Budgeting for Dream Vacations

In a recent poll of Yapa Now’s Facebook followers, friends and clients, you shared with me the top reason you do not fulfill your travel dreams.  The #1 reason was budget.  In this economy and job insecurity for so many, it is not a surprise that vacations take a back seat to more important financial concerns.

Do you save for your vacations?  Do you find it hard to save for vacations?  Or, do you wait until you have vacation time and plan your getaway based on funds available?  As a travel agent who works with world wide suppliers, I want to share with you some ways to find yourself taking that dream vacation without breaking the bank or forking over a large sum of cash when the time rolls around again next year.  It is possible to experience luxury vacations on a budget when you learn how.

Tip #1 – Book Early

Did you know that you can book air reservations 11 months in advance?  Why does that matter, you ask?  Like layaway, that means that for a small deposit you can make your reservations for the air and hotel and have another 9 1/2 to 10 months to pay it in full.  This allows you to take advantage of the early booking bonuses available and also take advantage of the air prices when they are at their lowest.  You can then makes payments toward your trip at your convenience.  If you want to pay monthly, weekly or even quarterly, it is at your convenience.  I have found that many people find it easier to make payments toward something than to “save” that same amount.  We are all used to making payments, right?

The bottom line is you get the most bang for your buck and you do not have to pay it all at once.  For many, the amount of the deposit can be as low as $200 for an air/hotel package.

Tip #2 – Cruises

Cruises are another great way to book with a small deposit.  There are sales running all the time where you can book your cabin with as low as a $50 deposit.   The sales often include on board credits (obc’s) which give you additional money to spend that is not coming out of your pocket.

Tip #3 – Think All-Inclusive

All-inclusive resorts are a thing of beauty for the budget minded traveler.  For some reason, the AI’s have gotten a bad rap among people who expect luxury (and the price tag that comes with it).  The AI resorts have all the amenities of the European plan resorts and often offer more.  With the all-inclusive, all of your meals, drinks, tips and various activities are included at no charge.  No, the restaurants are not all buffet style.  They usually offer one large buffet style restaurant, two or more theme restaurants, snack bars and lounges.  The food is excellent and often multi-cultural (French, local, Japanese, etc).  For example, a resort in Mexico could cost you approximately $2,000 including air for 5 nights for two people.  Add to that the amount you are saving by not paying for meals, drinks and extras, no extra charges and you can see why they are an excellent choice for the budget minded.

Tip #4 – Travel Club

I am not a fan of time-shares or any way, shape or form of MLM’s.  My first bit of advice is to steer clear of them when looking for budget friendly vacation options.  With that said, my host agency, KHM Travel Group, just launched a new vacation club.  It truly is the evolution of travel and the extras included in membership are outstanding.  I will post another article about it later but for now let’s just look at some of the incredible positives.  Luxevo offers you a tremendous amount of savings on vacation packages including cruises.  Yes, you can find great deals anywhere but where do you find a vacation you purchase that rewards you with Luxpoints of $1 for every $10 you spend.  Luxpoints never expire and can be used for your next vacation.  Not even the best rewards point credit cards offer that much.  Click on the picture below if you want to learn more about Luxevo or watch for my post about it later this week.  I will go into detail about the membership and advantages then.

Luxevo ~ The Evolution of Travel

Tip #5 – Beware the Scams

Unfortunately, every day there are dozens of new scams hitting the internet.  There is no way to find them all or list them all.  The best advice is the old saying “If it sounds too good to be true… it probably is.”  If you are determined to book vacations on your own, do a little homework first.  Check the airlines for costs of flights to your destination, check the resorts to see what their average daily rate is and compare that to the “deal” you are seeing.  Also, check the fine print.  Sure it looks good, but are you getting transportation from the airport to the resort or are the taxes and fees included?  Don’t let lack of knowledge lead you into a bad financial decision.

In closing, if you can dream it, we can help you make it a reality and within your budget!  There are so many options available for the destination of your choice that there will be something you love that work for you financially.  If you have tried doing the homework, you know how hard it can be to find that special place.  Using a travel agent takes the research out of the equation for you.  Let us do the leg work and you reap the benefits.

Happy travels,

Edwina

I Can Help You Plan the Perfect Romantic Getaway

I have always loved Mexico and travel so when I chose to put my love to work and become a travel agent it was only natural that I specialize in Mexico.  Combine that with being a true romantic at heart and it became obvious to me that I should specialize in Romantic Travel with an emphasis on Mexico as the destination.

