Six Things You Can Do To Make Your Vacation Better
I love surprises. I love giving surprises and being surprised. Many times we are told “Don’t call the home phone, this trip is a surprise and I don’t want you to give it away.” One place where no one likes surprises, though, is unexpected problems on vacation. Here are six things you can do to eliminate unhappy surprises as much as possible.
1. Make sure you know where your passports are a few days before your trip. Put your hands actually on your passports the week before your trip. What if they aren’t where you just know they are? What if you forgot that they are actually in a safety deposit box at a bank? Don’t wait until the day before when there is nothing that can be done to fix the situation.
Do have a certain place where you always put the passports when you return home from a trip, so that you’ll know where they are next time too.
2. Think through each step of your trip…how will you get from the airport to your hotel? Between cities? Do any blanks need to be filled in? Do you know who to look for for any pre-arranged ground transportation? Do you need to go ahead and pre arrange any activities that might not be available when you’re in the destination? Things like tee times and swimming with dolphins can sell out early.
3. Make sure you have at least two different sources of funds (if you’re going on a trip where additional money is required). If you’re doing a trip like Europe where you’ll need a steady supply of money for meals and transportation and maybe even sightseeing, be sure to bring along not only a debit card to get cash from ATM machines around the world, but also a credit card that has a PIN number set up so that you can get a cash advance via ATM machines as well. A third credit card just for purchases wouldn’t be a bad idea either. Notify each of the banks involved that you’ll be out of the country because nothing triggers a fraud alert faster than international charges. Also be sure to take telephone numbers with you for those banks that can be dialed from out of the country (i.e. not an 800 number).
4. Be clear about what you’ve prepaid and what expenses you can expect along the way. Speaking of how to get cash along the way, be very sure about what things you’ve prepaid and what you can expect to pay for as you’re traveling. If your package includes your hotel, clarify if it includes hotel tax (usually it does). Many hotels charge a daily resort fee that isn’t included in most packages. Also, rental cars included in packages require a variety of taxes and fees that aren’t included in packages.
5. Make sure you have any required travel documents (vouchers, etc). In today’s era of totally electronic documents, don’t be afraid to call and be very sure what you’re supposed to print out and take with you. In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to print it all out and take it with you. I was most impressed a few months ago when a wonderful grandfather for whom I’d done a big group family reunion cruise. He had every scrap of documentation from the year long planning process organized into a three-ring notebook complete with dividers. That trip was one that went very well.
6. Call the airline the night before to recheck the schedule. In this era of schedule changes, it wouldn’t hurt to be double sure about when your plane is taking off.
Did your mother ever tell you that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? She was right. While an airline, hotel, car rental company or travel agency can apologize for a misunderstanding after the fact, it is far better to do everything possible to avoid a problem entirely.
Bonus #7:
Before you leave, go ahead and lay out what you will wear the day after you return, also have something on hand to make for dinner. At your job, go ahead and have any possible tasks done for the day you return because your day will be full enough just answering email and voicemail without any of your normal tasks.
Best Travel Agency in Plano
Best Travel Agency in Plano
Much to our delight, we were notified that the readers of the Plano Star Courier chose us as the “Best Travel Agency in Plano”. We didn’t even know we were under consideration. We weren’t even aware of the voting until it was done.
So, if you voted, thank you so much for your vote. We’re pleased and honored!
Double Platinum, BABY!
Last we learned that we had earned the platinum level with both Funjet Vacations and Apple Vacations. We are very excited about this achievement. There aren’t very many Funjet Platinum agencies anywhere, then I’m guessing there may not be anyone else with platinum with both companies.
So, we’re honored and happy. To celebrate, we decided to take a set of pictures dressed up like ROCK STARS!
When Should I Buy My Vacation?
In this video, Cathi discusses a question she got on Facebook from her cousin regarding the timing of purchasing her travel for the summer. When is the best time to buy a vacation? Share in the comments your experiences.
Travel Smart – Penny Wise and Pound Foolish
In this first installment in this “Travel Smart” series, Cathi talks about considering ALL of the factors to make sure you get the best possible deal on your vacation.
