Some airlines and hotels - Pulling the plug on discount websites. Future fees may be coming with these sites. Hotels want your direct calls !

So many folks that I know, use websites to buy their airfare and hotel.  I do not.  My fear has always been “the fine line rules” that no one reads !

Though many folks have been successful in using these sites, I have found that others have NOT.  Unless you’re in the industry like I am, you usually never hear about the unsuccessful usage.  Samples I’ve heard have been, hearing 2 weeks later, that their reservation are no longer being honored or when needing to back out, they couldn’t and/or couldn’t receive assistance.

I’ve always told folks, that I buy “directly” from airline sites, as that’s what I’ve read to do, in past years, from Industry Travel Writers.  And with hotels, they’ve told me themselves, the better rooms given to folks who call and buy direct … And if they just call, they most often match.

I also believe these sites cause confusion for folks.  Rates are not always lower !  Yet I find folks seldom check-out original sites, like USAirways or call the hotels directly !  SAVINGS they may be missing !

Read below … Understandably, hotels are tired of their losses !  Most hotels are franchises … This means they are individually owned, like our local McDonalds. 

Soon folks may miss out on more savings by using these sites, if there’s not aware ….

Here’s the “short of the story” on CBS This Morning  ….

“Customers bargain-hunting for the best online travel deals may find fewer options than before. Third-party sites like TripAdvisor and Expedia are featuring less options because airlines and hotel are holding back their business ….

When they started these OTAs ... it came at a time when airlines were in big trouble financially. So they went to them and said, 'Hey, let us sell all your unsold inventory. We'll be your friends," Greenberg said. "Airlines are doing better now than since the Wright brothers. They don't think they need them …

So far, Greenberg said, Delta Air Lines has removed their schedule and fair information from over 12 different sites including TripAdvisor, Hipmunk Inc. and CheapOair.com.

Hotels are stepping onto the battlefield too. Greenberg said a variety of hotels are turning away from third-party sites and may not honor existing reservations booked through OTAs.

"The big brands like Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott, Starwood -- they charge high franchise fees. Now the owners are upset, who are operating those hotels. Why? Because they are getting most of their bookings online from people like Expedia and Travelocity and they have to pay them a commission," Greenberg said.

Greenberg offered one piece of advice: Pick up the phone, and call the individual hotel. Customers may be able to find better deals that way …

About 52 percent of all the inventory is online. What about the other 48 percent? That's what they hold back. You should have that conversation even if we weren't doing this particular story," he said”.

Go here for uTube video:
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/airlines-hotels-pull-plug-discount-websites-tripadvisor-expedia/

 

 

 

Great July cruise offers. Waiting till July 31 could be hazardous to your plans ! Will there still be space ? Higher rates ? Insider Tips

As mentioned in my past blog articles, in talking with the cruise lines, last November, at our Cruises Inc conference, the cruise lines are in hopes of selling out sailings, far faster than the last few years.  Meaning, their goal, is in offering “amenities”, to entice folks in booking early.

Many cruisers, especially those who like to plan ahead, are doing as expected, and taking advantage of these offers.  Go here & see many July offers:  http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/promotion/cruise-event.do

The more bookings on a given sailing, the cruise rates rise.  Like an airline ticket, so many are sold at once price and when those are gone, prices go to the next tier of cost.  And just like airline tickets, you have no heads-up, as to how many cabins are available at the current rate, before it may jump up to that next tier. 

So unless you’ve been watching the price on a given date, you have no idea today, if your fellow cruisers, who bought 4 months ago, received a lower rate than is offered today.  Nor do you know, if you get a quote today, but don’t act on it, that when you call back in a day or two, that your sailing may have already taken a rise.

Some of the more popular sailings have been the Carnival Journeys.  These are the longer cruises that Carnival has offered.  Carnival has a Bermuda sailing October 23, for 7 nights out of Norfolk, that basically sold out of balconies, well over a year ago.  Also, group space, on several of the cruise lines, have already sold out for many sailings in 2016.  Four months ago, I tried to get group space on Carnival’s new Vista for value time during December 2016, and it was already gone !

