Great Scott Getaways is a Caribbean all-inclusive and cruise travel agency based in the Atlanta area. This blog is part travel tips, sales notices and occasional randomness about family life from a mompreneur.
www.greatscottgetaways.com
Do you follow nomadic travel bloggers and worldschoolers, knowing you really do want to return home after your journey?
Have you wondered how you can incorporate incredible life changing experiences into your vacations?
If you don't have time to plan enriching group journeys for your organization, family or customers let us do the work for you.
The change begins with you. It starts small. One person at a time, we transform the world with the ripple effects of trans formative travel. Do something different, try something daring, meet a new friend.
You don't have to jump into the deep end from day one. I happen to love all inclusives and luxury hotels. It doesn't stop us from experiencing authentic travel and adding adventure into our itineraries. My husband happens to love his job and living in the suburbs, so we're not turning into nomads anytime soon. There is plenty of overlap between the tourist and traveler. We are that space in between.
It's not my thing to find the cheapest hostel, Vegas hotel or way to backpack cross country. I follow lots of these blogs for inspiration, but it's not the path for everyone. I am here to carve out the space of exploration for the everyday adventurers, the two week vacationers and lifelong learners on holiday. If you're looking to get more from your travel, then you've come to the right place.
If you follow any of my social media accounts you've probably seen I'm very passionate about racism and social justice issues. In fact, I started as a sociology major in college. I switched because i started to wonder now what exactly am I going to DO for a living with all this knowledge? So I switched majors to make sure I had some skills that would actually transfer to a job. That is what our parents want at some point right? Fast forward to today and I've been doing lots of soul searching on how those parts of my personality fit into my business and a moment of clarity hit me how it's all related. I've been saying it for years on memes and blogs, but the knowing and understanding really just hit me like a brick. Travel does end bigotry. I've been called to this to bring people together.
It's nearly impossible to hold on to ignorant beliefs when you have a real face and story to replace those stereotypes. When you realize just how small and powerful you as an individual are in the world, how can you not want to improve it?
My first international experience was a high school trip to France. Can you believe I studied French for 5 years? So funny how I end up obsessed with travel to Latin American countries when I never formally studied Spanish. On that 2 week trip, I connected with my classmates on a level we never had at home with our rigid high school social order. We were cool, but most of these people never spoke to each other outside of class. I had a sense of accomplishment navigating a foreign country long before cell phones and realized the whole world does not feel the same way about Americans and Black people as what I've been told. Yes, 17 years old was the first time I felt at home in my own skin. Some people may be shocked to hear that and others are nodding in agreement. One of my vivid memories is talking to one of our host students, Nick, about that feeling and him telling me, 'Oh we don't have that problem here with Black people, but we don't like Arabs so much.' (Looking back I realize the situation is much more nuanced, but you get the point) It's human nature to find some group to subjugate for some reason. There isn't some innate deficiency in African-Americans that caused all the hatred back home. The feeling of constantly having to prove myself as good enough was wrong and I've participated in it just as much as those who made assumptions about my abilities. I scored just under the native French speakers in my class on a national exam, yet this trip was the first time someone complimented my accent and language skills. (Don't even think about asking me to dust off those rusty skills though!) I didn't even own how good I was because I had internalized that feeling of not being enough. Imagine being able to give that gift of knowing to kids today who are feeling marginalized by everything going on.
Years later when we were in our 'Freedom Fries' debacle I knew it's not true that French people hate us. Had I not made friends there, maybe I would've been more susceptible to those messages. Recently when Charlie Hebdo happened I thought about the second part of Nick's statement. Bigotry is a disease that will rot away the fabric of our society if left unchecked. The best way for us to spread peace is to face our nature head on and evolve. Some people are sick, demented assholes, but it's just that....an individual. We won't learn to stop generalizing to a whole group until we realize that group is made up of real souls living their daily lives just like us. It wasn't sports, work, forced integration or color blind thinking that bonded our group together on that trip. It was the shared experience.
The benefits are just so amazing I don't know why everyone isn't doing it! Over the years I have met some fantastic people traveling that I would never converse with at home. Thank God for Facebook! Exposing my son to other cultures, not as charity cases, but people with lives and families much like our own has shaped his world view. It's totally different from mine and I even learn to be more open minded from him.
So to bring this all full circle, I'm challenging you to take a deeper look at your travels this year. Though it is a vacation to you, the ripple effects of this exposure will reach far and wide. Your kids will gain valuable perspective that may even give them a competitive advantage at college time. You will come away from your experience changed if you let it happen.