Nicki’s First Trip to Mexico
I recently had the opportunity to travel to the beautiful Riviera Maya, just south of Cancun, Mexico. It’s only a little over a 2 hour flight from Dallas… I love, love, love short, direct flights : ) I stayed 3 nights at The El Dorado Seaside Suites which is a little over an hour transfer from the airport, but definitely worth the drive. I stayed in a Beachfront Jacuzzi Junior Suite- Beautiful view, location, setting, everything. I knew it was going to be nice from what other agents in the office had told me, but their pictures and stories just didn’t do the resort justice. I’m already anticipating my next trip back.
The El Dorado boutique chain continued to impress me every time I turned around. I am so excited that they’re going green. The El Dorado Maroma already heats all of it’s water with solar panels and the El Dorado Royale has a huge green house on site where they grow all of their own vegetables.
I’m trying really hard to think of one thing that stood out above all the rest… The beach was beautiful. The rooms were excellent. The layout of the properties were perfect- None of the resorts felt too crowed or spread out and everything you could possibly want and/or need is always just a few steps away. Restaurants are spread out through out the properties and there is a concierge desk for every 35 rooms.
I was also really impressed by how the Azuls have combined Karisma’s Gourmet Inclusive concept with their family friendly concept. They have contracts with Fisher Price toys and they have absolutely everything you could possibly think of for babies and kids of all ages. From kid’s clubs, kid’s activities and programs, play equipment and arcade rooms, to bottle warmers, and play pins- They have it! I really enjoyed the nightly shows at the resort, but out of all the things that I made me do a double take my favorite thing has to be the food!
I had the opportunity to meet the Head Chef for the El Dorado Royale and I was so EXCITED to hear him talk about his job with such enthusiasm. He has worked/cooked in over 22 countries and he said that there is no request that he cannot fulfill either on his own or with the help of his Sous Chef and staff. A fellow travel agent said that she was currently making arrangements for a bride and her guests that will be coming down in October and asked if he could possibly make a Hindu menu for her and her guests and he said of course he could. I love the idea of sending clients to a resort where I know that they are going to be completely taken care of. Below is a picture of just one of the many desserts that I was lucky enough to indulge in while I was at The El Dorado Maroma.
This was served in the Sabores restaurant.
When I arrived I was greeted with this welcoming sign : )
Trying to catch some sun…
This is the view from one of the Jacuzzi Suites at the El Dorado Royale.
When you go to The El Dorado Seaside Suites you have to order a Sombrero!
This is the only adult’s only restaurant at Azul Sensatori.
Serves 8 courses that takes about 2-2 1/2 hours to enjoy 
You can upgrade to a 14 course meal that takes about 3 1/2 hours to enjoy!
The next time you’re at The El Dorado Seaside Suites
You have to try the Tequila Tasting they offer- Very informative and delicious!
Some of Terrah’s Favorite Adventures
We heart Mexico! Our first family vacation…
Carnival Cruise Family Vacation
The Ladies Trip
The 2nd Annual GIVC Karisma Trip
Funjet Hawaii Fam where we sang in unison
The Azul Beach Resort with their beach butler service
Much Love,
Dawn & Robert Married at Excellence Punta Cana
Bride and Groom: Dawn and Robert
Resort/ Venue: The Excellence Punta Cana
Date: March 25th of 2009
Photographer: Photo Souvenir
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger
~ Bride Interview ~
What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We knew we wanted a tropical wedding and we wanted our special day to be as stress-free as possible.
What made you decide on the resort/venue?
It was really just a process of elimination. We wanted to experience a new place together, and we’re both pretty well traveled, so we ended up choosing the Dominican Republic. We provided the travel agent, Terrah, with a few things we thought were important to us as a couple, and the resort we ultimately chose was one of a few Terrrah suggested based on the criterion we provided her with. Terrah was a huge asset! Absolutely no regrets! Great choice!
Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
Both photos and video were provided in-house by Photo Souvenir. The entire staff was great!
What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Nothing. Perhaps just managing to take off work during the dates we wanted.
What was the highlight of the experience?
The entire wedding day. As the bride, EVERYTHING was taken care of for me – from breakfast in bed, champagne, hair, makeup, getting dressed – you name it, it was taken care of – and with great class! From the groom’s perspective, he was also a bit pampered. The resort offered a complimentary groom’s suite the night before the wedding. He had a wake up call, all his clothes were pressed, and he was updated every minute until the horse drawn carriage delivered me to the isle.
