20 Creative Marketing Ideas for Small Business | Manta Small Business Center

20 Creative Marketing Ideas for Small Business Manta Small Business Center

Family Travel.

              Getting the best value for your family travel is very important this holiday season. Every day of your vacation should include a planned activities to avoid being bored and to keep the children entertain.
            

           One way to achieve this is to research your destination and plan your activities ahead of time.  Car rental for driving around is very important, it eliminates stress, confusion and saves you money. Utilizing tour guide is very valuable, guides are familiar with your vacation destination including secret spots unknown to many vacationer.     

   

          Family on a budget should choose hotel that offer kid eat and stay free, hotels with complimentary breakfast is also recommended, having breakfast before setting out in the morning can make a big difference on how you enjoy your day and also easy on your pocket.

         

          When planning a theme pack activities for your family, go for the package instead of individual ticket. Disney Theme Park provides package where visitors can visit a park for each day of their stay for a low price. Activities such as zoo and museum also provides learning environment for both parent and children.

    

          Norwegian Epic provides various activities for kids, such as Aqua Park, a water park with rides, pools, splash and play zone. Norwegian Cruise ship includes Nickelodian shows like "Slime Time Live" where kids can see their favorites cartoon characters.

          Norwegian Epic provides fun Sports activities for children such as basketball, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, ice skating rink, batting cage, bungee trampoline, climbing cage, table tennis, wall climbing, bowling and more. Pack your bags, it is time for vacation.
         
Written by Josephine Emeli.
Josephine Travel Agency
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
http://www.josephinetravelagency.weebly.com/
Email: j.emeli@yahoo.com
1-631-273-6440.

    
 

          

Perfect Time To book your vacation.

           Travel or going on a vacation is more than packing your bags and heading to the airport, cruise port or whatever transportation you preferred. Travel is a form of therapy, it provides hope, it takes your mind off your problem, it gives you a new outlook in life and it connects you with the rest of the world. Therefore, book your vacation now.
         
           The Disney Orlando vacation Package promotion is going on now for a limited time and I advise that you should make your travel plan now because when the promotion is over, the price increases, it may even double. In some cases, if demand is more than supply, the promotion can be shorten. This means that people who procrastinated or waited for the last minutes will loose out and ended paying full price.

         Summer is fast approaching and this is the best time to book your family summer getaway because prices goes up in the summer time when everyone is planning for vacation.

       The reason for booking your family vacation now is that you can utilize payment plan especially if you planning on cruising, booking your vacation now gives you peace of mind and you don't have to be in rush at the last moment, you will be ahead of the game and you don't have to worry if the promotion expired or sold out. What are you waiting for, go ahead and book your vacation now.

Written: Josephine Emeli

Josephine Travel Agency

http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/

http://www.josephinetravelagency.weebly.com/

Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com.

1-631-273-6440.

    

Vacation Planning.

          I always write about the importance of planning family vacation or any vacation in advance, but today I am adding the importance of being real when it comes to the expenses involved. If you plan to have an enjoyable vacation, especially if your vacation plan is a little complicated please plan ahead and be realistic.

           A husband and wife with two small children who were planning a vacation to the Caribbean from New Jersey contacted me and asked me to do the booking.

          It could have been an easy itinerary except for a little twist and turn. The wife who was my primary contact explained to me that the family will fly one way from New Jersey to the Caribbean for 5-day stay, then fly another one way from the Caribbean to New Orleans for another 5-day stay.

         This family will then fly another one way from New Orleans to Miami, Florida for a two night stay, then fly one way from Miami, Florida to New Jersey. But this time their older son who was vacationing in Miami will be traveling with them to New Jersey. The wife made it clear that she does not want separate itineraries and she demanded certain airline. She also gave me a very low budget to work with.

          I tried working within her budget knowing it is impossible. I realised that her request was special because most itineraries are round trips, but theirs are one way trips and a little complicated. I did the best that I could to work within her budget but it did not work out and she refused to add a penny.

           Alarm should have gone off in my brain in the beginning of our transaction when she said that she got quotes from other travel agents and she has been looking on the Internet. My story ends with her saying "I will call you back".

Written by: Josephine Emeli
Josephine Travel Agency
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
blog: josietravelblog.blogspot.com.

   

Recession and the travel Industry.

         Since the recession, taking a vacation is no longer a priority, especially for families with children who can not afford to pay high prices for airfares, hotel and car rental. But the good news is that travel Industry has engineered new ways to get people thinking about travel and saving money while enjoying their dream vacation.

