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