Another big takeaway from this... I also realized wow I really am a nerd since that memory also involves some Get 27, a handsome Frenchman, no adult supervision, but only resulted in a conversation. Haha!
Usually I'm the one striking up conversations with strangers on trips, but I got caught slipping trying to decide on my favorite ice cream flavor. Strolling through the market along the malecon someone tapped me on the back and asked if I was American. I laughed and said "How'd you guess?"
La Buena Nieve de Garrafa in Chapala I think I sampled nearly every flavor!
He replied, "Because there are around six Black people here and I know all them." Just my kind of humor! He of course wanted to know what I was doing there with the motley crew of a group I was with. When I told him we were travel professionals, he was surprised.
"Great more people should come down. I love it here!" Let's call my new buddy 'Charles'. I chatted with him for the entire time it took me to finish my Nieve de garrafa ( a sorbet-y cup of deliciousness we got at the market).
My inquisitive little buddy
It turns out 'Charles' has lived in Lake Chapala for 25 years. He had retired to Mexico from Michigan 25 years ago and hasn't looked back. After trying a few cities, he settled in Chapala because of the perfect climate and close-knit community of expats. There are so many Americans and Canadians here and in nearby Ajijic that many of the signs and menus are in English. There was a free English newspaper, every other guest in our hotel spoke English and there was even mashed potatoes and chicken-fried steak on the menu there. Lake Chapala is a haven for American and Canadian retirees, just about an hour from Guadalajara. It's well known for retirees, but still off the beaten path for tourists. I'm hoping to change that so next time 'Charles' will have a harder time picking me out of the crowd. =)
The beginning of August marks the back to school frenzy and the sad realization summer is coming to an end. The season summons so much childhood nostalgia for all of us. Have you ever stopped to think what exactly makes that time seem so magical in retrospect? I ran across an article from a teacher that has some great tips on how to Relax and lose yourself in the wonder of summer- "I hear the comment about how lucky teachers are to have summers off, and I think I know what that person is really saying. I suspect the individual is wanting to get back the elusive feeling of “summer” —no responsibilities and no stress. " So we can recreate that feeling anytime you make up your mind to do it. The hard part is making up your mind to JUST BE! Our culture has bought into the cult of busy so much that is induces all sorts of guilt and 'monkey mind' to try to relax without an agenda. Even on vacation when it's time to recharge our mental batteries far too many are trying to pack days with endless activities that have no meaning to anyone other than checking off a box. Before the end of the summer, try to take some time to bring back that feeling. If you can't do it till winter, of course I have some places of eternal summer to send you. =)
Have you checked out Throwback Thursday or Flashback Friday? These are some of my
favorite social media hashtags. Digging up old pictures to
laugh and reminisce reminds me of how quickly time slides by. (Also how much my hair changes!) This week I posted this pic on Instagram of me in 2006 aboard the Norwegian Jewel. Some people decorate nurseries and nest before the baby comes, we travel! There's nothing like endless food to a pregnant lady. There were lots of reasons not to take this trip though. It really wasn't in the budget, I was a little past the cruise line cutoff and lots of other reasons...but wow did we have an incredible time! I don't remember how much it cost and the room category, all the details that sometimes take over the planning convo, but we have some indelible memories. (like me trying to get in and out of that bamboo raft in Jamaica!) Are you waiting for a milestone or occasion to take a trip? Waiting for the kids to get older, work to slow down, more money etc.? Remember your journey is about collecting those dear memories. Never miss an opportunity to seize those moments. Perhaps it's time to begin where you are and just go!
The President of Costa Rica mentioned during a recent conference that those of us in the travel industry are the peacekeepers of the world. When I saw a friend post that to Facebook it made a big light bulb go off above my head. That makes so much sense! No, I don't have diplomatic responsibilities for the State Department or put myself in harm's way on the battle field, but we do send millions of people each year to foreign lands on journeys of discovery.
Whether it is for relaxation, adventure, or a celebration travel can lead people to question their assumptions about other cultures, recognize the common thread of humanity in people around the world and appreciate home a bit more. Once you have taken the chance to fully immerse yourself in conversation with someone new you're bound to take away some new knowledge. Armed with that knowledge, I'd like to believe people are more likely to think before disparaging another group or question how a family might be dealing with the ravages of a natural disaster that they may have glossed over before meeting someone from there.
If you've read my blog or known me any amount of time you'll know one of my passions is talking to people just about everywhere I go on a trip. I still remember the dining room waiter from India on my first cruise and the taxi driver who engaged in deep discussions about economic policy and racism driving from hotel to hotel in Riviera Maya. Whether on vacation or business, each one of these strangers made an impression.
