Just Say "No" to Timeshare Reps

A growing annoyance that we're seeing for our clients has been the sometimes relentless attempts by time share reps to get our clients to attend the time share or "Vacation Club" presentation. These time share reps scour the very same resorts that we send many of our clients to. They are compensated based on their numbers and sales, so they are often very persistent, and they frequently offer incentives for guests to sit in on a presentation.

I'd love to be able to tell the resorts not to bother my clients, but since I can't, I'll offer a few things to think about before you agree to attend a time share presentation. Many of these cautions apply to the resort onsite re-booking programs as well.

• Attendance is optional. They may offer all sorts of incentives for your attendance - perks, free excursions, etc. You need to decide whether this is a good use of 3 to 5 hours of your hard-earned and well-deserved vacation time.
• If you do go, don't succumb to the pressure to sign on the dotted line to get some special offer. Once you return from your vacation, I can almost guarantee that if you decide it is something you want, you'll be able to negotiate a better deal on the resale market.
• They do not disclose everything in these presentations. Hard to believe, right? They rarely mention that you will be required to pay anywhere between $120-$200 per person/per night at check-in to cover the all-inclusive amenities (meals, drinks, etc). This is on top of what you're already paying for the reserved resort time, any maintenance fees, and the high upfront purchase cost.
• We spent quite a bit of time choosing just the right destination and resort for this trip. Who knows what your needs will be over the next 10 years or so? Do you really want to be locked into a single experience?
• The prices they show you to use for comparison (and to make you think you paid too much) are called "rack rates" - rates that are rarely used. These same resorts routinely offer 40-65% off with no strings attached. There are "early booking rates", "limited time offers", "resort credit offers" and many others used to entice vacationers to their properties. We stay on top of all of these offers to make sure that you're getting a fair price for your trip.
• Consider that once you're working with a resort directly, you will not be able to get the security and service provided to you at no additional cost from the specialists at Fun ‘n Sun Travel.
  
• Lastly, if you sign a contract outside of the U.S. for a timeshare or vacation plan in another
  country, you are not protected by U.S. Contract Laws. More tips about Timeshare ownership from the Federal Trade Commission can be found here. 

On your next trip, simply tell the timeshare reps that you're not interested and to please not bother you again.  And if they persist, tell them you're a travel agent. That should do the trick!

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

Overcoming the Challenges of Winter Travel

Winter can be a challenging time  to travel. Flights are cancelled or delayed frequently, and those cancelled flights are leaving travelers either at their origination (wondering how to get to their destination) or at their destination (wondering how to get home). The airline will do their best to get you on the next available flight, but, with most flights fully booked, that could mean a back-log of days.

The next time you are planning a winter trip, keep these tips in mind:

1) Purchase travel protection. Many people seem to think that travel protection is an expense to be avoided, but most travel protection plans provide valuable coverage for cancelled or delayed flights. Call your provider as soon as your flight is cancelled or delayed, and have your policy number handy. They will assist with getting your trip back on track and cover your expenses (up to the limit specified in your coverage). Be sure to save all of your receipts. (Note that coverage varies by provider and policy. Read your coverage details carefully.)

2) Provide your "day of travel" contact information to the airline. Virtually every airline provides the opportunity for passengers to provide an email address and a cell phone number so that they can contact you if your flight is cancelled or delayed. Enter this information online when you are viewing your reservation or completing your online check-in. They can't contact you if you don't provide this information.

3) Book your airfare as part of your travel package with your travel agent. This puts many more resources at work to resolve any situation that may occur. Your travel agent and your tour operator will provide assistance in getting your flights rescheduled, making alternate hotel arrangements, rescheduling your transfers, etc. Without a travel agent, you're on your own.

4) Consider your options. Sure your flight from Boston may have been cancelled, but maybe if you drove to New York or Philadelphia, you could still be on your way. In storm situations, as long as there is availability, many of the airlines will waive your change fees and any difference in fare.

5) Plan your trip to arrive early. Arrive at least a day in advance of when you absolutely, positively must be there. If your cruise ship is scheduled to depart on Saturday, arrive on Friday and spend the night near the pier. This eliminates so many potential problems, and the odds of you being on time to board your ship are so much better.

Sugar Beach Resort in St. Lucia

6) Roll with it. Stuff happens - don't let it ruin your trip. If you arrive a day later or get stranded for an extra day or two at your destination, take it in stride. There are worse things than being stranded at the beach for an extra couple of days of vacation, right?

7) Ask for a "distressed passenger" rate. If you are at your destination and unable to return home, ask at the front desk about a "distressed passenger" rate. Many hotels will provide a lower rate for a night or two while you are trying to get back home. This will minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.

8) Pack a few necessities in your carry-on bag. That way if you are separated from your checked bag for any length of time, you can still make do with what you have in your carry-on.

9) Download a VoIP app, such as Skype or Viber, to your smartphone. If you need to make calls to reschedule your flights or alert your family of your new travel itinerary, these apps allow you to connect (using any available internet connection) without paying outrageous international roaming fees. Be sure to download it before you leave home, as it may not be available for download while at your destination.

With a little advanced planning, some creative thinking, and the right frame of mind, your next winter trip will be better than ever!

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, or honeymoon 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.

Fundraising for Non-Profits Using Travel

We often get questions from non-profit organizations regarding using travel packages as a fundraiser for their annual auction. While we are unaware of any suppliers that give away complete travel packages to be used as a fundraising item, there are still many different way that travel can be successfully used to raise funds for non-profits. Here are a few "words of wisdom"  that we've garnered over the years:

1) It's virtually impossible to find a travel supplier to donate a complete package for a charity auction. Many organizations have had some luck with getting various hotels or recreational properties to donate pieces or parts of a trip (a few nights in hotel X, or family tickets to amusement park Y). 

