Tag Archives: vacations

My cruising days won’t end with my death .. I’ve already seen to it

Posted on by alanwhitt

We all hate talking about death, yet we all know it’s coming … sooner or later.

Alan Whitt

Alan Whitt

While sitting in a funeral home conference room, helping a good friend get through the death of her mother, her 42-year-old sister made the statement that she’s ready to go. She clarified that she wasn’t suicidal, wasn’t going to do anything dangerous and that she was prepared to live on.

Her rationale was that she’s had a great life thus far, and since she’s right spiritually, she has no fear of the great unknown called death.

But I’ll be honest, I’m not ready to call it quits and I doubt if I will be any time soon.

So why does this involve travel?

Because former Baltimore Orioles manager Earl Weaver died last weekend while cruising the Caribbean.

And since I absolutely love cruising, I can think of no better place to meet my maker than on a luxurious cruise … preferably right after scarfing down a tasty surf and turf of lobster and prime rib, washed down with a nice glass of White Zinfandel.

I’m sure Weaver didn’t plan on dying on his cruise. He began choking after dinner on Friday night and that was it. Purely by accident.

For years I’ve known where I want my final resting place to be. My loved ones are aware that I want to be cremated and my ashes scattered at sea.

But there’s more to it than that. Instead of mourning me, I want it to be a celebration. The plan is for them to go on a cruise during my birthday week … no matter when I died. If my time comes in January, I still want the ceremony to take place in September. That way they’ll have time to mourn, and then enjoy the rest of their cruise … on me.

Visit Allure Quest Travel Experience and We 2 R 1 Honeymoons on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Deal of the day: Get cash back, upgrades on Carnival cruises

Posted on by alanwhitt

Book just about any Carnival cruise sailing through 2012 and get cash back savings of up to $100 pr stateroom and one- or two-category upgrades.

Book any cruise by May 31 during Carnival’s Memorial Day Sale – including Carnival’s newest ship Carnival Breeze – and pack your bags for a wonderful cruise.

Cash back savings come in the form of an onboard credit per stateroom. Book a 3- to 5-day cruise and get $50 per cabin, a $100 onboard credit for sailing of six days or more, and $100 for fall sailings fro September through December.

And you can book a European cruise and get up to $400 cash back with upgrades.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos and the latest travel news.

America’s illegal drug users fueling Mexican murders

Posted on by alanwhitt

I continue to tell people that travel to popular tourist destinations in Mexico – especially my favorite, Cancun – is totally safe … and that’s because it is.

Alan Whitt

Nonetheless, it’s distressing when bodies in other parts of Mexico continue to pile up like the daily catch on a commercial fishing ship.

This past weekend the gruesome discovery of 49 headless corpses in northern Mexico sent shock waves through two nations.

It matters not that the mutilated bodies are believed to be members of one drug cartel killed by another.  A corpse … is a corpse … is a corpse.

Before I go further, let me get one thing straight. Mapquest puts Cancun at a distance of 1,431.08 miles from the massacre. So if your vacation to this fun-filled, culturally-rich international destination is drawing near, be prudent but not overly concerned about safety.

However, you should join me in outrage because there are millions of Americans who contribute to Mexico’s drug business and the death toll every day.

How’s that?

The bulk of Mexican drugs are sold to Americans. And there would be no burgeoning drug business without our citizens purchasing this illicit and illegal product. It’s really easy to buy drugs, get high and turn a blind eye to the deaths that follow in Mexico.

As is the case with many Americans, as long as it doesn’t happen in our own backyard we could care less who gets hurt. But remember, that dead person is someone’s mother, father, son or daughter. Put your loved one’s face on that corpse and it’s a totally different story.

In my eyes, American drug users are murderers themselves. Just because you didn’t wield the machete or fire that automatic weapon doesn’t absolve you from responsibility.

It was your money that financed those deaths. Without your “donation” the cartels would not be the billion-dollar industry that they are.

So the next time you take that snort, that puff or insert that needle … please think about not only how you’re killing yourself, but probably someone else as well.

 Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos and the latest travel news.

There are no free rides in life, expect same at Allure Quest Travel

Posted on by alanwhitt

I love working with clients. I treat each one with respect and pamper them with exemplary service.

Alan Whitt

Unfortunately, some of my “clients” apparently don’t feel the same.

Beginning on May 1, Allure Quest Travel Experience will begin charging a $50 earnest fee for new clients using our travel expertise and resources.

If the booking carries through to completion the fee will be waived and applied to the price of the trip. An inordinate number of request changes could result in additional fees.

