According to the USTOA you can afford a much nicer vacation package this year than last.

Get a suite at the resort or a balcony cabin this time! Sometimes consumers can be discouraged by price alone, make sure you are looking at the total value of a vacation. Are transfers included, butler or concierge service? If you're tired of taking my word for it that awesome deals are available right now, check this out...

6/17/2009 -

TravelPulse.com reports that the latest U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA) survey shows that tour prices have dropped an average of 20 percent this year, compared to 2008 prices on the same packages, due to the tough economy and a stronger U.S. dollar. The USTOA survey found that 60 percent of consumers said tours and vacation packages offer more value for the dollar.

(Credit: USTOA)

Great Travel Quotes

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ St. Augustine “The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” ~ Rudyard Kipling “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ~ Henry Miller “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness. ~ Ray Bradbury
	“All the pathos and irony of leaving one’s youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time.” ~ Paul Fussell “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” ~ Mark Twain “A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.” ~ John Steinbeck “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” ~ Lin Yutang
	Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. ~Benjamin Disraeli “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” ~ Henry Miller “To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” ~ Freya Stark “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain “Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” ~ Miriam Beard “All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” ~ Martin Buber
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.” ~ Jawaharial Nehru “A wise traveler never despises his own country.” ~ Carlo Goldoni “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” ~ Paul Theroux “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson “Two roads diverged in a wood and I ~ I took the one less traveled by.” ~ Robert Frost “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu
	“There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it.” ~ Charles Dudley Warner “A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” ~ Lao Tzu “If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” ~ James Michener “The journey not the arrival matters.” ~ T. S. Eliot “He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” ~ Islamic proverb
“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” ~ Tim Cahill “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu “Not all those who wander are lost.” ~ J. R. R. Tolkien “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” ~ Benjamin Disraeli “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” ~ Maya Angelou
	Wandering re-establishes the original harmony which once existed between man and the universe” ~ Anatole France “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” ~ Seneca “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” ~ Jack Kerouac “I soon realized that no journey carries one far unless, as it extends into the world around us, it goes an equal distance into the world within.” ~ Lillian Smith “I have found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.” ~ Mark Twain “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” ~ Aldous Huxley
“Travel does what good novelists also do to the life of everyday, placing it like a picture in a frame or a gem in its setting, so that the intrinsic qualities are made more clear. Travel does this with the very stuff that everyday life is made of, giving to it the sharp contour and meaning of art.” ~ Freya Stark “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are.” ~ Samuel Johnson “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” ~ G. K. Chesterton I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep ~ Robert Frost

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.

Now three more all-inclusive resort brands are offering a flu free gauarantee. Karisma, Palace and Real resorts in the Riviera Maya area offer a 3 year vacation replacement if a guest contracts H1N1 while staying at the property. None of these have had any cases traced back to a stay at one of their properties.
Rates are also awesome to entice travelers to come back...as low as $89 pp/pn at Real in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. .

Here are exerpts from I letter I just receiveved from AM Resorts regarding the situation in Mexico.

...

There has been an overwhelming amount of negative media coverage reported these past few weeks and we are sad to say that the majority of reporting is considered to be a lot of hype and misinformation.

It is very important to understand and focus on the facts under these circumstances and our goal is to help you do just that.

The Facts:

According to Mexico’s Health Minister, José Angel Córdova, of the 159 deaths reported during the flu outbreak in the country, only 16 were confirmed to be associated with the swine flu.

Only 10% of the number originally stated by the media
Population of Mexico City: 26.7 million people
Relative percentage of people infected in Mexico City: 5 ten millionths of one percent
The United States reports 38,000 deaths per year to the regular flu

According to Quintana Roo State Secretary of Tourism, no fatal cases of influenza have been reported in the main tourism destinations:
Cancún, Riviera Maya, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit and Huatulco

The BBC has reported the influenza is in decline, according to Mexican Health Minister, Jose Cordova.

CNN reports, the health alert drop in Mexico City is a sign that Mexico City is successfully overcoming the influenza and the preventative actions taken are producing positive results, states Mexico City Mayor, Marcelo Ebrad.

The World Health Organization is NOT recommending travel restrictions. Scientific research indicates that restricting travel will be of limited or no benefit in stopping the spread of disease, according to the WHO.

CNN’s travel expert, Peter Greenberg states the H1N1 reporting has been blown out of proportion and has created an unnecessary ‘abundance of fear’.
Watch the interview here.

Listen to what guests currently in Mexico are saying:

“If you watch the national media, you are misinformed.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsCL-WAdLSo

“If you're thinking about coming to Mexico, the rates are down, the airfare is cheap, so get down here before the rest of the country finds out.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sAw9ud5ZDs
Even with the negative reports, Mexico tourism remains active and all restaurants, cafes, libraries, museums, churches and archaeological sites are open.