Folks who can only sail during certain seasons, such as Summer and Holidays, need to book earlier than those who can sail in value season.  Also, folks who only want balconies, suites, or even family suites, must act quicker than others.  And if you need more than 2 in a room, these go faster !  And again, folks who want to sail in a group or form a group of family/friends/co-workers/reunions, need to act quicker than folks sailing alone !

I said above, that those traveling during the lower/value seasons, may not have to jump as quickly in booking, however, that’s not entirely true anymore.  Cruisers are learning value times, and these folks too, are booking early.  Again causing the rates to climb.  A good example is week after Thanksgiving !  As mentioned above, I couldn’t get group space on Carnival’s new Vista in December 2016.

Yet other value dates, have not yet taken a climb, over the last few months.  Example, I have a group sailing April 30 on the Carnival Glory, that is basically the same rate, as when we bought it 4 months ago.  Yet not sure why, when the itinerary is somewhat unique.  It’s going to Puerto Plata. A port I’ve not visited in 25 years !  So I too, am planning to go on this sailing.

I’m not saying “last minute buyers” won’t be able to find a great cruise rate.  But if you didn’t opt in buying early, as many others have, you will have missed out on the amenities …Whether it’s complimentary drinks, onboard credit, pre-paid gratuities and more !

Why not buy early.  Unless you are buying Carnival Early Saver rates, many other offers, you can usually cancel before final payment date, and receive your cruise line deposit back.  And better yet, there’s Trip Cancellation Insurance, especially those packages that “include pre-existing conditions”, in case you must cancel after penalty has set it.

A WIN-WIN to planning early ! ACT NOW … It’s almost the end of July !  Beware ... Folks who will wait till July 31 to act, may discover, no one can get through to the cruise lines that day !

 

 

Dream of being a travel agent ? Travel the World ? Partake in it’s many mythical FREE PERKS ? Or you could … “Take the perks” & leave the work for your agent ! Fun Read/Valuable insight.

Who wouldn’t want to be able to SEE THE WORLD on a “shoe string” budget ? 

It can be done !  Just apply hours of studying, piece your destination together, and opt to accommodate at where the wind may lead you !  You could stay at hostels, find folks around the world who will allow travelers to overnight with them free, or maybe even contact a local church for its members hospitality.

Oh … You were thinking more about … The FREE PERKS of a travel agent ?

 

Had someone ask me, this week … If I cruise free.  No !  She said, I’ve been so jealous cause I thought you did.  No !

Apparently many folks think travel agents travel free ! Matter of fact, over my many years in the business, I’ve had at least 2 customers get into the travel business, without ever letting me know.  And just lately, a girlfriend has done the same.  Though this last one just started, the other 2 haven’t done much with it.  Hmm, why ?  Truth learned ?  It’s work !  Your travel is not free !

There’s a book, that has been floating around for years, and I’ve even seen lately, as a post on facebook, encouraging folks to buy … You can travel free.  Though it’s been years, since I too have purchased/read the book, you’ll find many FREES, but it doesn’t really have to do with being a travel agent.

I admit, there may be some FREEBIES or discounts available to me as an agent, that I never check out.  It may require a lot of paperwork or partaking in an online class … Or approval won’t be given till last minute … Or the discount is just too small to worry with !

Hotels.  If lucky, we “might” get 10% off.  That basically covers the taxes.  Why not instead, be a AAA member, like I am, or AARP member, for the same 10% discount.  And you don’t even have to book with AAA nor at AARP !  The hotels give you these discounts, when booking direct.  FYI, I can’t have “both” discounts.  Also, years past, don’t know if it holds true today(?), AAA members could receive complimentary Travel tic sheets … Help plan your travels for you.  And they might (?) offer to buy your air flights for you with no fee.

I admit, I do get discounts at Marriott’s (and there may be others, I could do the same with).  My cost, $59-$99.  This took taking online classes, years ago, when I was first joining the business !  Then each year in October, I have to remember to renew my status, if I want to receive my new “certificates” in the mail by January.  This last year, everyone had to retake these hours of classes again.  However, for the last 3 years, either more & more Marriott’s do not offer agent participation at their location, or specific areas of travel are “blocked” during peak seasons.  Never can I use these in Alaska again !  I’ve not used the 6 certificates I receive each year, in my travels, for the last 3 years. 

