Tag Archives: Travel Agent

Apple Vacations LOVES Travel Agents

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This May kicks off  Apple Vacations 9th annual Travel Agent Appreciation Month.  It is Apple Vacations time to applaud agents for the valuable travel services they provide.

 

Baltimore Travel Agent Dinner

Baltimore Travel Agent Dinner

 

In this DIY and technology age, I know a lot of travelers like to book themselves. They think they will “save money” or “get a better deal”. But the knowledge, experience and service of an agent is truly invaluable.

If you are a Travel Agent, make sure check with your Regional Sales Manager or log on to the Travel Agent Café starting Monday to see all the exciting programs we have to offer.  If you need to find an agent to book your next vacation click here: Ask An Agent

Here are some photo’s of our recent Golden Apple dinners where the “best of the best” received their Golden Apple awards.

Congrats Agents and Happy Travel Agent Appreciation Month!

Baltimore Travel Agent Dinner
Philadelphia Travel Agent Dinner
Milwaukee Travel Agent Dinner
Cleveland Travel Agent Dinner
Cleveland Travel Agent Dinner

Kaanapali Beach Hotel – a great choice for families in Maui

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I wrote a resort review of The Kaanapali Beach Hotel. But, I also wanted to highlight why Kaanapali Beach Hotel is an excellent choice for family vacations.  Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a beautiful beach-front location. One of the best views and most picturesque beaches you can find, perfect for swimming and close to snorkeling.  But they also offer value, convenience, cultural activities and entertainment to keep families happy from the moment they arrive until it is time to depart.

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel

When I go on vacation, especially with my son, I like for our family to experience the local culture, food and traditions. I especially like for us all to learn something new about each place we visit. In Hawaii, a stay at Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, will be a must for my family!

Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers a great program for children. It is an interactive family experience. Upon arrival, children 12 and under receive an Aloha passport with their Hawaiian Name and what it means.  Then, during their stay, children complete various activities throughout the resort.  Kids receive a makana (gift) for each completed activity. This creates fun for the entire family, and children get to take home their rewards. The resort employs full-time Hawaiian “Culture Advisors” (Alaka̕i) right on property. Children can learn about the history, language and traditions of Hawaii right within the resort.

In addition to the miles of amazing beaches and fun pools to keep the family happy,  Kaanapali Beach Hotel also offers daily Hawaiian activities including free lei making,  free hula lessons and free ukulele lessons. They also offer a complimentary welcome breakfast, complimentary Hawaiian Entertainment & Hula Show in the Tiki Courtyard, and Kids 5 and under eat free at the Tiki restaurant.  All of this will help the budget while keeping the family entertained.

Upon departure from resort, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers a complimentary Kukui Lei Ceremony. Kukui Nut Tree is the State Tree. “Kukui” means Enlightenment. Kukui Nut Lei is part of the employee uniforms.  The staff explain why the Kukui nut is so important to the Hawaiian people then they sing and present a departure gift of a kukui nut lei’.

Kaanapali Beach Hotel was the only Hawaii hotel voted in “Top 10 Family Hotels” by Trip Advisor. Make sure you look into Kaanapali Beach Hotel, for your next stay in Hawaii.

 

Ka`anapali Beach Hotel
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Aerial
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Golf
Ka`anapali Beach Hotel Maui Waterfall

Hawaii’s Most Hawaiian Hotel – Kaanapali Beach Hotel

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For many vacationers, especially “East- Coasters” like me, Hawaii is a “bucket – list” vacation. A trip to Hawaii is where you go on your Honeymoon or for a special occasion. It really does not have to be that way. With current airfare rates Hawaii is very, very

affordable. And with several islands to explore and various hotels to choose from, an Apple Vacation to Hawaii the possibilities are endless. Myself, I have a Hawaii “list”, places I want to visit, hotels where I want to stay, and excursions I want to do. I bookmark websites, print articles and save magazines. Whenever I come across something new or interesting about Hawaii, I file it away so I don’t forget about it when it is time for me to book! Low and behold, I recently added to my list! I learned about the Kaanapali Beach Hotel at an educational presentation and now I can’t wait to stay there!

Maui is the 2nd Largest Island in the Hawaiian Island Chain and Kâ‘anapali is Located in West Maui. Kaanapali Beach Hotel is a stunning Beachfront Location on 3 miles of golden sand beach. The hotel has been voted #1 for the past 19 years voted by Conde-Nast. The Kâ̕anapali Beach Resort is the world’s first “planned resort community” – 1,200 acres! There are two 18 – hole championship golf courses, private hotels, five condominiums, several restaurants, the Whaler’s Village Shopping Center and Whale Museum and hotels and resorts.

