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We are pleased to bring you The Travel
Column, written fortnightly for "The Trinidad Guardian"
Vacation Planning Made Easy!
This week I challenged my neighbour to plan his next
family vacation without at least once asking me for my opinion or advice.
You see, he’s one of these advocates for planning his travel over the
internet, and thinks it’s as easy as 1,2,3. "Alright, so let’s see, how
hard could this be?", he says. "I’ll just surf the ‘net, and within a
couple minutes I will have arranged the vacation of my dreams!" Sounds
simple enough, but some three hours later he has narrowed his choice down
to about four different Caribbean islands, with two hotel options per
island, and he still hasn’t discussed any with his wife. Plus, his kids
really only want to go to Disney World … again. OK, so he didn’t actually
come knocking on my door for help, but his wife did!
Use a Travel Agency:
One of the best ways to begin planning a successful
trip is by working with a travel agent. A travel agent is a trained,
skilled professional who helps individuals, groups and organizations plan
and execute their travel. A great travel agent will gather as much client
information as possible, and then, based on knowledge, personal experience
and current trends, recommend the best option for you. Your needs may be
as simple as only a reservation and a ticket. Or may be as complex as
planning a complete package; including recommending destinations,
comparing hotels, arranging for you to be met at the airport on arrival,
assisting in preparation of visas and other travel documents, and so much
more.
When you book with a reliable travel agency, you have
the confidence and peace of mind of an efficiently planned trip with all
reservations fully confirmed and complete with all the documents you will
need. In fact, with all the information on discounts, special offers and
seasonal bargains available in the industry, only an informed travel agent
is capable of helping you find the best deals for your money and travel
needs.
Be Sure to Plan Ahead:
To get the best fares and avoid expensive surprises,
outline trip ideas and a budget with your agent well in advance, and
purchase tour packages and tickets early to avoid unexpected fare
increases. Re-confirm your airline reservations a few days ahead of each
international flight to keep up to date on any schedule changes. Leave
copies of your itineraries at home and at the office so that your
colleagues and loved-ones can easily make contact with you in case of any
emergency.
Having touted that it’s best to plan in advance, come
to think of it, we are well into July and school’s already out, and you
may have found that you haven’t yet had a minute to plan your summer
escape. Here are some quick and easy choices for that last-minute
decision:
Family Vacations:
St. Lucia. Easily accessible via
non-stop/direct flights on BWIA, LIAT or Caribbean Star, more and more
visitors are drawn to this lush, tropical paradise. Its pristine beaches
are sprinkled with top-notch resorts, small hideaways and friendly
villages. You can refresh yourself at Club St. Lucia, a fun and lively
all-inclusive resort. With rooms overlooking rolling hills or the sea, the
garden paths lead to beaches, pools, restaurants, bars and countless
activities for the kids and adults alike. Good value for money, this
resort is perfect for active families, but is also great for couples.
Disney Cruise. Your vacation dreams can set
sail on a magical voyage that only Disney could create. Enjoy legendary
Disney service and entertainment, incomparable dining, exciting ports of
call, and day after day of wonder-filled adventure. On a Disney Cruise,
specially designed areas and activities let adults, families, teens, and
children play together and separately, creating magical memories that last
you a lifetime. Follow-up with a two or three-night package to Disney
World to really spoil the kids!
Trips for Two:
Jamaica. With daily direct flights on BWIA, the
tropical paradise of Jamaica offers breathtaking beauty, superb beaches,
and a wide range of accommodations from all-inclusive resorts to
family-run inns. If you’re looking for some time away from it all with
that special someone, Jamaica offers so many excellent choices. Possibly
the most well-known of all is Sandals Resorts, created exclusively for
couples in love, with a choice of six luxurious resorts in Jamaica alone.
Each Sandals property features a wide choice of
gourmet dining experiences, with free-flowing premium
spirits. Plus, you need never concern yourself about tipping, reaching for
a check, or reaching for anything for that matter, because everything you
could possibly want is right there. It’s possible that Sandals is the
world's most romantic dream for two.
Curacao. Just a "hop" away on Dutch Caribbean Airlines, this
island offers pristine beaches, marvelous hotels, glittering nightlife,
international cuisine and fantastic duty-free shopping. The newest
Super-Clubs Breezes Resort comes to life on the island with it's own
private white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. Here you'll enjoy
wonderful accommodations, all imaginable water sports, premium brand
drinks and a variety of dining options. Of course, like all Breezes
Resorts, everything is included in the price and tipping is simply not
allowed!
Singles:
Why not try a "singles cruise" on board one of
Carnival’s luxury cruise ships? On every singles cruise, you will enjoy
endless day-and-night activities, including a singles cocktail party, the
welcome aboard party, the Captain's cocktail party and gala dinner,
nightly entertainment, even theme parties. Broadway-style shows, dancing,
the opportunity to join in beach parties and barbecues, plus you will be
treated to the most extravagant meals, lavish buffets, 24-hour
complimentary room service.... all included in just one price!
Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend getaway,
your next family adventure or even a sporting vacation, remember to get
the best value for money, begin your journey with your friendly travel
agent!
Melanie Waddell, Director
trvlcentre.tt@gmail.com
July 11, 2002 Previous Travel Columns
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