Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Why do I need a Travel Agent?

 


Travel Agents are often asked for "deals" and "best prices" and for the most part, we will have the same price you would get if you book direct. There are occasions when we will have a better price, but the real value is the level of service.
When you go to a website that room recommendation has nothing to do with you or what you might like. Carnival has no clue that you have never cruised and don't know how gratuities work. The website is not going to tell you that room it's showing you is in the noisiest or has no privacy. You likely won't see Expedia tell you, "This resort is known for food poisoning outbreaks."
There are many times when someone will tell me, "Well the website is cheaper than what you sent me." Yes, that's because the website is showing you the bare bones price. Or you have a VIFP offer that is cheaper, but you actually have a VIFP offer that for a slightly higher price will include an onboard credit that already makes up for the price difference, plus you'll drink free in the Casino the entire length of your cruise, and you'll receive an arrival & departure gift.
When I provide a vacation quote I include things specific to YOU, because I have taken the time to get to know you, to learn what you like and don't like. Maybe there's a small and specific detail (like your husband can only drink domestic beer) that would make or break your entire trip. These details allow me to tailor your options to what I know you're looking for in a way a website just can’t. I go over all the details with you from start to finish to ensure it's the best experience for YOU!


Huge Savings for 2024 Disneyland Vacations

 


Are you a long time Disney World Traveler, but you've never been to Disneyland? Picture this: strolling down Main Street, U.S.A., feeling like you've stepped into a whimsical time capsule. Your taste buds? In for a wild ride! From Mickey-shaped snacks to mouthwatering churros, Disneyland's treats are as legendary as its attractions!
Disneyland has dropped two incredible promotions for 2024 so you can finally experience that Magic and where it all began!
✨Save up to 20% on Sunday-Thursday night stays at a Disneyland Resort hotel from Jan 15 - March 7
✨Disney Visa Cardmembers can save up to 25% on select stays of 4+ nights at select Disneyland Resort Hotels Jan 15 - March 7
So, why should you visit Disneyland? Because here, dreams don't just come true; they soar higher than Tinker Bell's flight path! It's where laughter echoes, hearts skip a beat, and memories are crafted with a touch of pure enchantment. Come on, join the party. Disneyland's waiting to sprinkle a bit of magic into your world!✨



Airport Travel Tip

 


This is one of the travel tips that I cannot stress enough: always give yourself spare time when it comes to the airport.

For international flights that means arriving three to four hours before departure. For domestic flights, you should plan on two to three hours in advance. Lines can be very long at ticket counters, baggage check, and security. If you cut it too close you run the risk of missing your flight, which just isn't worth it.



My Travel Essentials

 


Over the years I have bought many travel essentials...and some not so essentials. This means I've spent money on things I can't live without and I've also done things like spent $20 on an "airplane blanket" in the airport. Incase you are unfamiliar, it's like a giant cheese cloth that acts nothing like a blanket at all. I want to share with you some of my favorite travel essentials, including an updated list of what's in my theme park bag!

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS, MEANING I RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH MY LINKS. THIS IS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

Flory Farms Airbnb in Kentwood Louisiana


With the current travel restrictions, we decided to opt out of our usual summer vacation and looked for more of staycation option. We were referred to this charming Country Cottage in Kentwood Louisiana; Flory Farms.

Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort


I booked a room at Gran Destino Tower as soon as the window opened. We stayed at Coronado Springs right after the room renovation and I remember they were working on the tower at that time. I couldn't fathom why they would put a big eye sore right out in front of such a beautiful resort, but I have eaten my words. The tower is stunning, it's a work of art inside and out and I cannot wait to stay there again!

A New Orleans Pre-Cruise Trip

Before our cruise we decided to head down to New Orleans a night early, go out, and then not have to get up too terribly early to make it to the cruise terminal the following morning. We were a group of 8 adults, 6 who would be going out that night, so we found the perfect Airbnb in Treme. So comfortable, beautifully decorated, and right next door to some really great seafood! I highly recommend booking a stay here whether you're cruising, going to a football game, or just want to enjoy the city. It's a quick Uber or Lyft to just about anywhere you might want to go!

