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GoBRT Salutes Alpha Voyages’s Expansion into the Largest Shenandoah Valley Independent Travel Agents Agency Winning the Preferred Sandals Agency Award for 2011
Friday, January 06th, 2012 /


Winchester, Virginia (PRWEB) October 21, 2011

For Go Blue Ridge Travel, what makes it so exciting to work with Shenandoah Valley wedding professionals is that so many are working in a profession following a dream and passion.

Imagine having a career for 33 years. One would think that if one decides to leave this career, one is finished with working and will just put feet up and watch TV. For Mary June Williams, retiring simply opened a door to a new adventure. Years ago while Mary June (MJ) was teaching, this business professional had a dream that with retirement would be a life of traveling around the world. Today thirty years later, MJ is living that dream by owning a travel agency,Alpha Voyages, sailing and flying around the world. Last summer, MJ spent 34 days at sea on board Regent Seven Seas and Holland American Cruise Lines seeing the Baltic and Mediterranean countries. .

“When Alpha Voyages opened, the branding of the company was Dream it, Plan it, and Do it. As this article is being written, Alpha Voyages’s owner just returned from St. Lucia and Antigua inspecting Sandals properties on Sandals Resorts 2011 Mega FAM trip, flew to Boston for OSSN Home Based Travel Agent Forum, returned home this morning to leave at 3 am tomorrow morning for another FAM inspection of Sandals properties in Jamaica. Alpha Voyages will finish the inspection of all Sandals Resorts the first of December in the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Alpha Voyages will learn of the new changes to the properties so that Alpha’s clients know the latest about Sandals Resorts and Beaches.

It was 1988 when MJ began the training necessary to open a travel agency working for Omega World Travel and taking courses in Tysons Corner to complete certification. Alpha Voyages, Inc. opened in 1996. Almost immediately, Alpha Voyages faced obstacles. The head of sales for Sandals for this DC metropolitan region told the agency in Winchester, Virginia that the agency would definitely fail based on the Shenandoah Valley not having the economic demographics to sell Sandals Resorts. Unforeseen was the move of the metropolitan population to the Shenandoah Valley over the next twelve years. The first thing Alpha Voyages’s owner did was to become a Certified Sandals Specialist. This year, Alpha Voyages has been awarded the prestigious ‘Preferred Sandals Travel Agency’ status based on the number of bookings the agency has had in 2011. Sandals will wrap the company’s van with the Sandals Caribbean logo free of charge. No other travel agency in a sixty radius of Winchester, Virginia has this award.

Does this mean that the owner of Alpha Voyages is ready to retire again? A business entrepreneur with a new focus, MJ wants to own a well rounded agency with ‘Destination Specialists’. The company’s desire is to achieve the national coveted PATH status which means having twenty-six (26) independent agents under Alpha Voyage’s umbrella. Independent agents open their own businesses under the business umbrella and training arm of an establish travel agency. Alpha Voyages is a member of CLIA (Cruise Line International Association), TRUE (Travel Retailer Universal Enumeration), OSSN (Outside Sales Support Network), and Vacation.com featuring vacation vignette program. The owner of Alpha Voyages, MJ, is the Chapter Director for the OSSN – Blue Ridge – Virginia.

Alpha Voyages presently has twelve agents covering the Shenandoah Valley area as well as central Virginia. The owner of Alpha Voyages is aware that no one can be a specialist of the world so each one of Alpha’s agents specializes in a travel destination. The company covers Asia, South America, Europe, Hawaii, Disney World, Cruises, Tours, and of course the Caribbean. Alpha’s agents range in age from twenty five (25) to eighty five (85). Just like Alpha’s owner, these independent agents have a passion for travel recognizing it will take years before earning a reasonable income. On each of the training trips, it is the norm to see at least two to three agents with the owner of Alpha Voyages since training is everything to the success of a travel agent.