2) Nobody gives away airfare. Airfare is precious, and I've never seen anyone include it. Airlines certainly don't give away free tickets. Non-profit organizations may have better luck with getting supporters who are frequent fliers to donate their mileage points.

3) Some cruise lines will let you, as a non-profit, purchase a voucher for auction. These vouchers do have significant restrictions. Many cruiselines either no longer have a program or only allow non-profits with certain goals to participate in their program.  

Several cruiselines DO offer fundraising options for group cruises (e.g. if you have 5 or more staterooms booked, they will donate $100 per stateroom to your non-profit organization). Put together a group and let everyone know that their participation on the cruise helps to raise funds for a cause they believe in.

4) There are some South African lodges that will split the proceeds of an auction 50-50 with you, but it's really just the lodging that's included, and the out-of-pocket expenses associated with redeeming the "prize" are significant.  Be aware that there is no consumer protection involved with any of these packages.

Obtaining an attorney's advice on anything relating to dealing with foreign providers would be prudent, as US consumer protection laws would not apply.

5) If the organization is fortunate enough to have some supporters who own property in other locations, ask them to donate a week at their place (1 week at our fully furnished ski lodge, or 1 week in our Paris apartment). Those prizes often receive the highest bids in auctions. You might also ask people to donate their Marriott or Hilton loyalty points (although bids may fall short of the actual value of the points).

6) Non-profits can arrange to purchase a package with a high perceived value from a travel agency, establish a minimum opening bid, and keep whatever amount was raised that was above and beyond the purchase price. Some alumni organizations have had great success with this strategy.

We wish you well in your fundraising endeavors and encourage you to feel free to call or email us to discuss your organization's goals further.

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, or honeymoon 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

Your Rx for Better Health: Vitamin Sea

Have you ever felt that being at the beach improves your overall health? Well, you were right!  In addition to
being just plain enjoyable, there are many health benefits to spending a few days at the ocean.

Better Mood:
Sea air is full of negative hydrogen ions which improve our ability to absorb oxygen. These negatively charged particles also help balance seratonin, a neurotransmitter that is popularly considered to contribute to feelings of happiness and well-being.

Exposure to light also helps boost endorphins which causes you to feel better and improves your mood.

Stronger Immune System:
Sunshine is a good source of Vitamin D. Although precautions should be taken to avoid overexposure to the sun, Vitamin D is required for calcium absorption, thereby aiding in bone health, and it also boosts the immune system.

Healthier Skin:
Salt water helps heal wounds and reduces infection. Ocean water swimming can improve conditions such as arthritis, eczema, and psoriasis. In addition, sand acts as a natural exfoliant, removing old skin and helping skin regenerate.

While you're away, why not try a Thalasso treatment at the spa? Thalasso is a seaweed treatment that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It nourishes skin, stimulates cell function, and encourages blood circulation. Mud treatments and hydrotherapy can also improve your skin's tone and circulation.

So you see, it wasn't just your imagination. You DO feel better after a few days at the beach. Now if your doctor would just write you a prescription for a beach getaway, you'd be all set!

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise provides friendly, personal, professional service in order to plan each and every client's dream vacation, destination wedding, or honeymoon 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

Tired of "Traveler versus Tourist" Debate? Me too!

I've just finished reading yet another article about the purportedly  vast differences between a "Tourist" (bad!) and a true "Traveler" (good!). Most of these articles seem to be written by young(ish) people who are convinced that the way they travel is much better and more authentic than the way you travel. They are doing it right. You, on the other hand, are doing it ALL wrong.

The majority of these journalists/bloggers seem to be self-centered and arrogant. They have embarked on a mission to prove that they are better at this whole travel thing than you are. For example, backpacking and staying in hostels was the method of travel that this article was espousing as the only real way to travel. Choose any other way, and your wanderlust is "inauthentic".

I beg to differ. As a travel consultant, I speak to people of all ages and means. One of the first things I do is identify what type of experience the client is looking for. Some people want to be "away from it all" and others want to be "in the middle of it all". Some clients want to rent a car, stay at a locally owned inn, and spend their days exploring. Others want to stay in a central location and explore more locally. I also have clients who want to maximize how much they can see in a week, and they choose to take a guided tour. Travel is not "one size fits all", and I endeavor to provide each client with the experience they are seeking. Successful travel is the trip you come back from that delivered exactly what you wanted. One person's dream trip is not any better or more authentic than someone else's.

Every traveler should respect the culture and language of the place they are visiting. Kindness and compassion will reap more rewards than rudeness and demands, and we should all endeavor to leave a positive impression on the local people no matter where we go. Beyond that, if you come back from your trip feeling thrilled with your adventure, then it was right for you. One person may find fulfillment diving with sharks, another may wonder at the architecture in Barcelona. One person may want to participate in a music or food festival, another may desire to travel on a church mission. It's all good, and it's all authentic.

My advice for those who are so caught up with how they are a true "traveler" (and are looking down on all the other people with different desires and experiences as "tourists") is this: stop comparing yourself to others and worrying about coming out on top. Travel is not a competition, and you don't need to "win". Give it a rest, and simply enjoy your own adventure.

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

10 Tips For Planning Family Vacations

The task of planning a family vacation can seem overwhelming at times, especially if you have young children or a large family.  We've compiled a list of some of our favorite family travel tips to help with the process and make sure you don't leave important things to chance.