         For example, all-Inclusive package that allows families or any traveler to save money by booking airfares, hotel/resort & car rental all at once, compared to separate bookings that are costly and time consuming.  Disney theme parks and resorts are the experts in family vacation, they have everything within the park to meet the needs of families with children, this eliminates the need for car rental.

         Family friendly hotels and resorts with programs for toddlers, teens and every member of the family are attracting more families who are looking for ways to get their money's worth. People are also looking for a quick getaway such as short and weekend cruises with reasonable price.

        Hotels and resorts that offer amenities such as "children stay, play and eat free" are big destination spots for family vacationers, cruise ships that provides daycare, children's programs, playground and babysitters are a big hit among family vacationers.

        Before going on your family vacation, plan in advance. Contact your vacation planner ahead of time and advise him/her to watch for specials, discounts or promotions. Once you find itinerary that meet your family's need, take advantage of it and book your vacation ahead of time.

Written by Josephine Emeli
Josephine Travel Agency
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
www.josietravelblog.blogspot.com

       

 

Fun Island.

       

           It all came together one afternoon when I called my sister on the phone and suggested that we should journey to Coney Island, Brooklyn. She said it would be fun like old time and we set a date.
          
            There I was excited and preparing for the long drive to Coney Island in the summer of 2010. Memories came floating back to me as I remembered when Coney Island was our Saturday get away for the Summer, we would pack our bags with sodas, bottles of water, chips, cookies and we would drive to Coney Island and have a great time.

         Then, when life intervened we became busy with weekend jobs and other responsibilities. All of a sudden, Coney Island was no longer on our agenda. But that was many years ago, and now we are ready and prepared to reclaim Coney Island once again and revisit our fun Island.

           Swimming, walking in the sand, long walks by the shore line picking up sea shells, eating corn on the cobb, Ice cream, pizza, hot dogs, Jamaican beef patties and coco bread while lounging on the bench by the boardwalk to watch the children play.

          When we arrived at Coney Island, my nieces who are now grown and in college headed straight to the beach  as the rest of us tagged along. We found a comfortable spot and claimed it. With towels spread and cold drinks ready to be consumed, we sat down and forgot about our worries.

   

        After playing at the beach and trying to out run the waves, my six and four year old suddenly developed an appetite for hot dogs and off we went to Nathan's. They spotted the Kiddie park and dragged us along. After many rides and games, the children refused to leave but we managed to lure them away.

         The most fun part was the free Salsa concert by the boardwalk. It was spectacular as crowds gathered and the musicians enticed the audience with the sweet melodies of Salsa. People were dancing and I showed off some salsa moves.

          On the way home, my sister asked me if Coney Island was better then or is it better now. After a moment of silence, we decided that Coney Island is much better now. Suddenly, I realized that we are passing the legacy to our children and yes I will be back.

          Coney Island is revamped and packed with new amenities such as:
The Brooklyn Cyclones at MCU Park, Coney Island Museums, Abe Stark Ring for skates, Coney Island Circus side show, Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Polar Express,  Scream Zone,  cleaner ocean beaches and boardwalk, the famous Cyclone Roller coaster, restaurants, bumper cars, arcades and games, Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement park, Luna park, McCullough's Kiddie park and don't forget Summer concerts at Asser Levy.

Events: Sunday, April 10, 2011: Super freak show at 1208 Surf Avenue, 1pm-8pm.
           
            April 16, 2011: Coney Island History project.

            June 18, 2011: Brooklyn Cyclones season opener.

            June 18, 2011: The 29th Annual Mermaid parade.

            July 17, 2011: Grimaldo's mile swim race.

           for more information go to: http://www.coneyisland.com/.

Written by: Josephine Emeli
Josephine Travel Agency.
Web:www.josephinetravelagency,com.
Blog:josietravelblog.blogspot.com.
Facebook:profile.to/josephineemeli.
Twitter:@josephinetravel.
phone:1-631-273-6440.



               
                                

         

         

       

Rome - Pope John Paul 11 Beatification.

                          The Beatification Ceremony for Pope John Paul 11 will take place on May/1/2011 in  Rome. If you are planning to attend, try to book your hotel and buy your ticket in advance. Experience the city and get easy access to town by purchasing unlimited special pass. ($25) Kids under 10 years old ride free.

                        

                          Do not make plan just for the weekend but plan for a whole week to have time to really enjoy your vacation, plan on doing some walking and sight seeing, wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Walking allows you to see historic places you might miss if you take transportation.