 


That all sounds great, but here is why I really think you should book Kaanapali Beach Hotel:

  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers the best location, location, Location! It is on the widest stretch of beautiful Kâ̕anapali Beach. And, Kaanapali Beach Hotel is Hawai̕i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel. When I travel I am all about the view, location and immersing myself in local culture. This is definitely the hotel for me.
  • As Hawai̕i’s Most Hawaiian Hotel, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers daily Hawaiian activities and they employ full-time Hawaiian “Culture Advisors” (Alaka̕i) right on property. They offer nightly complimentary Hawaiian Entertainment & Hula Show in the Tiki Courtyard. the hotel is adjacent to Pu̕u Keka’a (Black Rock) for world-class snorkeling. They also have the first and only outdoor Tiki-Themed Bar on Maui with exotic cocktail blends, famous Mai-Tais, Pupule and Tiki Tini cocktails. The hotel provides trolley service to Historic Lâhainâ if you want to venture into town.
  • Kaanapali Beach Hotel sounds like paradise and everything I look for in a vacation. Stay tuned for my next blog on Kaanapali Beach Hotel and why this resort is an excellent choice for family vacations.
Susan Haigh-Bishop Senior Sales Manager, Kaanapali Beach Hotel with Tim Mullen and Karen McFadden from Apple Vacations.

 

Sandos Caracol Eco – Resort and Spa

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If you are looking for somewhere different to take the kids for a spring adventure, or for a summer family vacation, take a look at Sandos Caracol ECO Resort and Spa where there is plenty for your family to discover. Sandos Caracol is great vacation for family fun all while teaching your kids about the environment.

 

Discover the Eco activities. The resort focuses on teaching children to live in harmony with nature and to take care of the environment.  They offer an Eco -Tour for kids to teach them to respectfully interact with the environment. Kids can also bike ride on the trail, plant a tree (give back to nature), or attend an interactive eco-talk.

Discover the fauna and flora of the region in the Aviary/Bird Sanctuary.

Discover the Mayan Jungle including Turtle Lagoon, Iguanas, Mangrove Crabs, Eco Club Nursery, Mayan Herb Garden, Orchids, Mangroves and the Organic Garden.

Discover the Water Park.  17 fun slides and water games surrounded by water spouts.

Discover time for mom and dad! There is a baby club for children 2-3 years old which is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. There is also a kids club for children 4 – 12 years old which is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Stay tuned for my next blog on one of the most exciting kids adventure at Sandos Caracaol – The Xcalacoco Experience.

 

 

Bad Weather – Do you have an agent looking out for you?

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 I am hearing snow predictions for many of our Apple Vacations gateways for this weekend.  Storms and bad weather such as Hurricane Sandy and Snowstorm Nemo are perfect examples of why people should use a Travel Agent versus an on–line “book it yourself” operator.

Customer service is important to every step of the vacation planning process. Using a Travel Agent is hiring a service not only to research, advise, plan and book your vacation; but they are also there for you in the event you need assistance during and after your vacation.

During both Sandy and Nemo, many Travel Agencies had clients impacted by the storms. Although the resort and destination they were in were fine, many vacationers were delayed getting home.  Flights were cancelled or delayed and airports were closed. During storms, Travel Agents don’t get a snow day! They are there working long into the night, placing calls, researching flights, waiting on hold to assist their clients and get their travel plans back on track.

 

Apple Vacations loves Travel Agents.  Next time you book, leave the planning and details to them so you can truly enjoy every minute of your Apple Vacation!

 

 

 

Playing around Paradise Island, Part 2

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Atlantis is not just a hotel, but an entire vacation destination! It’s larger than life! As dramatically fanciful as it is magnificent in scope and concept, the legendary Atlantis, Paradise Island offers a resort experience of mythical proportions.

 

Here are my Tips for what to do and see while staying at Atlantis, Paradise Island:

  • You can explore the lost ruins of The Dig, a journey into the world of the ancient Atlanteans, complete with an elaborate maze of corridors through underground ruins teeming with a stunning civilization of sea creatures.
  • Or experience the world’s largest marine habitat, second only to Mother Nature, with over 50,000 sea animals spread throughout 11 exhibit lagoons.
  • Then wander the amazing 63 acre waterscape, where you can climb a 6-story Mayan Temple, only to come splashing back down on a choice of five thrilling water slides.
  • Or immerse yourself in Aquaventure, a thrilling water attraction, featuring four exhilarating waterslides and a one mile rapid river experience.
  • There are 20 swimming areas to enjoy, drift down the lazy river ride, or investigate the secrets of the 7-acre snorkeling lagoon.
  • Discover endless action in the entertainment complex, featuring a 50,000 sq. ft. casino, innovatively designed with brilliant glass sculptures and panoramic windows overlooking the waterscape and marina.
  • And for kids, there’s Atlantis Kid’s Club providing children ages 3-12 a fun way to discover the mysteries of Atlantis while making new friends.