1)  Book Early for the Best Pricing.
The large online travel agencies have done a spectacular job of confusing consumers and leading them to believe that "last minute deals" offer the best possible pricing. That's simply not the case. Most often, resorts offer their best pricing as an "early booking" rate, and then proceed to raise rates as the resort fills up and demand is still high. The only resorts that offer "last minute deals" are the ones for which demand is weak. The most popular resorts are sold out well in advance. For international travel, book your trip at least 6 to 9 months in advance.

2) Look for Non-Stop Flights
Non-stop published airfare and charters are the quickest, easiest way to arrive at your destination with the least amount of fussing. Connecting flights add at least a couple of hours to your travel time, not to mention the hassles of keeping everyone fed and together at a busy international airport. Don't underestimate the value of those quick flights - they're worth paying extra for.

3) Don't leave Too Early or Too Late
Sure, that 6:00 am departure looks good and gets you to your destination early in the day, but keep in mind that you'll need to be at the airport at least 2 hours in advance of your departure (and you'll need to have everyone organized and out of the house well beforehand). And if you wake everyone at 3:00 am, they'll be starting off the trip with a significant sleep deficit. Leaving late in the day presents another set of challenges. It's no fun to arrive after dark and settle into your room just in time to put the kids to bed. Pick a mid-morning departure time if at all possible.

4) Be Flexible With Your Travel Dates
Traveling mid-week may shave a significant amount off the bottom line. Also, consider shortening your trip to  5 or 6 nights if the best resort for you is coming in slightly over budget for a 7-night stay.

5) Bring a Bag of Tricks as Your Carry-on
When you're travelling with kids, it's challenging to keep them entertained. Pack a bag filled with toys, games, snacks, medication, quick change of clothes, etc.so that you're prepared to keep everyone busy and happy.

6) Schedule in Some Down Time
Traveling can be exhausting, especially for young people. Be sure to schedule in enough down time for relaxing (or napping).

7) Pack Light and Request Gear from Hotel
Many resorts that cater to families have kids' gear and toys available. Some resorts have cribs, chairs, toys, etc. Request it in advance to make sure it will be available when you arrive.

8) Know the Rules (TSA)
When you're packing your carry-on bags, make sure you are complying with the TSA's rules. https://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons
Check your kids' bags to make sure their bags comply. One of my sons once brought
his "Magic 8 Ball" in a carry-on bag. That raised a few eyebrows at the scanning point, and we were stopped for his bag to be searched.

9) Check Everyone's Passports
Make sure they are good for at least 6 months beyond your scheduled date of return. Renew or apply for your passports well in advance of your trip.

10) Trust Your Instincts
You know your family best, so please do not listen to advice or suggestions from well-meaning friends. For example, if your family likes to stay busy and keep moving but your friend's family is very low-key, chances are small that you will like the same type of trip that your friend took. Trust your instincts and the advice from your professional travel consultant. Look for the best fit for YOU.

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

Creating a Unique Destination Wedding

Every couple is unique. You have a special style and flair, and your destination wedding should reflect that.  You deserve a "one of a kind" wedding that you and your guests will remember for many years to come. Creating a memorable wedding takes some planning and effort, but the results can be spectacular!  Here are a few ideas for how to customize your destination wedding:

1) Pick a location that reflects your vision. Close your eyes and imagine your perfect moment, and remember that there are no limits on just how different you can be. Pick a cliff, an authentic old chapel, the middle of a jungle, a cave, a wine cellar, or an ancient spiritual site.

2) Give some thought to arriving in style.  Brides and grooms can enter by horse-drawn carriage, by boat, or by zip-line. Your mode of arrival can reflect your passion, your energy, your style. Think outside the box to create a setting and a moment that mirrors your personality.

3) Provide entertainment at your reception that you wouldn't find elsewhere. Your guests might not remember your DJ (no matter how great he/she is), but they will remember a steel drum reggae band or a fire dancer. These unique performers will enhance your reception and help create the mood for your magical evening.



4) Sponsor a shared experience. Your guests have traveled from far away to be present for your wedding day. Let them know you appreciate their efforts and expense by treating them to an experience they won't forget. How about a sunset catamaran cruise just for your wedding guests? Or a cliff jumping excursion? Or white water rafting? The possibilities are endless. Think about what your guests would enjoy and make them feel special too. Sharing that time and experience together will be a memory that you and your guests will cherish.

If you can imagine it, we can probably arrange it. Don't be afraid to ask for ideas. We've got plenty of suggestions and are happy to brainstorm with you to create that unique and special wedding  that reflects your style and your vision. It's easier than you might think!

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.

FunNSunTravel & Cruise

The Myth of the "Last Minute Travel Deal"

Every year prior to the Holidays and then again in the spring, clients call  looking for that elusive wonder - the "Last Minute Travel Deal". All of the hype about these "deals" can leave travelers feeling disappointed with what's actually available and confused about when to book their vacation in order to get the best possible pricing. Here are a few facts that advertisers won't tell you about their "last minute deals":

1) These "deals" are rarely available for popular destinations during peak travel times. If you are planning on going to the Caribbean in the winter or spring or thinking about Europe for your summer trip, you most likely will not find a "last minute" deal that applies.These deals are more likely to be applicable to off-peak travel (think winter in Europe or the Caribbean in the summer).

2) The "deal" may be only for a particular resort or cruise and does not take airfare into account. Yes, you may find a great deal on a Caribbean Cruise leaving from Miami or Fort Lauderdale in the middle of spring break, but if the last minute airfare from your gateway is over $1000 per person, the bottom line doesn't end up being much of a deal.