Airfare.  Agents don’t fly free nor do we get any discount !  In past, but don’t know if it holds true today (?), agencies receive 6 complimentary airline tickets a year.  But these belong to the owner of the agency. 

I admit, about 15 years ago, I ran across an offer though United (?).  It was an agent & partner flight.  I have no idea, how I found this United person in Washington who booked my flight, nor know how to find her again, who allowed me to partake.  The one reason I was able to participate, was because no  complimentary agency airfare certificate was needed.  And yes, I paid about $600 and my roommate paid $700, to fly r/t from Washington to Singapore (Reg cost was $1900pp).

Car Rental.  I seldom look into this. At select times, you may get 10%.  But again, if you find a coupon to use or the car rental already has a discount, you can NOT apply a travel agent discount too.

Cruises. My cruises area not free.  About 18 years ago, I did get a free 4N cruise, because it was a last minute company seminar, but I did have to pay the taxes.  And 2 years ago, Carnival was giving travel agents a free cruise, and I went on the Carnival Splendor for Thanksgiving (taxes were free too).  But I understand Carnival has been giving MANY free cruises to cruisers in the last 2 years … Something to do with past participation in the casino (?) … Consider hitting the casino, when on your next cruise.

It’s true, from time to time, I do receive, lower cost offers on cruises.  But they are not free.  And there’s usually some rules that go with it.  I either have to take their classes online before I come or attend classes while onboard.  Other times, the offers are at the wrong time, just like it’s travelers, which is why they have the open space.  Or, you may not be guaranteed/approved till 2 weeks prior (and now you are paying higher air cost).  Others require you have an IATAN or CLIA card (see below, what it takes to have an IATAN card).

Years back, our annual conventions cruises at Cruises Inc, were heavily discounted.  But today, we have to bring onboard, so many staff, where we can’t charge them, cause they’re working (the cost is absorbed by the agents).  So these discounted cruises do not exist like years past.  AND … If the cruise line is offering perks for cruisers who buy or if the rate drops, we do NOT receive.  But yes, we often get a lot of perks while at convention, such as gifts and cocktail parties.  These are being paid for, by the participating cruise lines.  And we have no idea what these might be, till 30 days from sailing or till we get onboard and “participate” in the activities/seminars provided (you don’t show; you don’t get).

I’ve been on 137 cruises.  The majority, I paid for, months in advance for that lower cost, just like everyone else !  Maybe 20%, I’ve received at a discount or maybe even free.  See below, how you can cruise free without being an agent !

FAM TRIPS.  There are a lot of these.  And yes, there are many offers, in visiting destinations, at a lower cost.  However, some require you being a member of an organization or you pay higher. Others require you have an IATA or CLIA card (see below, what it takes to have an IATAN card). And more often than none, travels are offered when you and general travelers can’t get away, which is why there’s space.   Besides, you can’t get away to everything … You have stay home & work … Make money not only for traveling, but ….(see below, what it takes to have an IATAN card).

And FYI ... Many are for traveling to Europe.  Have you noticed the cost of airfare the last 3 years ?  Have you seen me travel to Europe in the last 3 years ?

 

Ok … Now that you know agents do not travel free … Let’s talk about the boo-coos of money that an agent makes. 

Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

How many times do you call your agent & never buy ?  Do you get a charge ?
How many times do you call your agent & make a change ?  Do you get a charge ? 
How many times do you call your agent with questions ?  Do you get a charge ?
Have you ever cancelled ?

Fortunately, only a couple of times over my travel career … I have had a couple of folks say … “For what I’ve paid, I expect my agent to dadadada … “. 

For the most part, most agents don’t charge a dime to help you !  So the myth that you have paid your agent is not correct.
Agents are truly here in trying to help you with their industry expertise … All complimentary to you !
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

But agents get commission ?

They do.  But the traveler has to pay the “set travel cost”, whether they go through an agent or they opt in buying direct !  So the myth that this is coming out of the pocket of the traveler is not correct ! 
Agents are paid by cruise lines or tour operators for helping travelers with their industry expertise, “instead of” the cruise lines/tour operators having to do so.  The cruise line/tour operator want travelers to have the needed expertise in helping to make this a “good” vacation, for “less issues for them” !  Travelers who “opt” in not going through an agent for their expertise, is not only, not saving themselves a dime, but they are on their own with any issues, and without expertise backing.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Did you know, if the cost of the travelers package goes down, the agents commission is also lowered ? 