As the owner of Alpha Voyages, MJ, walked around the tea room at the Fall Blue Ridge Bridal Show at the George Washington Hotel in Winchester, Virginia, it was obvious how professional and confident MJ was on the subject of wedding destinations with Sandals. “What I would like to do today for you, Blue Ridge Bride, is to help you dream it, plan it, and do it. I want you to have a wonderful fun filled romantic honeymoon to wrap up your wedding dreams.” MJ likes to walk around a seminar room and look at engagement rings of the brides. Just as the brides’ engagement rings are different the brides’ honeymoon adventures will also be different. MJ believes that a bride and groom’s honeymoon needs to be unique to the bride and groom’s lifestyle. Perhaps this is why the owner of Alpha Voyages is so successful as a travel agent. The owner’s service level and individual approach to the clients is why in this difficult economy Mary June Williams is succeeding as a successful entrepreneur.

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Bay Area Adventure Travel Agency, CruiseOne Announces Marin County Journalist Opens Unique Travel Agency in Mill Valley
Tuesday, January 03rd, 2012 /


Mill Valley, CA (PRWEB) November 04, 2011

Steve Faber, Marin-based travel writer/photographer has just opened CruiseOne of Mill Valley, an agency specializing in Bay Area adventure travel by sea, part of the 600-plus member network of independent cruise specialists in the Cruise One system.

Aside from the offering mainstream and luxury cruises to destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean and Mexico, Fabers agency offers niche cruises small ship voyages that include naturalist-led expedition and eco-cruises, river cruises, exotic under-visited itineraries, and even yacht charters. There is also several affordable cruises that can appeal to the middle class/middle income traveler.

One such niche cruise would be a series of voyages aimed at photography hobbyists where National Geographic Magazine photographers will conduct onboard and in-the-field guidance and instruction. The sailings will include pre- and post-cruise access to a private website for everything from instructional videos and webinars to packing lists to show and tell and photography competitions.

Working in partnership with a top-notch yacht charter broker, Steve can offer clients a choice of literally a thousand individual yachts for everyone from avid sailors who want a DIY trip to folks who prefer to do nothing at all. These sailings are 100 percent tailored to the clients preferences and wishes.

Though some might see a disconnect between journalism and his new endeavor, Steve sees one as an extension of the other.

Ive always been zealous in my advocacy of journeys Ive liked, and I hope that my readers are infected with that enthusiasm and follow suit, he says. Short of the travel experience, itself, theres nothing more satisfying than getting feedback that someone took a trip you recommended and loved it. Now I can actually help create that follow-through.

For more information, contact CruiseOne of Mill Valley at (415) 388-0100 or visit them online at http://www.greatshiptrips.com. Cruise One of Mill Valley is located at 17 Escalon Drive Mill Valley, CA 94941.

About Cruise One

Bay Area cruise discount agency, CruiseOne has received numerous awards and a top ranking status by all the major cruise lines. With more than 650 locations coast to coast, Cruise One prides itself on providing attention to detail and expert advice to every customer. Each independently owned and operated business combines the latest technology with old-fashioned customer service. Their computerized best fare search program enables cruise specialists to identify excellent values on all major cruise lines. CruiseOne agents are experts in both group and individual sailings. Programs ranging from family reunions at sea and honeymoon cruises to corporate meetings, incentives and ship charters are handled courteously and professionally.

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Funjet Vacations Offers Tips to Help Consumers Get Best Deals on 2012 Travel
Monday, January 02nd, 2012 /


Milwaukee, Wis. (PRWEB) November 06, 2011

Airline prices are projected to rise as much as 13% and popular destinations are booking up fast, so Funjet Vacations wants to help would-be travelers get the most for their money on 2012 travel. The leading provider of vacation packages offers some tips for finding the best deals, and announces one of its biggest sales so far. The Save Big or Stay Home sale launches Fri., November 4 with offers on travel throughout 2012 to a variety of destinations and hotels.