3) The airfare that is included may be very undesirable in order to get the best possible rate. The air itinerary may include multiple stops or travel in the wrong direction. You may even be forced to overnight at one of the layovers. For example the least expensive air itinerary included in a "last minute deal" from Hartford, CT to Punta Cana contained a flight north and west to Toronto, an onward flight to Montreal, and then a flight the following morning to Punta Cana. Total trip duration: 21+ hours.(A non-stop flight is less than 4 hours.). Do you really want to spend your valuable vacation time crisscrossing international borders and waiting in airports?

4) You may need to be very flexible about your dates, destination, and where you stay.  The available destinations may not be your ideal location, and the resort or cruise-line may be at a different level than what you are used to. If you have your heart set on travelling to St. Lucia and staying in a 5 star luxury resort, the special for the 3 star property in Cancun may not be good experience for you. The fact is is that the properties and cruse-line openings that are available as "last minute" bookings are the ones that still have space. The desirable and popular ones book up well in advance. Is the experience you end up with in these "deals" going to be worth your hard-earned vacation dollars?

5) You really should book your travel at least four to six months in advance to get the best pricing. Resort pricing tends to go up as the resort fills up. The same rules generally apply to cruises. "Early booking" rates are often the most attractive rates, and if the pricing does go down, a travel agent can often get you the lower rate. Airfare rates for international travel are often the best for travel that is at least 4 months away - longer for peak travel dates. For example, if you would like to travel to the Caribbean in the spring, flights will fill up and airfare will likely be higher if you aren't purchasing at least 4 months in advance. And if you want to travel for specific dates over the winter Holidays (Christmas and New Year), consider purchasing nine months (or more) in advance.

We care deeply about your travel experience and can almost always find some of the best available pricing for your trip, but for last minute travel, keep in mind that your desired resort or destination may not be available. If you are flexible about your dates, flights, and budget and ready to consider some "creative" destinations or itineraries, we can almost certainly help with your plans.

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.

5 Reasons to Visit St. Lucia

I recently had the privilege of traveling to St. Lucia with the St. Lucia Tourist Board to experience the island and visit many of the resorts. It was every bit as magical as I had imagined it would be, and I'm convinced that this island has something for everyone.  Here are 5 reasons why you might want to consider traveling to St. Lucia:

1) St. Lucia is widely considered to be the Hawaii of the Caribbean due to its volcanic origins and varied terrain. There is a "drive through volcano", rain-forests, and beautiful beaches. And, for many people in North America, it's closer to home, easier to get to, and less expensive.

2) The people on the island are very friendly and hard-working, and the official language is English, so there is no language barrier. The tourism business is their primary business and they understand how to make travelers feel welcome.  I met so many warm and genuinely good people on this island that I hated to leave.

3) The beaches are gorgeous! There are volcanic sand beaches and there are imported white sand beaches and everything in between, but no matter which beach you are on, it's beautiful and the water is warm and inviting.  I saw some beaches with surf and wind (which the kite boarders were enjoying), but most of the beaches in Rodney Bay, Castries, and Soufriere, were calm and inviting.

4) There is a resort here that is just what you are looking for. I was so impressed with the wide variety of resorts catering to just about every price point.  There are off-beach, budget properties for those who want to keep it simple, there are mid-range large all-inclusives, there are small, stunning boutique properties, and there are over-the-top "I think I died and went to Heaven" properties.  Try one (or better yet, try two)!

5) There are so many great activities and excursions on the island. While there, I visited the volcano and mud-baths, took a Segway tour in the rain-forest (highly recommended), visited a casino, and took a catamaran sail along the coast.  There is also horseback riding, kite boarding, zip-lining, hiking, snorkeling, and diving. You can be as busy as you wish or simply relax and enjoy this wonderful Caribbean island.

For a long time, St. Lucia had been on my list of islands that I'd love to see first-hand.  It surpassed all of my expectations and is, without a doubt, one of my very favorite Caribbean destinations. But don't take my word for it - go see for yourself!

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.

8 Easy Tips for a Smoother Vacation

Taking a vacation can be one of life's greatest pleasures, but getting there can be anything but.  Here are a few simple tips (most learned the hard way) for ensuring that traveling  to your ultimate destination doesn't put a damper on your enjoyment.

1) Don't schedule a "crack of dawn" flight - It can be very tempting to think that you'll be arriving at your destination with a large part of the day left to enjoy yourself, but remember that you'll need to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance of your flight.  So, if you're going to have to get up at 2:00 am after only a couple hours of sleep to be at the airport at 4:00 am for your 6:00 am flight, think about how exhausted you'll be when you arrive at your resort after a long day of traveling.  A flight that leaves at mid-morning can allow you to arrive well-rested and in a much better frame of mind.

2) Don't gamble with a tight connection - If you don't have a direct flight, be sure to leave yourself adequate time to change gates and planes.  A slight delay in your departure time can wreak havoc on your ability to make your next flight.  Do yourself a huge favor and allow at least an hour for domestic layover, more for international ones.  Missing your connecting flight is a great way to get your vacation off to a bad start.  Don't take that chance.

3) Check your passports before you book a trip -  Make sure that you will have at least 6 months after your return date before your passport expires.  Apply for or renew your passport before you book. Many people wait until after they've booked their trip to apply for a passport, but delays can and do happen.  There are few things more stressful than looking at the calendar and wondering if your passport will arrive on time.

4) Turn off your data roaming before you board your international flight - As soon as you land and turn on your phone, data roaming charges kick in, and they can be exorbitant.  Call your cell-phone provider before you leave to find out if you'll have coverage and arrange for an international data plan if you'll need it. Otherwise, keep your data roaming off and use the hotel's wi-fi to keep in touch with family and friends back home.