I'd been doing lots of deep thinking about how to use my talents in a way that impact the world in a more meaningful way. What a revelation, I already do! Every time one of you pulls out that passport, heads out on a cool excursion or lingers at the lido buffet talking to the cook, I am spreading a little peace.
My challenge going forward is to remind you that your trips are about way more than budgets and room categories; it's about expanding your mind in the way that best suits you and spreads that spark around the world.
I went through some of my recent pics to see where I looked the most alive. It looks like it really is when I'm traveling and spending time with family. Whether we were in another country or just down the Georgia coast, we were learning something about the world around us and the impact of the unique people around us. So here are a few of my favorite memories. I'd love to hear about yours!
From top left:
1. In Veracruz with the shaman who evidently thinks I'm squeezably soft. Talk of Brujas (witch) would definitely not happen in my everyday life, but it was fascinating to see the mingling of strong Catholic faith with Pagan beliefs. The discussion with colleagues that followed about the experience sparked a discussion about the benefits of meditation that made me seek out some classes back in Atlanta. (Actually, it's the same person whose post inspired this topic!)
2 & 5. At Sea World with my son. Even in the land of theme parks (Orlando), we still found some consciousness expanding activities. My son loves anything to do with animals, but has definitely thought critically about the balance of educational value and fun versus questionable practices of zoos. (Have you seen Blackfish on Netflix? If you're curious about the back lash against Sea World it's a good conversation starter.)
3. Cruising - With crew from dozens of countries and a good passenger mix you're bound to interact with folks with a different background. I've become Facebook friends with a few people I've found I have more in common with than anyone at home. The kids also meet new friends in the kid's club away from the social pressures of school.
4. In Nassau with my host in the People to People program. Instead of another beach trip, we opted to see the island through the eyes of a local we were matched with through the Bahamas tourism office free program. My son seemed quite disappointed to realize kids who live on an island aren't really on vacation every day. Our host's friends even welcomed us into their home where we discussed their affection for Duck Dynasty. Can you imagine how other people are judging us by these reality shows? LOL
6. On a shrimp boat in south Georgia. One of the crew members could tell you anything about the health of the coastal region and the price trends of local shrimp with the acumen of a stock trader though he had a basic education by most standards.
Big confession for those who don't know me well. I am a reality TV junkie. It's mindless, degrading, negative and my biggest guilty pleasure. So this month I have been like a kid at Christmas watching The Real Housewives of Atlanta in Mexico. The ladies headed to El Dorado Royale in Riviera Maya for some more fighting R&R. Inspired by the ladies squeamish behavior at the cenote and Kenya's ignorance of mariachi I came up with a few side trips I would have scheduled for them and posted them to Facebook. They did an excellent job of showcasing the wonders of Riviera Maya outside of the stereotypical Cancun binge drinking, but we could definitely use some more positive exposure for this destination. Rio Secreto - Close to the resorts and an easy cruise ship excursion if you're in Cozumel for the day. This underground river is an experience you won't find many places.
Isla Holbox - An slice of paradise with few cars so people get around the sandy streets on golf carts. This is the jumping off point for wildlife excursions like whale shark swimming and bird watching.
Mayan Ruins - Tulum, Coba, Chichen Itza and several smaller archaeological sites are a short drive from the glitz of the resorts.
Xcaret- An eco theme park that combines native wildlife, culture, history and water activities in a family friendly attraction.
Dos Ojos Cenote - I've written about the cenotes before tight after my introduction to these natural wonders. They can be found all over Quintana Roo and Yucatan states.
This month I had the rare pleasure of speaking with a cruise line reservations agent to about my own anniversary trip. As we talked about the ship, she said "Wow you're going to have a good time the Breakaway looks like a great ship." The way she said 'look' made me ask, "Don't you guys get discounts to sail?" Her response, "Yes, but I NEVER have." Wow. I felt bad for her and thought, if you have never experienced a product how can you possibly be of value to the customer? Well since they are responsible for one singular cruise line, she knew lots of technical details. If someone is willing to do lots of research, read reviews and make objective decisions about what's best for their particular trip, that reservations agent is valuable. To the vast majority of customers who just pick the place their neighbor/co-workers/family just went to and posted fabulous Facebook pictures of; the value is next to zero.