1. Book early for must haves Travelers looking for specific hotels, room types or flight schedules should book now. Funjet Vacations has seen a dramatic rise in advance planning, with bookings for June and July 2012 up as much as 90%. As a result, the most popular hotels and routes are filling up fast on peak travel dates, especially for the Caribbean.

Those worried that prices may dip lower should take the insurance. Funjets travel protection insurance offers a guaranteed low price, in addition to the ability to cancel or reschedule for any reason with cash back and no fees to change. Funjets insurance provides medical, baggage and emergency coverage throughout the trip and hurricane benefits.

Consumers who want to lock in a price, but need a few months to pay should look for unique payment options. Funjet allows bookings with as little as $ 50 down per person (based on the flight type and distance) via 1-800-4FUNJET.

2. Shop by exclusives rather than dates Most shoppers start with dates, but if they can be flexible theyll find the most unique deals and sales. Travel providers like Funjet Vacations add exclusive deals from hotel partners all the time. Great examples are the new exclusive rates Funjet has on Grand Palladium Resorts, and its Funjet-only Prestige Clubs at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana and Beach Palace Cancun.

Also, some vacation providers like Funjet buy out entire airplanes to provide exclusive non-stops between their most popular origins and destinations. This year, Funjet tripled its charter air service to the Caribbean due to increased demand. Check multiple departure and arrival date combinations to find these non-stop exclusive routes.

3. Look for flash deal travel dates and guarantees Many travel providers offer flash deals, or significant discounts on packages for a limited time, but often those deals can come with very limited travel windows. While travelers can get amazing prices if they can make a purchase on the fly, they should look for programs like Funjets new Daily Deals, which often boast more attractive travel dates and a price guarantee.

4. Widen your horizons The most popular destinations tend to book quickly, resulting in higher prices. Lesser-recognized destinations in the same regions can offer similar experiences and attractive flights.

For instance, while looking at Jamaica or Punta Cana, consider the Bahamas, Exumas or even Panama and Costa Rica. The Bahamas currently has an air credit that gives travelers up to $ 400 back for choosing that destination. While all of Mexico remains a good value, the western coast offers some great Funjet exclusives, not to mention the ocean sunsets. For popular domestic destinations such as Las Vegas and Orlando, consider staying a little farther away from attractions and driving in.

In addition to being a travel expert, Funjet Vacations offers 24/7 customer service with agents available to bring peace of mind before, during and after travel. Funjet also has unique tours and add-on options, including fast and easy express transport to and from the airport. Travel protection and ground transportation can be added to vacation packages during the booking process.

To learn about Funjet Vacations exclusive products and deals, visit http://www.Funjet.com, call 1-800-4FUNJET or work with your professional travel agent.

About Funjet Vacations

Funjet Vacations is the flagship brand of the family-owned Mark Travel Corporation, headquartered in Milwaukee. Funjet Vacations is celebrating 37 years of business and specializes in providing customers with vacation packages that meet their needs, delivered with unparalleled customer care and at an exceptional value. Individual and group Funjet vacations are via nonstop charters and scheduled airlines to hundreds of destinations including Mexico, the Caribbean, Las Vegas, Hawaii, California, Florida, Asia and Europe. Travelers can choose from air-inclusive, hotel-only or air-only vacations and add tours, attractions, shows and more to their vacation packages to Do Something Theyll Never Forget.

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Viator.com Shoots Cupid’s Arrow With Romantic Travel Experiences Worldwide and Year-round
Sunday, January 01st, 2012 /

San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) January 31, 2008 -

The right time for romance can be every time you travel with a little guidance from Viator.com, the leading online resource for more than 5,500 experiences and activities in more than 450 destinations around the world. Viators team of travel experts (and romantics) has made some sweet selections for travelers, including the most romantic city as well as 10 equally dreamy flights, nights out and other hot activities to warm the hearts of a loved one whether on vacation or close to home, for Valentines Day or any day.

