Tag Archives: Tips

Apple Vacations Fall 2012 Tradeshows and Educational Presentations – Let’s Get Personal

Posted on by
Reply

Apple Vacations #AVTS13 – Trade Shows

 

 

Apple Vacations is in the final stretch of our Fall 2012 Tradeshow and Educational Presentation series. Our events are for travel agents only. Over the past 3 months we hosted over 30 different events across the U.S and were able to meet with well over 5,000 travel agents.

One-on-one time with agents is very important to us. It is not only putting a face with a name, but we also get to know agents personally. Just as no two clients and vacations are alike, no two agents are alike! At our events, we get to provide agents with personal education based on the hotels, airlines and destinations they sell and want to sell. We get to show them what’s new, what’s hot and why Apple Vacations is THE tour operator to book with! We distribute all of our new brochures and personally show the unique features of each – did you try our new IR codes yet?  We also bring along some of our key hotels, airlines and tourist boards as well.

Just as an agent provides personal attention to their client, we like to provide personal attention to our agents. Check out some of our photos from the road. Did you attend any of our events?

 

Apple Vacations #AVTS13 – Trade Shows

Money saving tips for booking your winter vacation

Posted on by
Reply

Here are some of our favorite travel tips for keeping you and your family traveling this winter while still keeping your budget intact.

  1. Look for a vacation package – Often times, you’ll get a better deal when you buy a package that includes your airfare, hotel and transfers, and you’ll save your own time by not piecing your vacation together from several different travel sites. Apple Vacations packages can include round-trip air, hotel accommodations, hotel transfers, all meals and drinks and taxes and fees. You’ll know the entire cost of your vacation up front.
  2. Make sure you’re comparing Apples to Apples – most online travel companies do not include hotel transfers, which could add another $100 each way. With Apple Vacations, hotel transfers are always included in international destinations.
  3. All-inclusives are the way to go – today’s all-inclusives have great dining options. A la carte restaurants, room service and your beverages are all included. There won’t be any unexpected bills at check out.
  4. If you know the dates you want to travel or have a particular hotel in mind, buy your vacation as soon as possible. This winter, we are seeing the best dates and hotels selling out already. So while you may have gotten a great last minute deal in year’s past, this winter you may not get your first or second choices unless you book early. Apple Vacations AVOK vacation protection offers a cash-back feature, where if the price of your vacation goes down after purchase, we will refund the difference so you know you’re always getting the best price.
  5. Your time is valuable too – Spend more time on the beach and not in the airport with Apple Vacations’ nonstop vacation flights. This winter, Apple Vacations will have 130 nonstop vacation flights to sunny destinations.
  6. Shop the sales like Apple Vacations SuperSale – Each November, Apple Vacations holds its biggest sale of the year, discounting brand name resorts like Iberostar, Riu, Secrets and Dreams for winter travel dates. SuperSale ends Nov. 22nd.

 

Apple Vacations SuperSale from an Agent’s Perspective

Posted on by
Reply

 

 

As 2012 comes to an end, the travel agent community would like to say “Thank You, Apple!” for your continued support of our businesses. Not only have we learned to work together in making every vacation dream come true, but along the way have formed great friendships!

Some agencies really dislike this time of year, but we thrive on it. Generally, October – January is a slow time for our agency, since most people have already booked their winter vacations and at least deposited their spring break trips you can find many agents looking for new ways to promote themselves and their skills.

 WE LOVE Apple Vacations SuperSale. We use this opportunity to advertise for those procrastinators that haven’t purchased a holiday gift for that “hard to buy for” family member or friend. Usually the first week of November, we hit the social media outlet pretty hard with our sales and before you know it, our agents are booking away.  We have trained ourselves to notice the good deals during high season (high season is an agent / not consumer term maybe say winter?)  People shouldn’t expect the $699 for 7 night deals during the high travel season. Keep in mind that when it’s cold here, it’s warm weather destinations such as Mexico & The Caribbean! 

Kimberly’s Travel Discounts – Kim Pack & Sherry Bailey

Kimberly’s Travel Discounts number one best seller during November: GIFT CERTIFICATES  with Apple Vacations! You cannot go wrong with this type of gift. You can use it for virtually anything Apple has and there isn’t anything better than the gift of travel.

Have your agent keep you in the loop about any upcoming sales. Sometimes we know ahead of time which resort chains will go on sale, not always but sometimes we get a “sneak preview”. One week it could be the RIU Resorts, the next week could be the Iberostar Resorts. Stay in contact with your agent, they are there for you; you just have to give them the chance!

I think it’s very important for each client to be up-front about what they expect out of their vacation. If someone tells me “I just want a good deal” that doesn’t give us a lot to go on. I can put you anywhere, but would prefer to put you somewhere that you’ll enjoy.  Anyone can book a “good deal” but it takes an outstanding agent to book a “great vacation”.