Preferred clients – those who have a history of booking travel with us – are exempt from the fee.

Why are we doing this?

It’s because our services don’t come cheap and we’re not in the habit of giving away our  expertise.

There are people who come to us to research destinations and pricing – and then use the information to book online or give the business to Uncle Bob the family travel agent.

That’s like someone putting in an eight-hour day and not getting paid.

It takes time and money to build a business. Not only do we have monthly expenses  and pay fees and taxes to do this, our specialists continue to study, attend conferences to learn the newest and best destinations … and then visit those destinations to develop the expertise our clients have come to expect.

When I sail with a church on one of my Spiritual Voyages I pay like everyone else. If I visit a Sandals resort … or a Zoetry Wellness Spa & Resort … or head to Cancun for a familiarization trip, the cost comes out of my pocket. Although I pay less than the average person, those expenses add up.

And don’t you feel a bit more confident dealing with someone who has at least set foot on that magnificent cruise ship or visited that fabulous all-inclusive resort?

I imagine that we’ll lose some possible business because of our decision, but it’s worth it so that we can devote even more time to our genuine clients – showering them with expert advice and the benefit of our considerable knowledge. It bothers me when our professional abilities are exploited and we get nothing in return.

Potential clients who want to avoid the $50 fee are free to utilize our services by booking online, as well as use all the resources we provide on our website. Simple click on the “Book Now” button at the top right of the page to get to the booking engine of your choice.

But if you want our valuable personalized professional service … you’re going to have to pay for it.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Cancun is one Mexican hot spot that has avoided drug violence

Posted on by alanwhitt

The furor has died down a bit over safety concerns in Mexico. I never quite understood the problem anyway.

Alan Whitt

Our southern neighbors have a lot to offer in terms of a vacations …. and unless you’re looking for trouble you should be fine.

The absolute place to avoid is Ciudad Juarez on the U.S. border. That’s ground zero in terms of the drug trade and violence.

And unfortunately,  a few other areas have been impacted. Most shocking is Acapulco, formerly billed as a vacation playground for the jet set, but now known more for the spike in deaths in the port city – including tourists.

I would drop Acapulco from my to-do list if I were you … and put it at the top of my “to-don’t” list.

There have been sporadic issues in some other areas along the west coast, but nothing that should warrant questioning of your personal safety – no more than any big city in the USA.

However, there is one vacation area that remains perfect in many ways in terms of reasonable pricing, amenities, comfort … and safety.

That’s Cancun.

If you haven’t been to this popular resort town recently you may want to give it another shot.

This is a purpose-built vacation area. Back in 1967 the Mexican government decided the perfect climate, pristine beaches and rich history were ideal for tourism. Cancun Island has only three residents when work actually began in 1970.

Over the last 40-plus years Cancun has grown tremendously, with a string of world-renowned resorts, spas and hotels providing a luxurious experience – including many of the all-inclusive concept.

Always known for its white sand beaches, those gems had deteriorated over the years. But a three-year restoration project has brought them back to life – including beachfront property for more than 30 hotels, restaurants and condos.

Cancun is unique in its combination of the Caribbean and Mexico. You get modern and ancient, as well as active or laid back lifestyles or a combination of both.

Located on the eastern border of Mexico, Cancun s unequaled in uniting cultural treasures, natural beauty, activities and – for those of us spoiled by our country’s ample conveniences – American-Style conveniences and brands.

Cancun has the infrastructure, modern amenities and service philosophy to rival leisure destinations worldwide. From archaeological ruins to luxury travel riches, Cancun has it all … except for the violence.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

European river cruises, fine wine make a winning combination

Posted on by alanwhitt

I remember those college days when the only wines I knew about were Boone’s Farm Strawberry Hill and Mogan David 20-20 – referred to as “Mad Dog” for a reason.

What a hangover!

Alan Whitt

Today, I drink a much higher class of wine for a different reason and savor the grape just a bit more.

While in the Tuscany hills of Italy a few years back I actually toured a 1,000-year-old winery and was honored with lessons from the owners on the art of wine tasting and fine dining. Each of our seven courses included a different wine designed to enhance and complement the food … so there were many happy guests by the end of the evening.

I’ll never be a wine expert but it’s always good to expand your mind with knowledge. I never drink on land, but when at sea I love a glass of wine in the elegant atmosphere of a cruise ship and conversing with the ship’s sommelier.

Fine wine … and fine ships. Makes perfect sense to me.

Now there’s a way to combine the two in a fashion you may never have thought of.