The Most Romantic City in the World – Paris

Viator.com has more than 150 Parisian experiences to choose from in this capital city known for beauty, sophistication and most importantly (in this case) romance including food and wine tours, cultural activities, outdoor adventures (# 6) and evenings at the cabaret. Lovers who book now until March 31 receive 10 percent off The Paris Illuminations Tour and Lido Show (saving $ 14.26) as well as the Castles of the Loire Valley Tour (saving $ 19.73). Those who book the French Wine Tasting in Paris will receive a complimentary bottle of wine to extend their tasting experience beyond the cellar.

Viator.coms 10 Romantic Rendezvous

1. Fall for the Falls The Private Niagara Falls Honeymoon Helicopter Flight from $ 338 per couple takes in the breathtaking Majestic Falls of Niagara, historical landmarks and Niagara’s renowned wine country in a way unimaginable from the ground.

2. Cruise into Love Arubas Palm Pleasure Sunset Sail from $ 46* sails lovers along the Caribbean coastline on board a luxury catamaran with island tunes, warm sea breezes and tropical drinks to set the mood.

3. The Millenniums Ferris Wheel Smooch Relive the passion of youth during The Champagne Flight on the London Eye from $ 60, featuring stunning views of the Thames and historic London, priority boarding, and a glass of champagne (or alternative) to put some extra lift into the flight.

4. With love, Puccini Opera Australias finest young artists breathe new life into the century-old tale of two bohemian lovers during the Opera Australia presentation of La boh

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More Marriott Summer Travel Savings and Vacation Packages
Monday, December 26th, 2011 /

Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) July 18, 2008

From Hawaii to Hong Kong and Atlanta to Aruba, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR), has great hotel deals and vacation packages. The packages listed below are just a small selection of the thousands of vacation packages offered at Marriott’s 3,000 hotels around the world. For more information about the travel packages offered at Marriott’s family of hotels, visit http://www.marriott.com/specials and search by city or hotel name.

Marriott Offers the Following International Hotel Travel Deals


A Peach of a Deal in Atlanta: Get away to Georgia this summer and rediscover Atlanta’s premier destination hotel – Atlanta Marriott Marquis which recently completed a stunning $ 138 million dollar hotel transformation. Stay a weekend night between July 25 – August 24, 2008 and take advantage of $ 138* per night weekend rate. Plus, as an added bonus, pay with a Visa card and receive a $ 25 Visa gift card that can be used for anything from gasoline to gifts. The vibrant new Atlanta hotel is only footsteps from the world’s largest and most engaging aquarium experience at the Georgia Aquarium and the New World of Coca Cola. For more information, or reservations please call (404) 521-0000, (888) 855-5701, or visit atlantamarquis.com.

Summer Delight in Hong Kong: The brand-new Courtyard by Marriott Hong Kong offers a Summer Delight package at HK$ 1,300 plus 13 percent per night. The offer includes an upgrade to a harbor view room and a HK$ 150 daily food and beverage credit at the MoMo Cafe or room service. A two-night stay is required. Visit courtyardhongkong.com

Sweetheart Deal: Celebrate the beginning of a loving marriage with the Wailea Ku’uipo (meaning “sweetheart”) Honeymoon Getaway at the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, including overnight accommodation, room service breakfast in bed or on lanai (balcony) for two, and $ 100 additional food and beverage credit per day. Rates start at $ 599 per night, valid through December 24. The resort recently underwent a $ 60 million transformation at its Maui oceanfront location, including 546 redesigned guest rooms, a new 2,100-sq.-ft. fitness center and the award winning Mandara . Visit waileamarriott.com. (add photo)