I hold expert certifications in many Mexico destinations as well as resort brands.  My expertise comes not only from my own extensive travels to Mexico and other romantic destinations but also from regularly attending seminars, certification classes and trade shows.  I also attend FAM (familiarization) trips to various destinations in order to do onsite training on different properties and locales.

I work hand in hand with my host agency, KHM Travel Group to insure my clients have the best available products and pricing.  Through this group I have attended many hands on training events and trade shows where I have been able to develop personal relationships with contacts at our travel suppliers.  These relationships further my ability to provide the expert planning you desire for your travel plans.  Most importantly, I develop personal relationships with you, my client, in order to learn everything I need to plan the perfect romantic getaway for you.  I am available by phone or email anytime.  If you need me, you can reach me.  I do not have regular office hours which means I do not “close and go home” at 5:00 pm.  Daydreaming of a romantic getaway on a Sunday afternoon?  Go ahead, shoot me an email with the best time to call you.

If you are interested in romantic travel of any type, destination wedding, honeymoon, anniversary or just time away together, please feel free to contact me and let me help you plan the perfect romantic getaway.

Edwina Parker

http://www.yapanow.com

edwina@yapanow.com

Top 5 Reason to Use a Travel Agent

Potential clients often ask me, why should I use a travel agent instead of just booking it myself through (xyz) . com.  In fact, I am asked that question so often I felt I should share my answers with you.

First, with an online travel agency that deals in “last minute” deals or bulk travel, you will get a decent deal for your money but that’s where things start to go muddy.  You have to do all the work researching your vacation destination, then you click boxes until it asks for your credit card.  Once you have completed your transaction, you are done!  Did you know you can get the same great “deal” with a travel agent?  Plus, your agent will do all the research for you, send you quotes with real information about each resort and take care of all the arrangements for you and all at no extra charge to you!  And, that is not even including any special upgrades or extras that they can provide through their relationships with the vendors.

Second, you develop a relationship with your agent.  They will ask questions to get to know you which help determine exactly which destination and resort will be the best fit for you.  Can you imagine a romantic getaway for you and your spouse only to find out the room you booked was in a family resort with a 50/50 split of children to adults?  Not exactly what you had in mind but the pictures didn’t show that, did they?

Third, your agent is an advocate for you.  If there is ever a problem of any kind, whether by your fault (cancellation, change of date, etc.), the airline or the resort, your agent is there to make it right.  Imagine trying to change a vacation you booked online by calling the automated number and hoping to get a real person on the phone who is courteous, caring and works for YOU.

Fourth, your agent is an expert.  Agents spend countless hours in training on the latest products and offerings from their suppliers and countries in which they specialize.  They have received certifications in proficiency and product knowledge.  You may not realize it but agents actually go on site visits to properties they promote to you.  These are not vacations in the true sense of the word.  Sure we get to go to exotic locations and see all the sites, but it is always a learning experience.  We do not spend our days leisurely strolling the beaches or shopping for goodies.  We spend them taking pictures, evaluating the consistency of the resorts, their food and their service, the amenities and locale. (Then we come home and blog about it!)

Fifth, there are no surprises!  Your travel agent will make you aware of everything you need to know before you go.  You will not get to the airport only to find out that the name on your passport is not the exact same as the name on your plane ticket.  Believe me, as crazy as it sounds, if you use your middle initial on your passport do not buy your ticket with your full middle name on it.  When you book that luxury couples retreat, know that you will be in an adult only resort that specializes in romance.

Your travel agent knows that all of these things make your travel much more enjoyable and that is what we love about our jobs.  Please, next time you think about taking a vacation, contact a travel agent and experience the true joy that travel can bring.

On the lighter side of things, I came across this list quite a while back but it is always worth repeating.

Happy travels,

Edwina Parker

Yapa Now Travel

http://www.yapanow.com

Romantic Travel in Mexico

I would like to take you on a little virtual journey to a romantic vacation in Mexico.  Come on along and discover how to get a little romance in your life.

After departing your plane at Cancun International Airport, you are escorted to a limo supplied with champagne and strawberries to take you to your destination, an all-inclusive, adults only resort.  As you enter the resort lobby you are again greeted with a glass of champagne and a cool towel as you are escorted through the check in.  To your surprise, your room has been upgraded to a junior suite (a little “yapa”)  and upon entering your room you see a welcome basket with Batab, the best after sun lotion in the world and other goodies, then notice the scattered rose petals.   Did I mention luxury was part of the romance?

Your first afternoon is spent acquainting yourself with the resort, where everything is located and spending a couple of hours lounging on the beach.  You realize, the Batab will come in handy!  Dinner that night is served to you at a single table beach side.  After dinner, you take a stroll together down the beach, just enjoying the moment.