It's easy for me to forget doing the same thing for a while that everyone doesn't know what you know. Especially in the age of instant internet experts. Fast forward to the ship and we run into a couple at dinner that is upset that their youngest child can't participate in the kids club. They thought both kids would get to, but the youngest was only two and needed to be three to go to the supervised activities without a parent. Guess what, they made a decision based solely on price. Now for a week, those leisurely romantic dinners they had been planning include a stroller. Had they used a travel consultant surely they would have found a vacation that fit the needs of their family. The first time I kept all this as internal dialogue ( I can't start talking shop on the FIRST day of vacation!), but later in the week when we ran into them again I did share a couple of suggestions and asked that they contact a local travel professional next time. Not in a salesy way, because I never told them my business name or handed them a card, it was just my PSA for the profession that week. Turns out they were planning a family reunion cruise and the relief on their face told me they would definitely take my advice once they got home.
I've been very skeptical about Disney's value over the years. My last Disney World experience left me with memories of miserable summer weather, long lines and high prices that I didn't want to repeat.
At my son's request (actually a year of begging) we took a Disney cruise for a 3 day weekend getaway. I knew he would love it, but my expectations were low for us adults. We're not mouse maniacs and I don't even really like animated movies at all. Since we had not had a vacation where neither of use were working in a long time I was also not too happy about spending it on a Disney ship. Fortunately, the experience really blew me away and we will be returning.
Pros:
The kids club, Oceaneer Lab and Oceaneer club is undeniably amazing. It is huge with so many things to do that all the kids seemed engaged and happy every time we looked. Automatic hand washers are just the coolest things ever to me. I am definitely the 'wash your hands lady'. They are open until 12 or 1 a.m. so parents have plenty of time to hit the entertainment district bars & lounges.
The staterooms - the split bathroom concept is a lifesaver. We also had one of the best stateroom attendants ever on this cruise. We didn't see her much but our room was always ship shape. Just the way I like it! I like to sleep late on vaca and hate the ones who are making noise and knocking early to hurry up and get their work over with.
The food - I have had feedback from others that the food was not as good as they expected. This is such a subjective topic, but I thought the food was great. There is a wide variety of freshly prepared food at the buffet, including fresh seafood. Dinner menus had real food for the kids, not just chicken and fries every night. Of course the typical things were there like Mickey pasta, but there was always a selection of fresh fruits, vegetables and soup for the kids. Even if you have a picky eater like mine it's a great time to try new things.
The shows - of course the shows are awesome! Even though Disney themed, there was plenty of comedy and adult innuendo (nothing objectionable) to keep us entertained. They brought back some memories of Disney movies I'd forgotten about. The diverse singers and actors are incredibly talented as expected. Other entertainment includes first run movies, deck theme parties and live music. My hubby got to see Thor: The Dark World on the ship so he was sold the first night. We also watched the classic Jungle Book on Funnel vision together lounging by the pool (tropical drink in hand of course for me) one afternoon. My son had never seen this or Mary Poppins so it was fun to talk about the movies I watched as a kid.
Castaway Cay - Having the kids club on the private island is great. We had time to play together at the family beach, eat a delicious BBQ lunch, then my son was ready to go play with his new friends while we headed to the adults-only Serenity Bay. It was quiet (except for the moron at the bar who wanted to loudly talk about politics and his miserable life) and relaxing given that the little one was safe and having fun. The wave phones also help squash the anxiety of nervous parents. They work (even text!) all over the ship and Castaway Cay, so you can keep in touch with each other or call the kid's club to check on your babes.
Cons: The dining hours - too short. I saw many people walking away from the buffet mad. That should never happen on a cruise in my opinion. Though the grill is open, who wants to fill up on pizza and burgers on vacation?
Only traditional dining - I missed Norwegian's freestyle dining. We were getting hungry between meals and it made for a cranky boy by 8:15. Assigned table mates can also be hit or miss. We're about 50/50 on great ones and others that make us want to skip dinner.
Debarkation procedures - nobody likes to leave the ship but their policy of assigned breakfast restaurants and no set groups left long lines. I definitely felt they were ready to kick us off and disengaged the morning of. On the way to breakfast a crew member pointed to the gangway and said 'debarkation is that way!'. Now if everyone is supposed to eat at the same time and we're headed to a restaurant, posting someone in the way to point you off the ship is a clear message that I don't like having as one of my last memories. After eating, still standing in line for a very long time to get off made me wish for the colored luggage tag groups some other lines use. There would still be lines, but you just didn't feel as rushed to hurry up and wait.
So it looks like my cons revolve around food...LOL what a surprise! Overall it was a really fun trip. Disney Dream definitely beats any other short Bahamas cruise out there. For 7 days, I'd still give some other lines the edge in value.