Lots of paperwork is required to get you that lower rate or upgrade.  Do agents charge their travelers ?
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Airfare … Agents/nor agencies make commission on flights.

Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Hotel … Agent/agencies receive 10% “if” that hotel pays up.

Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

 

Ok … Let’s talk about the needed IATAN card … For travel perks ! 

YEARLY, an agent must make & put a minimum of $5,000 of commission/pay in their pocket, to stay qualified for an IATAN card.

Doesn’t sound like much needed to qualify ?  Maybe you might want to go back and read examples above !   Or for further insight …

Did you know agents do not get their commission till the traveler return from their travel ?

So if you book for 2017, that’s when your agent gets paid.
It takes about 1 ½ to 2 years to get on your feet as an agent.
And months you have no folks traveling, you receive nothing !
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Do you know the average commission amount ?  10%

Ok, so the travelers package cost is $1,000.  Are you thinking $100 ?  Then that would be est 50 packages, right ?
Is this 10% on the entire amount of the travelers package ?  NO !
Today, the est tax on a 7 night cruise for a $1000 package is about $325 (?).  So now we’re talking $67.50 in commission.  Now you need to sell 74 packages.
Now, if you work by yourself, and not through an agency, this $67.50 is yours.  If you don’t work alone, you might have to split by 50%.  Now you’ve made $18.75.  Now that’s 266 packages.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

You say … Well why not be on your own and not connected to an agency ?

HHEHEHEHHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEHEHHEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE !!!!!
There a lot of laws in this industry.  Lot of rules.  Needed insurance. 
Not only do travelers “need a backing”, so do agents !
Not only this … But agents who work alone/on their own … Receive NO added discounts/amenities from the cruise lines … And often, not a chance at earning higher commissions or bonuses. 
So what advantages do you now have for the BENEFIT OF YOUR CUSTOMER to encourage them to buy from YOU ?
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

 

You’ve heard the ol saying … DON’T QUIT YOUR DAY JOB !

And if you can only participate “part time”  … Hmmmmmm !
What if your “part time” evenings are filled with caller who are already booked … That means no additional money earned that day !
I personally work on the phones 9-6pm, M-F only.  At night, I’m either finishing up with a call that came in before 6pm, or paperwork.  My weekends are my best time in getting needed paperwork done, when I’m on the phone.  FYI, I don’t have a husband, kids, nor grandkids that I must divide my time with.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

Let’s talk about “perks” you could receive as a traveler WITHOUT having to be an agent … And leaving the work to your agent !

Above, I mentioned 10% hotel discounts.  AAA and AARP.  I’m not receiving better than you (other than maybe a Marriott once in a while “if” I can find a participating hotel in my area of travel) !

Let’s talk about Cruise credits ! 

And I don’t mean credit card points !  And I don’t mean past passenger perks !

Maybe not you … But many travelers are taking advantage of cruise credits.  This too is where my 20%, mentioned above, has come from. 

The cruise lines award YOU as a group leader.  You decided the date you want … Have your agent hold space specifically for you.  Now you invite family & friends to join you.  These cruise credits/earnings begin with only 8 couples of 16 people.  Sometimes … Not all the time … The cruise lines will run a sale, where this number is lowered.  AND … You can use points for your group, to get this number lowered.  SEE THE WORLD !

Where have I taken groups ? All over the World ... Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, South America & more.  Call & join one of my groups today !

 

We use to call it ... Cruise Free.  But today ... So much has changed.  Taxes are never free.  Sometimes, 1/2 your cost is taxes.  And ... Cruise lines won't pay commission on your free ticket.  So this too is deducted from the amount.  See why we no longer say cruise free ... But instead, I call it cruise credits.

 

You say you don’t have that many friends ?  Then how do you think you can be an agent ?

