Stephanie The Travel Agent Next Door: group travel

Showing posts with label group travel. Show all posts

Sunday, 7 July 2019

New York City Bucket List Challenge

So today's bucket list challenge is NY city. I am hoping to personally be able to check off some of these items on my group trip to NY City November 8th to November 10th 2019. The bus leaves at 7:00 am from Morrisburg, Ontario. If you want to join us there are still 20 spots left on the bus. Price depends on how many people you share your room with. For more details check out my facebook event page https://www.facebook.com/events/805646906455883/

So first up on this amazing list is the Statue of Liberty. I think everyone has pretty much seen pictures pictures of her and heard her story. The Statue of Liberty (Liberty Enlightening the World; French: La Liberté éclairant le monde) is a colossal neoclassical sculpture on Liberty Island in New York Harbor in New York, in the United States. The copper statue, a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and its metal framework was built by Gustave Eiffel. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Number two on the list is the empire state building. The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and completed in 1931. The building has a roof height of 1,250 feet and stands a total of 1,454 feet tall, including its antenna. Number three is eat a rainbow bagel. Apparently this is a big thing The bagel store in Brooklyn is the original store. Rainbow bagels are bagels that have been swirled with vibrant colors that don't bleed or fade and taste a lot like Fruit Loops and are usually stuffed with Funfetti cream cheese. If you want one, you have to call the day before to reserve one. Number four is the American Museum of Natural History. The American Museum of Natural History occupies more than 186,000 square meters (2,000,000 square feet). It is one of the largest museums in the world. The museum complex comprises 28 interconnected buildings housing 45 permanent exhibition halls, in addition to a planetarium and a library. I am thinking this may be meant for a longer visit than a weekend.

Number five is the Guggenheim Museum. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, often referred to as The Guggenheim, is an art museum New York City. The museum located at 1071 Fifth Avenue on the corner of East 89th Street in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Manhattan. It adopted its current name after the death of its founder, Solomon R. Guggenheim, in 1952. Number six is the Rockefeller center. This is where you will find the Rock Observatory, Radio City Hall, Hosts the annual Christmas Tree. Immortalized in countless films and television shows, ice skating at Rockefeller Center is the quintessential New York City holiday activity. The rink is open from mid-October to mid-March, but there’s nothing like skating beneath the historic Rockfeller Center Christmas tree in December. More than half a million visitors flock to the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink each year, both to skate and to be spectators. Which means we will have a chance to skate if we want.Number seven is the Metropolitan Museum of Art.With 17 curatorial departments, 2.2 million square feet, and more than 2 million works in its permanent collections, the Metropolitan Museum of Art—colloquially known as the Met—contains more treasures than most visitors will ever be able to see in a lifetime.

Number eight is the famous Maidson Square Garden. It’s almost a certainty that if you ask anyone around the world with even slightest knowledge of pop culture, they will have at least heard of Madison Square Garden. The venue is not only one of New York City’s most famous attractions, but widely regarded as one of the most memorable arenas in the world.Number nine is the Central Park zoo. Located in NYC's most famous park, the Central Park Zoo is a small, inexpensive zoo featuring exotic animals and an indoor rainforest exhibit. Open 365 days a year, the New York Zoo Central Park is a family-friendly NYC attraction that your kids will love. Number ten is the 9/11 Memorial. Encompassing 110,000 square feet of space, the 9/11 Memorial Museum—which honors the victims of terrorist attacks on both September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993— cost $700 million to build. The funds were through private and public donations. I will definitely be fitting this in as well, I remember so vividly the details from September 11th.

Number eleven St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue in New York is the largest Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedralin the United States.I can remember throughout school trips being dragged to churches in the end I live exploring different religions and religious monuments and I am so thankful for it today. Not sure if I will get in put sure I am likely to drive past this trip. Number twelve is Washington Square Park. Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village is a wonderful respite from the city with is magnificent arch and public spaces. But all around it, secrets abound in the history of how it came to be. I will leave you to discover those on your own. Number 13 is Central Park. Central Park was the first public landscaped park in all of the United States. The Park takes up roughly 843 acres of land, which is roughly 16 billion New York apartments. Not sure how much I will see but the zoo is the most important for me this trip.

