perfect vacation

The World is on Sale...

2009-06-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Where will you go...

Take advantage of great rates and sample a cruise line you've not been on before...

To Europe or Canada where the dollar is stronger...

A destination or hotel that is new to you...

A long weekend

This is especially a great time to take advantage of upscale or luxury travel and lower rates.

Contact us today to help you see the world "on sale."

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

2009-01-08T15:36:00.001-08:00

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

While times are tough for many of us, there are some bright spots...

One company at my Leads (business referral) meeting this morning said 2008 was their best year ever

The realtor in that same group is having a good year

Phones have been ringing off the hook since Monday at many travel agencies around the country

Cruises, tours, hotels are offering deals not seen since the days right after 9/11

Stores that are closing are offering tremendous discounts on merchandise

Spend some money (maybe not a lot) - at a local eatery...enjoy a cup of coffee at a local coffee house...go to the movies...rent a movie...buy something you need (or, really want) that's on sale - many at prices not seen the end of 2001...but most of all - spend time with your family and friends doing activities you enjoy and creating memories for a lifetime

Let's all make it a GREAT 2009!!!!!!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2008-11-27T10:56:00.000-08:00

As Americans, living in a great democracy, we have much to be thankful for.

The safety of our country (since 9/11)
A great standard of living, well above many other countries and cultures, for many of us
An abundance of food and "conveniences" to make life easier
Family and friends

Think about this today as you gather around your holiday table with family and friends.

Have a wonderful holiday.

A Silver Lining for Travelers...

2008-11-17T09:44:00.000-08:00

"with lower fares and a stronger dollar, it's about 25 percent cheaper to take a vacation there this winter than last year, "said Simon Talling-Smith, an executive vice president with British Airways. There, meaning Europe. Also, when taking an escorted tour or cruise, you'll save money because you're paying with US dollars, not the Euro.

And, cruise fares are rivaling the prices seen in the weeks and months following 9/11. Yes, holiday weeks are still high but before/after and in '09 there are some great rates out there. Seen recently - the HAL/Oosterdam - 7 day - RT San Diego $644pp TOTAL, including port charges, gov't. fees and fuel surcharges.

Waikiki - the Hyatt is doing 3rd night free with daily complimentary breakfast buffet for two thrown in - about a $30 value for each breakfast.

Hawaii - the other islands are seeing 4th night free instead of 5th night free

Happy Vacations is reimbursing travelers up to $100 for the cost of checked bags through the airlines.

Contact us for details.

Bon Voyage!

No more beads at the new Club Med...

2008-11-05T13:44:00.001-08:00

Remember the Club Med resorts of the the 70's and 80's? Well, it's a totally changed concept today. Although the original reason for creating these destination resorts, remains the same, that's almost all that is the same.

Today's resorts - 84 of them on five continents embrace upscale, family travel. Many of the Club Med resorts offer Baby Club Med (4-23 months) and Petit Club Med (2-3 years) and all the family resorts include children's programs from Club Chef (cooking courses), trapeze courses, water sports and other programs set up just for kids. There are five adult only resorts also.

Their suites program is, well, sweet. All of these rooms are beach front - they are in three story buildings so it may not be on the ground floor. From a suites concierge whose staff will make restaurant reservations, book tennis courts and make golfing times...suggest local excursions...a fully stocked/restocked mini fridge, perhaps a private beach area and/or plunge pool...early morning pastries to late afternoon canapes in a private suites/concierge lounge...what more luxury would you want?

Today the Club Meds are all-inclusive. The only extra items you'll pay for are spa treatments, tours-including diving and golfing, and items purchased at their boutiques. The Baby Club Med and Petit Club Med does incur an additional daily charge; however, toddlers under the age of two don't pay any other fee and you don't need to enroll your children in either of those programs if you don't want to. Enjoy swimming in the ocean or at a variety of pools, para sail or sail, kayak, play tennis or golf, ski at the ski resorts - you won't have time to try everything in a one-week vacation.

