Are you wondering "Why should I use a travel professional?"

In today's world of instant online access to unlimited information on so many travel options, you may be wondering why you spend the time talking to a travel professional like me when planning your next family vacation.  
I believe I just answered the question.

Instant online information is great, I use it all the time however not all information is created equally or projected in a way that is easy for the consumer to navigate and understand.  And with all the options for travel, resorts, hotels, cruises and destinations, how do you evaluate what is you are really looking for.

As a travel agent it is my job to know the great destinations.  My resources and expertise give you an inclusive view when planning your next vacation.  My extensive knowledge of cruise lines, resorts, airlines, and tour operators means I can help you get the family vacation you really want.  As a travel professional I have access to discounted rates, professional only offers, and exclusive benefits that will save you money, gain upgrades,  or give you additional amenities.  Through a global network of trusted travel partners, I can customize your family vacation to match your needs and desires.  When you have questions, you can pick up the phone and give me a call.  Need to make changes, you can call or email me with your requests.  I am responsible for your vacations.  My Job is Your Vacation.

Are Cruises really safe?

Image via Wikipedia

In the wake of the Costa Concordia tragedy, many vacationers are asking if a cruise is really safe.  The Costa Concordia incident is extraordinarily rare, especially since the cruise industry has been deemed the safest form of commercial transportation. 

To place this tragedy into perspective, Cruise Market Watch points out over 19 million passengers have enjoyed safe cruise experiences around the world in the last year.  And according to the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) over 90 million passengers have safely enjoyed cruise vacations over the past two decades. There are currently 456 cruise ships sailing throughout the world’s waterways with a total capacity of over 425,000 passengers. 

The cruise industry complies with all International Maritime Organization (IMO) standards governing the operation of cruise vessels worldwide. These regulations are closely monitored by both flag and port states. These internationally mandated standards govern the design, construction and operation of ocean-going vessels and are codified in the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention and its amendments. (CLIA)

As a travel agent, we strongly advise our clients to heed all passenger preparedness drills in the event of an emergency.  Muster Drills are mandatory on all cruise ships prior to leaving the port of embarkation.  As boring as they seem, we should all pay a little more attention to what is being said and demonstrated during these drills for our own safety and the safety of other passengers and crew.   

Aurora Borealis a.k.a. Northern Lights

Image via WikipediaThe aurora borealis is a natural occurring phenomenon where light dances across the sky near the north pole. Otherwise known as the Northern Lights, the best time to see nature's show is between April and October.  So the next logical question is "How do I get to the North Pole?".  


You can actually see quite a show in Alaska, northern Canadian, Iceland, and many of the Scandinavian countries. 
Consider a family cruise to Alaska.  The Alaska cruise season is from May to September.  Most of the major cruise lines offer Alaska cruises either north bound or south bound from Anchorage to Seattle or Vancouver or round trip cruises through the bay from Seattle and Vancouver.  For extended families, consider a Disney Cruise as they cater to all ages of children.  Families with older children will appreciate Celebrity and Princess Cruise lines for their educational programs geared toward teens and young adults.   
Not really the cruising type, the Rockie Mountain Railroad provides an up close look at the true sights and sounds of the lesser traveled regions of Canada and Alaska.  
Want to go someplace unique?  Scandinavian and Baltic Sea cruises offer a wealth of options. From Helsinki it is a short helicopter ride north to see this spectacular show from the sky.   .  

24 Hours of Magic

In celebration of LEAP DAY, for the first time ever, both Disney Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland in California will be open for 24 hours beginning at 6 a.m. on February 29, 2012.  Visitors can enjoy non-stop day and night magic on select attractions and entertainment.
Enjoy one more day and night of Disney Magic FREE when you buy a 3 night, 3 day non-discounted  room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort hotels. Must book by January 31, 2012.
Leisure Travel Enterprises is a preferred supplier of Disney Travel.  Call us for the best rates and offers available.  We have the inside scoop!   877-543-0815

What do you really need to pack for an All-Inclusive Vacation?

It all depends where you are going.  Your best source of information is your Travel Agent who has personally stayed at many of the resorts and knows activities, amenities and services.  All inclusive resorts will include the basic toiletries such as soap, shampoo, lotion etc.  If there is a special item you cannot live without, you should bring your own along with your toothbrush, makeup, curling iron, razor and such.  Most important, don't forget the sunscreen!

All inclusive resorts for families and couples specialize in fun.  No need to bring your own beach towels, snorkeling equipment, games or movies - these and other items are at the resort.

Clothing can be a little trickier.  When in doubt ask your travel agent.  Most resorts are on the beach, so bathing suites, cover-ups, shorts and t-shirts are a must. Sandals, and tennis shoes are also a good idea.  If you plan to play golf or tennis, the appropriate clothing may be required.  Dinner and clubs usually require more than t shirts and shorts.  Slacks for men and a nice sundress or slacks for women is usually just fine.  

Luggage Question - Check or Ship??

With the high costs many airlines are charging to check luggage is there really a benefit to shipping your luggage via a national shipper?  In some cases yes.  If you are packing for an extended period of time and know you will have to check several bags when you fly shipping your luggage might be more cost effective.  But there are several other things to consider before shipping your luggage to your next destination:.

Domestic flights usually charge one fee for the first bag and an additional higher fee for the second.  IF either bag is overweight, the fees are even higher.  Consider shipping your bags Fed Ex or UPS.  Shipped with a national carrier you can track the whereabouts of your personal items and avoid the pushing and shoving that often occurs at the baggage claim area after a long flight.   

Most international flights allow at least one fee free bag per passenger and the weight limits are usually higher. You are probably better off checking your bag with the airline.

If you decide to ship your luggage, pay a little more for the insurance and make sure there will be someone at the other end to sign for your stuff.  

Ski season is here - instead of shipping your skis, it may be cheaper to rent them once you get to the slopes.  Use this as a chance to test a different brand or style especially if you are in the market for something new.