Number fourteen is the Apollo Theater. The Apollo Theater is one of Manhattan's most iconic theaters, and its contributions to African-American culture are significant. I am realizing now that I may have to do NY City group trips every two years so we can all get a chance to check off so many of these places off this bucket list because 2 nights and a full day are just not going to cut it. Number fifteen is Times Square. Originally called Longacre Square, Times Square takes its name from the New York Times headquarters, which moved to One Times Square in 1904. 2. One Times Square is now mostly empty, but it holds the New Year's Eve ball and a wall of billboards that generate over $23 million per year. Number is sixteen is the high line. The High Line is a 2.33 km (1.45 miles) -long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. The High Line is one of New York City's most popular and distinctive parks. Number seventeen is Coney Island. Definitely not enough time for a trip and not in November but we will be back. Coney Island started out as a seaside resort it now sees a million visitors a day.

Number eighteen is the new york public library. The New York Public Library's flagship building, now known as the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, was built on the site of the City's Croton Reservoir at 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue. I am taking a few book dragon's (worms) with me and we may have to fit this in with a few bookstores also. Number nineteen is the Chelsea Market. Chelsea Market is a food hall, shopping mall, office building and television production facility located in the Chelsea neighborhood of the borough of Manhattan. Number nineteen is see a show on Broadway. We will definitely be seeing one of those on this trip.

Number twenty one is the Brooklyn Bridge was the first steel wire suspension bridge. Number twenty two is Grand Central Station. Whether you are going on a train trip or not it is something to see. Grand Central Terminal still stands as one of New York City’s most beloved landmarks, but its history is also a glorious story of creation, decline, and rebirth — much like the story of New York City itself. Originally built by Cornelius Vanderbilt, Grand Central Terminal opened on February 2nd, 1913 atop a previous version, Grand Central Station (also built by Vanderbilt for his New York Central Railroad). The station replaced an even earlier building, Grand Central Depot, which opened in 1871. Number 23 is MoMA. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is an art museum located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It will be re-opening October 21st just in time for our visit. Last but not least is eat lots of Pizza. Pizza is very important in New York and there are many lists of great places to check out too many to list here. Probably deserves it own blog post.

Once again if this intrigues you join us in New York City November 8th to November 10th!!!

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Friday, 5 July 2019

Harry Potter Travel Bucket List

Bucket list travel. I have discussed this before. There are so many places and things to do in this world that are bucket list worthy so I am going to touch on a few different types in my next few blogs and in my blogs over all. As I have mentioned before I even have a Disney specific bucket list. I have family lists, single lists many many travel related lists.
This is one of my new lists that I wish to attempt and I have a daughter cheering me mine. So after my Game of Thrones Ireland tour next August 2020 I believe I will have a Harry Potter group tour so that we may check off a good potion of this list.

First on this list is Alnwick Castle found in the county of Northumbland. The iconic Alnwick Castle is home to Harry Potter-inspired events, dragon quests and an exciting history. Second on the list The Elephant House is a café on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh, Scotland. The café labels itself as the “birthplace of Harry Potter” since this is one of the cafés where J.K. Rowling would write in the early days of Harry Potter creation. She would walk around Edinburgh with her baby, waiting for her to fall asleep so she could go to a café to write. Third on the list is Leadenhall Market's beautifully covered pathways stood in for Diagon Alley in the first Harry PotterFilm. Hagrid and Harry walk through the market and then enter the Leaky Cauldron Pub through a blue door. Leadenhall Market is in Central London, on the edge of the financial district.
Fourth on the list In the Muggle (or non-magical) world, the iconic house at 4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey is actually located at 12 Picket Post Close, Bracknell, Berkshire—about 40 miles west of London. The sixth item on the list I have posted about before The Glenfinnan Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the West Highland Line in Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire, Scotland. Located at the top of Loch Shiel in the West Highlands of Scotland, the viaduct overlooks the Glenfinnan Monument and the waters of Loch Shiel