Getting in this industry begins with you reaching out to family, friends, co-workers. 
If you can surpass getting a group together and sail … I’m sorry to say, your odds at being successful as an agent has just gone down.
That’s a true test … Start with putting a group together, before EVER considering the idea of being a travel agent.  If it works & you like it … You can either begin then … Or … Try it out another year … Or another cruise in the same year.  You may sadly learn, same folks can’t travel every year … Nor more than once a year.
Think about it … Could you survive without pay ?

If I had it to do all over again … I would have kept my real job.  I would have chosen 6 dates a year, and invite everyone I know, to sail with me, so I would get these cruise credits.  And I would let my agent do the work !  Why ? There are some days, I “wish” for such freedom.  Other days … I love what I do … Helping others out of a pinch … Getting more savings for my customer because of being part of the Cruises Inc team !

 

Consider cruising on cruise credits … And let your agent do the work.

Travel agent work is not for everyone !  Not that you don’t have it, but It takes a special type of personality, along with attention to details (thinking out of the box for others), and understanding industry rules !  And the education NEVER STOPS.  To be in our company, there are classes you must take ... Then  there's CLIA's cruise program to reach certain levels, like I'm a Master Cruise Specialists ...  Then there's the cruise line programs ... And a million Tour Operators.  This is not a "get educated over night" type of career !  Not only do you need the travel education, you have to learn "how the cruise lines/tour operators" work ... And if in our company, that insight too.  Not only for individuals, but for GROUPS !  My company offers 3-6 insightful seminars a week !

If you still want onboard as an agent … Call me … Cruises Inc is the best agency to be a part of !  We're not like any other agency or a franchize ... We are team ... I'm not alone ... I have a 63 person back office staff ! And as the "largest cruise-only distributor", we get the best perks/pricing "from the cruise lines", FBO our clients !

Oh yeah, we have a few internal quirks too.
But I made the right decision 25 years ago … And have not change my mind … FBO my client … And for me !

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avoiding travel panic, can be as horrific as a grounded flight or as simple as a flat tire. Passports, Trip Cancellation Insurance, buying online – Opps, how much can your sanity handle.

My main topic today is about arriving to your destination early.  Yet, not choosing to have a passport for your US departure cruise, not buying Trip Cancellation Insurance, or opting to buy online, can bring about, same type horror stories.

Sadly, due to the limitations in amount of vacation time most folks have, it often sways their choice, for arrival date of their vacation.  Though some vacations, such as personally planned or a drive-to vacation, may not cause any type of penalty to when one arrives, others do.  Such as to a hotel, or a land based package … Or missing a cruise.

Being from a small city, it’s not as difficult in convincing folks, especially if flying, that they need to plan to arrive to their destination at least a day prior.  However, folks from a larger city, or those who travel to a larger city to fly out, even with a direct flight, should consider flying down the day prior.

Though I choose to pre-warn folks, in traveling to their destination early, its difficult in giving all the many examples of what I’ve seen in 25 years, due to NOT wanting to jinx the situation just by talking about it. Yet on the other hand, maybe the examples that pop into my head, are a pre-intuition with this person (?)   It’s the same type of thoughts, when I hear folks opting in not getting a passport for their cruise or not choosing to buy Trip Cancellation Insurance at time of deposit (our insurance covers pre-existing medical situations, when buy at time of deposit) … And oh my, those who opt in buying their vacation online !

Like Trip Cancellation Insurance, having a passport, or not buying online … Traveling situations, can be out of your control.  Yet, these type se, you can pre-decisions could help you in making your vacation plans less stressful !  Why add to those “other out of your control travel situations” which may arise, when you can at least choose to pre-avoid these !

Ok, I’m going with a few horror stories I’ve seen, with folks who don’t opt in arriving early …

*Your ship decides it must leave “early” ?
*Flat tire, whether you’re driving all the way to your destination or just to the airport ?
*Personal wreck or wreck ahead of you – Traffic delay ?
*What about road construction ?
*Weather ?
*Remember 911 ?
*Did you see American was grounded in PA the other day ?  Yes, many folks had to drive to another airport to fly out.  And yes, many missed their cruise.
*What about an emergency landing needed to a different airport ?
*Did you know folks have lost luggage even with a direct flight ?