Day two of your vacation begins with breakfast in bed, a short snorkeling excursion then a couples massage under a palapa at the beach.  You decide to opt for a small shopping trip in Playa Del Carmen and dinner at a romantic beach side restaurant in Playa to finish out the day.  Don’t forget to grab two of those incredible hammocks for hanging on your deck when you get back home.

Day three is a chance to indulge your adventurous side.  Your tour guide meets you in the lobby and escorts you to Hidden Worlds where you try your hand a zip-lining and diving a cenote’ for the first time.  The day closes back at your resort with a fabulous candle lit dinner and relaxing walk along the beach.

Day four is another opportunity to visit the spa and choose which of the multitude of relaxing treatments you will indulge in after a couple of hours pool side.  A sunset catamaran cruise with lobster dinner on the beach is the end to a perfect day.

Day five is, unfortunately, the day you must return to the real world.  After you have packed and enjoyed a fine breakfast it is time for the limo to arrive for the trip back to the airport.  As the two of you settle in on the plane, you begin to realize how relaxed you are and how much you have enjoyed just being together and experiencing the wonder of Mexico.  Memories last a lifetime but you know you will return again to make even more.

Let us help you design your romantic getaway.  The variety of experiences and destinations in Mexico is so extraordinary, there is something for everyone.

Edwina Parker

Yapa Now Travel

http://www.yapanow.com

edwina@yapanow.com

2011 Vacation Trends for Mexico

As we closed out the first quarter of 2011, I am not surprised to see that vacation planning has not slowed down due to the economy.  What I am seeing is that clients want to do their planning further in advance than they ever have before.  For some it is a matter of being able to take longer to pay off the balance of their trip, yet for others it is more of a matter of planning far enough in advance to insure they have set aside the time for their much anticipated vacation.  As early as February, I had requests for 2012 vacation proposals.

I have also noticed a trend towards longer vacations.  Many of my clients opted for a couple of “long weekend” vacations in years past but have now decided to take one vacation of at least a week to 10 day.  The reasons for this are as varied as the clients themselves but the most common comment I have heard is directly related to the cost of airfare.  I have not noticed a drastic change in the cost of airfare over the past few months, but with the cost of oil skyrocketing, there is always that possibility.

My favored travel suppliers have exceptional last minute deals for those who cannot or do not want to plan far in advance.  The prices for last minute getaways whether they are for a weekend or a week long stay are well below the average.  Great last minute deals can be found here on my website.

As in years past, Mexico is again a hot spot for vacationers.  With the wide variety of vacation destinations and it’s proximity to the US, Mexico is becoming a favored choice of clients looking for variety.  No longer is Mexico considered only for it’s beautiful beaches.  With culinary and historical tours, eco adventures, world class golf courses and, of course, breath taking beaches, Mexico has it all.

Take heart travelers!  The vacation of your dreams is available.  Share with me your ultimate vacation and let me show you how to get there!

Happy travels,

Edwina Parker

Yapa Now Travel

http://www.yapanow.com

First Time Travel in Mexico – Romantic Travel

A young couple, Chloe and Eric, contacted me through another client with a desire to take a romantic getaway.  They had been married for a few years and were trying to have a child. Neither of the two had ever been outside the country and had no real destination in mind. They wanted someplace warm with a beach and that pretty much completed their want list.  Well, that narrowed it down…

After asking questions about budget, travel documents, what type of activities they enjoyed, how long they intended to stay, I found out everything I needed to help them make this dream a reality.  They wanted to stay a week, they wanted to enjoy as many outdoor activities as possible but also wanted to have romantic nights alone together and the grandparents-to-be were paying for the trip.  Apparently, Chloe’s parents were hoping this getaway would jump start the baby process.

The first order of business was to get the couple their passports.  As they wanted to go within a couple of months we short cut the process by having them apply in person.  There are stations all across the country that allow you to do this at your convenience.  You can find more information here.

I chose three resorts for them in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area.  Each of the resorts had close access to wonderful day trips and excursions, had onsite spas, were adult only resorts, beautiful beaches and plenty of activities to keep them occupied during the day.  As they browsed the pictures and the information on each resort they asked questions about everything.  I love this part of my job.  Remembering that this couple had never been out of the country made it very important to share all necessary information with them from the start in a format that they could read over again before they go such as currency conversion, language, travel tips, etc.

Chloe and Eric chose their resort and shared the info with Chloe’s parents.  We had the vacation and a couple of excursions booked for them the next day.  I even managed to get a room upgrade and a beach-side romantic dinner thrown in for good measure!  I shared more information with them about their travel documents, their resort, the area and the excursions they had chosen in pdf form so they could print and carry with them.