Number six Lacock Abbey is the most iconic Harry Potter filming location in Lacock and the interiors were used as the interiors of Hogwarts School for a significant number of scenes in the first two Harry Potter films. More recently, it has also been used in the Fantastic Beasts film: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Number seven Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry came to life via a number of locations across the UK, one of which was the awe-inspiring Durham Cathedral.Durham Cathedral's ancient cloisters doubled as a film location for Hogwarts in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone back in 2001. Number eight is Black Park in England. Many films have been filmed in this location.

Number nine is Czocha Castle in Poland. For Harry Potter fans, a castle in Czocha in south-western Poland has been transformed into a school of wizardry. For four days sorcerers are taking part in live action role plays where they can "tame magical creatures in the forest". Now how cool is this. This one definetly could not be worked into a England/Scotland trip it would have to be separate.
Number ten is The Georgian House Hotel in London. Ever wondered what it’s like to sleep as a wizard? The Wizard Chamber at the Georgian House Hotel will transport you to a world full of magic and marvel. Concealed behind a bookcase door, curious guests can enjoy venturing to the Wizard Chamber on the lower ground floor of our 19th century hotel. Pass through a portrait-lined passageway that is bathed in candle light that casts dancing shadows across the walls.Created to conjure a mysterious and gothic feel, each room features faux castle details such as stained glass windows, stone walls, archways, trunks, cauldrons, four-poster beds hung with velvet curtains and an abundance of other curious artifacts. Wood burning stoves, cauldrons in fireplaces and tapestries complete the look. Nine and ten are making me want to put a trip together sooner what about you.
Number eleven is Balmoral Hotel in Scotland. If you enter the hotel, pass the hall and turn right into the elevator, go to the fifth floor, exit the elevator and walk through the corridor to the right, you will find the door of Room 552 in the corner, decorated with an owl and a small golden sign: The J.K. Rowling Suite. This is where J.K Rowlong finished writing Harry Potter and the deathly Hollows. Number twelve Warner Bros. Studios Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is a public attraction in Leavesden in southeastern England. t is a permanent exhibit offering an authentic behind the scenes glimpse of the Harry Potter films
Number 13 Within the realm of Harry Potter, Loch Shiel can often be seen as background scenery in the films and we believe it shows up at least briefly in all 8 movies. It is also the setting for many of the scenes of the Black Lake (or “Great Lake”) although directors often used several lakes to depict the same location depending on the scene. Number 14 I have actually already visited although back in 1996 long before Harry Potter which is Piccadilly Circus. Continuing with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Piccadilly Circus was a key location in the film when Ron, Hermione, and Harry narrowly avoided being hit by a London bus.