Here’s a few others, when not opting for Trip Cancellation Insurance, passport … And oh, folks who buy online without the help of a Travel Professional !
*Unknown health situations, few days from travel … Whether it’s you or family ?
*Do you have health insurance out of country ?
*Are you traveling in same room with a non-family member ?
*Do you know the cost of a helicopter, to pick up an emergency victim ?
*Do you really know the definition of a pre-existing medical condition ?
*For whatever reason, your ship must end it’s course in an out-of-country port ?
*You miss the ship in port due to uncontrollable situations in port ?
*You need to fly home from your cruise ? 
*Are you willing to pay out of pocket for help, when you didn't book from a Travel Professional ?

Of course, we don’t want to “think about” possible disasters.  But “not thinking about it” doesn’t cause those down-the-road uncontrollable situations to not happen.  Life is life … It has it’s daily disasters.  And your vacation is not free from this.

And though, such situations are NO FUN for anyone … Preparing is better than NOT BEING PREPARED for that which you could have chosen to control !  Limit the uncontrollable by controlling what you can !

Not to hurt anyone’s feelings …  But if you are a procrastinator … A person who tends to be late; the cause of others being late; or traveling with someone who tends to be late … One who likes to save as much money as they can … Who doesn’t like wasting time … Who works better under less stress; or who makes everyone miserable when stressed … THEN I’M TALKING TO YOU MOSTLY !

It’s not about being “negative” !  It’s about being the best prepared you can be.  It's not that you will be stress-free when situations happen ... It's about avoiding the added stress you can control.  And food for thought … In some situations, it’s about having a better grip on knowing & handling  yourself … Or maybe the person traveling with you !

 

Who’s ready to travel to Cuba ? TOMORROW, Thurs, July 9, your travel profession can provide you thru Apple Vacations, for traveling Sept/Oct 2015. Yes, you can bring back cuban cigars

Today I attended a seminar provided by Apple Vacations about traveling to Cuba.  Though I type 80 wpm, I truly hope I provide below, much of what was said, and correct insight provided.

 

Cuba is continuing to change quickly.  All learned today can change.  In last 10 days, there’s much change already.  Towers going up.  More relaxation to going to Cuba.  Carnival announced they will be going to Cuba in 2016.

Cuba will go on sale with Apple Vacations (through your travel professional) beginning July 9, 2015 @ 11am !  Available dates for September & October 2015 … More dates to come.

 

Why cuba ?  So much interest by Americans.  Government, beaches … Largest island in the Caribbean.  Lots of beaches.

Cuba is widely traveled by many, such as Canada, Europe, UK.  #2 island in Caribbean that is traveled to.  Great restaurants and great things to see.

Fast Faqs.

Cubans are highly educated.  Their education is free & folks further their education, ,such as PHD’s, etc. 
Architecture is gorgeous.  Develop has frozen there so you see lots that has been there for years.  Much unique.

Regulations have lightened up.

Americans can now travel through 1-12 preapproved tours, based on certain travel categories.  Thes tours are “Educational activities”.  People to people tours.  Engage with the Cuban culture; get to know the people; what they like to do; what they like to eat.  Great opportunity for education.  It is NOT A BEACH TOUR.  Must be a US license requirement tour !  It’s not a getaway to the beach.  It’s all scheduled; not much free time.  Maybe if dinner over early, you can go back to hotel for free time.  It’s US requirement that everything is fully scheduled.  This is an organized people to people organized vacation.  Eating, shopping, touring, totally escorted.  Go on buses together.  Must participate in all; can not deviate tour  … US Law.

Why Apple Vacations want to get involved.  Because this opportunity is available, Apple wants to get in and be involved.

There are 10-14 nights out there, but many American’s don’t have this much time.  So Apple Vacations offering 4-8nights and more affordable.  Right now, only 2 tours offered … A 5 night & a 7 night.

Cuba Travel Services.  Apple partnered up with them.  They charter flights with American airlines, and another airline.  They are license & experts in Cuba.

What’s included w/Apple to Cuba.  CTS plans …

Must do a night in Miami & go to a briefing for filling out paper work.  Then r/t flights from Miami.
Complimentary check back (max 44lbs there & 50lbs coming back) & carry bag.  Escorted tours.  Cuba medical insurance included. Cuban tourism visa.
Most tips (excluding hotel).