Sand Dollars You Can Spend: Stay five nights and get the sixth night free – plus a $ 100 food and beverage credit – at participating Marriott and Renaissance beachfront resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico. Book a Sand Dollars Package at the following resorts: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino, $ 259-$ 419 (per night); Casa Magna Marriott Cancun Resort $ 135-247; Casa Magna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort, $ 179-299; Curacao Marriott Beach Resort & Emerald Casino, $ 189 – $ 299 (minimum stay of six nights to get the seventh night free); Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort (St. Thomas), $ 179 -$ 424; JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa – $ 305 – $ 359; Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino – $ 223 – $ 353; St. Kitts Marriott Resort & The Royal Beach Casino – $ 127 -$ 299; and Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort – $ 159 – $ 376. Visit ParadiseByMarriott.com or call 1-888-PARADISE (1-888-727-2347 and ask for code S29. (add photo)

Sand Dollars in Hawaii: Stay three nights and get the fourth night free – plus daily breakfast for two — with Marriott’s Hawaiian Sand Dollar Plus Package at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (Big Island), Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (Maui), Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa (Oahu) and Kaua’i Marriott Resort & Beach Club. For more information and reservations, call 1-800-228-9290 or visit marriotthawaii.com.

Dog Days of Summer in San Francisco: Need dog walking assistance? How about a personal pet shopper? Guests traveling to the JW Marriott San Francisco with man’s best friend can push the hotel’s butler button and it will provide furry, as well as human, guests with exceptional personalized service. The JW Marriott San Francisco, located in Union Square, has partnered with a local boutique called Babies to create the ultimate pet experience. The Pooch Package includes a deluxe city view room, luxurious pet bed, stylish feeder for use during the dog’s stay, pet valet service, pet fee waived (a $ 75 value) and delicious JW doggie cookies welcome gift at turndown. The package starts at $ 294 a night through December 20, 2008. For more information, visit jwmarriottunionsquare.com/.

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Pure Entertainment Group Unwraps 8 Luxury Travel Experiences this Valentines Day 2012
Sunday, December 25th, 2011 /


(PRWEB) December 20, 2011

Think outside the box of chocolates and offer the one you love an enchanting moment in time this Valentines Day 2012. Bespoke luxury travel concierge Pure Entertainment Group has teamed up with cupid this year to bring discerning travelers some of the most romantic Valentines Day vacations:

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My Kind of Hawaii Enhance Your Vacation by Matching the Island to Your Travel Style.
Sunday, December 25th, 2011 /


Ferndale, WA (PRWEB) July 30, 2008

Pat Hartmann, Product Manager for NWA WorldVacations, advises first time Hawaii travelers to limit the number of islands they visit during their Hawaii vacations. “Depending on how long their trip will be, I suggest going to only two islands, rather than trying to get to more. You end up spending too much time packing, unpacking and going to the airport,” she said.

To answer the question of “Which island is my kind of island?” a traveler should first identify what they are looking for in a Hawaii vacation, and then match those interests with the attractions unique to each individual island.

More in depth information on Hawaii vacation packages can be found by visiting http://www.nwaworldvacations.com, but the information below will certainly get you started.

The Islands of Love

The romantic adventurer should head for Maui, Kauai, or Lanai. These islands offer the perfect settings for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries, especially if the couple enjoys romance in an unconventional way.

When a couple arrives on Maui, a laid-back atmosphere full of beauty, shopping and delicious cuisine, an adventure welcomes them. One “must do” for couples taking a Maui vacation is the island’s most popular road trip the road to Hana. The winding road is a 52-mile, three-hour adventure through the rainforest. With 617 curves, drivers often need a respite, which Mother Nature provides in the form of dazzling waterfalls and secluded natural pools for swimming.

Kauai, nicknamed the Garden Isle, is full of romantic settings with waterfalls, sea cliffs, grottoes, jagged mountains, and – its most popular feature – fewer tourists. Only 10 percent of the island is accessible by car, and it’s the only place in Hawaii where you can navigate the rivers. Couples can cruise up the Wailua River in a kayak or canoe to the lava rock Fern Grotto, a romantic spot used frequently for wedding ceremonies.