Refurbished Rooms at Disney's All Star Movies Resort


I just got back from a stay at Disney's All Star Movies Resort and got the chance to stay in one of the newly refurbished rooms, like at Disney's Pop Century Resort. We were in a Preferred Room in the Toy Story Section. It's funny because I've stayed at All Star Movies two times previously; in 2001 and in 2015. In 2001 we stayed in the Mighty Ducks section and in 2015 we stayed in the Toy Story Section. Between 2001 - 2015 it didn't feel like much had changed, but this trip was like being at a whole new resort!


Disney's Beach Club Resort

Disney's Beach Club Resort is a beautiful New England-style Resort hotel set on Crescent Lake. It's situated right next door to it's more formal sister resort, Disney's Yacht Club Resort

2019 Epcot Flower and Garden Festival


The Epcot Flower and Garden Festival is always a favorite of mine...which is probably why I've done it twice this year lol.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

The Contemporary Resort has been on our bucket list for a few years now and we thought celebrating our daughter's fourth birthday would be a great opportunity to check-in for a few nights! We were not disappointed. From very modern and chic rooms to amazing dining and recreation, the resort did not disappoint.

Favorite Eats at Disney World


While I'm going over my upcoming Walt Disney World vacations, thinking about everything to eat...basically it's always what to do eat...I started thinking about some of my favorites from 2018. I wanted to put those down so at the end of the year I can compare what my favorites were in 2019! Some of these were new favorites: like this lime sherbert with the edible chocolate feather, and some are old favorites. WARNING: This post may cause extreme hunger.

The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs

The Boathouse at Disney Springs is upscale, waterfront dining! Here you can enjoy the best of both land and sea with fresh seafood, premium steaks, and even a raw bar. There are also craft cocktails and a huge wine list! 

Disney's Old Key West Resort 2 Bedroom Villa


Disney's Old Key West Resort is a Disney Vacation Club resort and is themed with a Caribbean/Florida Keys style. It's a very big resort but it's also a very quiet resort!

Disney's Art of Animation Cars Family Suites


If you have ever wanted to feel like you were a part of the Cars, Little Mermaid, or Finding Nemo movie, Disney's Art of Animation Resort is where you need to go! This Resort brings those movies to life and throws you right into them and is designed with families in mind. From the family suites to tons of resort activities and the largest resort pool, there's just no shortage of fun to be had here.

Disney's Yacht Club Resort Newly Refurbished Rooms

Disney's Yacht Club Resort is a New England nautical themed resort at Walt Disney World. It has a sister resort, Disney's Beach Club next door, and it sits across Crescent Lake from Disney's BoardWalk Resort. The lobby is very plush and inviting! Yacht Club has some of the best dining options at Walt Disney World including Ale & Compass and Yachtsman Steakhouse. You can also experience Stormalong Bay, a 3 acre water wonderland, that includes a life-size shipwreck, pools, lagoons, a lazy river, and one of the highest resort waterslides!

Disney's Art of Animation Little Mermaid Standard Room

Disney's Art of Animation Resort feels like a work of art. From the moment you enter the lobby you realize the walls tell a story. You move from sketches to colorized drawings and as you move through the resort, the progress of the art goes with you. Of course, that art continues throughout the entire resort where favorite characters come to life and that theme carries over into the rooms. The Little Mermaid standard rooms are a mermaid princesses' dream come true!

Epcot's 2018 Flower and Garden Festival

This Spring Epcot celebrated it's 25th Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival! You get to explore the outdoors, view beautiful topiaries and gardens, taste fresh flavors from Outdoor Kitchens and rock along with classic bands at the Garden Rocks Concert Series. (or you can just relax and smell the flowers!)

Disney's All Star Music Resort

I decided to plan a very last minute Walt Disney World trip with a friend and we decided to go with the cheapest option, which was Disney's All Star Music Resort. This resort is one of Disney World's value resorts and is located in the Disney Animal Kingdom Resort area.

My Disney Park Bag Essentials

I think one of the most popular questions I get asked is, "What do you put in your Disney park bag?" and of course I always tell people things like phone chargers and hair ties, but today I'm going to share with you what bag I use, and some of the less thought about things you can find in it!