Now is the time

I am returning to updating the blog after about 3 weeks of helping my little one recuperate from tonsil and adenoid surgery. Well it was more like making sure he didn’t jump off the counters or swallow something to send him back to the hospital since he didn’t seem to realize he needed to be still… By the 2nd day one would never have known he had any surgery. He did amazingly well, was ready to eat real food and jump off anything as usual…while taking painkillers. I think he must be an alien with an endless supply of energy and no need for sleep. (Ever wonder why my posts are frequently in the wee hours?) I still have all the popsicles, pudding, applesauce and soft stuff they recommended we get for him. He wanted “lots of food” as soon as the anesthesia wore off. Some parents report a month of absolute hell after this procedure so I am truly grateful he returned to normal so quickly. Aside from being compared to the Exorcist by the nurses when he awoke from the anesthesia and tried to rip out the IV, he was a model patient and back to my happy little guy within a day. (He is strong as an ox and they didn’t expect it to take 2 people to hold down such a little person) We were so worried about putting him through surgery at such a young age and felt the biggest sense of relief when it was over. We are so blessed to have such a resilient and healthy child.
Back to the travel… while my schedule was a little crazy during this time I took the opportunity to brush up on supplier offerings, attend some ‘virtual’ trade shows and training. A little time away gave me some perspective on where Great Scott Getaways was headed and where I want to go in the future. One of the best workshops I did was the annual Sandals refresher. The theme was “Now is the time”. I left feeling so motivated and full of positive energy. I’ve decided it’s time to quit treading water and swim! (Well, it could also be due to the nonstop childrens programs and books last month also, but whatever it worked! Dora and Diego are pretty motivating too)
Last Sunday’s Parade magazine also had an interview with the CEO of McDonald’s. I cut out the following quote and tacked it to my bulletin board.
“I always tell people to chase your passion, not the money. If you love what you do and work hard at it, add value and differentiate yourself, you will be successful.”
Of course we all know this consciously, but do we really believe it and apply it? One of the things I always notice first is a supplier’s commitment to customer service. The attitude of those you encounter on a cruise or at a resort will be the stuff of your memories. A positive attitude can do wonders for you and those around you. We’ve met people at the drive-thru that just make you want to pull them through that little window and others that make you drive off with a reciprocal smile. Why? Each of them is selling the same burger. There’s also the fancy restaurant that uses the ‘best of everything’ but feel so cold you’d rather go back to Olive Garden? If the luxury is there, why does the experience fall flat? They’re missing the passion.
Passion for guest satisfaction is what sets the great cruises and resorts apart from the pack. You may or may not have the top of the line 10k count bed sheets, and 50 head shower, but does your room steward smile, or the waiter respond with an ‘of course!’ to your request? Just about everyone I have met with Sandals conveys such a positive attitude about their jobs it is contagious. I mean the CEO on down to Andrew here in the pic at Sandals Negril. They aim to make you feel at home and never ready to leave. Right now that kind of positivity is just the medicine for the doom and gloom of the economic news. The time IS now to seize the moment and follow your passion. Of course the great deals are out there at prices not seen in years, but that’s just part of the reason why you should be traveling right now. We are so bogged down in negativity that everyone could use a break to recharge, refocus and remember…remember why you got married, why you have the best kids in the world, why you love the sun & sand, why you love to eat out, or why you love to sleep in.
I’ve decided it is time to start remembering why I love travel so much. It is not that I can help people get great prices; it’s because I love to help people create great experiences.