Air Jamaica Cuts Service to Atlanta

Air Jamaica announced they are discontinuing service to Atlanta, Miami and other cities next month. My first thought when I heard about this was, that's why you should always buy 3rd party insurance! Sometimes companies aren't so nice and do not give warning when they cease operations and the traveler is left high and dry. If, for example you use the cruise line's protection package you could be left scrambling for your vacation and insurance claim if the company bails. In today's economy it is a very real possibility. Just food for thought...

Next Procrastinator's Special V-Day!

Valentine's Day is fast approaching and there is of course an exciting special at Sandals. (If you can't tell already I just love them. They are one of few that could break my cruise addiction and turn around my opinion of Jamaica.)

If you book before January 31 and stay 3 nights or more from February 1 - March 15 2009 you will receive a "Sandals with a Kiss" Package to celebrate Valentine's Day. It includes a bottle of sparkling wine,chocolate covered tropical fruits, special turn down service and keepsake photo of the two of you. (Remember Sandals is 'for couples in love', but I've heard some interesting stories of love rekindled here for couples that didn't arrive even in 'like'. =)

For the first two couples booking in a concierge category and above for 6 nights or longer you will receive an extra special bonus. Contact me at info@greatscottgetaways.com for details. The specials are valid for any resort in Antigua, Jamaica, Bahamas or St. Lucia. Sandals is not your typical cookie cutter hotel chain where each property or room is exactly the same. Let me help you find the best fit for you.

African Travel, Inc.

As things slowed down a bit I took the time to get some training on destinations I am not very familiar with. I received the most inviting brochure from African Travel Inc. about their 2009 itineraries throughout Africa. Since this tour company specializes only in African destinations they offer the most complete and customizable itineraries I have seen. They are a small business with people that really have a passion for what they do. Their tours offer everything from South Africa to Egypt, Botswana and Kenya of course. They even have extensions available in Dubai, which seems to be the new hotspot. The tours are more affordable than you would think. Currently a 12 day Kenya Classic Safari starts at $1695 per person for the land package for departures in April and May. For nature and wildlife lovers this sounds like a dream. I am not one of those, but my husband really wants to go. He thinks I can handle starting out in a city in South Africa, but who wants to fly all that way and not see animals and natural wonders? When it's time I want to see as much as possible.
During their training last year the speaker was nostalgically recounting waking up to see a cheetah just outside of their lodge. I held my breath for a second, but other people oohed and ahhed. Ok, so it's not my cup of tea, but one day I promise I'll work up the courage. I am afraid of large domesticated dogs, so I have a long way to go there! My little one on the other hand is thrilled by all the beautiful pictures in their brochure and has taken to roaring like a lion at people. Maybe I should just send the two of them and let my dh know what it feels like to fly alone with a small child. He's wilder than the animals.

Do you know your travel style?

Happy New Year! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

I try not to solicit friends and family, so sometimes they forget that I am a travel agent until they see my office. Since we really tried to focus on spending time with those dear to us this year instead of in the mall looking for things to buy them I got into lots of conversations about travel expectations and disappointments when people flipped through brochures or looked at pictures. The common thread?...lack of information and unmanaged expectations . I thought this would make a great blog topic to start off 2009.

One of the first considerations besides budget when making travel plans should be an honest assessment of your expectations and travel style. Even within the same budget there is a range of accommodations. There is no perfect fit for everyone. What is an ultimate relaxing retreat for one will be a snooze fest for the next person. Many people think if you 'only' have XYZ to spend there are few choices. There is always the 'so-and-so said that ship is full of old people (or partyers), type of person who refuses to try anything other than one certain cruise line. People also tend to think luxury means stuffy, or spending a certain amount ensures a certain standard. Trust me, luxury is very subjective term. What fits you for one vacation may change on the next one.
Of course working with a travel agent will help find the right fit for you and hopefully avoid that let down. When deciding what is important to you ask yourself the following questions:

• What do I want to do while on vacation? (nothing, golf, spa, beach, shop, sight see, tours, hike, etc.)
• What is a must have in my room? (will you go crazy if you're stuck in a room with no balcony? room service, robes, air conditioning in some areas)
• Do I want an Americanized experience at a large resort or prefer to experience local culture in a small boutique hotel?
• Do I like to dress up on vacation, stay casual or want the choice of both?
• Do we need child care options ? for what ages?

These questions are a good starting point to help us start to determine what destination is best for you.