Thursday, August 14, 2014

Article on Booking with a Travel Agent

Check out this article from The LA Times.

You should ALWAYS book a cruise through a travel agent. The promotions and pricing change constantly. I spend hours on the phone getting price adjustments and upgrades for my clients. Plus - it's difficult to sort through all the options. Some cruise ships have 10 different categories of balcony cabins - what's the difference? Which one is right for you? 

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

2015 Disney Brochure

Thinking of heading to Disney this fall? Check out this great brochure with "best bets" for kids of all ages and then email me at tripswithangie@gmail.com

Click here

Friday, August 8, 2014

Tips for getting low fares or upgrades on cruises

I cruise a lot.  I cruised on my twentieth cruise this Spring. People always ask me how to get that amazing last deal! Here's what I say: 

1. You have to prepared to sail last minute. You have to see the fare, make the decision, and hope that airfare isn't outrageous. 
2. You may be thinking about this all wrong. 

My experience has been that I get the lowest fares when I book the earliest. Am I sure that I want to take that March 2016 cruise? No - but I know that's a great fare and I am willing to tie up a few hundred dollars for a couple years to maybe save that much by the time we sail. Most cruises offer refundable deposits so there's no risk of losing money. 

The other way to save money is to take advantage of promotions that come up after you book. One of the benefits I offer my clients is weekly monitoring. Every week I check all the promotions and prices for their cruise to make sure they are getting the best price or to identify if an upgrade is available. 

You could do this yourself. Just make a note of the cabin category you booked, the price per person you paid, and any additional perks you got when you booked - like an on board credit. Then just to the cruise line's website and check the price. If it's before final payment and the price is lower, you may be able to call and get your fare adjusted depending on what type of fare you originally booked. Be sure to pay very special attention to the terms of the fare you originally booked, the terms of the new fare, and if it has an  impact your refundable deposit. 

After your final payment, you can't lower your price. You can only upgrade or, under some fares, you can get an on-board credit if the price goes down. 

Have you already booked a cruise yourself but don't want the hassle of weekly monitoring and then sitting on hold to fix it? No worries. If you just booked it - you can contact me at tripswithangie@gmail.com to see if you can transfer the booking to me to get my free monitoring service. 

Bon Voyage! 


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Spotlight on: Zoetry Wellness & Spa Resorts


Zoetry Wellness and Spa Resorts are a chain of luxury resorts.  They operate 3 resorts in Mexico and one in Punta Cana. What sets them apart is the endless inclusions, the intimidate atmosphere, and the unique activities at each resort. 

What sets these resorts apart: No more 100 rooms. No buffets. No Night Clubs.  Natural and Calm environment with a fantastic Spa. Complimentary laundry.  24 Hour In Suite Dining. Top Shelf Spirits. Complimentary Unlimited Worldwide Calling. 

Let’s take a closer look:  Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya 
This resort is 20 minutes from  Cancun airport set on a 500 yard beach near protected barrier reef national park.  Every room is a one bedroom suites with ocean views.

Suite at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita Riviera Maya 

Monday, August 4, 2014

Fantastic All Inclusive Package from Norwegian Cruise Lines for 2015 sailings!

Thinking of sailing in 2015? Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering an incredible deal to pre-book a package valued at $2,400 for only $899 per person. 






All–Inclusive Package includes: 
Ultimate Dining Package
Ultimate Beverage Package (including gratuities)
6 Bottles of Water (including gratuities)
Shore Excursion Credit of up to $200 per guest
20 Photos, any size
Chocolate Covered Strawberries
Bottle of Wine
1 Bingo Session (3 Games)
250 Minute Internet Package
Prepaid Service Charges
PLUS – 10% off your cruise fare