The food is better than ever - at their buffet restaurants you'll be served by the chef that actually baked your bread or cooked the roast beef or ham he/she is serving. You'll find stations serving fresh seafood, pasta, roast meats and all of your favorite comfort foods like pizza, hot dogs, and similar. Fresh fruit is flown in daily and fresh juice bars are featured at most of the resorts. Each resort has a few reservation-only restaurants such as La Belle Creole at Buccaneer's Creek in Martinique which serves up authentic Creole specialties, or Berimbau, a Brazilian churrascaria in the Bahamas presenting hard-carved meats.

Would you like to travel for free, if so, read on...

2008-10-31T13:12:00.000-07:00

Where would you like to travel next? And, how would you like to go for FREE…well, “almost for free.” You’d have to pay for taxes, city/port fees and any fuel supplements. (IE: You get 16-20 additional people to travel with you, and you just pay the above listed fees – on a $1000 trip, you might pay only $225 - $250 dollars.)

I'm looking for a few Pied Pipers - group leaders to "host" some interesting trips, and at the same time, travel a a reduced rate.

Imagine a cruise through the Panama Canal...a ski trip to your favorite winter resort...sailing down Mexican Way (Mexican Riviera)...a tour of Italy...the possibilities are endless.

And, with friends you personally invite on a trip you plan, at your convenience. At a greatly reduced price.

Yes, it's a job - you'll have to tell people (invite them) about the trip, hold a party (I'll supply the refreshments and location), distribute flyers (that I and the supplier create), and act as a sort of "host" during the trip. Sounds like fun, doesn't it...

Contact me today for more information....don't wait...the world is waiting!

perfectvacation@sbcglobal.net/559-284-9710.

Another cruise line drops fuel surcharges

2008-10-28T08:15:00.000-07:00

Royal Caribbean, including Azamara and Celebrity lines, yesterday announced a program to roll back fuel surcharges. It's not completely eliminating the charges; it depends on the price of oil but expect a possible onboard credit as a type of "refund" for cruises already under deposit. Expect a (possible) complete elimination of fuel surcharges for cruises booked 2010 and beyond.

THE FINE PRINT: Of course, this is subject to change.

The good news, is along with the Carnival lines - Carnival, Costa, Cunard, HAL, Princess, and the Yachts of Seabourn announced a similar policy a couple of weeks ago, so you have a pretty broad spectrum of cruises to take with a reduced/eliminated fuel supplement.

Any questions, please call 559-284-9710 or post at perfectvacation@sbcglobal.net

Happy Cruising!

Stay in a Castle in Ireland!

2008-10-26T16:40:00.000-07:00

One of the extra-special things to do while on a trip is to stay in unique places. So, while in Ireland, stay in an Irish Castle!

There are several Irish castles you can stay in so take advantage of that and try to stay in a couple while you're visiting that country. Ashford Castle, Cabra Castle and Waterford Castle are just a few that will welcome you.

Ashford Castle, harkens back to the 13th century, and boasts of 350 acres of private woodland surrounding the castle. Ashford Castle is situated on the shores of Lough Corrib about 45-50 minutes from Galway City. The resident golf instructor can explain the type of game which is played on their 9-hold course; he's also available for private instruction. Two all-weather tennis courts are also on the ground. In addition to those activities you may wish to go fishing, enjoy falconry, archery, shooting, or go horseback riding and/or cruising on the lake. A spa is also on the grounds. Each guestroom is uniquely designed and has all the modern amenities including broadband connectivity and interactive TV. Ashford Castle's main dining room is the George V of England room and it's here where you can enjoy breakfast and a table d'hote dinner menu. Other eateries include the Connaught Room, the Cottage Room and you'll find two lounges also.