5) Pack a quick change of clothes in your carry-on - That way, if your bags are lost or delayed, you'll at least have the clothes you brought with you.  In addition, if you arrive at your resort or hotel prior to check-in, you can change clothes quickly and head out to relax by the pool or have a bite to eat while your room is being readied.

6) If you're traveling for a cruise, plan on arriving at least 1 day in advance of your sailing date -  This will greatly reduce your chances of missing your ship and give you a chance to rest up and do a bit of sightseeing in your departure port.  Trust me, catching up with your long-departed ship is not an enjoyable experience nor is it a good way to start your well-earned vacation.

7) Call your credit card company before you depart - Many credit card companies will flag your international activity as possibly fraudulent and may deny to authorize  your payment.  If you call in advance and tell them you'll be traveling, you'll avoid your card being declined for that special purchase.

8) Schedule special activities in advance- If you're planning for a romantic dinner on the beach or a special excursion that you want to make sure you take while at your destination, be sure to finalize your arrangements in advance. Popular excursions can and do sell out well in advance. Avoid disappointment by making reservations and arrangements at least 2 weeks prior to departure.

Do you have any other tips to share for how to make sure your trip gets off to a good start?

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.

Group Travel Made Easy

Congratulations!  You've got a group of people who want to travel together.  It could be a destination wedding, a family reunion to an exotic location, a golf group, a group of friends just wanting to get away together,or a bachelor or bachelorette party.

If you're leading the group, it can be overwhelming to think about coordinating travel plans for a large (or small) group. But once you know the ins and outs, you'll see that there are ways to make sure that:

• Your group stays together
• Availability of rooms is guaranteed at your chosen resort
• Your guests save money
• You and your guests gain access to exclusive perks and upgrades.

First we'll start with the questions, "What is a group?" and "How many people do I need to qualify as a group?". In general a group is considered to be a party of people traveling together that will occupy at least 10 rooms.  For some resorts and group promotions, a group may be as small as 5 rooms, so be sure to check with your travel agent as you may qualify for some group bonuses such as a free room or upgrade. Read on below for more details about these potential bonuses.

Don't make the mistake of letting your guests book on their own.  They will get no discount, your group will get no special amenities, and the resort might not even know you are all traveling together.  There are better ways to book group travel:

1. Block group space with your agent - if you know how many people will be coming, what type of room they want, and how many nights they will be staying, this could be the best way to book your group.  A deposit will be required for all the rooms and there may be penalties for dropping rooms from your reservation, but your pricing will be locked in and your rooms are being held just for you. In addition, you don't have to worry about the resort selling out and some of your guests not  being able to secure a reservation (this happens most often with peak travel time to a popular resort). Also, many resorts will offer perks and extra amenities to groups booked this way - room upgrades, free rooms, complimentary group gatherings, or a free wedding package. The resort will also make every effort to keep your guests as close together as possible.
2. Book using a group code - this option is perfect if you don't want to put down a deposit and/or you're not sure of how many people will be coming. Using this method, your travel agent will secure a group booking code for your guests that 1) tells the resort who is traveling together and 2) provides a discount for your guests whenever they get around to booking. The downside is that pricing can vary based on when the traveler books and no rooms are being held aside for your guests, so the resort can sellout before all of your guests have booked.  Extra amenities are usually provided for groups booked in this manner, just as they are for blocked group space.. 

There you have it, booking a group can be a snap! Once you have made the group arrangements, be sure to let everyone in the group know what they need to do and who they should contact.  You can even start a facebook group or a special webpage to keep everyone up-to-date. Don't forget to think about special events for your group.  Private dinners, themed excursions,  photo opportunities, vow renewals, spa and golf outings, and more can all be arranged in advance by your travel agent.

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.

Three Reasons to Book Your Resort Stay With a Travel Agent

Many people that I discuss travel arrangements with indicate that they "just book their hotel stays online", because it's easier.  They seem to think they are saving time or money by booking with a large Online Travel Agency (OTA). I feel obliged to let them know that booking their travel plans with an OTA can have some negative consequences. Consequences they might not have considered.

1. Hotels and resorts frequently overbook just like airlines do.  
   
   
   
   They know that statistically a percentage of guests will cancel their reservation or "no show".   But what happens when the expected number of guests DON'T cancel? In this situation, customers get "bumped" or "walked" just like at the airport when a flight is overbooked.  There's a finite number of  rooms, so somebody needs to stay elsewhere. The hotel or resort sends these customers to another hotel or resort that has vacancies, and I bet you can guess which customers get bumped first -  those who booked through OTA's. Who are these travelers going to call or complain to, 1-800-CHEAPBOOKING?  Good luck with that.  The folks that will only get bumped as a last resort?  Those that booked through a travel agent. Those people have an advocate they can call who has pull with some major suppliers, so they are usually, but not always, left untouched.
   Case in point: a travel agent I know recently booked a destination wedding group during peak season at a large resort.  When the guests arrived, all those that had booked through the travel agent as part of the group were accommodated.  Those that had booked online were "walked" to a different resort and were unable to stay with the rest of the wedding party. The travel agent was unable to help those who had not booked with her, and those folks had no one to turn to.
   Which leads us to reason number 2...


