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.