Cabra Castle is a more "modern" edifice, dating back to the mid-sixteen century and is located about an hour's drive from Dublin. Each of it's 80 guestrooms is richly appointed and full of history yet offer modern amenities such as satelite TV and coffee/tea makers. The rooms are located in the main castle building, renovated outbuildings and they offer large cottages with 2-4 bedrooms in each. A 9-hole golf course is on the grounds and golf is complimentary during your stay. Tennis courts are also located on the premises. Shooting, fishing and horseback riding are all available nearby. Cabra Castle has an excellent restaurant where you can enjoy specialties ranging from loin of venison to duck breast and a myriad of other options. Imagine cream filled meringue nests filled with seasonal berries for dessert. An excellent wine list accompanies the restaurant menu.

Waterford Castle is on a private island in Waterford, Ireland. Adjacent to the castle hotel is the 18-hole championship golf course with Castle Garden Holiday Homes for rent nearby. The 800 year-old Waterford Castle has 19 spacious and elegantly appointed guestrooms with all the amenities you'd expect at a luxury hotel. Enjoy boules, croquet, or lawn cricket out on the lawn for play a game of tennis on their outdoor court; cycling, shooting and archery are all available on the grounds along with nature trails wending throughout the 300+ acres. Enjoy Waterford Castle's award winning Munster Dining Room with superb seasonal menus and excellent cellar. A pianist plays in the Munster Dining Room many evening and a rather dressy garb is requested. The Fitzgerald Room offers a daily afternoon tea and lighter fare until 9pm; there are also several private dining rooms on the premises.

Come enjoy your own castle stay at the Cabra Castle during KMJ's upcoming trip to Ireland. Skip Essick, KMJ Radio's program director will lead a group of travelers through Ireland in May, 2009. Skip has been to Ireland over 10 times and knows it very well - be sure to join him on his pub crawl in Dublin! Collette Vacations offers this motorcoach trip - leaving Fresno on May 10, 2009 and returning to Fresno on May 19, 2009. Here's what your trip includes -

Motorcoach to/from SFO/LAX
Round Trip Air to/from Ireland
10 Nights Lodging (including one night at the above-mentioned Cabra Castle
13 Meals - 8 breakfasts, 5 dinners
Escorted tour with guide
Jaunting Car Ride*
Hotel Transfers

$3408.00 per person**, based on double occupancy

**THE FINE PRINT: Prices can change until a deposit is made and is dependent on availability at the time of the deposit. Fuel surcharge may increase. Insurance is highly suggested and not included in the above price.
* Weather permitting

If interested, please call me at 559-284-9710 or email me at perfectvacation@sbcglobal.net. I've met Skip and his wife and I assure you, a good time will be hand by all. (I've had friends go on Collette trips and they were very, very pleased with everything.)

Happy travels!!!!!!

Good Values Available on Future Travels

2008-10-26T00:54:00.001-07:00

Yes! the economy is a tad unstable...everything is up in the air because of the election...

But, people are still traveling, and more importantly - continuing to book travel for the future.

Look for some great values over the next few months...

Carnival Cruise Line - including Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and the Yachts of Seabourn, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line - including Celebrity have recently rolled back or eliminated the fuel supplement. Now, it's not simple to explain - there is "small print" involved with several scenarios so contact me for details. However, it's a step in the right direction. Expect other lines to follow suit shortly.

Look for vacation packages which give you a "refund/credit" towards the high cost of fuel. Now that gas prices have dropped a bit, expect these to go away; however, there are some still in effect. I recall a Hawaiian package with a credit of about $200 or $250 - in the form of an American Express Giftcard - for specific stays of 5 nights (or more) at select properties. Similar promotions are available at other destinations also. Always ask your travel professional whether a complimentary upgrade is possible and if there are any other discounts available.

Hotels and suppliers are often crediting back the cost of a checked bag - expect to show proof of payment and this might be a refund coming to you after you return from your vacation, or, it might be a type of credit or gift card to be used at your destination.

Cruises should have some good pricing with the new builds that have already increased cruise inventory with still more coming later this year and in 2009. If you're flexible with dates and cabin categories, you'll be able to score some great prices.