2. Peace of mind knowing you have an advocate.
   
   
   This past winter, I had some clients stranded in Mexico at a large resort due to a big winter storm back home that had shut down their airport.  The resort told them they were going to have to move to a different hotel due to incoming customers.  I made a couple phone calls and, lo and behold, the customers could stay in their room (and at a discounted rate, which their travel insurance covered).  So, although the customer was unable to return home as scheduled, they were able to spend a couple of extra days in comfort.
   A similar situation occurred that a friend was telling me about last night.  In this scenario, the resort had been booked online (not with a travel agent), and it didn't have a happy ending.  The customer's flight was cancelled and he was "walked" from his 5 star resort to an airport hotel to await his rescheduled flight.  This poor man had strangers pounding on the door late at night demanding to be let in to the room.  Needless to say, this was very scary for the traveler, and he ended up sleeping fitfully, clutching his 5 iron for protection.


3. Pricing.
   A good travel agent will provide you with some of the best pricing available.  You may not be aware of it, but we shop for the best pricing on your behalf by checking with several suppliers. We also know which suppliers may be having a special promotion that may apply to you.  For example, a repeat client was recently looking for the best pricing on an adults-only luxury property.  They found a veteran's discount on the resort's website that was only available by booking directly with the resort. They called me to see if I could match the price for them.)  I ended up not only being able to match this pricing but being able to beat it by several hundred dollars.  I knew that one of my suppliers was offering an airfare credit that would apply to their trip and would result in significant savings.  

So, the next time you are thinking of booking online, take a minute to call your travel agent and see if they can book it for you. You'll be less likely to be "walked", have an advocate if the unforeseen happens, and get some valuable expertise in finding the best pricing.

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.

The Magic of Using a Travel Agent

I recently had a customer contact me who was solely focused on price. He had found various pricing across many different online sites and came to me to see if I could beat the lowest price, throw in a $2000 resort credit, and waive any cancellation penalties.  Wow! Wouldn't that be nice if travel agents could trump any offer that the online agencies make (in spades)?  He called it "working my  magic".  

In my opinion, the Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) have done a huge disservice to the consumer by focusing on providing CHEAP vacations. I mean, how cheap does a bad vacation have to be for it to be a good deal?

I told him that I worked with suppliers who could match or beat any price he found as long as it was "apples to apples". The customer finally asked, "Is that how using a travel agent usually works, I do all the work and you just beat the price?". That's a very good question. 

As a Travel Consultant, I consider my "magic" to be customizing a great vacation, honeymoon, or cruise for each and every customer, providing excellent personal service, staying current with a myriad of promotions, acting as an advocate for my clients, and following up to ensure every client's satisfaction.

The following was my response to the customer:

Hi XXXX,

You ask an interesting question about using a travel agent and how it usually works. 

As a travel consultant, most customers come to me with a general idea of where they want to go and a budget.  I work with them to determine the travel aspects that are important to them and make recommendations as to what would be a good fit for their desires, their budget, and their travel style. 

For example, customers come to me saying they want to take their family of 5 to the beach for a week over the holidays (or spring break) within a certain budget.  I find out the ages of the travelers, what's important to them (the beach, the food, the activities, the space within the rooms?) and present some options that would be a good fit.  We discuss, and once it's narrowed down, I shop for the best value across several suppliers. At that point, if it's a good fit and value, we wrap it up. 

On some occasions, I have people that are looking for an agent who can sell a certain packaged vacation (such as Apple Vacations or a certain cruiseline) because the customer has had a positive experience working with this vendor and knows they can get the same great vacation at a great price, as well as some personal service, by working with an agent.

I rarely have customers who know exactly when and where they want to go and come to me looking to beat a price they have found online.  As I mentioned, I do have suppliers who will beat virtually any price that the Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) offer. The OTAs compete solely based on price and don't care about service or customer satisfaction. You get no expertise, no one-on-one service, and no advocate if you run into a problem.  And the next time you book, they really don't care if you use them again.  You're just a number, and your "travel agent" is a computer.

If you want to use an agent who will share their expertise (such as which resort has the best food, the nicest beach, or 24 hour room service), save you time, get you a good value, and help out if you have any trouble before, during or after your trip, use a professional travel agent or consultant. We care about your experience and your satisfaction.

For someone, such as yourself, who is in the accounting field, it's very similar to someone using a professional accountant to do their taxes versus using "do it yourself" software.  The professional accountant has the education, the training, and the expertise, to make the experience the best one possible for the client.

I hope that helps to answer your questions.  If you would like more information, please feel free to call or email.

What do you think: Is a customized trip and personal service more important than a cheap trip?

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.

Reasons to Consider a Destination Wedding

If  you are newly engaged, congratulations!  And if you haven't decided where to get married, here are a few reasons why you might want to consider having a Destination Wedding rather than a traditional wedding:

1. Out-of Pocket Costs. The average traditional wedding costs more than $27,000 (according to a recent study by Pew Research, The Wedding Report and the U.S. Census Bureau) and that does not include the honeymoon. A destination wedding can be significantly cheaper. The wedding guests most often pay for their own trip and accommodations, so the wedding couple only has to worry about themselves and any expenses associated with the ceremony and reception. The wedding couple might also consider paying the lodging expenses for their attendants.
   
2. The shortened guest list. The people who are invited and choose to attend are, most likely, the people the bride and groom care about the most. This creates a warmer, more intimate ceremony. In addition, the Bride and Groom don't have to worry so much about where to draw the line on the guest list.  Casual acquaintances or  office co-workers aren't going to make the trip to a destination wedding.  The parents, relatives, and close friends of the Bride and Groom will.
   
3. The honeymoon is included. The average destination wedding guest stays for 3 or 4 nights, the bride and groom often stay for a week or more. Sometimes they may even switch resorts after the wedding, especially if they stayed at a "family friendly" resort for the ceremony but want "adults only" for the honeymoon.
   
