Do people ever really win an Apple Vacation?

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Everyone wants to win a prize. But, do people ever really win an Apple Vacation? Yes they do! Here is a review from a happy prize winner from Facebook who just returned from Punta Cana.

We want to thank Apple Vacations so much from for such a wonderful trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

We really were amazed the way we were treated. We won the original 3 day fully inclusive trip but live in the Boston area. When we mentioned we would have to fly from Boston to pick up the departure the day before the trip, you upgraded us to a Boston departure, for a 7 day fully inclusive vacation!   Then when the original resort was overbooked, we got upgraded yet again to one of the best on the Island, Secrets Royal Beach. Our room was a beautiful Junior Suite with Jacuzzi and far exceeded our expectations.  The resort was fantastic, it had great food, a great location, and the staff was so friendly and helpful.

We found that the whole trip to be well run and supported by your Amstar representatives. They had all the relevant information for the resort and good advice for day trips that were available. My wife lost a bag on one of these trips and they both followed up with the outside tour operator, they found the bag and got it back to her intact.

The way we were treated was exceptional, and we would not hesitate to use or recommend Apple Vacations in the future. Our daughter who entered us in the contest said how much she had enjoyed using Apple Vacations for her vacation and how accommodating you were. We can certainly confirm that and want to thank you all again at Apple Vacations especially Susan for a wonderful (free) vacation experience.

T & D
Boston, MA

Traveling with a toddler.

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I don’t know what big mouth thought it was a good idea to write this post (hint: it was me), but my most recent family trip to Cancun started off anything but calm.

I thought I was so prepared for the flight. I pre-packed my 17-month-old’s favorite snacks. I surveyed other Apple Vacationers for their favorite iPad apps for toddlers and had them downloaded and ready to go. I even had two in-case-of-emergency bottles of milk on hand, just in case.

What I didn’t anticipate was that an approaching thunderstorm would keep us stuck on the tarmac at O’Hare for an hour and a half. All of the passengers aboard were antsy. We were tired of sitting and anxious to get to the beach.

My daughter felt the same way times 10. She was sick of being strapped in her car seat (because we had pushed back from the gate, everyone needed to be in their seat belts). She was tired of me pushing snacks on her, and because we weren’t at the gate anymore, the iPad had to stay off, so no Elmo allowed. The few books and non-electronic toys we had kept her occupied for a few minutes at a time, but all she really wanted was up, up, up.

While there wasn’t much crying, there certainly was lots of whining. The guy in front of me turned around and said “that’s exactly how I feel”.

So, Juice readers, what’s your secret to handling unexpected travel delays with a toddler?  Please leave your hints in the comments below, and I’ll compile them for an upcoming post.

Apple Vacations Winter Savings Event Part II!

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Here are some more specials  — I wanted to point out — with additional departure cities!

Iberostar Paraiso del Mar in Riviera Maya departing from Chicago for 3 nights from $599.99 effective 1/24, 1/31
Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa in Ocho Rios departing from Milwaukee for 4 nights from $799.99 effective 2/5-2/12, 2/26
Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana departing from St. Louis for 3 nights from $649.99 effective 1/6-1/27
Secrets Silversands Riviera Cancun in Riviera Maya departing from Detroit for 3 nights from $749.99 effective 2/2, 2/9
Riu Caribe in Cancun departing from Lansing for 7 nights from $799.99 effective 1/17, 1/19, 1/26
El Cozumeleno Beach Resort in Cozumel departing from Denver for 7 nights from $899.99 effective 2/3, 2/10
Gran Bahia Principe Coba in Riviera Maya departing from Minneapolis for 7 nights from $999.99 effective 2/7, 2/14

Book by January 20, 2011 for great values on these and other great winter vacations! The Apple Vacations Winter Savings Event makes fun in the sun more affordable than ever!  Check out applevacations.com or Ask an Agent!  for more great Apple Vacations.

Vacation

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herncaneThere is no better time spent than that with loved ones, with vacations being a wonderful time to reconnect and unwind with the family.

To escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday, I leave tomorrow for a one-week vacation… yes, vacation! Without a laptop and without a blackberry… truly a vacation! I work hard the rest of the year and deserve it, don’t you?

People say “why now?” with the holidays so close and with the current state of the economy. I say “YES now, it’s the best time!” This time of year, the resorts are typically not full, right before high season and the deals are amazing. I’m taking advantage of lower rates, before they typically increase for the holiday and winter seasons.

Everyone deserves a vacation, so go ahead and log on to www.applevacations.com and pick one out for yourself.

P.S. While I am away, there will be some “Guest Bloggers” sharing their recent vacation experiences. I hope you enjoy their blogs!

Happy Birthday!

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pic1There is no better way to celebrate a very special birthday, than with a trip to Cancun, Mexico! Cris Laurino from our Creative Services Department just did this; so I asked her about her special trip. She stayed at the Gran Melia Cancun last weekend. Here is her review and photos to share.

“The hotel was breathtaking. Gran Melia is located on a very large, clean, white-sand beach. It was picturesque. The room itself was beautiful and we had superb turn-down service. I have to say the entire resort is spotless. The pool was nice with a great pool bar and fun music. The staff are super attentive and very informative, they go out of their way to make your stay memorable. Good food & drinks were a plenty. There was a welcome fruit basket when we arrived and you know we ate it all! The night before we left, we received three pinafores – delicious! I had not been to Cancun in a long time, and was very pleasantly surprised. This trip was a great celebration and a welcome break from the snow we were having at home!”

Thanks for the review Cris. And, Happy Birthday!!!

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Gran Melia Cancun