For the rest of the year, your best travel dates for the best pricing should be -

the first couple weeks of November (up to Thanksgiving week)
the first couple weeks of December (up until the week before Christmas)

Please remember, the lowest priced cruise/package might not be the best value. Look at the extras being offered and include that when figuring out the bottom line cost to your vacation.

Finally, please consider purchasing travel insurance - not only will it cover the cost (or, most of it) of your vacation, it should cover emergency medical expenses if a traveler has to be flown off a ship or from a resort to a medical center-this can be very, very costly. And, it will usually cover a supplier going under - it's best to stay with very stable, well known cruise lines, tour companies, and shore excursion operators in this type of economy.

Happy travelin'

Blogging again - all things travel

2008-10-26T00:49:00.000-07:00

Hello!

I'm starting to blog about travel again so check back often for articles on cruises...new cruise ships...FAB U LOUS hotels...great restaurants...cool shopping in various destinations around the world.

Please post back and let me know what you think...and with your own travel experiences.

For more information on any of these articles and offers, please call me at 559-284-9710 or email me at perfectvacation@sbcglobal.net

Bon Voyage!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 4,5, 6 of my NCL Cruise

2007-08-30T21:44:00.000-07:00

At least I think I'm on 4, 5 & 6...

Easy to forget when you're on vacation. I think I left off with the night we were to eat at Jefferson's Bistro - very, very good with excellent service. Missed sitting with other people however.

Not sure if I mentioned this - on the 2nd night we were invited to a VIP cocktail party hosted by the captain and several staff members. Very nice "do" and we chatted for awhile with both the captain, the hotel director and other ship employees.

The next night we were asked to a private "jewelry" party - champagne & canapes which were ignored by us because we had just left the bistro eatery. They were showcasing some of their jewelry and perfume items. I didn't make a purchase but my friend did. Again, enjoyed visiting with some of the ship's crew.

The following day was our second day on Maui. This time we headed away from Lahaina, checking out other parts of the island. Just not enough time to see it all - our ship embarked waaay to soon.

Enjoyed dinner in the Italian restaurant again, this time being joined by a couple from upstate NY. It was fun chatting with them but haven't seen them since. The other lady & I had the lasagne which was excellent. As were the appetizers and salad. The service was slightly better the first night I thought.

Stopped by the Pink Cadillac Lounge and listened to the ship's pianist who was quite good. Also discovered, an after dinner drink not to be overly pricey - I think $5 or $5.50 for a Galliano, straight up.

Yesterday we were on the Kona side of the big island. Drove out to the Kona Village Resort - not exactly what I expected but really enjoyed the tour that Lahni gave us. Very stark, and, at the same time, lush grounds - start, black lava rock all around, but lush greenery around the hales. Each hale is very private, no phone, radios or tv's. They're covered in thatch and there were actually re-thatching a hale as we drove by (in a golf cart) yesterday. We also saw the lobby/registration area - outside, but covered, the luau site and the site where the weekly steak dinner is held. We also checked out the gym and spa (yes the Dilena's names were on the wall for the many, many times various family members have enjoyed this resort), swimming pool, beach, dining hale and bars. Looks like a very interesting place to stay - unusual, tranquil, relaxing yet very luxurious. The one hale we got to see had a very nice bathroom with tub, two sinks, and a large bed and sofa (perhaps it was a sofa bed I don't recall.) It's a ways out of town, so you'll need a car - also VERY hard to find. They're not allowed to post any signs on the highway so we did a bit of "wandering around."

That's it for now....more tomorrow - our last full day of our cruise - can't believe it's almost over.

Ta Ta....

Day 4...on NCL's Pride of America...

2007-08-28T19:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all...

Quick update for last night and today (that network clock is a-tickin').

Day 4 means we're halfway through our cruise already Wow!