Not included, airfare from home flight to Miami, however, can be added.

Depending on tour when meals not included.  If not included, you can choose your own restaurant.
Cuban tax, pay at Miami airport.
Trip Cancel Insurance
Gratuties at hotel not included.
Some meals may not be included, based on tour.
Need to be flexible.  Things in Cub are different & things can change.
Hotel can change.  Flight can change.  Or tour changes or times change.  Or restaurant changes.  The guides fix things quickly.
Need to be able to go with the flow.

Tours

Havannah getaway – 5N’s – must arrive to Miami in time of briefing.  Leaves on Sat’s.  Sept 5, Oct 10, 17, 21 & more coming.  $2233pp, based on 2.  Max 30 in group.  All paper work must be returned to Apple vacations, no later than 40 days prior d/t need for visa.

Colors of Cuba – 7N’s.  $ 2733pp, based on 2.  1^st one is Sept 11, Sept 25, Oct 8 & more coming.  Same info as above.

 

Answers to questions
*Cuba is not setup for disability clients.  Not consistent with American Disability Act.
*Your passport must be 6 months to the good, upon returning.
*Credit Cards not really accepted; need to bring cash.  Cuba does not take US dollars; you have to exchange.  It’s $1 for $1, but commission charge is .13 cents, so you get back 87 cents on $1.  Keep est $100-200 on you; get up front.  If you have left over money, you can exchange back, but there is a cost.
*Cell phones (even if you have International plan – can use phone at hotel) & Internet won’t work.  Wifi not widely available, except some hotels (even if it does work, doesn’t work fast).
*Current groups, can only book into groups; can’t set up private groups for 2015.
*Souvenirs.  Can bring back up to $400.  $100 of this can be tobacco & Cuban cigars.  What you can buy extra that is not included in $400 is local art, handicrafts, ceramics & sculptures.
*Airfare from Miami to Cuba must be bought with package.  Can not upgrade your airfare (only 1 class of service).  These are charter flights.
*Singles cost.  Not yet known.
*New air gateways in future.  Today, only Miami with Apple Vacations.
*Guides – Excellent in English.  May speak other languages.  There will also be a tour guide from CTS.  So you will have 2 guides.
*How are the Cubans treating Americans.  Was expressed that they were treated delightful/fantastic.  Folks happy to see the Americans.  Found it to be very safe.  Vendors not even pushy; they engaged you & sold you, but didn’t push you; great approachable.
*Age requirement for Apple Vacation tours – 18 & up.
*Can only US passport holders go on tours ?  Unknown.  Will be handled case by case.

 

Cuba will go on sale with Apple Vacations (through your travel professional) beginning July 9, 2015 @ 11am !

 

Though its old news that Oasis of the Seas will soon sail out of Port Canaveral … Rates are climbing, are you booked ?

It’s basically been 3 months now, since Royal Caribbean announced that one of the largest ships afloat will soon we sailing out of Port Canaveral.  Cruisers have been asking for this for a while, and now it will come true, beginning November 5, 2016.

Though that might seem a long time away for many, the ship is filling up and rates continue to climb, as I am writing this !  So those waiting, could miss the boat on the sail date they want  … Or pay higher than they were expecting, with waiting !

If you have yet to sail such a ship, you’ll discover, she has “neighborhoods” onboard:  Central Park, The Pool and Sports Zone, Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, Youth Zone, and Entertainment Place.

Lots of free activities onboard:  Flowrider surf simulator, "Hairspray" Broadway show, AquaTheater, Zipline across Central Park, Ice skating, 3D Movie Theater, and the Gym.

Her first cruise, November 5, 2016, will be an 8 night, Western Caribbean.  December 18, will offer a 5 night to the Bahamas.  December 31, a New Year’s cruise, will be 8 nights to the Southern Caribbean.  February 19, 2017, there’s a 7 night to the Eastern Caribbean to include Labadee.  The sailings in between, up till April 20, 2017, is sailing to the Western Caribbean to include Labadee or to the Eastern Caribbean including the Bahamas.

Personally I prefer sailing, for a minimum of 7 nights.  I enjoy Labadee over Bahamas.  For the rest, doesn’t matter to me if it is Eastern or Western !

