Another fun part of my job, at Apple Vacations, is giving away thousands of Apple Vacations each year! We enter into promotions with radio stations, websites, newspapers, professional sports teams, at special events and even on our website and Facebook page. It makes me happy to send someone on vacation, who otherwise may have not been able to go. And I really love sending people away who have ever been on an airplane. I often get postcards and reviews of the places where prize-winners have traveled.

Apple Vacations is working on many exciting promotions for the fall and we’ll tweet them and feature them on our Facebook page. We strive to provide a winner with the same complete vacation experience and the best customer service we provide to all Apple Vacationers. Just because a prize is won, does not mean they are substandard service or accommodations – in fact, prizewinners generally stay at 5 and 6 Apple resorts.

Typically, we give away all-inclusive vacations, so ALL your meals, drinks and tips are included. The air portion and the hotel portion are considered the prize. There are, however, components of the trip that will require you to reach into your wallet.

When you travel to a foreign country and return home, there are U.S. and foreign departure taxes and airport fees. Apple Vacations pre-collects these fees; upon booking your prize-winning trip, you will be invoiced for them.

Most travel suppliers that we work with also have a clause requiring prize winners to have travel protection, and we invoice the vacationer for the travel protection as well.

In the Dominican Republic, there is a $10.00 tourist card fee upon entry in to the country that must be paid upon arrival at the airport.

Also, don’t forget Uncle Sam! You will receive a 1099 on the value of the vacation you have won from the place you won it (radio station, TV station).

Winning an Apple Vacation is meant to be a joyous event and a seamless process. That’s our goal — good luck!