A large majority of the public think we charge fees for our service, my agency has never ever charged a fee and 9 times out of 10 we are going to find you a better deal than what you can find on your own. Granted, there are some agencies out there that charge for airline tickets or long detailed itineraries and that’s fine, but we prefer not to.

As a longtime advocate for the travel agent community, I always advise to book your trip with a qualified travel consultantespecially during Apple Vacations SuperSale!

 

 

Looking for a Spa Getaway? Try Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort

Posted on by
Reply

Photo Credit: Eileen Herncane Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort - Spa del Mar

Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort is perfect for a relaxing Spa Getaway for so many reasons.  When I visited Sandos,  I was amazed at how big the Spa was and the variety of treatment options available.  Sandos Cancun is a luxury resort so you feel pampered the moment you step in the resort. It is also a smaller resort – a boutique resort  – with a quite feel. Sandos Cancun is a perfect resort to relax, enjoy gourmet dining and tropical drinks.

Sandos Cancun offers a 15,000 square foot European spa with 14 individual treatment rooms for a full range of spa services, including seaweed applications, Swiss showers, massages, hydrotherapy, Celtic Showers, facials and more.  They have indoor and outdoor sections of the spa including Jacuzzis, saunas and relaxation rooms.  The spa is easy access right off the main lobby / by the pool of the resort.

If you need some R & R, or are looking for a perfect place for a spa getaway, Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort is a really great option.

Check out our gallery of pictures to get an up close look at the Spa:

River Expedition in Puerto Vallarta

Posted on by
1

Recently I had the opportunity to try Zip Lining while I was in Puerto Vallarta. I need to preface this blog – I have never done anything like this before; no sky diving, no extreme sports, no bungee jumping. Ever. So boy was I a bundle of nerves -  I mean …in for a treat.

Photo Credit: Christine May, Canopy River in Puerto Vallarta

 

Photo Credit - Canopy River. Zip lining over the Cuale River.

Our group included 2 tour guides, 1 co-worker, 2 journalists, 1 photographer, our rep from Amstar Dmc, a rep from the Puerto Vallarta tourism board and 1 travel agent. We opted to try the all new River Expedition tour which combines the canopy zip lining with hiking, 2 rope bridges, 27 meter rappel or 24 meter free fall, inner tube river ride and mule ride – enough to satisfy any adrenaline junkie! Again, please note, that I am not and adrenaline junkie. I was trying something new and feeling both excited and nervous. We had wonderful, experienced tour guides that helped us get ready, strapped in our harnesses, and secured our helmets on. We went through a basic training with them, essentially just how to stop, which I never managed to master the art of this until the last zip! The guides were really funny, making silly jokes to lighten the mood, and it helped put everyone’s nerves at ease. Then we all did a test run and were ready to do our first zip by ourselves. I couldn’t believe it, the zip lining was so amazing! After the first zip, my nerves calmed down, the adrenaline kicked in and I was psyched to have a whole day of fun ahead of me!

 

Photo Credit: Canopy River. Kim Pack and I swinging Tarzan style over the Cuale River.

We did 12 platforms stretching from one mountain to another.  We were up to 600 feet in the air with the longest line stretching over a quarter mile long! This makes up the longest, highest and fastest zip lines on the west coast of Mexico. I felt so exhilarated gliding through the jungle while gazing in awe at the Cuale River far below. I could even see the Pacific Ocean from one of the zips! One word comes to mind.

Breathtaking.

 

After our tour, we met the original homesteaders of the area and enjoyed refreshments at the Los Coapino restaurant, located high atop this beautiful mountain range.  A little tip:  An optional DVD of your actual tour will be available for purchase so you can remember it forever!

 

Photo Credit: Canopy River. The group getting together on a boulder before zipping into the Cuale River.

 

I highly recommend trying Canopy River!!! Especially for those of you that love nature and adventure.  Canopy River is definitely for you.

Photo Credit: Canopy River - Being challenged to cross over two bridges, as we made our way across the side of the mountain.

Here are some more details about Canopy River

Duration: 5 Hours including orientation and transportation.

Includes: Canopy Tour, Free Mule Ride (optional), Bottled Water, Snacks, Soft Drinks

You’ll Need:

  • Sunblock and Insect Repellent
  • Tennis Shoes
  • Hair Tie for Long Hair
  • Cash for drinks at the bar, photos, and souvenirs.

Kids:  7 Years and Older.

Restrictions: Maximum weight is 275 lbs. (125 kg). Do not drink too much alcohol before this tour – you won’t be allowed to go for safety reasons. This is an active tour, and not recommended if you are pregnant, have a serious back injury.  There is some hiking involved, so be sure to wear good walking shoes.

Check with your Apple Rep at your hotel in Puerto Vallarta so you can try this amazing Zip lining Adventure!

Please check out my pictures and leave comments if you have any questions on this tour.