Couples who desire a more intimate, serene escape will enjoy the small island of Lanai. Attractions include Keahiakawelo, the Garden of the Gods, where dusk provides an enchanting background of rock towers and formations caused by years of erosion. Also, Lanai offers couples who share a love of golf two of the most spectacular championship golf courses in Hawaii.

Islands for the Family

Families will enjoy any island, but some of the attractions that might appeal more to children are on Oahu, the Big Island and Maui.

Oahu is well equipped with entertaining and educational attractions for children and history-buff parents, including the Honolulu Zoo, the Waikiki Aquarium, the U.S. Army museum, and the infamous USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. “When I toured the USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor, a World War II veteran guided the tour and his first-hand account of that historic event gave me goose bumps,” said Susan Worwa, Manager of Corporate Communications for NWA WorldVacations. “I felt like I was transported back in time. I can’t wait to bring my kids there and experience it again with them,” she added.

The Big Island is relatively young in its experience attracting tourists, so it offers families a vacation off-the-beaten-path. One of the “big” attractions is Mauna Kea, the world’s largest mountain, measured from the ocean floor. Because of the high altitude and clear air on top of Mauna Kea, ten nations have built world-class telescopes that allow researchers and visitors to see 90 percent of the heavens.

Maui provides great boat tours for families to catch sight of the North Pacific humpback whales that migrate from Alaska to Hawaii for the breeding season, which peaks in February and March.

Islands of Adventure

Travelers looking for a great adventure should head to Oahu, the Big Island, or Kauai.

Surf lessons are available on the world-famous Waikiki Beach in Oahu. Or, if traveling in December, visitors can watch the Surfing Championships, where surfers from around the world compete on waves 20 feet high, and higher!

The Big Island serves as a home to Kilauea, an active volcano that has been erupting since 1983. Visitors can come face to face with this natural spectacle, and other wonders, when they enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. In Hartmann’s opinion, the Big Island is the best for adventure travel of the isles. “The Big Island has sandy beaches, waterfalls, rainforests, snowcapped mountains, and an active volcano waiting to be explored,” she said.

Kauai is great for hikers. The only land entrance to one of the island’s most secluded and untouched treasures, Kalalau Beach, is via the Kalalau Trail. This 11-mile trek crosses five different valleys. Hikers often opt to break the trip into two days by setting up camp at the halfway point (permit required).

After choosing which island to visit, the next question to ask is “How do I get there?” A Hawaii vacation package that includes air, hotel, car and even some tours or excursions on the islands is the easiest, most convenient, and most affordable way to see Hawaii.

NWA WorldVacations offers many Hawaii vacations, the most flexible flight options and a wide selection of hotels, tours and cars at a terrific value. In addition, the vacation package provider offers the most comprehensive luxury and romance packages to Hawaii through its LIFESTYLE Collection featuring Luxury and Romance. For more information, visit a professional travel agent or http://www.nwaworldvacations.com.

MULTIMEDIA GALLERY http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5740835





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Euroworld Vacations Starts New Travel Agency
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011 /

Honolulu, Hawaii (PRWEB) November 16, 2011

Euroworld Vacations launched as a new travel agency in October 2011 offering escorted tour packages to Europe and other world wide destinations. Euroworld Vacations is also taking over web sales and related operations for European World Travel, who exited the travel package space earlier this year.

In addition to the popular European tour packages (http://www.euroworldvacations.com/europe.php), Euroworld Vacations offers escorted vacation packages to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, South America and Africa. Tour package options include river cruises in Europe and Asia, traditional escorted tours, which are led by a tour guide, and independent tours, which give travelers access to a local guide that helps the traveler choose the right destinations and sights to visit. Travelers can search through all the various tour options using Euroworld Vacation’s free online search tool.