Combine all this with a full service spa, a sports center, marina, haute couture shopping and a vast array of restaurants and lounges and you’ll soon discover why Atlantis is not just a hotel, but an entire vacation destination!

 

Interested in going? Here are my quick reviews of the separate sections of the Atlantis Resort:

  • Atlantis Paradise Island –This is the original section of the Atlantis resort. This section contains the Royal Towers with 1200 rooms and the “bridge suite” that connects the two towers. Overall, there are 21 restaurants, 19 bars and lounges, 20 swimming areas consisting of pools, lagoons and water park areas. Six lit tennis courts, a fitness center with yoga and Pilates, a kids club, a teen’s club and the largest casino in the Caribbean.
  • Atlantis Beach Tower – Each room has either 1 king bed or two double beds. All rooms have full balconies. This is The Atlantis’s most economical section and, it is the only tower that is directly on the beach.
  • The Cove Atlantis – 600 suites, and all of them are ocean view. All suites have a separate step – down sitting area. The cove is very upscale, modern and chic. They have pool side cabanas with concierge service available for an additional fee.
  • The Reef Atlantis – 495 units, many of these units are privately owned and the Atlantis rents them out. Each unit has a kitchen area. The Reef and The Cove are the newest sections of The Atlantis and they are not connected however, they are next to each other.
  • Harborside Resort Atlantis – This is primarily a time share property however, rooms are available to book. There are 7 buildings with a total of 392 rooms. There are rooms that will sleep up to 10 people. All buildings have elevators. There are over 30 handicap accessible rooms and a handicap accessible shuttle to the Atlantis main towers. This resort is on the harbor side of the island, not the ocean side.

 

What is the ideal spot for your destination wedding ceremony?

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as told by Maddie Horvath, Destination Wedding Specialist Intern 

If you’ve chosen your destination wedding location, you may be wondering where to hold your ceremony. It’s important to consider the size of your guest list and your personal vision for your wedding when choosing a ceremony site. Whichever spot you choose, your wedding is sure to be beautiful!

Photo Credit: Apple Vacation – Beach Wedding

Beach

For a ceremony on the beach, wedding attire is often lighter and more comfortable to accommodate the warm weather and sand. If you plan to wear heels on your wedding day, and believe your guests will do the same, you may run into trouble with a beach ceremony. Remember, brides: Mother (Nature) knows best. A wedding facing the water is scenic and romantic, but don’t forget to keep in mind the breezes and tides when booking your ceremony! At most resorts, destination beach weddings are semi-private, where the beach will not be restricted to other resort guests, but may be held in a less-populated area.

 

Photo Credit: Apple Vacations – Sandos Cancun Luxury Resort Destination Wedding, Gazebo

 

Gazebo

If you like the ocean breeze and beautiful views, but don’t want to sacrifice your dress and shoes for the sand, a gazebo wedding might be perfect for you. Generally, the bride and groom will stand in a gazebo, while the guests sit on the surrounding deck or patio. Guests might not be as close to the “I do’s” as you would like, so keep this in mind when planning your nuptials! Like the beach wedding, gazebo ceremonies are often semi-private and may be more- or less-crowded depending on the date and time of your ceremony. Play up the beach theme by adding seashells to your décor, so you can get the beach look without the sand beneath your feet!

 

 

Garden

If you love flowers and greenery, see if your resort has a garden wedding option. You can still feel the warm sun and cool breezes of the beach, but have your wedding ceremony in a beautiful, unique location. You could also save some money on floral decorations by holding your wedding ceremony surrounded by nature’s finest blooms! Don’t forget to tell your guests to bring the bug spray!

 

We know you’ve dreamed of this day for a long time. Few things in life are as important as this day and few options as romantic as a Destination Wedding. When properly planned, a Destination Wedding can actually save you a lot of money…but most Brides and Grooms don’t know where to start. That’s where we come in. Apple Vacations will not only help you find the perfect destination; we’ll make your wedding easy and affordable for friends and family too!

 

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