                        Walk through the Ghetto and take a trip to the elegant Palazzo Farnese and The Piazza, do some shopping, sight seeing, mingle with the local, visit Roman gardens, go to the beach, visit restaurants and sample local cuisines.
                     

                          Take a tour of the popular underground and Imagine Gladiators preparing for battle as they did centuries ago. Attend sporting events, Jazz concerts, visit the trevi and toss a coin in the fountain. Plan ahead to see The Vatican Museums, Colosseum's, Medieval Abbey, Art galleries, The Capitoline Museums and The Pantheon.

                           Attend the prayer vigil at Circus Maximums and take a tour of ancient churches and chapels where faces of angels painted centuries ago are on display. May 1st is Roman's Labor Day, you may decide to attend the free labor day rock concert to celebrate with the Roman's.
Written by:Josephine Emeli.
Josephine Travel Agency
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
josietravelblog.blogspot.com
LinkedIn.com/in/josephinetravelagency
facebook.dj/josephinetravelagency.
                        

                         

                   
              
                   

While In Lagos, Nigeria.

Free Music is Good, Cool, Hot, Smart & Chic.

                As the wise men quotes, "The Best Stuff In Life Is Free" and who doesn't like free stuff especially if it is free live music. So for those of you who love music including myself, let me take you to five places from chic to  charming neighborhoods in Brooklyn and Manhattan where you will enjoy  free live music over your favorite food and wine.

       
         
              Free music is Good at Lucille's Bar & Grill. Listen to Soul, Blue and Rock music every night at 8pm inside B.B King Blue Club and Grill in Times Square. Address: 237 West 42nd street. Website: bbkingbluee.com Phone: 1212-99 7-4144.

             Free music is Cool at Bamcafe. Groove to Afrobeat, Funk, Pop and Jazz on selected Friday and Saturday nights at 9pm at Bamcafe located inside Brooklyn Academy of Music. Address: 30 Lafayette Avenue. Brooklyn. Website: bam.org. Phone: 1-718-636-4100.

             Free music is Hot at Rodeo Bar. Dance to Country, rockabilly and Bluegrass every night from 9pm until midnight at Rodeo Bar. Address: 375 Third Avenue. Website: rodeobar.com Phone:212-683-6500.

            Free music is Smart at Pete's Candy Store. Move to New Orleans jazz, rock and roll inside this cozy and charming place. Address:709 Lorimer street, Williamsburg. Brooklyn. Website: petescandystore.com. Phone: 1718-302-3770.

             Free music is Chic at Zebulon Cafe Concert. Chill to sounds of Jazz, Indies and Blues music inside this chic cafe. Address: 258 Wythe Avenue. Williamsburg. Brooklyn. zebuloncafeconcert.com. Phone:718-218-6934.

Written by: Josephine Emeli
Josephine Travel Agency
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com

Phone: 631-273-6440.

Romantic Getaway.

                  A couple needed a romantic getaway for seven days and contacted me to make the arrangement. With limited budget, they still wants something special and romantic. They had  few demands but nothing crazy, they wanted all inclusive resort with no children, a large room with Jacuzzi, access to casino, 24 hour room service, all drinks and food inclusive and airport transfer. I went through a lot of options and settled on a few itineraries for presentation.

            
              I presented the couple with four choices, two within their budget and two outside their budget. After much consideration, they settled on an itinerary a little bit over their budget, the wife preffered this particular resort for the amneties it offers and also has everything they wanted.

            After I made a few phone call to this particular resort for verification, the romantic vacation package was approved, booked and not long afterward, the couple were on their way to Romantic Island.

Written by Josephine Emeli
Josephine Travel Agency
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
http://www.josietravelblog.com/
Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com
Phone:1-631-273-6440

Words For The Wise.

Booking your flight and hotel earlier can save you money than booking later. Using Travel Agent can save you money and time.

Winter Recess for Children Around Long Island.

               Keeping children entertained is not an easy task, especialy when they are out of school and in need of fun activities. The economy does not make it any easier. Families can visit local attractions such as The Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, located at 279 Main Street, Cold Spring Harbor.  This Museum is filled with activities for this winter. Children can take part in the Ocean Explorer Camp, find out what makes sea creatures glow and have pajama parties.
           The Whaling Museum events and programs are offered throughout the year. The Pajama party is scheduled for February 14, 2011. Children can enjoy delicious pizza dinners, run games, movies, ocean arts and crafts. Children ages 3-5 can listen to fun stories, participate in creative crafts and learn about the ocean and nature. On February 21, children of all ages can watch "Muppet Treasure Island" movie, snacks provided. You can reach them at 1-631-367-3416.

