Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

On this day, we are so thankful for all our loyal clients and the many new ones we have this year.  Your business is appreciated.

We are also thankful for the many opportunities that are available for us to get out and see this great world.  Seeing other places makes us more thankful for the freedoms and other things we have.

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!

Carnival Magic FUN!

We just returned from the Carnival Magic Inaugural event in Galveston on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  What an amazing ship!  There are many words to describe the Carnival Magic, but we decided to go with three:

• Fabulous
• Ultra
• Natty

The ship is truly Fabulous.  All of the favorite features from other Carnival ships have been improved or expanded.  One example of this is the new Lanai area which offers an outdoor area to the Promenade.

The new features added make the Carnival Magic the Ultra Carnival ship.  One of the most popular new features is the Red Frog Pub.  It even has its own beer (Thirsty Frog) brewed exclusively for Carnival.

The layout of the public areas have been improved and create a Natty flow.  No longer do crowds have to make their way through the folks enjoying a beverage in the Promenade or diners in the Pool area.  A great improvement.

The ship definitely offers Fun for All and All for Fun!

Vacation Time for Your Pet too!

When planning a vacation, it is important to make arrangements for pets that will not be making the trip.  Nowadays, there are options other than the standard crate at the local vet.  A house/pet sitter is a great answer.  However, that is not always an option.   Many areas now offer pet hotels and resorts that are very reasonably priced.

Early planning is essential.  Take the time to research the facilities and even visit ahead of time if able.  Things to consider when choosing a place for your four-legged family member include:

• Type of accommodations - some offer indoor/outdoor "suites"
• How much playtime will be included - you may be able to purchase additional time 
• What other amenities are included - treats, one-on-one time, etc.

Different facilities and areas have various requirements for boarding.  Be sure to keep your pet up on current vaccinations as most will require to see the records.  

If time allows, schedule a day trip or short stay for your pet.  They get to become familiar with the staff and you get to feel at ease knowing how they are cared for in a short stay.

Think of it as planning a vacation for your pet and it will lessen the anxiety for both of you.

Exercise - Take it or Leave it when on Vacation?

Many folks have regular or semi- regular exercise schedules.  Do you think about your exercise regime when planning a vacation?  Nowadays, there is no reason to leave it all behind.  Unless, of course, that is one of the reasons for getting away.

Today, most hotels and resorts offer exercise rooms with the standard equipment.  Many of the moderate to upscale resorts even have personal trainers available for assistance.

The cruise lines also offer ships with a wide variety of workout options.  Some of the top of the line equipment can be found at sea.  If you prefer to have an instructor, be sure to visit the spa or watch the daily newsletter to see what days and times your class will be offered.  Note, some of the classes are an additional fee.

What is your preference?  Will you take your workout or leave it when you travel?  If it is a must go, a travel professional can assist in finding the best  resort/ship that will fit your exercise needs.

Relax, you're on vacation!

Connie Sims
Sims Family Tours & Travel
www.simsfamtrav.com
info@simsfamtrav.com

Traveling with a Passion

Everyone loves a vacation!  Time to get away from everyday schedules and chores.  Time to do something fun.  Doing something fun can have several meanings.  Some prefer to hang by the pool or beach.  Others like to do extensive shopping trips.  Some enjoy visiting historic places and museums.  There are vacations for all of these and more.

Some vacations can even take on a theme.  For example, Jimmy Buffett fans may enjoy visiting all the various Margaritaville Cafe locations.  While the trip itself may not have been designed specifically for that, it is fun to include these stops along the way.  Kind of like collecting sea shells from different beaches.

There are a variety of passions or hobbies that can add a little fun and playfulness.  Start a new trend on your next trip.

Full service vs. Self service - Makes Travel $ense

With everyone's busy schedules nowadays, it just makes sense to do things that help to free up time.  The current economy also makes it important to find the best value.

Planning a vacation is one of the activities that can take up a lot of time.  Especially when research is involved for new destinations and types of vacations.