Although there are many travel agencies offering similar tours, Euroworld Vacations sets itself apart from the competition by focusing on offering the best level of service. Unlike other travel agencies who only offer online tools and discourage phone calls, Euroworld Vacations actively encourages potential travelers to call for help. This allows travelers the benefit of Euroworld Vacation’s knowledge and experience and helps travelers easily find and plan their dream journey.

Many travelers face a gray area. They need help knowing which tour is right for them but also need help knowing what is the best time of year to travel or how to find the right hotels. We love using our experience to help travelers find the right vacation and help them answer all of their questions before they go on tour, says owner Bernie Acierto. Ms. Acierto has over 20 years experience working with travelers in exactly these types of situations. For us, finding the best price for the traveler is as important as finding the best vacation for the traveler.

Euroworld Vacations (http://www.euroworldvacations.com) is based in Honolulu, Hawaii and began operations in October 2011.

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Honeymoon Travel Planning During the Economic Downturn
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011 /


Corona, CA (Vocus) October 15, 2008

While many travelers are delaying or canceling travel plans due to the economic downturn, there is no indication that the 99% of newlyweds who traditionally honeymoon, are stopping the ritual any time soon.

Ron Haller, President of Honeymooner’s Review Guide, says, “We are not seeing any lessening of bookings for honeymoons. However, the pattern of honeymoon destinations is shifting from higher cost areas like Tahiti and Europe to places like Mexico, Dominican Republic, Central and South America and Australia, where the dollar goes further and deals can be found.”

For newlyweds, there appears to be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Sandals is providing free airfare, and Expedia.com has a half-off hotel sale. You must book between October 15 and December 15 for a minimum 4 night plus airfare vacation. Similar programs are likely to continue past year’s end.

Hawaii has been affected by the loss of air carriers and rising airfares. Reports indicate a decline of 17.4% in visitors and 10% in hotel occupancy rates. Some Hawaiian hotels and resorts are offering free rental cars, $ 50 gasoline cards, and additional nights free or discounted. Haller cited examples of the Four Seasons in Maui and Hilton Hawaiian Village in Oahu. They are offering four and five-night packages from $ 1,100 to $ 2,300 a person including a rental car, gasoline card, and airfare. Over 20 other Hotels are offering similar incentives. Cruise companies are close behind with their own incentives.

Michelle McKenzie, Vice-President, added, “Our advice is not to rush, but to go through the planning steps first. Next, seek out an experienced honeymoon or destination wedding travel specialist. Agents not only provide professional advice and expertise, they also have personal relationships with many hoteliers and cruise lines. This often results in special rates and additional perks like room upgrades and freebees.”

Michelle Mangio, owner of Magical Escapes, says, “Couples who want a great international city are looking away from Europe — where the Euro is crushing the dollar — and towards other places, such as Australia (Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane factor very high) and South America, where the dollar carries much further.” She adds, “There is a lot of increasing interest in All-Inclusive Honeymoons because of the stress and worry-free nature of it: once you’ve paid it, you don’t have to worry about extra costs … once the couple has arrived in their honeymoon destination.” Mangio added, “For those who really want to see Italy, Mediterranean Cruises are also an exceptional value, and still allow a couple to enjoy Venice without the breaking costs of accommodations in that city.”

Honeymooner’s Review Guide is an online resource website for couples planning honeymoon travel and destination weddings. Planning tools take couples through the entire process from developing a personal profile to booking accommodations. There is no cost to use the website or its many features. Couples can find accommodations via its “Hotel Finder” searching by budget, type, destination, activities, and amenities.

The website’s hundreds of planning pages include hot topics like: budgeting; packing; beauty & health; how to avoid a honeymoon disaster; how to book a romantic resort and room; top 10 honeymoon destinations and resorts; cheap ideas and affordable honeymoons; and much, much more. Hot Honeymoon Packages and Deals are also posted.