Dinner at one of the specialty restaurants was terrific - every bit as good as Le Bistro was on The Wind (to Alaska) back in Aug. '01. On this ship it's called Jefferson's Bistro - beautiful decor with dark woods. Served very elegantly, slow (but not too slow) pace and all very delicious.

Started out (after another very good breakfast in the Liberty Dining Room - dollar pancakes - don't see those very often any more.)

Started out by driving up to the Iao Needle, - no rain, no mist, just a high overcast. Stopped on the way down at a cafe which was still closed but right next door was a beautiful Japanese style building so we went there to explore. Turned out to be several things on the property - the first building was a little park and statuary to the first Japanese immigrants to the area, then we saw the Korean section and another small area for the Portuguese. What looked like a small chapel (perhaps Catholic for their faith) was locked but outside were statues of the Virgin Mary. No charge to get in and there were picnic tables & BBQ pits at each"building" - just a covered area. One family group enjoying a BBQ while we were there.

Next stop was an international market at the botanical gardens - beautiful location with a pond in the back. Many wedding ceremonies are held here. Yes, yes - bearing gifts back home. Fun to look at all the native items - but I put the ones back that said "Made in China."

Then, our daily stop at Starbucks (only once today!) Afterwards, we drove towards Kehei and Wailea and drove past the beach access area and in and out of various hotel properties. Hands down, the Fairmont Kea Lani gets my vote - elegant, beautiful lobby - you drive up and as you leave your car with the valet, you look through the lobby to the ocean beyond. The grounds are lush and very, very attractive. The water had whitecaps today so didn't see all the surfers we saw yesterday. Several golf courses but, like the ones I saw yesterday, the fairways on some seemed pretty dry. Hearing not much rain today.

Tonight we head back to dine at Little Italy and tomorrow we stop at Kona. We're going to visit the Kona Village Resort (will look for my families' pictures in the gym because they stay there so often.) Should be fun.

Aloha!

On NCL's Pride of America, Day 1, 2, 3

2007-08-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

OK...

Just set up my pricey (very) internet account so this will be short but sweet.

Aloha from Maui - arrived here today and rented a car and drove from the airport area up to Napili, back toward Ka'anapali...dipped my toes in the Pacific - felt great...enjoyed lunch at Cheeseburger in Heaven. Truth be told - not the exact name, but it was great.

Found Lahaina VERY different - first/last time I was here the only thing there was the banyan tree and the monkey pod shop - if you wanted a soda, you went into the monkey pod shop. As I remember, it wasn't very cold. T'was a loooong time ago!

Day 1...

We arrived for our cruise after a fairly uneventful flight - but it did remind how different flying is post 9/11. I do NOT like taking my shoes off in a public airport. And, when I arrived at the ship, I found I had 3 (three) bottles of "liquid" in my purse that never were discovered???? Also, we heard the Oakland airport was on "high" terror alert - we were told it's always on "high" alert there???

Rented a car - got upgraded from a compact to an SUV and we took off towards the north side of the island - NW kind of area. Saw homes built on stilts, many with aluminum roofs, beautiful greenery - the bougainvillea here grows in many colors - hot pink, white, and orange. Got into a short downpour when we stopped at a shopping center for lunch - yes, Dairy Queen, Blimpie's, and Orange Julius are all alive and well in Hawaii. Also, checked out Walmart and picked up a throw-away camera, sunscreen, etc. Called a friend who used to live in Honolulu-that shopping center was very close to where she lived in.

Eventually, made our way to the ship, and got checked in and onboard fairly quickly. I ended up getting a private tour of all the public rooms (I was the ONLY passenger to show up) and Ricky from the cruise staff did a stellar job - great ship...beautiful main dining room - Liberty Dining Room, several bars, theatre, etc. Our room more than adequate for two and the balcony is terrific. It's not cantilevered like many of today's cruiseships and I liked that fact. Now, for 3 or 4 people in one room, the closet will be pretty small - my friend & I filled it up. (Partly, because we stopped at Ross in Hilo yesterday and we both added to our wardrobe.)

