Where to Go on Vacation

Just a quick follow-up to the last post...

Several people were surprised by my "where to go" thoughts. Many thought that knowing where they want to go is a no-brainer. But, it isn't!

Here's the problem: You see the TV ads; you see the beautiful beach depictions on the web sites. They leave one with the perception that tropical beach locations are just heavenly - and most are. But some are not. And, even with those that are wonderful, there are good areas and not-so-good areas. (TV ads can even make North Dakota look interesting!)

I remember several years back when a young couple asked specifically for a honeymoon on Waikiki Beach. They wanted a relaxing, romantic atmosphere. As you all know there is nothing relaxing or romantic about Waikiki Beach. We tried to talk them out of it.... to no avail.

Journey On!

Dick

Booking Your Vacation On-Line

Here's some free advice for those who enjoy combing the websites for their vacation package...

There are many perils to on-line booking unless you absolutely know the destination and the resort from from personal RECENT experience. So, if you are going to shop for yourself, here are some things be mindful of:

First, do you know WHERE you want to go? We've seen so many instances of people going to an absolutely wrong destination for their personal interests and lifestyle.

Second, (assuming you have chosen the right destination) different resorts (or cruise lines) may "look" similar on the websites but there are distinct differences in their ambiance, their quality and their clientele. These can make or break your vacation experience!

Third, trusting the pictures and information found on web sites can be a fatal mistake. Photoshopped pictures, very old pictures, bogus testimonials on Trip Advisor and other such sites and deceptive pricing are the major areas of concern.

For more detail, here is a paper I wrote on this subject.

Go ahead and have fun searching... but then, why not enlist a travel professional to review your selection before you hit the "Buy" button. 99% of the time, they will be able to book the very same vacation for you at the same price - and no additional charges. Some agencies now provide a "Trip Validation Service". For a nominal Advisory Fee (my agency charges $75), they will "validate" that you have made a correct choice - and that the price shown is valid (no tricks or hidden charges). With a professional opinion supporting your selection, you can go ahead and "Buy" with confidence.

Cheers,

Dick

Riviera Maya - Know Before You Go!

Sharing a Martini with a new acquaintance recently, the subject of vacations in Mexico came up. He had just come back from Mazatlan (not one of my favorites) and I asked if they had ever been to the Riviera Maya, south of Cancun.

He said they had been there once and didn't like it. "The Riv" is one of my travel company's most popular destinations so, needless to say, I was surprised!

They didn't like that they were in the middle of nowhere and couldn't do a thing without taking taxis. It turns out that they found a resort that "looked nice on-line" and booked it without giving any thought to details other than pictures, descriptions and prices.

We know the resort where they stayed - and it is a very nice resort that we have sent clients to for the 7 years since it was built. But, we would have never recommended it to these folks! They were interested in "seeing & doing". We would have recommended one of several great resorts within easy walking distance to downtown Playa del Carmen.

The place where they stayed is perfect for people (like us) who are going for "resort living"... to enjoy the pool, the beach, the spa, the fine dining and the cocktail lounges... and a couple books. But, it wasn't right for these people!

That's why a good travel counselor is worth their weight in gold! If you don't have one, find one! Dispelling the myth, a travel agent will usually save you money... and will always assure the right situation for you!

Cheers,

Dick

No Snow in the Sunny Virgin Islands!

We just returned from managing a Corporate Incentive Meeting in sunny St. Thomas. (Nice duty, eh?)

The massive snowstorms that blew through Georgia and the Carolinas, then up through the Northeast on the day before the group (people coming from 24 states) was to fly caused quite a mess... and that is putting it mildly!

We needed to be on site at least one day before the group was to arrive. Since we were connecting in Charlotte, we thought we had better get out while we could. It took us 26 hours and two stops to get there, but we did get there. From then, it was up to our great travel staff back at the office to find ways to get the other 110 people there - a task that they accomplished in stunning fashion!

Arrivals ranged from being on-time to being 10 hours late - with multiple connections and geographic routes that would otherwise be ridiculous. Here's one: Portland to San Francisco to Dallas to San Juan to St. Thomas. Another: Boston to Pittsburgh to Philadelphia to Miami to St. Thomas.

To be honest, I don't know how our crew pulled it off! Kudos to them all!

Cheers,

Dick

Puerto Rico Vacations... Nice, but not my Cup of Tea

I just returned from San Juan where we managed a corporate incentive group... my first time there since about 1980.

While "the city" still stinks, resort development away from San Juan has grown considerably - and those areas are lovely! I played golf out at Dorado Beach on one day and found the people to be friendly and the ambiance to be very nice.

One of the new areas that is shaping up to be world-class is out toward the rain forest about 45 minutes east of the airport. The "anchor" is a Trump development that includes two very nice golf courses. My feeling is that this area is still a year from being a "go to" place, but you should put it on your list of future destinations!

As with so many tourist areas during this lean economic time, the people we came in contact with were gracious and eager to serve. They truly appreciated our presence.

Our client selected the Ritz-Carlton hotel near the airport. Though not my choice for location, the hotel was excellent! Service and accommodations were both top drawer!!! We were on the Concierge floor and spent much of our free time in the Club Room where the Champagne glass was bottomless... and the staff outstanding. What a treat!

Cheers,

Dick