Number 15. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter can of course be found at Universal Studios in Orlando and Hollywood. This has been on my list for some time and of course would be a totally separate vacation package. They have just added a new Hagrid ride this year. I believe they will continue to add to these attractions especially with Fantastic Beasts becoming a franchise.
Number sixteen Platform 9 3/4. In the wizarding world, Harry and his friends get to the platform by dashing through a brick wall between platforms 9 and 10. Meanwhile, in the real King’s Cross, platforms 9 and 10 are separated by tracks, but you can find a platform 9¾ on the wall in the station concourse. You can take pictures or have pictures taken and pick them up and pay next door at the Harry Potter gift shop. Number seventeen is the Bodleian Library. The Hogwarts Restricted Section is actually the Arts End of the medieval Duke Humfrey's Library, the oldest reading room at the Bodleian.
Number eighteen Christ Church College in Oxford, England, was founded in 1546. Its campus has served as architectural inspiration for academic institutions around the world as well for sets for numerous films, including some of the Harry Potter series. Number nineteen Potentially only for the most potty of Potter-heads is Harrow School, the filming location for Professor Flitwick's Classroom in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Number 20 is the London Zoo which is where we see Harry first using his powers allow he does not yet know it when he frees a snake in the snake exhibit. Number twenty one is The Millennium Bridge (a.k.a. ... Potter lovers will know that in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince it is Brockdale Bridge (Not the Millennium Bridge) that is targeted by Death Eaters who are quickly escalating their attacks in the muggle world.Number twenty two moves so you definitely need a plan for visiting this one. Harry Potter: The Exhibition is a traveling exhibition of props, costumes, and other artefacts from the creation of the Harry Potter film series. The exhibition originally opened in April 2009 at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is currently in Valencia until August.
Number twenty three Harry Potter In Glencoe. Filming for the third Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, took place on location in Glencoe in May and June 2003. ... The sets were located so as to take in the fantastic scenery, overlooking the Torren Lochan, and the Signal Rock forest to the rugged hills of the glen. Number twenty four is the Goathland station which serves as the Hogwarts Express stop at Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films. Number twenty five is Seven sisters county park the cliffs are used as back in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Last but not least is Steall Falls also used in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.
So 2021 is when I hope to have the Harry Potter group set up for if you are interested send me a message now and you can be put on my list in the early stages. Also if you know of any locations I may have missed please feel free to comment and tell us about them.

Where you can find me:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor
Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca
Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282
55 York Street, Suite 1003
Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Wednesday, 3 July 2019

Travel to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. It's known for its beaches, resorts and golfing. Its terrain comprises rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Capital city Santo Domingo has Spanish landmarks like the Gothic Catedral Primada de America dating back 5 centuries in its Zona Colonial district.
Until things exploded the last month Dominican Republic travel was very popular among North Americans. I stayed there myself April 2018 for our Annual Conference. I have confidentially sent clients there the last several years since I branched out in what I sell travel wise.With everything in the news today you will have no doubt seen the articles relating to incidents in the Dominican and the travel advisories put out by both Canada and the United States. Travel bookings numbers have gone down and travel cancellations have gone up.

Punta Cana

The first incident many people heard about was the report on Facebook from a couple who traveled to the Majestic Colonial resort and the wife was found beaten in a stairwell. She believes it was a staff member who did and was walking by herself. A police investigation was made. The couple claimed that nothing was being done and took it upon themselves to inform the world. The resorts statement claims that they refused to co-operate with police and their is some indication it may actually have been a domestic dispute and they could not comment further while it was under investigation. So of course it is the classic he says she says situation.

I stayed at this resort myself and I felt very safe there. I did find a few hallways a bit dark but for the most part I was travelling around with other people only once or twice on my own in the evening. I leave in the country not a city and I do not really walk alone at night out here either even though are crime rates are very low. I just do not do it as a women and I do not encourage my daughters to do it either. For me this is common sense no matter where you may be.

After this made waves there were reports of 3 deaths said to both have come from the same resort. The first a woman who had collapsed and dies in her room shortly after arrival and apparently after having something to drink from her mini bar. The second a couple is found dead in their room after they miss their checkout and it is confirmed they had, had drinks from the minibar. First they actually occurred at two different Bahia Principe Resorts of which there are a dozen spread across the Dominican. Second there official cause of death have yet to be released by the police so at the moment everything is still speculation on everyone's side. In the case of the lady her family assumes her death is related to a know heart condition. The couples death is being blamed on tainted alcohol by their family. The US government has now reported their are more deaths of Americans that need to be investigated.

While I do not know the full facts I am also not going to jump to any conclusions. Again these things can happen anywhere you travel and right at home. I am not saying not to travel or to travel I am simply suggesting you make an informed decision and do your own research when it comes to these things.