Biggest surprise?
Just how extremely stress-free the entire event was – trust me, this is a HUGE statement coming from someone who stresses over just about anything. EVERYTHING went off without a hitch – even including the brief rain showers both right before and right after the ceremony. The biggest surprise to me, the bride, was that it truly was the happiest day of my entire life – no worries whatsoever! I just smiled!
If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Don’t take anyone with you! Share your intimate moment with friends and family once you get home via the reception(s). We had two receptions in the U.S. after we returned. We showed the wedding video at the beginning of each and wore the same clothes (i.e., gown, etc.) for about the first hour. This created an opportunity for proper wedding photos. We also did the bouquet/garter toss at each reception and the traditional “cut the cake” ritual. I got to wear my gown (and have my hair and makeup done) THREE times – who gets to do that?! Basically, we had three weddings. I know it may sound a little unorthodox; however, our friends and family members all expressed how they felt they were still truly a part of our special day! As a bonus, we ended up making great friends at the resort and had about 16 people attend our ceremony and reception in the Dominican Republic. As a result, we now have extended “family” in both Canada and the UK! We have all kept in touch and about half intend on returning to the resort next year for our anniversary.
Kristina & Ian Married at THE ROYAL Cancun
Bride and Groom: Kristina and Ian
Resort/ Venue: THE ROYAL Cancun
Date: May 2nd of 2009
Photographer: Funever Photos
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger
~ Bride Interview ~
What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We both love the beach and wanted to be near it for our special day.
What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We had no idea what to expect from the resort. We were nervous because we’ve stayed at some not-so-nice resorts in Cancun before. Terrah made the recommendation and promised we would not be disappointed- and she was right. The resort was amazing!
Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
We didn’t have a videographer, but we did hire Funever Photos and our photographer was Arturo. He was so nice and worth every penny. He had great ideas for poses and our wedding album is really nice.
What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Trusting that everything will be taken care of when you get there. As a bride, you want everything to be perfect and most of the time you’re going off of pictures to choose how you want everything set up.
What was the highlight of the experience?
It’s hard to narrow it down to one but I’d have to say the highlight of the experience for me was the dinner we had at the resort after the wedding. The food was great and the restaurant gave us a private room. We all had blast just talking about the weekend.
Biggest surprise?
I think we were most surprised with how beautiful the gazebo was and how close it came to the beach. It created the perfect venue for our wedding day.
If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Consider a small guest list. It’s easier to keep up with everyone when they’re staying at the same resort as you and it’s less stress for the bride. Half of our guest list canceled their trip two days before our wedding because of the swine flu scare but it ended up working out for the best. The weekend flew by stress-free and we were able to spend quality time with all of our friends and family that attended.
This is a classic picture. LOVE it! haha!
Alicia & Shawn Married at THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen
Bride and Groom: Alicia and Shawn
Resort/ Venue: THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger
~ Bride Interview ~
What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We wanted something different. Something beautiful. Something memorable.
What made you decide on the resort/venue?
The Royal Playa was absolutely beautiful and stunning. There were many restaurants and amenities offered. They had a great wedding package, and the wedding coordinators were the most amazing I had ever spoken to!
Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
We used the photographer and the videographer that the hotel uses, and they were amazing! They got the prettiest shots, and made us the best wedding video!
What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
The most difficult part was just making sure that everyone had their travel documents (Passports, E-Docs).
What was the highlight of the experience?
The highlight of the experience would have to be the staff. The wedding coordinators, and the whole staff was so friendly and really made everything enjoyable!
Biggest surprise?
It rained every day we were in Mexico, and even the morning of the wedding… it was supposed to be a beachfront wedding, .. within 45 minutes of the service, the clouds cleared! The sun came out, and a rainbow appeared! It was beautiful!!
If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Definitely to go to Legacy Travel! Having someone tell you about the great destinations and the hotels was the best decision. We wouldnt have had any idea if the weddings were beautiful, if the coordinators were any good? Or if our experience would be anything less than perfect! But … it was perfect!