Since it was a personal vacation I didn't take a ton of pic like I usually do. For more see the Disney Cruise Line Brochure http://disneybrochures.com/bp2b#
We took a real vacation meaning no phones, no internet...absolutely no work for the entire time. It felt so refreshing that it's hard to admit we have not done that in a very long time! The annual Vacation Deprivation study shows we're in good company. Americans are increasingly seeing vacation as a luxury instead of a right. Among those who receive paid vacations only 10 out of 14 are being used. Why when we receive much less in paid vacation than countries like France who have 30 are we not even taking advantage of them? The time we spent together just having fun enjoying the little moments really is priceless as cliche as that sounds. I would probably never have chosen a Disney cruise, but I actually enjoyed myself way more than I anticipated. It's been my son's dream for a long time and the magic definitely got to him. Watching his face light up during the shows was well worth it.
I guess this pose was just pure excitement waiting to explode!
In my home, we are guilty of feeling like our jobs cannot function without us. Also substituting business trips for genuine r&R. Since both of our jobs require travel we do get to take the entire family on lots of trips that we've fooled ourselves into thinking were an actual vacation. It took my son insisting on no electronics this vacation to make me realize that. (We're talking about an average boy who would probably stay up all night every night playing games if he could. Once he says we're on the phone and computer too much there must be a serious problem! ) Science backs up the need for regular down time.
Clinical psychologist Deborah Mulhern found that people who don't take enough time to relax may find it harder to relax in the future according to US News & World Report.
"Without time and opportunity to do this, the neural connections that produce feelings of calm and peacefulness become weaker, making it actually more difficult to shift into less-stressed modes," Mulhern said. "What neuroscience is showing is that we require down time in order for our bodies to go through the process of restoration. It is only when we are safe from external stresses that our bodies can relax enough to activate restoration."
Us on the Aqua Duck coaster while docked at Castaway Cay
I did stop worrying about website traffic, social media posts and the like after a couple of days. When I came back I realized that as long as you have a good plan in place the world will not fall apart while you're gone. Sure, others probably will not do things just like you would, but part of the process is learning that trying to control everything is not healthy anyway...even when you are sitting at your desk.
Do you find yourself bring a slew of outfits on trips? Business trips can be tricky because you need professional and casual clothing. The weather on vacation can vary and you definitely want to look great in those pics.for your friends and family. Could you travel for 7 weeks with one carry on? Here's a great packing list for women that can help you do just that! Air travel is already such a hassle, why add extra stress of lost luggage, not to mention the cost of checked bags. We almost never need 3 outfits in one day, so although it may look cute in pictures most of us could lighten up a bit!
I just watched 'CrazySexyCool', the TLC biopic on VH1. While the movie was just ok, the songs brought back lots of middle and high school memories. I loved their music and the highlight of a family trip to Disney World was seeing them on Space Mountain. Somewhere at my mom's house there is a dog eared picture of a very geeky looking me thrilled they were nice enough to pose for a picture.
Anybody talking about experiential travel piques my curiosity so I wanted to know what drew Left Eye to Honduras so often. Honduras is not a super popular destination for most travelers, but a great place for diving, Mayan history and an interesting cultural mix of Afro-Caribbean culture and Spanish colonial influence.
Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes bought a condo and her foundation was in the process of establishing an orphanage there at the time of her tragic death in a car accident near La Ceiba, on the northern coast of Honduras. She had spent time at a healing village in the area they allude to in the movie when they're talking about being somewhere without a phone. Lately I've spent lots of time learning about all of the wellness, yoga, spiritual and meditation retreats in Mexico so I was curious about this one in Honduras. The Usha Healing Village is still there with Dr. Sebi who was mentioned in the film. (Interestingly while researching Dr. Sebi, I found a claim from back in 2005 that he treated Micheal Jackson for addiction, which no one believed at the time.) It's funny that people can find something that inexplicably draws them to a certain place and keeps them coming back. Sometimes that can be the people, the cuisine or just a nebulous 'energy'. Travel is not just a way to escape, but a way to find yourself sometimes.
Me either, but I did learn there is a Maya sutra of sorts last week. I had the opportunity to attend the Mundo Maya Feria in Merida last week to meet companies that specialize in tourism to the Mayan world. Interest in the region peaked last year and now that 2012 has passed more people are interested in learning more about this culture since clearly they weren't predicting the end of the world. The Mayans are famous for craftsmanship of many items from indigenous materials like sisal. The artisans can make hats, clothing, accessories, beauty products and much more from natural materials found in the Yucatan peninsula.