4. The scenery and photographs. Getting married in a beautiful and scenic   location is a blissful occasion that will be remembered for years to come. The wedding photos are a gorgeous reminder of the beautiful setting that everyone was able to enjoy.
   
5. Less fussing. Leave the worrying about the details to the on-site wedding coordinator.  The wedding coordinator has likely handled hundreds of ceremonies and knows exactly what needs to happen.  The wedding couple and the guests are free to enjoy each other while the professionals worry about keeping everything and everyone on track.  

One word of caution, it is best for the wedding couple to consider the financial circumstances of the people who are important to them.  Just because they would like to be married in Bora Bora and may have saved enough to afford an extravagant getaway, it may be beyond the means of some of their guests. Keeping the costs down or possibly paying a portion of each guest's expenses may be the way to go.

At Fun 'n Sun Travel and Cruise, we are Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialists.  We provide professional travel planning for destination weddings, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette getaways, and virtually all other types of groups.  Call us toll free at 855-557-5588 or email us at info@fnstravel.com to get started.

Excellence Resorts Special Offers

Excellence Resorts Special Offers

We are super-excited about the great rates we are seeing for travel into 2013 at Excellence Resorts.

Excellence Resorts are adults-only luxury all-inclusives in Mexico and the Caribbean, and they are  one of our top picks for romance, honeymoons and destination weddings.

One of the biggest concerns brides and grooms often have about a destination wedding is the affordability for their guests.  Right now, these resorts are very affordable for wedding guests, and we can block group space for your party.  Savings of up to 35% off* are being offered for travel this fall and into next summer.

Call us at 413-754-3416 to help plan your romantic getaway, honeymoon, or wedding, and take advantage of these great savings!

Fun 'n Sun Travel & Cruise
Personalized, Professional Planning

*All pricing is subject to change and availability.

May 1st Declared "Hug Your Travel Agent Day"

May 1st is hereby declared as National Hug Your Travel Agent Day.  You may be wondering why, so I'll answer with a story (one that most travel agents can probably relate to).

A new customer called over the winter wanting to get away with his wife for a relaxing beach vacation. He'd been looking online and was overwhelmed by the choices. He was having trouble narrowing down the destinations and the resort options. He didn't have the time or the desire to spend hours at his computer and then risk his vacation dollars on a pretty picture or a "cheap deal".

I proceeded to ask him some questions about what he was looking for, what was most important in a resort, what his budget was, etc.  I listened carefully, and then we found the perfect spot for him and his wife - it met all of their criteria and then some. I was even able to take advantage of a special promotion that I knew about, which saved him a tidy sum off the total.

Of course, he got online and started reading reviews and called me back asking about the online reviews. How can you tell which ones are accurate?  I told him that the reviews on the site he was looking at are very subjective. Some of them might be accurate and some might not.  Some people are very picky and will never be happy, no matter how great the resort, and other people are just the opposite. The reviews travel agents use are strictly first-hand reviews by travel professionals (if they haven't personally been there themselves), and I was confident that he would be happy with the resort we had selected. It was going to be a perfect fit. He stopped worrying and started packing..

When I saw him after his trip, he gave me a hug and told me that it was "the best vacation ever"!  The resort was everything he wanted - gorgeous beach, great food, excellent service- and he could not have been happier with everything, including the birthday celebration that I had pre-arranged with management.  His co-worker winked and said that he'd talked about nothing else since his return. As far as next year's trip, he insisted, "I trust you completely, and I won't book another vacation without you."

So for all those time-liberating, money-saving, party-planning, expertise-sharing travel agents out there, May 1st is their big day.  Go ahead and give them a hug!

4 Tips For Making Sure Your Next Excursion Isn't Your Last

View of Cancun from the sea

On a recent trip to Mexico, I went on an excursion that made me think long and hard about tour operator safety and what to look for when choosing a tour operator. This particular excursion was a catamaran & snorkel tour to Isla Mujeres with a well-established business in Cancun. However, just because a tour operator has been around for a while, doesn't mean they are running a safe operation.

The day we went, there were some heavy winds and high seas, but the tours were leaving as scheduled.  The trip over to Isla Mujeres was scenic, if a bit choppy.  As soon as we were underway, the alcohol started flowing. It was 10:00 am, and there were quite a few spring-break college kids on board.  Everyone, with very few exceptions, started drinking.

When we arrived at Isla Mujeres, we were informed that because of the waves and wind, we'd be heading into 25 foot water for snorkeling.  As we jumped into the water, the undertow was fierce, the swells were big enough to loose sight of  the guides and the boat, and one of the young men started to panic.  He'd had too much to drink and the conditions were rough.  Due to the undertow, he was unable to get back onboard, but he continued to "freak out" and set everyone else on edge.

Needless to say, the snorkeling was terrible. The seas were too rough and too deep for an enjoyable swim.  We struggled to stick near the guide and keep swimming until we got back to the boat, which had moved off so that the undertow would bring us towards it.

As we approached the catamaran, it was being tossed around by the waves, and the crew member I was near told me to wait while he got on board to give us a hand up.  He managed to climb on-board and then reached down telling me to grab his hand.  As I reached up, the boat hit a swell and was suddenly 6 feet above me, coming down towards my head.  I kicked frantically backwards trying to get out of the way and it missed my face by inches. On the next try, I managed to get aboard, bruised and shaken.

Once all of the hapless snorkelers were back on board, we headed for lunch at the beach club. No head count was done on the boat to make sure that all the passengers were present and accounted for. Who has time to count passengers when it's open bar at the beach club?