I’m happy to report that they did not wait to call me when they returned from their trip.  They called the day after arrival just to say “thank you” for making their dreams come true.  They said the resort was perfect and exactly what they had hoped for.

I called them after they returned from the trip and found that they wanted to start planning another trip in the Spring.  It is such a joy to share knowledge with someone that allows them to experience the joy of travel without having to venture into the total unknown.

Romance is alive and well in Mexico.  Just ask Chloe and Eric!

Edwina Parker, Owner/Agent

http://www.yapanow.com

edwina@yapanow.com

Food Lovers Dream – Mexico

When we venture into another country or even a new area of our home country, one of the first things we notice is the difference in the food from what we are accustomed to.  I admit it, I am a foodie at heart.  I love trying new restaurants, local cuisines and cooking up a new recipe for the family.

Many of us from Texas and others parts of the US have come to believe Mexican food is equal to “Tex-Mex“.  Not the same!!!  True Mexican cuisine will largely be based upon the region of Mexico in which you find yourself.  Fresh seafood is abundant, as you might imagine, along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts whereas, in the interior of Mexico you will find more land based proteins served with frequency.   You can often find outdoor spots along the coastal roads occupied by a family owned restaurant serving fresh grilled fish with homemade tortillas.  In Mexico, it seems as though the standard has been to use fresh local ingredients.  That concept is now becoming full blown in the US.

Suggested must try’s:  stuffed poblano’s, anything with chipotle (my all time favorite pepper), fresh grilled fish, amazing fruit juices, Mexican breakfast and anything from the small family owned eateries!  Don’t forget the tequila!  There are so many varieties of tequila it is hard to choose a favorite.  If, like me, you don’t care for the sweetness of some of the tequila’s try Mescal instead.  Beware the worm!

Culinary tours are available as part of a vacation package or as an entire experience.  These tours offer a taste of authentic Mexico as well as the opportunity to learn how to prepare the dishes at home.  We have information available for the tours and areas offering them.  Let us know if we can help you plan a culinary adventure in Mexico.

Edwina Parker

Mexico Specialist

http://www.yapanow.com

 

Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita – A Review

If you have have never enjoyed one or ever considered a “boutique” hotel, The Paraiso de la Bonita is a must do!  This Zoetry resort is situated along the Caribbean shores of the Riviera Maya.  The close proximity to everything in and around Cancun makes it a great place to explore from.  The only problem with this resort is that you may not want to leave even to explore the many day trips available.  Yes!  It is that fabulous.

This is a fantastic resort for couples.  It’s all about the romance and the luxury.  This is not a family resort although Zoetry has many options available for family travel.

Luxury can be defined by the amazing extras this resort provides.  To name a few: champagne and fresh fruit every day, 24 hour room service, a welcome bottle of tequila (it is Mexico after all) and maid service 3 times a day.  With ninety private ocean front terrace suites, no matter whether you are in a one and two bedroom you feel special from the moment you see your rooms.  Some suites even have private plunge pools and outdoor honeymoon showers.  The rooms are beautiful, the beach spectacular and the service exceptional.

The one hour catamaran cruise is something I strongly advise you take the opportunity to do.  This is just one more of the amenities offered by this incredible resort.

The Thalassotherapy Center & Spa located at the resort is the first certified Thalasso Center & Spa in North America.  For those now familiar with it, Thalasso is basically hydrotherapy with sea water.  The minerals in sea water have a very healing and rejuvenating effect on the human body.  The treatments at the spa will leave you feeling refreshed and oh so uplifted.  I highly recommend the skin analysis and following treatment.  Awesome!

Let’s not forget about the food.  It is everything you would expect from such a luxurious, romantic resort!

All in all, I would recommend this for any couple who want to get away from it all.

Edwina Parker

Mexico Specialist

http://www.yapanow.com

Fun Day Trips from Cancun, Mexico – Part 2

In our second installment to Fun Day Trips from Cancun, I would like to tell you about an area just South of the hustle and bustle of Cancun.  The city of Playa Del Carmen lies approximately 45 minutes south of the Cancun airport down highway 307.  If you are staying in Cancun, you can either rent a car, travel by bus or hire private transport.  My recommendation would be to definitely rent a car for the day or week depending on how adventurous you are and how much of the area you would like to explore.

The beach areas in “Playa” (as the locals call it) are beautiful white sand with the expected palm tree shade.  Both swimming and snorkeling are wonderful.