This is where a Travel Agent/Consultant or whatever other term may be used to describe them comes in as a valuable time saving tool.  The education and day to day experience that agents have afford them the ability to offer suggestions on the type of vacation that is being considered.

We often hear "but that is the same price as the website".  Here is where the added value comes in.  Does the website personally respond to emails, answer the phone, return calls?  Will the website offer unbiased opinions and alternative suggestions?  Will the website be there after the deposit is made to answer questions?   Try getting the website to file a complaint after travel on something that may have gone wrong.

Think of it this way.  When driving down the road and the full service gas station is offering the same price as the self service station, which would you prefer?

Weather Delays - Not Exclusive to Winter Travel

How often do you plan a trip during a specific time of year - just for the weather?  I want to go when it's warm, sunny, etc.  Nobody wants weather to dampen their vacation.  While we can't control the weather, there are steps that can be taken to lessen the inconveniences it may create.

The winter months cause concern for a lot of the areas affected by snow and wintery weather.  Troublesome weather is not just around in the winter.  Flights can be delayed due to thunderstorms and other weather conditions.  Roads can be closed due to flooding and downed trees.

When making your reservations, consider building in an extra day or two.  Plan to arrive early.  This will not only allow time to recover from the travel time, it will also allow space if flights are delayed or detours are encountered.  Then, get ready to enjoy the beginning of the vacation fresh and relaxed.

The same can be said for the end of the trip.  Why put added stress on the last day?  Allow for a leisurely return so the lasting memories of the vacation are of the time spent there and not the hectic time in transit.

The Importance of Correct, Up to Date Information on Your Luggage Tags

When heading to a cruise or a destination involves a flight, be sure to update your luggage tag card.  It is so easy to forget to check the latest information on the card when you only pull out that luggage once in a great while.  How many times have you come across a luggage tag that had an address listed from a couple of moves ago?  Then, there are the folks who cry "privacy" and refuse to list their personal information on a tag for fear of being stalked.  I would bet there are more lost luggage bags than there are stalkers hanging out looking through the tags for their next victim. 

What should be put on the tag?  Your comfort level with the privacy issues will dictate what you choose to complete.  At a minimum, I would recommend a name (even if just the last name) and phone number.  For those that still have a home phone and a cell phone, the latter should be used.  Why?  Just imagine if you were to lose a piece of luggage while traveling.  If you have the home number listed, the finder would try to contact you.  Problem is, you're traveling and not home.  Sure, they may leave a message that you will retrieve later.  The return process could be sped up by getting the call a little more timely.  You might even be reunited with the luggage before your next stop or flight departure.  Then, you could continue on your relaxing journey instead of stressing over that missing luggage.

In preparation for your next trip, make filling out that luggage tag a step in your packing process.

Relax and enjoy!

Connie Sims
Sims Family Tours & Travel
www.simsfamtrav.com
www.facebook.com/SimsFamilyToursandTravel

Sims Family Tours & Travel - Cruise Specialists

We often get asked how we got started in the business as cruise specialists.  We have been in the cruise business for over 8 years.  Bob and I are ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor) and MCC (Master Cruise Counselor) certified by the Cruise Lines International Association.  We have also completed Carnival Cruise Lines University and Royal Caribbean's University of WOW programs.  In order to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the industry, we are continually attending webinars and seminars that are offered by the cruise lines.  Along with our ongoing education, we have personally been on over 20 cruises on multiple cruise lines.  Nothing compares to actually being there. 

As cruise specialists, we are able to offer our unbiased opinion and suggestions to our clients in order to ensure they are cruising on the ship and itinerary that will make for a great vacation.

If you are considering a cruise vacation, please feel free to email us to discuss your plans.

Connie
cruises@simsfamtrav.com
Cruise Specialist
http://cruises.simsfamtrav.com

A few Romantic Aspects of Cruising for Valentines Day

Ever since the Love Boat days, cruising has had romantic appeal.  Some folks would lead you to believe that there cannot possibly be any romantic time when cruising on some of the larger ships.  However, if you know your way around, there is always a "private" spot that can be found.  Many times when cruising with my husband, we have been amazed at how often we are actually the only two people in the public area.  Some other romantic aspects of cruising are:

1.  Private islands - Many of the cruise lines today have their own private island that they call on.  While you will still be visiting the island with the other cruisers, you will still be able to enjoy the less crowded and unspoiled beauty of the beaches.

