Land Tours are great with the right Land Tour Operator. Globus on Sale Dec 26 ONLY. It's Family of Brands, Jan 2 ONLY !

Taken a “Land Tour Vacation” before ? 

They’re great aren’t they !
Of course … It benefits “more” when you travel through the right Tour Operator !

What is a Land Tour Operator ?

A tour professional handles all the details, logistics, and scheduling for you !  A tour offers travelers several benefits they wouldn’t get on their own.

Is this the same as a Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) ?

Not unless you have an agent who plans “independent” guided packages. 

For the most part, Travel Agents (and Cruise Specialist) buy land packages through Land Tour Operators for their clients.  So their clients will not only have a great experience, but be handled in a care-free-less stressful environment with lasting memories ...  Many are escorted … Others are for the “Independent Traveler”.

Why buy your Land Tour through a Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) ?

Like cruises, you want someone, whom you know, to buy your Land Tour Packages.  Someone who has a report with your Land Tour Operator of choice.  Someone who can be there for you and back you, if there are unexpected issue, either with you or the operator; someone who has experience or first-hand connection with your choice Land Tour Operator.

Where do Land Tour Operators travel ?

 
You can travel from Africa … To Cuba … To destinations in the US.  There’s River Cruising !  Travel for the “Independent” type traveler.  And did you know there were … Religious travel !

There are so many Land Tour Operators, which one do choose (see many options at www.HelpFindLandTour.com )?

Like cruises, it’s to your advantage to stay with “name brand” Land Tour Operators.  Such as the ones who have won awards in the Travel Industry.  Example, World Travel Awards:  http://www.worldtravelawards.com/nominees/2014

Globus is a key player in the travel tour industry … Every journey tells a story … Creating memories galore !  Globus has a “Family of Brands … To Include Monograms (for the Independent Traveler), Cosmos (for the more economical traveler) and Avalon Waterways (River Cruising).

Globus reminds us … There are 8 benefits to taking a “Touring Vacation” …

* More experiences … More sightseeing … All in the price of your vacation

* Hotels in the heart of your destination
* Free time for personal exploration … Maybe a latte at a nearby quaint sidewalk café.
* Local culture … Firsthand, in-depth knowledge of cities, towns, and neighborhoods.  The guide speaks the language, knows the history … And where to find the local hidden secrets.
* Avoiding lines and wait times … And being front and center at the greatest sights.
* Making it personal … Maybe a night at the theater in London, a canal cruise in Venice … Planned before you ever arrive.  Tailoring memories to your specific desires.
* Get involved or just observe.  Whether it’s a fishing lesson in Vietnam or a cooking class in Cape Town.  A true local perspective.
* Disconnect from the stresses of life, yet, stay connected to home or weather, maps & more.  Complimentary Wi-fi on the coach and in most hotels.  Share your stories and photos with family/friends on facebook, while you’re away !

 

Land Tours are a fun-filled exciting and organized World of Memories !

 

Globus has a one day sale December 26 ONLY … Their Family of Brands, January 2 ONLY !  See below.

 

Customer wishing Cruises Lines stop charging “extras”. Maybe it's not the right cruise line for you.

Now that I’m on Cruises Inc Advisory Council, I asked some of my Top Cruisers (been on 7-30 vacations with me)… Is there anything, that you would like to see us make available or change, to help you here at Cruises Inc ?”

Though my question was in reference to Cruises Inc … Here’s is a response I received from one of my Top Cruisers:  “Only thing bothering us about the cruise industry at this point is that they sound more like airlines.  Every little thing is beginning to be "extra" and the costs mount up.  The one extraordinary thing about cruising was it touted itself as a one price vacation.  You knew when you left home what it would cost you the entire time.  Now it is a matter of deciding if you can afford to eat, be entertained, and everything else you would want.  Heck, I even remember when ice cream was free!!!”

I wrote back:

I do understand the “one price vacation” and now they keep adding cost for extras.    Crazy as it sounds … Way back, cost was about $1500 pp for a balcony (just giving example) … Today, I’ve seen as low as $499 (higher or lower). 

Folks seem to want to see this “low cost” … And of course, some folks can only afford to go, if at these lower cost.   So to make up the money, these cruise lines are going after the extras …
“Those things that folks don’t need, but want” …And the cruise lines do a “good job” at turning folks into wanting them !  And Yes, these extras are getting truly pricey.  Whether it’s, drinks, cokes, pictures, extra dining, spa, and more ! 

It becomes a matter of … Can you do without these items and keep your cruise price down.  Or … Choose lines that allow for more free or complimentary items.

·         Many cruise lines today, allow you to bring on a bottle of wine.  As long as you consumer in your room, there is no corkage fee

      ·         Cruise Lines are turning to the opportunity for pre-buying a bottle of liquor onboard (at a high cost) to be consumed in your room.
      ·         Usually you can also bring on a minimum of bottled water and/or soft drinks.
      ·         There are now drink packages.  You pay per day, but for the entire time.  This is purchased onboard.  Some cruise lines like Princess, the drinks are endless … Others, like Carnival have a maximum of 15 per day.
      ·         Royal Caribbean gives, to folks who have sailed a minimum of 10 cruises (it’s now a point system), and guest are given complimentary wine, from 4:30 to 9pm (times vary; select areas).  After 25 cruises (again, a point system), this time includes liquor.  On select ships, like my experience on the Grandeur of the Seas, you were not differentiated between Diamond and Diamond Plus cruisers.
      ·         Carnival still gives complimentary soft-serve ice cream, 24 hours a day.  Holland America has dipped ice cream available in the café, usually 3 times a day.  Even my Regal Princess cruise in November, offered soft serve at the pool.  There’s others.
      ·         Now Norwegian offers a dining package.  $119 for unlimited dining in their specialty restaurants (select ones not included).  This may go up for the NCL Escape (?).