Photo Credit: Canopy River, Jerry Nunn hitting the cool clear

 

 

Photo Credit: Canopy River - Kim Pack taking her mule back to the top of the mountain. Giddy Up!

 

Photo Credit: Canopy River - Dennis Jacobs zip lining over 600 feet in the air!

 

 

Family Vacation in Punta Cana

Posted on by
Reply

It’s that time of year again for our annual family vacation.  I have vacationed in Punta Cana before and completely fell in love with the people and the culture in the Dominican Republic. Warm smiles friendly attitudes and a care free environment are the staples of Punta Cana and I was not going to chance losing that going elsewhere. The hardest part about planning an all-inclusive vacation with a family of 10, is choosing the right resort.  It’s a bit of a task finding a place that caters an age disparity that ranges 10 to 65 years old.

Set on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana, this resort offers 13 different outdoor pools with gorgeous views of the Caribbean Sea and a secluded lagoon.

With activities that range from arcades to casinos, The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino was really a ‘no-brainer.’  The moment we stepped off the Apple Vacations van and set foot on the property the whole family was blown away by the aesthetics of the place. Flashy, yet controlled; spacious yet completely decorated in rock memorabilia, the Hard Rock is really a sight to behold. All the rooms are full blown suites equipped with Jacuzzis, personal balconies and stunning views. It really has a way of making you feel like a rock star. Something tells me that’s exactly what they were going for.

 

 

The Hard Rock features luxurious accommodations, fine dining at nine restaurants, seven bars, thirteen pool with four swim-up bars, casino and spa.

 

The resort also offers a magnificent state of the art Spa and an elegant full service Casino. And when you're hungry, you'll have a choice of 9 different restaurants, wireless Internet service, a sports bar, 24-hour room service and much more.

The resort is home to 9 restaurants, 3 deli/snack bars, 15 bars, 15 pools, lounges/nightclubs, arcades, a spa, a casino, and a variety of shops.  Plenty to keep a large family like mine completely entertained. There are also a plethora of excursions available through the Apple representative on site.

 

When the sun goes down, Hard Rock knows how to rock. The fun has just begun. You can go check out a rock show, or bet against lady luck at the casino. Perhaps you want to test your own rock and roll voice at the Karaoke, dance the night away at the club, or sit, relax and have a drink at one of the many lounges. The possibilities are endless and so is the fun.

 

The majestic Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana brings the Palace brand of uncompromising, all-inclusive luxury to its newest destination - one of the most beautiful beachfront locations in the Caribbean.

 

This vacation reminded me why I love Punta Cana so much and why its growing in popularity as the years pass. With great people, great food, spectacular service, beautiful scenery and incredible beaches its not hard to see why Punta Cana is becoming THE place to vacation.  Don’t overlook this destination next time you are in need of a great vacation!

Happy travels…

Dominating your Euro-Pack & Flight

Posted on by
3

One of the fine arts of traveling is mastering the pack for air travel. My friends and I get nerdy about it and revel in the glory we feel when baggage fees are averted.  Here are my rules/tips for a great pack & smooth flight to Europe.

  • Keep it light! When choosing clothing, go practical over fashion.  You likely only need one coat that is seasonally appropriate. To save room in your baggage wear your coat and bulkiest shoes through airport security and keep it out of your bag.
  • Pack a lightweight duffel bag in your suitcase. Choose one you can scrunch up in your luggage in case you need to shuffle around items or you buy too many souvenirs. Inter-continental European flights tend to be small planes and have more restrictions on the weight of baggage. Having an extra duffle will help you even out the weight or possibly combine forces with your traveling companion to avoid fees.
  • Bring a pen. You’ll need it to fill out forms for immigration & customs.
  • Put your carry-on items in the overhead compartment. There’s nothing worse than having your knees stuck to your chest for 8 hours because you couldn’t part with your laptop, ipod, jacket, book, magazines. Take something reasonable out of your bag that you will use and leave the rest overhead.
  • Purchase a Euro or UK power adapter (depending on where you are going) before your trip or at the airport. Most cell phones and laptops work 110-240V but not all electronic devices so an adaptor is very handy. If your device isn’t rated up to 240V, don’t use it. You can always purchase a step-down power converter for travel but they can be a little heavy.
  • Put your smart phone in Airplane mode and turn off all GPS and data sources. I bring a cheap £20 phone I bought in Scotland with a pay-as-you-go plan that I use to communicate with friends I meet overseas. My travel mates and I set up regular meeting times so we can split up and have traveled weeks without phones.
  • Pack a little snack for your flight! If an airline offers in-flight meals for purchase they don’t always have enough for everyone. Avoid having to chew on the Sky Mall magazine.
  • Put luggage tags on everything! Traveling is disorienting and you’re bound to forget something one of these days.

 

San Sebastián is located in the north of Spain, on the coast of the Bay of Biscay. Close to the French border.