At the moment this is what is says about travel to the Dominican Republic on the Canadian Government website. Exercise a high degree of caution in the Dominican Republic due to a high crime rate.

They are not telling you not to travel they are simply telling you to take precautions and to be safe.

If you are price cautious this may actually be a good time to travel as with the drop in travel prices my actual work in your favour. If you have any questions or concerns about travel to the Dominican Republic please contact me and I will be happy to help.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7
Office Phone 416-367-8264 ext 2625
Direct Phone 613-543-3006

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Monday, 17 June 2019

River Cruise with AMA Waterways

I have done a number of blog posts on Ocean Cruises. Probably because I have taken three in a short period of time and have another two booked already. I will have done five cruises in just shy of three years. Yes I will continue to do them. One there are still many places I have not visited and two I want to experience as many cruise lines as possibly and I will only have 3 under my belt when I am done.
However today's blog post is about another type of cruising. River cruising. River cruising of course if a totally different experience. You are often in the heart of the cities and countryside of countries. You watch castles in the background and you float by. You get off the ship and you are right in the heart of things and ready to explore, where as sometimes on Ocean cruises you can be on a bus for an hour or more before you even get to the city and start a tour. You can also spend one to two days at sea with noting to see but water. River cruises let you get up close and personal with your destination. You unpack once and enjoy a new experience everyday.
One of my favourite River Cruise companies is Ama Waterways. They are family owned and operated and have been around since 2002. They also happen to be partners with Adventures by Disney allowing families to experience River cruises. Here are pictures of three of their ships.

Ama Dara

Ama Kristina

Ama Magna

They have nineteen ships that operate in Europe, two ships in Portugal, one ship in Africa and one ship in Vietnam/Cambodia. A total of twenty-three ships.

Ama realizes that their guests have different tastes, so they’ve developed a menu of shore excursions in every port of call. In many destinations, you’ll be free to choose from one of several options — all of which are included in your cruise fare. There’s always a city tour designed to show you all the renowned highlights and landmarks in grand capitals and charming villages alike. Is it your first time in Vienna? Opt for an unforgettable exploration of the major sights led by a local, English-speaking guide that is well versed in history and culture. Have you already been to Nuremberg? Instead of taking the city tour, indulge in a bratwurst and beer tasting on one of our Special Interest Tours, which are specially designed to place you in the midst of local life. Are you looking for something more active? See the beautiful scenery of Austria’s Wachau Valley with a guided bike tour along the Danube. The choice is yours. To me this is another big plus as you can spend a thousand or more on excursions on ocean cruises especially if you are travelling as a family.

There are more ways to relax. With fewer guests on board, they are able to offer an array of amenities on their award-winning ships. When you’re not off exploring another stunning destination, take some time to unwind, relax and rejuvenate with the pools, massage services and more They also have fitness centres and hair salons on board.

They offer all kinds of different cruise types. They have cruises that explore the Christmas markets, Wine cruises, god cruises, tulips in Holland cruises. They offer a low single supplement for the solo traveller. They have something for everyone.

winery in bordeaux

tulips in Holland

My Instagram and Facebook features the above pictures this month and offers selection of river cruises available in 2020 that have free airfare to Europe included. They always have some amazing promotions available and it is so easy to put a group together. Belong to a wine club put together a wine tour. Golfing partners set up a golf cruise and have the opportunity to golf in Europe with like minded people. Family reunion want to do something different than just meeting for a bbq afternoon and going your separate ways and seeing each occasionally at funerals and weddings why not spend a week reconnecting and still having time to explore and do thing on your own if you want. My bucket list river cruise is actually to go to Europe and experience the Christmas markets. You get to experience them in Switzerland and Germany and have such a great time,

Cologne Germany

So do you have a group or club or family and friends that you would like to travel with. Reach out to me and we can set up an amazing river cruise group that suits everyone's needs. Also take a moment and leave a comment about where you would pick to go for a river cruise?