        

 Fire Island National Seashore is open daily over the winter, offering Special programs for children in February. These programs focus on winter habitats and wildlife, daily children's activities, lighthouse tower tours, Winter Marsh hike and more. 1-631-281-3010.

           The various Junior Bowling Programs around Long Island makes a perfect way to keep children entertained and busy during the Winter Recess. Registration is free and children can register  individually, as a family or join a group. You can also contact your local Bowling Center. www.kidsbowlfree.com/amf.

      

    Voted "Best Petting Zoo of Long Island", White Post Farm Petting Zoo is an incredible place for children to be entertained by both humans and animals alike. The winter recess is perfect for scheduling different days for different events and enjoy a safe, secure environment. Children can meet animals from all over the world, feed and pet them, take pony rides, train rides, visit Mining Village, play in all the playgrounds and take part in more activities. White Post Farm hosts the best children's birtday parties and other parties year round. http://www.whitepostfarms.com/. 1-631-351-9373.

           Local Public Libraries have various programs and events for kids, such as: Arts and Crafts programs, Black History Month programs, Tween Gaming, Cartooning Workshop, Art Buddies, Children's Movie, Dinosaur Dimensions, game Builder, Family Crafts and more.

http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
Phone:1-631-273-6440
Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com
http://www.josietravelblog.com/.
 
           

           

          

           
       

             
            

A Florida Family Vacation

                  A family of four who had decided to go on a vacation contacted me to arrange for all inclusive package to Florida. They had received my business card through a good friend of mine and they knew exactly what they wanted and only needed me to make the arrangement. I asked about their budget and worked so hard to stay within that budget, I gave them option to pick hotel and Car rental of their choice.
              I booked their flights, car rental and they picked a nice hotel closer to all activities and not too far from the Airport. We spoke on the phone during their vacation and I called to welcome them home and also sent a thank you note. Knowing that my clients will be tired from long flight, I remember calling the hotel ahead of time to make sure my clients rooms are comfortable and ready.
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com

Phone:1-631-273-6440

Magic of Africa.

               To experience an African Vacation full of fun and activities, one should start with South Africa. To actually enjoy the journey, I suggest booking hotel and car rental in advance and I recommend Table Bay Hotel & Victoria-Fall hotel. Start your journey by visiting Transkei the birth place of Nelson Mandela, then move on to Johannesburg and drive to Victoria Falls to experience the wonder of Africa.              

               South Africa is known for tasty wines, so take a Wine Tasting tour, visit Cape Winelands and explore the largest wine producing region in South Africa. The Table Mountain is a must see attraction because you can view all Cape Town at once from the top of this mountain and Soweto is a perfect place to sample local cuisines and experience South African Night life.

              Make a date with Mountain Gorillas and Chimps and watch as they climb mountains in Ngamba Island, Lake Victoria. Drive down to Chobe National Park in Botswana and see the largest group of Elephants in Africa. Save a whole day to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and visit Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro the famous wildlife sanctuary in the world.

    Experience a balloon ride across Massai Mara in Nairobi, Kenya and don't forget to visit Queen Elizabeth National Park and Bwindi Forrest. Also visit the "Big Hole" the largest man-made excavation in the world.

         The best way to see South and East Africa is to board the famous "Rovo Rail" and enjoy the Great Train Journeys. The Blue Train is perfect for sightseeing in South Africa. This is a luxury train/hotel with opportunity to see landscapes and visit tourist attractions. Shongololo Express is a full service Travelling train/hotel that serves breakfast and dinner. It is the best way to explore Africa and it has a tour van for a guided sightseeing touring during the day.

         Downtown Nairobi, Kenya is a place to be for shopping and entertainment. To experience beach life, head to Zanzibar Island. This spice Island was once the center for the slave trade and an excellent destination for a beach vacation.

Save big on south Africa starting
at $2399-13 Days, 19 Meal.




By Josephine Emeli.

Josephine Travel Agency.
Phone:1-631-273-6440
Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com

http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/

http://www.josietravelblog.blogspot.com/







        

LGBT Tropical Getaway.

LGBT who plans on getting away from the cold weather and longing for warm, tropical and relax environment should visit Armacao de Buzios, Brazil. This beautiful Island has over 20 beaches, breath taking scenery, laid- back attitudes and very gay friendly.While in Brazil, do not forget to make your reservation at Our House Beach Resort in Armacao de Buzio, this one of a kind resort is geared toward LGBT community, it is located on the hill facing the beach and surrounded by tropical forest. Our House Resort has a private swimming pool and restaurant, if you truly want a paradise vacation Our House Beach Resort is a perfect place to be.
Written by Josephine Emeli.
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/
Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com
Phone:1-631-273-6440

Days Inn-Lanham Review.

