Tag Archives: Tips

Costly Cruise or Value Vacation?

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Many vacationers struggle with the cruise versus single destination vacation issue.  With cruise companies constantly touting their low prices, it is easy to see why.  Let’s explore the true price of a cruise.  As I am based in Philadelphia, I will use the May prices out of this area for this comparison.

A Western Caribbean Cruise on a brand new 1,800 cabin ship sailing out of Miami sells for an advertised price of $849.00 for 7nts.  When you compare that to 7nts at the All-Inclusive Ocean Blue Resort & Spa Punta Cana for an advertised prices of $1,189.99, the cruise seems a better value. Continue reading →

Traveling with a Toddler: Part 1

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Normally, when I travel I am very “go with the flow.” I always figure as long as I have my passport, my tickets and a credit card, anything I forget I can always buy when I get to my destination. Then I started traveling with my son and quickly realized a little more planning was necessary.

Here are five suggestions based on my personal experiences:

The airplane ride — If you plan to bring a car seat on the plane, ensure it is FAA approved. It says it on the seat. Otherwise they will take it from you as you get on the plane and put it in the overhead bin.

Think of entertainment. I am amazed when I look around the plane and see unruly children who have nothing to entertain them. My son, since he pays for a seat, is entitled to a carry-on bag of his own. We always bring a backpack of items to amuse him on a flight and the ride to the hotel. I invested in a small DVD player for long rides. We also have an assortment of small books that he can bring. Crayons and coloring books are good. Small trucks or action figures travel well.

Food always helps — we bring small juice boxes (keep an eye on the ounces to get thru security).. Bring some small snacks that the child is familiar with for a long ride. If I have a morning flight, I pack cereal in a baggie and request milk as the in-flight drink so he can have breakfast on the flight. I also always bring lollipops. This helps his ears while landing. I usually bring ring pops because they are also entertaining. I give it to him about a half an hour before we land. Now he knows when he gets a ring pop on the airplane, we are almost there. Also, pack a similar supply of items in your suitcase for the ride home. Continue reading →

Why Use a Travel Agent?

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Ask An Agent

Why would I ever book through a travel agent when I can get the same price online myself?

The better question is …

Why would I ever book online myself when I can get the service, experience and knowledge of a travel agent for the same price?

If you could buy a new laptop online for $999 or buy it through a retailer down the street for the same price and get a $100 gift card for future purchases, where would you buy the laptop?

From the retailer, of course, because they offer added VALUE and a human face down the street to contact in case of any problems with the product.  The same is true with travel agents.

One of the common myths is that travel agents mark up prices and hide them in their quotes to boost their bottom lines. This is not the case when using a travel agent to book an Apple Vacation.  In fact, all prices offered on AppleVacations.com are the exact same prices offered when you buy an Apple Vacation through a local travel agent.

If the price is the same either way, wouldn’t you rather have the benefit of an experienced professional who handles the details from start to finish?

Travel agents attend in-depth training seminars, trade shows, webinars — and most importantly, they get to experience first-hand many of the best selling destinations. They also have access to the latest deals through sales calls, catalogs and daily communication with tour companies, such as Apple Vacations. These agents then take all of this knowledge offer it to customers for FREE!

To find a professional travel agent in your area, please click on this link:  http://tinyurl.com/cszlmf

What Should You Share with Your Travel Agent?

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What is important information to share with my travel agent when planning a trip?

When planning a trip, your travel agent will likely ask you:

1) where would you like to go; 2) what time of year did you want to travel; and, 3) what is your budget? All critical pieces of information as they begin to suggest vacation destinations for you and your family.
However, there are a number of other items that are equally as important, but unfortunately sometimes overlooked. In this day of communicating electronically, or over the phone, some important details could be left out that make a huge difference in the trip you book.

For instance, we received a letter from a passenger who was upset with the resort she visited. This passenger went on to say, “that resort was not appropriate for a 79 year old woman.” Apple Vacations agrees 100 percent, and had they known Mrs. X was 79 and had physical limitations, we probably would have suggested a smaller resort with specific handicapped facilities and perhaps a private transfer to and from the airport. However, it was Mrs. X’s son who booked the trip through a phone call with his travel agent. Mrs. X’s son never shared information about his mother’s limitations. Sadly now, we have a customer who did not have the most enjoyable vacation.

Along with the help of our valued travel agents, it is Apple Vacations goal to please 100 percent of our customers, 100 percent of the time. Information is key to us being able to plan the perfect trip for you and make sure you are 100 percent satisfied with your Apple Vacations experience.