2.  Balcony accommodations - Nothing quite like breakfast for two on your own private balcony.  So relaxing and romantic overlooking the water.  And, depending upon the location of your balcony, you may also enjoy a private viewing of a sunset.  Does it get more romantic than that?

3.  Specialty Dining Venues - Many of the larger ships now have specialty restaurants on board.  These offer a more upscale and romantic dining experience that are very popular for special occasions.

4.  Weddings and Vow Renewals - Once again, most of the cruise lines have programs in place where you can get married on board or at one of the ports.  Have a special anniversary?  You can also book a romantic vow renewal ceremony.

These are just a few of the many romantic aspects of cruising.  Consult your travel professional for more details.

See you on board!

Connie
Sims Family Tours & Travel
"Where Vacations are Waiting to Happen!"
http://cruises.simsfamtrav.com 

Fun Cozumel Shore Excursion - Dune Buggy Exploration

Recently, while cruising on the Carnival Glory, we decided to look for a different Cozumel shore excursion.  Most of our previous visits had been to head to town for usual shopping visit and stop at Senor Frogs.  We found a favorite with the Dune Buggy tour.  This Cozumel shore excursion took us to parts of the island we had never seen before.  The beaches we saw were so uncrowded and absolutely beautiful.  We thought we were in our own Corona commercial! 

I would highly recommend this for a truly fun and unique way to see Cozumel.  Another Cozumel shore excursions that you may want to consider would be one of the many snorkeling options available.  Or, if time allows, hop the ferry and head to Playa del Carmen for the afternoon.

There are many Cozumel shore excursions to choose from.  We recommend checking out Shore Trips when looking at your options.  They offer professional service and a variety of trips.

See you on board!
Connie, MCC
Sims Family Tours & Travel - "Where Vacations are Waiting to Happen!"

A New Dream - Disney Dream, that is!

The new Disney Dream has arrived and is ready to begin sailings from Port Canaveral.   The maiden voyage will be January 26, 2011.  The Disney Dream will be offering 3-, 4-, and 5-night cruises to the Bahamas.

Joining the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder,  it is the third and largest ship in the Disney fleet.  Many new features have been added to enhance the cruiser's experience.  One is the AquaDuck - a water coaster.  Virtual portholes are a new feature that gives a special feel of an ocean view room in an inside stateroom.  Hey look, was that Ariel swimming by?

For many, the pricing of Disney cruises seems a bit much.  Check out this article for some great explanations for this and why it is all worth it.

We are excited to see some fresh new options for the Disney cruise enthusiasts.  Be sure to consult a travel professional to make sure you get most magical experience.

See ya real soon!

Connie
Sims Family Tours & Travel - "Where Vacations are Waiting to Happen!"

My Fascination with Cruise Vacations

Since taking my first cruise in 2004 on the Carnival Miracle, I have been a huge fan of cruising.  It was such an awesome experience that I decided to make cruise vacations a cornerstone of our business.  I cruised with my family (including my parents and mother-in-law).  A lot of research went in to finding the perfect fit for all of us.  Nothing can compare to personal experience.  My fascination with cruise vacations has allowed me to experience over 20 cruises in the past seven years.

Cruise vacations are such a great value.  Their almost all-inclusive nature allows you to relax knowing your meals and entertainment are already covered.  The ease of visiting multiple destinations without having to pack and unpack for each is an added bonus.  The variety of entertainment and activities on board makes cruising a great choice for traveling with the extended family.

Each cruise line is unique and geared towards a different target audience.  Be sure to do your research and contact a qualified travel agent to make certain you are cruising on the line that will guarantee you an awesome cruise vacation.

Connie Sims, MCC
Sims Family Tours & Travel - "Where Vacations are Waiting to Happen!"