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.