Go to just about any marketplace and you will see all sorts of hammocks. ( I made some great contacts that I'll blog about later, but I was just dying to get this one out!)
In the square of Merida we talked to a man who still lives in a small Mayan village and comes into town to sell hammocks. The craft has been passed down through several generations in his family. My colleague had just bought one the day before and wanted to compare the quality, but we ended up getting a real education in Mayan hammocks. I'm sure he missed several sales talking to us for so long, but we really enjoyed learning and he wanted to practice his English. His learned his near perfect English and French from just talking to visitors on the street. His assistant, he proudly pointed out, learned in school and only spoke in broken sentences. (Sorta like my Spanish) I learned so much about the Mayan culture from Yucatan to Chiapas during this trip, but the thing that sticks out in my mind most is when he pulled out his little dogeared manual of all the different things you could do in a hammock. Too bad my camera was dead at this point in the day because it was comical to watch this old man's eyes light up as he flipped through the book. He must have remembered some really great times in his hammock.
So now from just taking a few minutes to engage a stranger we have an invitation to the village to learn how to make hammocks; and if we stay a week, one to take home. Oh the people you meet when you travel!
P.S.
This booklet is actually sold by some company in Australia on ebay but I'd much rather buy from the locals. Next trip to the Yucatan bring one back! Matter of fact, where ever you go, try to buy a unique souvenir from indigenous people. It's more unique than another Senor Frogs shot glass and supports the people of the region.
Did you see this article from Forbes last week? "Why I Happily Waste Money On A Travel Agent (Maybe You Should Too)" The author totally gets what today's travel professional/client relationship is about. Convenience and value for the consumer. People who have never used a travel agent (or haven't used one in a while), always ask if Internet is hurting our business. Probably about as much as Home Depot selling lawn mowers is hurting the business of the person who cuts my grass, or WebMD is hurting doctors. It always makes me wonder how old people think I am because the Internet has been around long before I ever thought about a career in travel! =) Of course Great Scott Getaways was founded long after Expedia, Travelocity and Priceline were established. They are not necessarily competition, just a different way of doing things. The web is a tool nearly everyone uses these days. The online booking engines are agencies, they just have a different business model than your local travel retailers. They are able to save a few bucks by outsourcing call centers and increasing volume while you do the work. I've found most people think they're going AROUND a travel agent by booking vacations on those sites. Not true, but they have done an excellent job at marketing that idea. There are call center type agencies that employ American workers and count on volume with particular suppliers to pass on savings. If you have done the research to know exactly what you want and don't need much hand holding at least use one of those. The average consumer spends 42 hours online checking out travel. 40 hours is a work week for most people! I bet most people have not stopped to think how all those hours here and there add up by the time you've made a decision to book your vacation. Even the most expensive travel agencies don't charge what you make in a week to book a trip. (Perhaps with the exception of those like Bill Fischer who I hear charge retainers upwards of $100,000 to celebrity clients like Oprah Winfrey and Barbara Walters.)
Is saving a fee really worth what you make in a week? I'd call that penny wise and pound foolish. The author made a great point about some people enjoying doing all that research and attention to detail. There is almost nothing you can't do yourself if you're willing to put the time and effort into learning. The problem is most people don't want to spend their precious free hours on the Internet gambling on ticket prices and guessing which resort reviews are fake or just disgruntled guests who'll never be satisfied. For the average person, a quick online reservation for a big trip can easily end up in a big mistake if you're not careful. For every one who saved a few bucks online there is a story about a big online booking mistake. Like a woman who thought she found a cruise cheaper, but it ended up being on the wrong ship. A groom that put his wife's married name on the reservation (not what is actually on her ID) and ended up missing their honeymoon flight. Or a shopper who found out the $599 deal was a room at a beach resort with no windows. That one was a family member! Of course, I informed them but I'm just saying that to get the commission right? =) Wrong! Your local businesses are there to help plan your dream vacation from start to finish if you desire, or just be the one sitting on the phone for hours getting confirmations for you if you prefer minimal help. We depend on referrals from our clients and wouldn't survive if we had the mentality of screwing them for a one-time commission. Of course any human makes mistakes, but 50 bad reviews will hurt a local business much more than a national one. Most of us are doing what we love and building lasting relationships with clients. Today's model is a partnership between the travel professional and client. You have to communicate preferences we would never know. We need to constantly provide valuable service at a competitive price. The transparency of the Internet has made it easier for you to double check prices ( I have no problem checking for a price match), find travelers to share your excitement with or just get some great countdown clocks. It hasn't made it less expensive to fly.