River cruising through Europe’s historic wine country.

If you’ve never considered a river cruise in Europe or Asia this may be the perfect time. This form of cruising has exploded, going from a niche market to a major vacation player. So many new luxury ships are debuting that it’s hard to keep up.

AmaWaterways has a series of “Celebration of Wine” theme cruises this fall sailing along the Rhine, Danube and Rhone Rivers, timed to coincide with harvest time in Europe.

Each cruise includes special guest hosts, onboard lectures, wine tasting and tours of vineyards and cellars.

River cruising by Americans have increased by 800 percent over the last decade. That growth has spurred a building boom that has resulted in 20 new river cruise vessels over the last three years.

River cruising allows you to visit quaint cities and villages inaccessible by big cruise ships. And many are genuinely all-inclusive … including shore excursions.

There are boatloads of river cruise companies, including AmaWaterways, Uniworld, Avalon, Viking and others.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

That’s a no-no: We won’t ever engage in price-checking contests

Posted on by alanwhitt

Last week I began answering a series of customer questions as to the benefit of using a travel agent, in an effort to assure everyone that we’re still in business and will continue to be.

The last question was “I’d like to book with you, but a website is offering a $5 rebate on any tour. Will you do the same?”

Alan Whitt

Now we move onto question No. 4:

We’re price-checking at least four or five agencies and online brokers. We’ll book with whichever offers the best quote. Will you send us your best price?

Well … no.

You won’t be booking with Allure Quest Travel Experience. We’re loyal to our clients and we expect the same in return.

If you book a trip with us, we won’t even tell your mother about it unless you insist that we do.

We’re discreet, non-judgmental and guarantee to treat you as if you’re our only client. Therefore, we don’t really like to deal with people when we’re not their only travel agent.

Even if you’re traveling some place you shouldn’t be … with someone you shouldn’t be with … that’s your business and no one will pry those details from these lips.

As I said, we’re loyal. And because of that we save our best rates for those loyal to us. That’s why we get repeat business and continue to grow in stature and success. That’s how we learn our clients and keep their preferences on record for future use.

We give our clients a quality product for a fair price. But if price is the only criteria you’re concerned with, then you’re certainly welcome to book your trip with an online agency where the person handling your account may be working from a desk halfway around the world.

Maybe he’s a part-time employee, maybe not. Maybe he started last week, maybe he didn’t. Maybe he’s reading from a script, maybe he isn’t.

Work with Allure Quest Travel Experience, and not only are you certain that we’re experienced, but you’ll know that we’re regularly attending workshops, seminars and conferences to learn about new and existing products that may be of interest to our valued clients.

And we look forward to visiting resorts and cruise ships so that we can confidently give you our informed analysis of what our clients will experience.

The truth is that most cruise lines don’t even allow rate discounting. Try that and you’ll never sell another cabin with them. They realize that discounting devalues their product, and says that the discounter believe their product isn’t worth the price.

Someone walks into your business and says your product isn’t worth what you’re charging … even though thousands (or millions) of people are buying it. I think you’ll show him the door.

That’s why we won’t participate in a price-checking contest with other agencies.

Saying that may cost us a little business here or there.

But we’re better than that … and proud of it. Our loyal customers understand.

I believe it’s called integrity.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

You’re purchasing our reputation along with our vacation products

Posted on by alanwhitt

Last week I began answering a series of customer questions as to the benefit of using a travel agent, in an effort to assure everyone that we’re still in business and will continue to be.

The last question was “Why should I book now? What happens if the price goes down later?

Alan Whitt

Now we move on to Question No. 3:

I’d like to book with you, but a website is offering a $5 rebate on any tour. Will you do the same?

My mother always told me that nothing in life is free. However, that won’t prevent people from trying to get anything at rock bottom prices or for absolutely nothing.

The quick answer to this question is … a simple no. But the answer is actually a bit more complex than that.

You’re hospitalized awaiting a complex surgery that could save your life. You’ve got the No. 1 surgeon in that field scheduled to perform the procedure when another physician offers to perform the surgery for 30 percent less.

Would you take that deal?

I didn’t think so. You’re definitely going to go with the best professional because your life is worth every penny.

Can’t the same be said about your vacation?

You’re taking a chance when you use a rebater. Some tour companies have gone to court to prevent rebating … while many cruise lines will ban agencies from future bookings if they reduce the price of their cruises.

The assumption is that a rebater offering the trip for less says that the trip isn’t worth what the tour operator or cruise line has priced it for. If something goes wrong while you’re on your trip, don’t expect a sympathetic ear from the tour company or cruise line.