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Bright Getaways Travel Specialist Debunks the Top Six Vacation Myths
Monday, December 19th, 2011 /


Hoboken, NJ (Vocus) January 19, 2010

Busy Professionals, newlyweds seeking lifetime memories and a variety of active retirees are now rethinking what can be wedged into a long weekend or a spontaneous few days away from the office thanks to the new travel specialist, Bright Getaways. Were helping over-worked and under-recreated people take a new look at getting out of the office or armchair, said Jennifer Mazzanti, president, Bright Getaways. Were even helping newlyweds create lifetime memories and one of the best ways to do that is by updating old travel myths with a fresh perspectivewe have six.

Six Common Travel Myths Rethought

Myth #1: It’s always cheaper to do it yourself. Truth: It hardly ever is. All online travel providers get paid a commission directly from the airline, cruise line or hotel that seldom affects your ticket price. Doing it yourself is just more work, not cheaper. “Though somewhat ironic, using the Internet to make all your own vacation plans can actually cost you more,” continued Mazzanti. “We have up-to-the-minute specials and discounts from airlines, cruise lines, car rentals and properties that are simply not offered by the big-bulk, online providers. We know where the deals are!”

Myth #2: You can always get better deals by doing it yourself. Truth: Vacation experts like Bright Getaways are directly connected to air, ground property providers for last minute deals, upgrades and discounts. Online bulk travel providers don’t know and don’t care. “The upgrade deals alone are worth using someone like us,” noted Mazzanti. “You’re never going to see the kind of offers we have from online bulk travel providers.”

Myth #3: If we haven’t got at least a week of time-off, we can’t have a real vacation. Truth: What about a long weekend in the Costa Rica if you’re in the Mid West or East Coast? Or, a jaunt to Oahu if you live in the western US? There are lots of delightful destinations within a five or so hour drive or flight from where ever you live. If you live in the northeast, for example, Boston sounds like a great getaway, said Mazzanti.If youre willing to travel just one more hour, we can deliver a premium adventure in Iceland. We help you apply a little more imagination to a vacation worth bragging about.

Myth #4: Getting online information about a destination from the destination source itself is the best way to really get the scoop. Truth: Getting information directly from people who have been there and done that is better still. Bright Getaways associates see it, taste it, feel it, live it and write about it before any of their customers experience it. “We evaluate, create a photo journal and blog about every destination we send our clients to,” said Mazzanti. “It not only provides the client with an unvarnished view and a list of ‘don’t miss’ gems, it keeps the resorts on their toes as well. When we complain on a scouting trip, the resorts listen.”

Myth #5: You need to live near your travel agent to get the best deal. Truth: Online resources make having your agent near your house obsolete. New web conference capabilities, texting, instant messaging, email and the dependable phone make setting up and staying tuned into your special getaway easier than ever before. “Further, if you have problems during your dream vacation or honeymoon, would you like to log on to one of the popular online travel providers and try to get immediate, faceless help or call us for 24×7 live problem-solving?” said Mazzanti.

Myth #6: Most any travel agent can handle your vacation needs, regardless of who you are. Truth: A typical bulk travel agents performance is judged by the volume of clients they handle9 am to 5 pm. By contrast, Bright Getaways is travel specialist handling a limited number of clients with a personal touch, 24×7. It specializes in high-end business, newlywed and recreational travel for busy professionals and retirees. “If you want the cheapest trip, you don’t want us,” noted Mazzanti. “However, if you want a fantastic, high-value adventure for a long weekend or a long dream vacation, we’ve got the answer.”

Hassles Out of Holidays

“Vacations shouldn’t be about work,” summarized Mazzanti. “Dealing with the endless details of vacation planning can certainly turn out that way if vacationers do it themselves. We take all the hassle out of a holiday.

About Bright Getaways

Bright Getaways is a new breed of boutique, travel specialist helping busy professionals and adventuresome retiree rediscover the magic of unforgettable mini and macro vacations. For more information, call 201-360-4536 or visit http://www.brightgetaways.com.

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