This week I ran across an article from a travel blogger, "Why Travelers Should Aspire to be More Like Tourists" that renewed a little peeve I blogged about last year. Why are 'travelers' so self- righteous? Why is 'tourist' such a dirty word? There seems to be a rift in what most people think of as authentic travel and tourist travel. I don't see why you can't do both. Travelers seem to think of themselves as hip, socially conscious folks who wouldn't dare set foot in one of the evil corporate resorts. They think of tourists as the those who just want to transplant a little piece of America into a new spot for a week without really experiencing any of the local flavor of their destination. To me that's an artificial separation. I don't see why you can't have an authentic experience, learn about local culture and still have luxury suites on the same trip.
Even other travel professionals get into this at industry events. It's quite funny! There are plenty who are so proud that they've never been on a cruise and just don't get all-inclusive resorts, ugh! (Insert disdainful face here) Well I'm the first to speak up that I LOVE them both. Cruises are some people's first introduction to foreign travel and a springboard for further exploration. Sure, you'll have some of the typical ugly American tourist behavior but you'll also meet people from all over the world and sample several different places in one week without fighting airport security. Hoarding food at the buffet is not mandatory! All-inclusive resorts have totally saved my vacation life when it comes to getting some beach time once the kids arrive. Staying at the resort is not mandatory! It's a choice. Some people may feel more comfortable exploring the next time they go to a certain place. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. My son has met little friends from several different countries and across the U.S. at the kids club. We have still done some very cool tours that have made lasting impressions and got the whole family in touch with local culture when we stayed at all inclusive resorts. Even if you never go beyond the gates, your whole family is still learning something. Not all resorts are foreign owned corporate monsters that bleed the local economy. There are several high end resorts that are Mexican owned and operated. You don't have to stay in a cabana to contribute to the local economy. For 'just the two of us' escapes, I've found all-inclusive resorts a big stress reliever. Sure you can rent a condo or villa, but the 'where do you want to eat?' game will get tiresome real quick! (Fellas, I know you hate when we say it doesn't matter!) At least if everything is already accessible and paid for on property you have the freedom to just enjoy each other. There are great tours in every port or destination that will make great shared memories and acquaint you a slice of local life. So here are my suggestions to combine that relaxing getaway with some 'traveler' spirit.
How to travel like a tourist and have memories like a traveler:
1. Schedule tours that involve volunteering or visiting indigenous communities. 2. Buy locally made souvenirs. 3. Consider splitting your time between adventure activities and luxury resorts. (Say 3 days hiking and camping in the jungle and 4 at the beach?) 4.Take excursions unique to the destination. Certain things like zip-lining are everywhere, so ask what is here that I won't get anywhere else? Of course these are all things your trusty travel professional can help you arrange. =) www.greatscottgetaways.com
Yesterday someone said at a networking function they were the 'match.com' of franchises. That got a chuckle from the crowd and got me thinking about how that's true for most of our careers. We're always matching the right people, products or solutions in some way.
In travel, my task is to match people to the right destination at the right time, then to the right resort and activities. While they're gone I'm crossing my fingers that the 'date' goes well. I love the feeling of satisfied travelers raving about how much they loved their vacations, how much fun their family had and how relaxed they feel coming back. Those clients are usually the ones that are open with their past likes and dislikes, what their needs are for this particular trip and are honest about their budget.
People always ask me what's my favorite place, or what's the 'best' hotel. I can see the little letdown when I say 'it depends'. It really does depend on what you're looking for at the time. You may hate my favorite hotels, not because there's anything wrong, but because it's not the right fit for you. Even my own mom did not enjoy a cruise she went on with us because she really doesn't enjoy formal dining. We all love food in my house! That is one of our top priorities when choosing our vacations. My mom is much more into activities, so she would be more comfortable in a place with more activities. I've seen 70+ year olds with more energy than your average 20 something. One of the reasons I 'broke up' with my first travel agent is because she had a one size fits all attitude and made recommendations based on our ages, not what our actual priorities were at the time.
So you see why it's important to delve deeper into what you want beyond the price tag. (Kinda like not picking a spouse from their pic online.) Value is key! If you don't share what's important to you, it's easy to wind up in the wrong place. I've heard people complain that they didn't like a resort because there were too many kids, the beach wasn't big enough, the food wasn't good, there were too many foreigners etc. Most of the time these people have decided on a vacation solely on price! Each of these concerns could be addressed with a resort in the same destination that is not necessarily more expensive. That's one reason I've stopped advertising deals so much. When someone jumps on a great sale without considering if that is the right match for them, it's a matter of time before there's a messy break up and they think they really hate the destination altogether.