Which one appeals to you more ?

If you drive to port instead of fly, and if the Oasis is on your bucket list … This is a reminder, even if not sailing till the first quarter of 2017 … Take a look at what’s available and the pricing NOW … And get YOURSELF confirmed too !

 

Here ... Feel free to use my "cheat seats" to look at itinerary & estimated rates.  Go to www.VivianWebb.com.  See "Cruise Finder".  Don't put in destination, nor # of days, nor the month.  Instead, just put Cruise Line - Royal Caribbean, Ship - Oasis of the Seas, and Port from - Port Canaveral, and press enter.

 

 

When do you invest in health, car & homeowners insurance ? A travel vacation specialist ? It’s not meant to be a secret !

A “travel expert” as your go-between is meant for “before you buy” not after !  A travel expert is like having “insurance” before you need it !  And it usually cost you nothing !  Like buying a computer or camera from a company who provides unlimited “possibly needed” servicing/help !

With the Internet, so many folks today, think travel is meant for buying on your own.  The value of the “net” is so you’re not blind sided with valuable insight, not for moving forward & making your purchases online.

Unlike some products, where you might find a lower cost with shopping, this doesn’t necessarily hold true with purchasing travel !  You see a price on the “net” for airfare … Truly consider going directly to the airline site, and you usually find the same price !  Same with hotel … And if not the same price, call the hotel directly !  As far as cruises … Though cruise-only “distribution houses”, like Cruises Inc, may have lower rates, it’s always better to buy from your local agent, if you don’t know someone specifically at Cruises Inc.  Meaning, the EXPERTISE alone can be worth your wait in savings ! 

I get this response when folks call me who are in trouble, after purchase … “I didn’t know” !

Well, that’s my point !  It’s what you DON’T KNOW THAT CAN BITE YOU !

My simple questions to you are:

·         Do you have any travel questions ?

·         Do you know all the rules ? 

·         Do you read all the rules ?

·         Do you know which product is best for you ?

·         Do you have the expertise in getting yourself out of the box if need be ?

·         Do you believe you can go up against the “net company” when your product is not delivered ? 

·         Or the cruise line or the Tour Operator ?

·         Or when YOU have a personal issue ?

 

Truly sad, that these questions don’t come to folks mind, before they buy travel !
And may not even come to folks minds, when they buy a house or car ?!  Luckily for many, folks are forced to buy homeowners if they have a loan or your state makes you buy car insurance !  And today, more are forced to buy health insurance.  Wish folks were forced to buy “renters insurance” too !

Insurance is meant for your safety.  Just like having a travel expert/company by your side.  Whether it’s buying to protect the other person or YOU.   It’s the same with investing in a “go-between” with your travels.  Whether you are protecting you or maybe there’s a family situation out of your control !  The purpose in most all insurance, is for, “what is out of your control”.

Whether you are purchasing through me, Cruises Inc, or a local agency, it’s all for YOU !

Do you think all these agents would still be here, if there weren’t many folks who know their value ?
The cruise lines and tour operators want you to have that expertise insight “before” you arrive … Not to receive the “shock of what you didn’t know” after !

It’s not meant to be a secret that you don’t have to be traveling this road alone !

For the most part, such expertise, like buying a camera or computer, is FREE (the servicing after purchase).  After your travels, the cruise lines and tour operators “pay agents” for being there for you.  Did you hear those words ?  BEING THERE FOR YOU !

It’s true, they are being paid to guide you to that specific cruise line or tour operator, but for the most part, it’s about SOMEONE BEING BEHIND YOU … For the unknown … For the unexpected … Like insurance !  Guiding you to the right product is only a “minor part of it” !

Besides preaching about it … What can we, as experts of travel do, to help you in discover our value in being here for you … BEFORE ?  NOT AFTER ! Calling "After", it will cost you a bundle to hire an expert !  Or it can't be fixed at all !  Just like insurance, the price to pay after, is too late !

Please let us be here for you !  We're not in this business for OUR health ... We go thru "lots of stresses" to keep your money/vacation protected.  But that's our job ... We love it or we wouldn't be here ... For YOU !