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Sunday, 9 June 2019

New Adventures by Disney

I have talked about Adventures by Disney before but they have released a few new itineraries for 2020 and they also have a promotion that if you book early you can save up to $500 per customer depending on itinerary and dates chosen. You must book by July 13th. So if you are thinking on doing an Adventures by Disney with your family in 2020 now is a good time to think about booking. I am here to hep you chose the itinerary that works best for you and your family, help you book it, still here to answer any questions or concerns and to make sure you are prepared when you head out. I am here while you are away should the need arise for you to contact me and I will be around when you get back home to make sure you had an amazing experience.
New Experience number one is a ten day vacation in Egypt. Take an epic Adventures by Disney vacation to Egypt, where you’ll marvel at the gilded treasures of King Tutankhamun and the Great Pyramids at Giza, explore the sprawling capital of Cairo, visit magnificent destinations along the Nile River and bask on the beaches at Sharm El Sheikh along the Red Sea. You’ll be awed by the storied history of the people, places and cultures of this ancient country. This trip includes 25 meals 9, breakfasts and 8 lunches and 8 dinners. With all Adventures by Disney you will have 2 Adventure guides, outstanding accommodations, admission fees to attractions and performances included in your price, vip access and events and cultural experiences with local experts. Some of the highlights from this trip are pyramids at Giza, valley of the kings, Grand Egyptian museum with an Egyptologist.

Another new Adventure for 2020 is Montana. It is a 7 day trip. Journey to Montana and Yellowstone National Park where you’ll witness the spectacular beauty and awe-inspiring natural wonders of the Old West. Stay at a rustic dude ranch and go glamping under the stars. Feel yourself come alive on this active Adventures by Disney vacation that features horseback riding, fly fishing and more in the great outdoors! Some of the highlights include Old Faithful Geyser, Stagecoach adventure and the mammoth hot spring terraces.

Adventures by Disney has also added a few new short escapes 2 to 5 days in Amsterdam, Paris and Budapest. The escapes are great to add on to existing vacations or a really quick getaway.

If Disney Adventures is for you please contact me and we can book your families next Adventure.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Monday, 3 June 2019

Once Again Travel Agents are not a Dying Bread

So you meet someone for the first time and most often the question you get asked is what do you do for a living? Of course I answer that I am a travel designer or a travel agent. The minute it is out of my mouth the other person is responding really, I didn't think they existed any more doesn't everybody just book online?
The quick answer is that yes people book online but the longer answer is that many people do a lot of the actual research of where it is they want to go and what it is the want to see and do and they do it online but when it comes to actually book they reach out to a travel designer/agent to discuss what they have learned and what it is they want to do and have an expert do the actual booking to make sure there are no mistakes and they are getting exactly what they want.
I spent the last six years learning travel inside out. Different places to travel, different types of travel and what suite some people better. I have have taken specialists designations from different countries and suppliers. I successfully completed my CTA certification and will be shortly writing the exam for my CTC certification and I continue to take more specialization courses as well. I have been travelling with friends, family and colleagues to learn in person about products and destinations all so I can serve my clients better.

I also have chosen a niche market, an area in which I will specialize so I can provide my clients with the best travel advice possible. My niche/specialization is two fold. First I cater to the family market especially the multi generational family. Part of the reason is I am a mother of four and I travel with my children and often have my mother with us as well. I always have to keep in mind places and activities that will keep a ten year old happy and a sixty nine year old. I am great at helping with the larger than average family also. My second area of specialization is group travel putting together groups is really just one big huge family. I have a bus trip to NY City scheduled for November 2019 leaving from Morrisburg and this is hopefully the first of many travel opportunities. Have a wine club, book club hockey clubs want to travel together. Take a cruise, go to an all inclusive. See an area where a tv show was filmed then let me help you get that group off the ground.

