drink service
• Beautiful infinity edge pool which is kept clear of chairs so as not to block the view.
• Immaculate grounds and well-kept gardens
• Sheltered areas to get out of sun.

Indoors:
• Honeymoon villas are in a secluded area away from the main buildings. They have large baths, gardens and extra space. (All were occupied so no tour.)
• I toured a junior suite. The rooms were very spacious and elegantly appointed. The sitting area leads out to the balcony.
• The teak floored balconies have a suspended chair and a love seat.
• The ocean front room are literally right on the beach. The two ocean front buildings contain 60 suites a piece. The upgrade to oceanfront is well worth the $$$.

Summary:

Absolutely stunning 5+ star resort! This resort has everything for the luxury client: opulent neo-classic/art deco styling, high-end amenities, world class golf, amazing food and attention to the smallest detail. They have a keen understanding of the luxury client and they deliver 100%.

This is a newer resort that has been meticulously maintained. Gourmet specialty restaurants with only the finest ingredients (and beautiful imported, hand carved doors), butlers for all rooms, and plenty of activities including some unique ones (i.e. star gazing activity at night). Even the grill by the pool serves only ground Kobe beef in the “hamburgers”.

Great resort for weddings and the secluded honeymoon villas are a nice touch.

This resort is fabulous! If you are planning a trip to the Riviera Maya and would like to stay at a beautiful luxury resort, this should be on your short list of resorts to consider.