Managed to snag a reservation for the Italian eatery on board the first night - Little Italy. Absolutely superb!!!!! Earlier I had asked my "tour guide" if he thought the chef might make veal saltimbocca for me (wasn't on the menu Sat. night). He did and it was FAB. My father would have enjoyed the dinner very much - a risotto dish was on the menu and they served some with my entree - delish. The caesar salad included anchovies so I was in 7th Heaven! Too full to enjoy dessert so we'll have to find out what the "chocolate salami" is on another evening - we return to Little Italy on Wednesday evening.

A note on freestyle dining on NCL - altho it's proving to be very popular, I still prefer the traditional early or late seating with the same table mates every night. While Little Italy was fun and we had a good time, I would have enjoyed dining with more than one person.

A bit of frustration when we returned to our cabin for the night. We could NOT figure out how to turn out one of the lights - the really, really bright one. Finally about 2 am, my girlfriend DID manage to find that pesky light switch.

Day 2...

Yesterday was Hilo and we arrived about two hours late - Cap't. had announced over the loudspeaker that our "escort" boats hadn't arrived so we couldn't dock. Hmmm, three people onshore said there are no "tugboats" used...rumor abounded about problem with the ship motors????? So, lingered a bit on the ship and enjoyed a great breakfast (Matt was a terrific waiter) before disembarking and getting a rental car.

Drove through town (in another upgraded SUV) and saw a little Catholic church - buili in 1841...still has candles you can light (all the Catholic churches in California now have the little electric/battery lights). Found a great natural foods store where we enjoyed lunch (the Mexican eatery was closed on Sundays). Oh, and just prior to lunch we walked through a Farmers' Market and had the tiny, sweet bananas and I had a terrific tasting tomato - ate it right there in the market.

Stopped at Starbucks (my girlfriend needs at least two of these per day - we had checked out one in downtown Waikiki also on Saturday. Then we hit Ross and I added to my "cruising" wardrobe with some formal dresses. (I'm going to have to start doing the driving so we can avoid the shopping centers.)

Last night we ate at the Teppanyaki section of the Asian restaurant - excellent. Enjoyed the company of a couple living near San Diego, another from Oklahoma, and a younger couple from Boston on their honeymoon. Really enjoyed the interaction with other people while we dined. Their filet wa very, very good.

Wanted to take in the show but we were beat and were in bed quite early - before ten, and ya'll know what a nightowl I am.

Day 3

See above for some of the notes. Enjoyed another nice breakfast (smoked salmon - yummers) before heading off to the car rental place.

It's probably time to go because I've got to log onto my bank account to float a loan so I can buy more internet time.

Looking at dinner in the "something" bistro this evening. But, it will be at a table for two - I do wish we were eating with some of the people we've met. And, I'd like to run into that couple from San Diego - they were going zip-lining today and I want to hear all about it.

Ta Ta....more tomorrow - if I can get that loan.

Aloha.

Computers are - well funny

2007-08-22T21:48:00.000-07:00

OK....

"Puters really are a bit strange.

Tried to sign in to post an article and it wouldn't let me sign in.

Tried getting here another way & I'm in.

Go figure.

Off to Hawaii next week - on the Pride of America, one of NCL's ships that sails the islands. Should be fun. Look for a blog or two if I can get some keyboard time.

lois@cruiseexperts.com

Freestyle....Personal Choice....As You Wish Dining

2007-08-21T19:19:00.000-07:00

First, it was NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line) to present freestyle dining (about '02...I sailed on the Wind in Alaska and I think it was their last season to have the early late seating.

Then, Princess debuted "Personal Choice Dining" - that give you a choice of the traditional early/late seatings or you can opt to dine wherever you like, whenever you like (within the hours the eatery is open) with whomever you like. Pretty popular - in '03, we requested a table for 8-10, only 5 people came.

Now, HAL (Holland America Line) has tried a model very similar to Princess on one ship and will roll it out fleetwide over the next few months.