After lunch, we sailed toward Playa Norte, disembarked at the pier in town and were given free time to shop or relax before heading back to Cancun. We were told that if we were not back onboard by 3:30, the boat would leave without us. I disembarked with my daughter and headed directly for the ferry. We took the high speed ferry back to Cancun, caught a cab back to the resort, and thanked our lucky stars that we were still alive.

After my "near miss", I've come up a few tips for making sure your next excursion isn't your last:
1) Don't Drink and Dive. Under no circumstances should alcohol be served or consumed prior to getting in the ocean or prior to participating in any activity that requires wits, strength, or quick reactions.
2) Don't assume safety measures are in place. Ask about safety measures and training. At the very least, make sure a crew member is taking a head count (or matching names would be even better).  We've all heard the horror stories about divers/snorkelers being left behind, alone in the deep, wide ocean.  Don't let it be you.
3) Don't be a follower. The ocean and Mother Nature can be rough and dangerous.  Be sure of the conditions before you start out. Just because the crew doesn't want to cancel the tour doesn't mean it's safe.   (I failed this one.)
4) Don't get fooled twice. If you find yourself in a situation where you don't feel that you are safe, exit at the earliest opportunity.

Do you have any other tips to add for making sure your next excursion is a safe one?

Handy Phrases for Your Trip to Mexico or the Spanish-speaking Caribbean

Without a doubt, most of the wonderful people who work in the hospitality industry throughout the Caribbean speak passable English - and often a few other languages as well. But one of the benefits to learning some of the native language is that it enables travelers to more authentically experience the destination, and it shows respect for the native language and culture. The locals will appreciate your attempts to speak their language and will enjoy teaching you some Spanish. Go ahead and try it - it's fun!


Here are a few of the words and phrases that I use frequently that might be helpful to you on your next trip:

Hola -----> Hello
Buenos Dias -----> Good Day
Buenos Nochas -----> Good Evening
Buenas tardes -----> Good Afternoon
Sí -----> Yes
No -----> No
¿Habla usted inglés? -----> Do you speak English? 
No hablo español -----> I don't speak Spanish
Por Favor -----> Please
Gracias -----> Thank you
De nada -----> You're welcome

¿Donde está el baño? -----> Where is the restroom? 
¿Cuánto es? -----> How much?
La cuenta por favor -----> The check (bill) please
Cerveza fría por favor -----> Cold beer please
La playa -----> The beach
El Mar -----> The sea
Comida -----> Food
Bebida -----> Drink
Hermosa -----> Beautiful


Do you have any others to add?

Four Lessons Learned From Traveling With a 5th Grader

Church Bay, Bermuda as seen from our scooter

Remember the show "Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader"? The kids always seemed so smart and sensible while the adults always ended up looking a bit foolish.  The same can be said of the trip I recently took with my 5th Grader. We went on a "Last Minute" Bermuda cruise, and it was the first time that he and I traveled alone together (usually there are 5 or more of us).  I let him miss a few days of school, knowing that he would learn more by traveling and experiencing than he would learn in the classroom.  As it turns out, I learned quite a few things from him as well.

Getting Ready at the Jump Zone

Have Fun! No matter where you go, there is fun to be had.  As adults, we worry about being seen doing silly things and decide that the potential embarrassment is not worth the risk.  My son happened to fall in love with the Jump Zone on the top deck of our ship.  It's an area made up of trampolines and bungee cords.  He would get strapped in and start jumping - the higher he jumped, the better the view and the bigger the smile. He started telling everyone we met that "there's no age limit for the Jump Zone.  You just have to be 6."  I'm fairly certain he was responsible for doubling or tripling the adult participation during our cruise.   I tried it, and couldn't stop smiling.  

Multi-Cultural is Cool  My son read everyone's name tag and memorized where they were from.  We met staff members from Jamaica, Columbia, Ukraine, Sweden, Indonesia, and England. It's very interesting to meet people from far away countries,  learn some words and phrases in a different language, and make new friends.  As soon as we left the ship, he said that he missed being around people from all different parts of the world.  I had to agree.

Pack Light  Before we left, I made sure that he had plenty of clothes to get him through our journey.  He needed shorts and tops for the day, swim suits for the beach and pool, long slacks and nice tops for dinner, etc. Despite my valorous packing efforts,  I'm pretty sure he lived off the very top layer in his suitcase and didn't ever even go beyond the first couple of inches.  He used one swim suit, wore his favorite shorts several times, and returned with the tags still on a couple of newly purchased shirts.  It was fine. As long as he looked clean, nobody noticed if he wore the same shirt twice. I'm still working through this one.

Ready to Ride!

Be Spontaneous Being a Travel Agent, I had everything planned.  What we would do in port, which excursions we would take, etc.  Of course, it never works out as planned.  Our first excursion was canceled, so we scheduled another one.  That one was also canceled.  And the 3rd one as well.  Sometimes, you just have to wing it.  So, with nothing scheduled or planned, we got off the ship, headed into the area at the dockyard to see what we could find.  At first we considered a bus tour, but my son saw some people zipping around on scooters and decided we should try that. Despite the rental shop being skeptical of my ability to ride a scooter (just a wee bit of sexism here), I passed my "driving test" and off we went.  We saw some beautiful scenery, stopped at several beaches to check them out,  found a great beachfront restaurant for lunch, and generally had fun just riding around with the sun shining and the breeze blowing. It's probably the best memory from our trip and one that we will remember for a long time.

Sometimes the best moments are those that are the least expected.  That is certainly true of this trip. I'm so glad I had my 5th grader to show me how to enjoy it.