Ringed by 40 different dive sites, Cozumel Island is a diver's dream since it sits on the 2nd largest reef in the world. There are a number of resorts to choose from (American chains, all-inclusives and boutique hotels), a lively bar scene at night once the cruise ships are gone and a small Mayan ruin to visit when you want to stay dry. If you've only been to Cozumel on a port stop, you will find there is so much more to this island once you explore. Even I hate the aggressive vendors inside the port and the cookie cutter Diamonds International like stores. You can take a direct flight to Cozumel or fly to Cancun and take the ferry over from Playa for more air connectivity.
There are more than 150 dive sites surrounding Grand Cayman. Touted as the "world's best 12-foot dive" by the destination, Stingray City allows divers the chance to swim with more than two-dozen "tame" southern stingrays. Wreck divers have a brand new attraction to explore off Seven Mile Beach with the sinking of the Kittiwake, a 251-foot, 2,200-ton, five-deck decommissioned naval vessel. Turks & Caicos is considered to be one of the top diving in the world, with protected natural reefs, crystal-clear waters and an amazing range of incredible undersea sights. For novices or families, Beaches Turks & Caicos is perfect since SCUBA diving is included in the all-inclusive rate for everyone over 10 years old. If you're not certified they offer a resort course and kids introductory programs for additional fees.
Belize is along the same reef system as Cozumel so also boasts some of the best aquatic life in the western hemisphere. What you won't find in Mexico is the famous 'Great Blue Hole', Belize's signature dive. The Discovery Channel ranked this as number the number one most amazing place to dive.
If you thought you had to travel to Europe to sample some unique foreign wines you're in for a treat just across the border. Mexico has produced wine since 1521, making it one of the oldest producers in the world. The Guadaloupe Valley in Baja has been called the Napa Valley of Mexico. Although Tequila is by far the favorite spirit, consumption is on the rise among the younger generation. Since imports of Mexican wine are more expensive visiting the boutique wineries along the wine route will give you an opportunity to taste wine you may not have access to at home. The state of Baja California is home to world famous golfing in Los Cabos, whale watching and eco adventure tours from Loreto. The area is also a short bus trip from San Diego making it possible to take a day tour if you prefer to stay stateside.
The Fiesta de la Vendimia is currently celebrating it's 23rd year with events throughout the Valle de Guadaloupe, Tijuana and Mexicali. The 17 day harvest festival happens each year in the first weeks of August and attracts wine lovers, musicians and chefs preparing fine cuisine for pairings and the paella contest. For more information on Mexico's wine production and other good news check Mexico Today's website.
Every once in a while there is sensational interest in crime aboard cruise ships and in vacation spots. Now that three major cruise lines have agreed to post crime data on their website there is renewed interest in safety while cruising. While the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) asserts serious incidents are rare, there are simple tips to keep you safe at sea and while vacationing abroad.
Ships and large resorts are the size of some small towns so there are bound to be some unsavory characters around whether they be guests or employees. While it may be paradise, it is important to remember your basic safety measures still apply.
1. Trust your instincts - If it feels wrong, trust your gut.
2. Have a buddy when drinking.
3. Stay in well lit areas.
4. Use the safe - Better yet leave anything you can't afford to lose at home.
Riviera Maya Jazz Festival - While they may not be jazz, Earth Wind & Fire are the big draw this year. November 28 - 30 will see Jim Beard, Ed Motta, Jeff Berlin, Dennis Chambers and more will grace the seaside stage in Playa Del Carmen. The best part? The festival is free!
St. Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival - This long running festival is returning in 2014 with a broadened artistic direction. Set for April 30 - May 11, 2014 the music extravaganza will feature 50 performers all over the island. Previous headliners included Air Supply, The Jacksons, John Legend, Akon, Tito Puente Jr., R. Kelly, Amy Winehouse, Micheal Bolton, Rihanna, Kenny G and The O'Jays. Let me know if you want to be notified of next year's line up. Palace Resorts - The Beach Boys will be performing at Moon Palace. August 6 (next week). If last minute travel is not your thing wait for Ricky Martin December 28. Guests who stay 5 nights or more receive 2 free tickets. Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival - Last January, Mary J. Blige, Micheal Bolton, Arturo Tappin and more graced the stage. Performers for 2014 should be out soon.
era Maya Jazz Festival -