While some airlines have reduced scheduled flights to Mexico, we would like to point out that tour operators such as Apple Vacations have maintained and will continue to maintain charter flights to Mexico. Their current $99 flight special in combination with our Spring Escape promotion - 55% savings, resort credits and kids stay free - is just something your clients can’t pass up. It’s actually the best time to travel.


Am Resorts operates Zoëtry Wellness & Spa Resorts, Secrets and Dreams Resorts & Spas. This is a public relations effort I applaud! Of course, they have a vested interest in promoting tourism in Mexico, but it is so nice to see some facts to put the numbers in perspective.

H1N1 part 2

I had a nightmare about swine flu yesterday that made me realize just how anxious I am about all the hysteria and panic. In my dream, I was on a plane that the government had decided should crash because there was a possibility that passengers were infected. Everyone onboard gathered around the cockpit begging the pilot not to do it, but he said he had no choice. The government told him he had to crash and he already had a spot picked out. People continued to talk to him and the 'government' on speakerphone and just when they were softening up...I coughed. Of course the mob turned on me and were about to throw me out of the plane when I woke up with my heart racing and sweating like I was doing yardwork.

On the Tripadvisor message boards someone posted pictures and wrote about how odd it is to see Cancun so quiet right now. That still makes me sad that many people will potentially lose their jobs over this and an already shaky economy will get worse for even more people, in Mexico and the United States.
They also noted that people aren't walking around with masks on and freaking out like we are here.  Those just returning from trips are raving about what a great time they had with resorts at only 30% capacity.  The service was over the top, pools and beaches are not crowded etc.  If I could go right now, I would definitely be there. 
Those that have chosen to change their plans seem to choose Aruba or Punta Cana as alternates.  Cruises are also a favorite summertime vacation, but with the numerous 'kids stay free' promotions all-inclusives are pricing very competitively this summer for families.   

Thankfully the wave of panic is subsiding a little, but once you've opened the gate it's hard to get all the cows back in. Now the pork industry is out in full force setting things straight. The President and media are more commonly referring to the swine flu as H1N1 to allay the public's fears about pigs. They are finally saying the masks are silly and ineffective if you are not sick.

I am over the cold I had last week thank goodness, so I hope there will be no more witch hunt dreams. My son however, has had a chronic runny nose and cough for months so we do get a few nervous glances at the playground. We've been playing in the backyard a little more than usual. I don't want one of the panic victims to freak out and throw him in the duck pond. (On a side note, he is having his adenoids removed at the end of the month, so please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. It is a very minor surgery, but it's still scary to us!)

Swine Flu Fever

I have resisted posting about the swine flu all week to see how things would unfold. Now we have our first confirmed case in the area, so it's a great time to address it. Warning: This post is heavy on my opinion so please go to the links provided for up-to-date information.
I have counted my blessings that this does not affect any of my current clients' itineraries, so I have not received one call about it! Thank goodness, because I happened to be sick and could barely talk. No matter what I said I am sure it would not have sounded very convincing since Cancun was my last trip. Never mind that was almost three months ago...CNN seems to think if you have ever thought about Mexico, been in a school or public place you are possibly infected. Can you tell I am a bit irritated?
The media coverage has just been unreal surrounding this! I have always looked at the media with a critical eye by training (my former career before travel was public relations) and lately they have just made my blood boil. The facts of this virus are buried beneath alarming headlines and dire warnings. Irresponsible reporting has been the real epidemic in my opinion and it has reached epic proportions the last year. Today I read in the AJC that Cancun was the epicenter of the outbreak. Really? Thought that was Mexico City. Do they realize that there are more cases in the U.S. than Mexico now? Are we now advising travelers to avoid New York? I monitor news updates from reliable sources who are not seeking ratings to get the most accurate information and still make sure to add a little common sense to that. I have yet to see the CDC advocate face masks as an everyday precaution. (But boy, those mask manufacturers must be doing a happy dance right now) The precautions they do suggest are things we should do anyway! Namely, wash your hands frequently. Use sanitizer, stay away from other people if you are sick. These simple little things will go much further in preventing infection than panic. You would be amazed at the number of people who know they are sick, yet go on about their day because they don't want to ruin their vacation or miss out on their cruise. People with some kind of bug are always around, not just when there's a catchy name for the virus of the moment.
Now that cruise lines are altering itineraries I am getting nervous, but not about the flu. Not everyone has decided Mexico is purgatory and some do look forward to specific ports of call on their cruises. I also feel for the local communities that depend so heavily on tourism. The faltering economy, drug violence at the border (another example of sloppy reporting) and natural disaster have already done a number on tourism. Real people depend on jobs that depend on tourists. We don't travel, they don't eat. I hope this will blow over soon once the next big thing in news comes along.

http://cdc.gov/h1n1flu/