Though I don’t personally believe in paying extra for specialty dining rooms … This is appealing to many folks.  And those who don’t want to pay it, just ignore it rather than be offended by the charge.  With NCL offering such a low cost for this package, and since I don’t care much for the food on NCL, I actually love this idea !  I will look at my cost for the cruise, add $119, and then decide if I still believe this is a great value.  With Cruises Inc risk space rates or great offers for folks who buy Hawaii early … I believe this package is worth it !  I plan to buy for my NCL Escape cruise, November 2015.

FYI … Things are changing in the industry.  We talked with many of the cruise lines at our Cruises Inc convention in November (2014). 

The cruise lines are in hopes of … Stopping the “coming down” of cruise pricing.   coming down on price.  Instead, they are going to give bonus’ to the folks who book early.  Such as onboard credit, or complimentary drinks, etc. 

Though this won’t change the fact that these “extras” will continue to be at a cost and will probably get higher … Pictures, shore excursions, spa, etc … Folks who “think” they are getting a lower rate on their cruise by waiting … I essence, will have missed the mark … Cause their price won’t include the added amenities, that cruiser who bought early, received !

The cruise lines seemed to have survived these lower cost.  Its more important to the cruise line, that the ships are filled, so the staff can get paid (those who get tips and those who don’t).  That’s nice !

Have you ever considered a Regent Seven Seas cruise ?  Base may seem higher … But LOOK what’s included:  http://www.rssc.com/experience/all-included/

Call me when you’re ready for me to answer your questions about Regent Seven Seas.  Thank you for your continued support as my customer.  Vivian M Webb, MCC

Are you waiting for WAVE SEASON to plan/confirm your 2015 vacation ? What to anticipate.

It’s almost that time of year … WAVE SEASON !

What is “wave season” ?
It’s that time of year … That folks who have yet to do so, take the time in focusing towards planning/confirming their next year’s vacation.   Estimation, January 2 to mid-March.

My question … Have YOU called your agent and scheduled your needed time to talk ?  WAVE SEASON is upon us …. January 2 !

Often folks begin calling the day after Christmas … Before the new year even gets here !  In their mind, they are getting a jump on January 2 callers ! 

Folks are ready to put this past year behind them, and move forward with the new year.  Ready to confirm those vacation plans !

Many “wave season” callers don’t realize … 60-70% of the consumers who will be taking an organized vacation in the next year, have already made their plans … Much farther in advance, than the new year !  For these pre-planners, waiting till the new year, would be LATE in their minds !

In general … WAVE SEASON is LATE !  Anytime you wait and do anything during RUSH SEASON, is late.  Like waiting till December before you buy an Christmas presents.  That’s when everyone else is out doing the same thing !

So here in the industry, we give WAVE SEASON a different name … RUSH SEASON.   It’s a time when folks who have yet to confirm their vacation, want to HURRY HURRY and get this done !

During “wave season/rush season”, the phones starts slamming ringing !  Everybody wants their agent, and/or answers NOW !  With that anticipation of getting this project “off their back” and get confirmed !

“Wave Season” is like the cash registers lines during the Christmas season … LONG !  With an estimate of 30% consumers having the same goal at the same time … It’s BUSY !

Of course there are folks who won’t call at the beginning of “wave season”.  It’s not that they are trying to avoid that initial January RUSH … They just haven’t put this on their priority, for the first of the year.  These folks will often wait till call at the beginning of March. 

By waiting to plan at the end of WAVE SEASON … It’s a little like waiting to take a cruise on it’s last week before an itinerary changes !  Often, the staff are kind of “over” that cruise & ready to move on.  Meaning, the excitement around “wave season” is on the down …

Not just because it’s at the end … But because, come March, much of what folks want are GONE.  Whether it’s the better rates … Better cabin locations … Cabins nearby, for the benefit of children/family … Or even the availability of group space. 

END OF WAVE SEASON is the time of the season, that callers & agents waste a lot of time … No matter how much everyone wants it to be there … That needed space is often GONE !

As mentioned, WAVE SEASON is about 10 weeks long !  Once it’s over, there’s usually a “lul” time in the industry … From about mid-March to mid-April.  And then the calls begin all over again … For callers planning for the “next year”, such as in 2016 !

Of course, since select cruise lines already have rates out for 2016, and many have promised more by January, this WAVE SEASON may be bigger than the industry is anticipating.  One call may be for 2015 vacationers, while the next call will be for 2016 ! 

My question …

Is January 2 on your schedule to get your vacation confirmed or are you waiting till March ?
Have you contacted your agent & scheduled your appointment … Either just after Christmas … Or just after the New Year ?