The most enjoyable shopping in Playa is along Quinta Avenida, or 5th Avenue.  It is an entire street lined with all types of shops from beach wear to fine jewelry and authentic Mayan artisan shops.  Vendors often set up shop in alleys between stores.  I wouldn’t advise travelling too far down an alleyway but there are often great deals to be had on the same merchandise you just saw 3 doors down.  The open air vendors are also more than happy to bargain with you.  As you are strolling and window shopping, don’t forget to stop in one of the open air restaurants for a bite to eat and a margarita.  The people watching alone is worth the trip.

After dark in Playa you have several opportunities for nightlife.  Whether you are interested in “older” music, 70-80-90′s, newer rock or something in between you can find it in Playa.  Some of our favorites are: Senor Frogs, Coco Maya Beach Club and Coco Bongo.

All in all, Playa Del Carmen is a fantastic outing to get away from the hotel zone in Cancun. If you find time on your hands the trip is well worth it.

Of course, we have more information if you need it.  Just let us know.  We can also help you plan your excursions and get them booked for you ahead of time.

Edwina

Fun Day Trips from Cancun, Mexico – Part 1

When people think of Cancun, Mexico, they often think Spring Break and “party”.  Cancun and the surrounding areas have so much more to offer than just a party away from home.  Cancun is a fabulous destination in Mexico for anyone of any age.

The resorts in Cancun vary from moderately priced hotels to luxury resorts with a little bit of everything in between.  Whether staying at a beach or lagoon resort in the hotel zone or the charming hotels within Cancun proper, the day trips offered will certainly give you plenty to do.  I would like to share with you some of the fun day trips that can make your vacation extraordinarily memorable.

Our first day trip is to Isla Mujeres (Isle of Women).  Isla Mujeres is a short ferry ride from the Hotel Zone in Cancun.  The ferry service runs from the Embarcadaro Dock, Playa Linda pier, five times a day beginning at 9:00 am and ending about 4:00 pm.  I would recommend going as early as possible to be able to enjoy all the island has to offer.

Once arriving on Isla Mujeres you will want to rent a moped.  This is by far the easiest and quickest way to navigate around the island.  You will find moped rentals available just beyond the docks.  If you are hungry when you arrive, you will find restaurants offering everything from Asian, International, Cuban and authentic Mexican cuisine.  If you are there before lunch, try Elements of the Island for a fantastic breakfast or brunch to get your day started.  Another favorite of mine is La Cazuela M & J where both tourists and locals go to enjoy the atmosphere of the island and enjoy the fresh Mexican fare.

By moped you can travel around the entire island allowing you to stop at various destinations along the way.  You will come upon Tortugranja (Turtle Farm).  It is a nice little departure from the beautiful scenery along the coast and a real treat to see the different breeds of turtles of varying ages.  We were able to observe babies that were less than a week old.  They are doing a fantastic job of preserving the great turtle population.

As you travel along the island you will see signs for all types of diversions.  Frankly, some are worth stopping for and some are not.  We came upon a sign that said “Swim with a Shark”.  We stopped to check it out and it was a man in about 4 feet of water with a nurse shark that barely seemed to move.  Needless to say, we didn’t pay up to swim but we did step over to the cantina next door.  On a long open, wood fired grill, two men were cooking fish that had just been caught.  The price of a meal was very inexpensive and the opportunity to watch how they cooked was very entertaining.  While enjoying a Cerveza and relaxing to the jovial attitudes of the men cooking we were able to enjoy the scenery and look forward to our next find.

Garrafon Park is a must see if you have the time.  This could easily be an all day adventure in itself.  The park hosts an amazing reef formation which is one of the longest in the hemisphere.  There are several dive shops to choose from as well as restaurant, snack bars and bathrooms with showers.  From the park you can choose guided tours to Punta Sur and the “Blue Eye Cave”.  They also offer zip line flights and Caribbean bungee jumping.

If you are a diver or snorkeler, you must visit the Underwater Museum.  The museum was created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor.  There are an amazing 400 life size sculptures.  The underwater museum will help to create a man-made reef to aid the abundant marine life.  It’s just an exceptional outing.

The Isla Mujeres downtown area (Centro) is a mere 4 blocks by 6 blocks but has some great little shopping spots.  Everything from handcrafted Mexican items to jewelry, dive and tobacco shops.  The assortment of beach wear and cover ups is worth a stroll through the markets.

Isla Mujeres is a great day trip from Cancun.  You may even consider two days there to enjoy all that the island has to offer.  There are also hotels on the island and it is a very quaint area to stay.

I have information on all the excursions above as well as lodging.  If you are interested in more, please contact me.

Follow us next as we head south from Cancun for another day trip.

Edwina Parker

Yapa Now Travel