So, what do YOU think?

How All-Inclusive Resorts Have Changed

2007-08-11T11:12:00.000-07:00

Years ago the thought of an all-inclusive vacation brought up scenes of long lines at the buffet three times a day, volleyball, beads being used to pay for extras, and a rowdy atmosphere due to many guests taking advantage of the availability of adult drinks.Fast-forward to today’s all-inclusive vacations and resorts. Now it’s luxury all the way at many of these resorts – full service spas, cigar bars, a private butler, wine tasting and similar upscale amenities. New consumer trends are showing that patrons of the all-inclusive resort are wealthier than ever before. And, the resorts are catering to certain niche markets – honeymooners, couples, families, divers, golfers and so on.

Almost every all inclusive vacation company offers destination weddings. And, it’s not just for the happy couple and a few other family members and friends. These couples bring 50 or 60 (or more!) of their closest family and friends with them to enjoy a long weekend or an entire week participating in many more activities than just the nuptials. With the average US wedding costing from $26,000 to $30,000, it’s frequently less expensive to have a destination wedding. Often, the bride and groom will often remain at the resort for their honeymoon after the guests have gone home.

Remember Club Med of the 70’s? – the swinging singles scene. Now, it has gone after families in a big way. In just a few weeks, and after almost 25 million (USD) in renovations, the new Cancun Club Med will debut. The Club Med family properties are very well known for their excellent children’s programs for those 17 and under. Actually, one program starts with infants as young as four months. And, Beaches has children’s programs including Sesame Street activities for the younger set and XBox Oasis Game Centers for the teenagers. Palace Resorts, AMR and Karisma Resorts are three who are sticking mainly with the “adults only” scheme. The majority of their adult guests are looking for a sophisticated and relaxing vacation. Some staff-to-guest ratios are often as high as 2-to-1 in these resorts. They frequently offer 24-hour room service, expanded concierge service and upscale wines and liquors. And, the food scene is totally different from a decade ago. Today, you’ll find French bistros, sushi bars, Italian trattorias and teppanyaki dining spots along with a la carte dining. Resorts catering to families will still offer popular kid’s cuisine along with the more sophisticated adult fare.

All-inclusive vacations and resorts have never been very popular in the US. However, there is one in Crested Butte, Colorado, run by Club Med. Club Med also has one in Florida, the Sandpiper. Kona Village Resort on the big island in Hawaii can also be considered an all-inclusive resort - my family has vacationed there almost every year for over 25 years. Alaska is home to some all-inclusive resorts and hotels, which include meals, many amenities and tours, but usually charge for liquor and some excursions. Most of the all-inclusive resorts are in Mexico, the Caribbean, Asia and South America. All-inclusive vacations are a great way to keep to a budget, perhaps a very generous one, while on your holiday.

When Should I Book my Vacation

2007-08-11T07:56:00.000-07:00

I feel like I'm a one-woman show who wants to advise EVERYONE to book their vacation 8 - 12 months out for the best value. Remember, great value, isn't always the lower price. If you save some money on a cheaper airline ticket but have to use an expensive cab to get you to your cruise ship or hotel, you might end up spending more money.

Today, the cruise ships sail out full, and, as the sailing date gets closer, the prices inch up. At "my" agency, we lower the price of your cruise fare if the price goes down between the time your place a deposit and final payment.

Location! Location! Location! Booking further out also allows you the best choice of your cabin. If it's a land-based vacation, you'll have your choice of, say, an "ocean view" or "lakeside" cabin instead of the less popular (although less expensive) "garden view" room.

Happy travel!

lois@cruiseexperts.com

Intro to Perfect Vacations

2007-07-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

A blog about travel - all types and all budgets.

This is your blog too, so please post a comment, or two.

I live in Central California where I'm a travel agent.

I'll be posting articles about hotels, cruises, and specific destinations along with posts about restaurants, camping, and hobbies.

Now, it's your turn, please.

Have a great day.