Of course, Allure Quest Travel Experience also has price protection for you anyway. So if you discover a cheaper fare than what we can provide just bring it to our attention, we’ll alert the tour operator and if the price is legitimate we will match it.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Savings, quality are two biggest reasons to book a vacation early

Posted on by alanwhitt

On Thursday I began a series answering questions as to the benefit of using a travel agent to assure everyone that we’re still in business and will continue to be.

Yesterday’s question was “Why should I use your services when I can book directly?”

Alan Whitt

Now we move on to Question No. 2.

Why should I book now? What happens if the price goes down later?

It’s Spring break in Nashville, and I’m already working on getting people excited about their vacation and getaway plans for 2013. Even when I was just a vacationer and not a travel specialist, I always mapped out my plans well in advance.

I made sure I submitted my vacation dates in plenty of time to insure that I could get the time off that I needed. Once you know you have the time , you can better prepare for your vacation months ahead of time.

Now let’s make this clear. You will always get the lowest price available at the time when booking with Allure Quest Travel Experience.

Part of our responsibility is to monitor pricing so that if there is a reduction we can get it adjusted for you.

If you book it yourself, then you’re responsible for frequently checking pricing, and then contacting the vendor yourself, and then navigating through the appropriate paperwork to fill out and get the reduction. Do you have time to do that? Is it worth your time?

Booking early is always the best way to go. That way you get the cabin, the tour and the dates that you want. Wait and you’re likely picking over what’s left.

Tour operators and cruise lines operate like any other business. They need to fill as close to capacity as possible, the sooner the better so that they have better control over their bottom line. That means they usually reward those who book early, and penalize those who book late. Last thing a cruise line wants to do is cut pricing for someone who has already booked and paid, so they start out at the lowest rate possible.

Rarely will you see a price cut on the best ships or itineraries. If you choose to sit back in anticipation of price slashing you’ll usually end up paying more for less desirable accommodations.

In April 2011 I reserved group space on Allure of the Seas for a May 27, 2012 sailing. At the time I secured balcony cabins for $1,245 per person. Book that same cabin today and it runs $2,035 – a difference of $787 per person.

You can still get on Allure of the Seas for that sailing for $1,245, but that would be for an inside cabin. You do the math: A balcony for $1,245 … or a windowless inside cabin for the same price.

And last, we have a reputation to uphold. That’s why we only use reputable vendors and not the bargain suppliers who pop up on the Internet with fluctuating prices seemingly by the week. With Allure Quest Travel Experience, our suppliers also want you to get the lowest price possible, which allows us to guarantee price protection.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.

Rumors of our demise not only exaggerated, but blatantly untrue

Posted on by alanwhitt

I had to check my pulse the other day to make sure I’m still alive.

Seems lots of people think travel agents are dead … or that last rites are right around the corner.

Alan Whitt

But I assure you that blood still runs through my veins, my heart still beats and contrary to a few bozos who shall go nameless, I’m not brain dead.

The travel business ain’t what it used to be, no doubt. But we’ve evolved. Our biggest problem is that people assume we’re out of business, that the Internet has buried us and that they can get better deals elsewhere.

Au contraire!

The Internet has actually enhanced my business. I sell more travel outside of my base home of Nashville than I do in the Music City. Through Facebook, Twitter and my website, I can reach people I never would have otherwise.

I just booked a Soul Train Cruise cabin for two ladies from Virginia, and I’ve got more ready to get onboard from St. Paul, MN; Cleveland; Philadelphia and more.

As long as I’ve got my cell phone and laptop I’m in business.

There is an article in Travel Weekly, a travel industry publication for professionals, that asks tough questions from clients but provide tougher answers.

So for the next several days I’m going to touch on some of those questions and hopefully provide answers.

Question No. 1:

Why should I use your services when I can book directly?

People actually believe that by booking direct they’re saving money. But you need to know that the commission is built into any fare and someone is going to get it.

The difference in booking with us is service … and an ear. My job is to be there throughout the process, even while you’re on the trip and after you return. I spend hours learning this business, networking and building relationships with vendors around the world … with serving you in mind.

As I grow in knowledge, you benefit through my expertise and connections.

An Internet site or some guy on the phone is trying to sell you that one trip. My goal is to build a trusting relationship to cement you as a long-term customer.

As I learn you, I develop a feel for your wants and desires, and I’m constantly looking out for them … even as you sleep at night.

Service still matters … at least it does at Allure Quest Travel Experience.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, videos and the latest travel news.