Day Inn-Lanham Hotel located at Annapolis Road, MD is nice, clean and comfortable. This hotel has  gardens and the surrounding area is clean and well maintained, it has a fitness center,  bar/pool room, restaurant, conference room, dining room, laundry facility and high speed Internet access. The reception/guest sitting area is relaxing, comfortable with European style decoration, it has coffee and  newspaper. This hotel is located near shopping centers and freeway, it provides breakfast, lunch, diner and the restaurant also serves Jamaican dishes. Red lobster, McDonald, seven eleven and gas station can be seen from the hotel. The rooms and the bathrooms are comfortable, clean, modest with coffee/tea maker, employees are nice, warm and friendly. Other amenities near Days-Inn Lanham Hotel are: Byrd Stadium, Six Flags America, Ford's Theatre, National Park, United States Capital, RFK Stadium, Spacecraft Magnetic Facility, Lake Artemesia, College Park Aviation Museum, Greenbelt Park, University of Maryland and Bowie State University. I would recommend this hotel for Family vacation, Business, Group & Tour. 5 day round trip flight plus hotel for 2 people start from $900.
Josephine Emeli.
Family Vacation Specialist.
Josephine Travel Agency.
www.josephinetravelagency.com

Email:travel@josephinetravelagency.vpweb.com

Fun In Abuja.

       Who say you can not have fun in Nigeria? please don't take my word for it, all you need to do is clear your calendar for November 2011, pack your suitcase, book your flight and hotel and head to Abuja, Nigeria for the annual Abuja Carnival. Enjoy.
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/

Beautiful Island of Antigua.

        My husband and I went on a vacation to the Island of antigua and we love it mainly because the Island is beautiful and there are activities for family. This island makes a perfect getaway for family who wants adventure, sightseeing and likes to meet local people. Antigua's resorts has many activities for both children and adults, there is babysitting service, day tour activities and special events to occupy the children, childrens' pool, karaoke, clubs and pampering for kids. The resorts are equipped with golf course and shopping center within walking distance. For adults who wants to get away, there are evening entertainments, restaurants, fitness center, massage center, swimming pools and swim up bars and more. For family seeking adventure, they can explore the 365 beaches on the Island, visit Harmony Hall Art Gallery, Museum of Antigua and Barbuda, Indian Town National Park, Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation, St. John's Cathedral and more. Family can also participate in local festivities since local events are schedule each month of the year, visitors can rent a car or take a taxi which is available at the resorts. Antigua is sunny and warm all year and people are friendly  so there is plenty of time to have fun.
                    Josephine Emeli.
                    Josephine Travel Agency.
                    http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/.
                    

Family Vacation.

As a travel agent whose favorite area is Family vacation, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely. All-Inclusive hotels/resorts are marketing toward Family Vacation and their efforts are paying off, couples with children can bring their kids along and still have private time to themselves due to the fact that many resort provides entertainment for children with no extra cost. I see this niche increasing in popularity being that family can have vacation together and there is something for everyone to enjoy. New ships and renovated hotels are now adding family activities into their plan as a way to lure families and also to increase revenue. New theme groups attracts families with enticing packages and discounts so there will always be growth for that niche, when family crave something different, then hotel/resort steps in and all is well as long as these hotel/resort keep the children entertain and still maintain quality and value, otherwise, the growth will hinder. Even when prices are up, people will book vacation as long as they are getting quality service, right now family vacation is developing because the travel industry is now focusing toward that niche.
                                                     Josephine Emeli.
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/.

Valentine's Getaway

A horse drawn carriage ride through Central Park,  a one day cruise on Norwegian Cruise Line from New York City or one day sightseeing around NYC on a tour bus are perfect for Valentine's day, also keep in mind that hotels in New York City have the best rates of the year.
http://www.josephinetravelagency.com/. Email:j.emeli@yahoo.com.

Visit Lagos, Nigeria.

People do not consider Lagos as a popular Vacation spot, even though Lagos has many attraction suitable for Family Vacation, Romantic Getaway, Single Vacation, Group Vacation and Special Interest Groups. There are beautiful beaches and resorts like Lekki Beach, Camp Ikare & Coconut Beach, hotels fit for king, historic sites like Badagry Slave Port, beautiful malls, restaurants, movie theaters & traditional shows.