One of the biggest questions I get asked of course is how do I get paid? People are worried my services will cost a fortune. Thankfully you do not have to pay me a penny. I receive commission from the suppliers for my services. However I do not get paid until you book and travel. Which means that if you do contact me for quotes and ideas and I do extensive work if you turn around and book elsewhere I make nothing. So please be conscious of the fact that Travel agents are working even if you are not the one paying them and that you need to book with them if you are using their service (knowledge) to make your vacation dream a reality. Trust me we do understand when things happen loss of job, more expensive than you thought, someone dies and you can not travel.
Travel agents often can add extra touches to your vacation that you will not get when booking online also. We can provide you with an experience that you may not have noticed or found that makes that great vacation an amazing vacation so please do not hesitate to reach out.
Last but not least Travel Agents help you from making costly mistakes. Just like any profession we here of the horror stories. 90% of cruises are what we call closed loop which means they start and end in the same port. However about 10% of them start in one port and end in another port. I have heard where clients booked a cruise and their air own their own. They book their air to and from Miami only to find that their cruise that started in Miami is actually ending in San Juan, Puerto Rico. You are now struggling at an airport or on the phone trying to get help to get your flights changed and without costing you a fortune. These are the things that Travel agents make sure they do not happen.
Airports and airport codes are another confusing aspect of travel. Dozen of cases have been reported of people ending up in Sydney, Nova Scotia instead of Sydney, Australia people think they are getting a deal and never realize that hey they are in the wrong country completely until it is too late. A couple from Birmingham, UK booked a Caribbean vacation so happy with the deal they got. Get to the airport to head out when they discover they had booked from Birmingham, Alabama and that is why the price was so low.
Also if your flight is cancelled for whatever reason I usually have a 24 hour number you can call for rebooking or you can always contact me. Can you contact an online booking engine if something happens while you are on vacation and you need assistance probably not. So why not support the small business owner such as myself who is supporting a family.
So as I have said we are not a dying breed if anything we are more in demand for those people who do not have the time to research and track things down and for those who do but want to make sure they book everything just right with no mistakes.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

TICO 50021282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Friday, 24 May 2019

Ibersotar Playa Mita 2

Ibersotar Playa Mita has a children's pool a splash pad and it is right beside the Star Camp children's activity program. Now I thought I had pictures of this area but apparently I did a facebook live post but did not take pictures afterwards. That is what happens when you get all worked up over a video.
Beside the adult pool they have a bar and a snack shack and lots of area with shade. I will admit that on Saturday I may have sat beside the pool for a bit and read a book and had a few drinks. I do like reading a good book while I am travelling. I did not get into the pool or the beach. I just did not have the energy for it. The week was just so exhausting with learning and socializing.

Got a bit of a burn even with sunscreen applied twice

Great Book

Awesome drink a mango tango

Small secret about myself I do not drink a lot and am not good with picking drinks. So I tend to ask people for help and go by colours. I had some nice green drinks at our pool party the Friday afternoon and then that night at our gala I was drinking blue. Other than the white wine this is how I ordered my drinks. At home I often have Cesear's but they just do not happen in the states or mexico. Bloody Mary's are not the same just saying.

The Green drinks

Hanging out at the pool party!! (may have been some wind)

Our food at gala night was also a delight and I tried some new things and had a great time while some of my fellow agents were awarded for their success including my "boss" / "agency owner" Steph Switzer. It is great being able to work on such a great team and with so many great people. This conference themed More U and it was about taking time for ourselves so that we can better serve/meet our customers needs and finding a family/work/you life balance.

Appetizer Seared Ahi Tuna

Soup: Poblano Chile Cream Soup With sweet corn and smut chips

Main Course: Braided Beef over dauphanoise potato, vegetable bouquet

Mocha cake

I was very impressed with the food I ate at the resort and the resort over all. There is lots to keep a family entertained and nearby towns Sayulita & Puerto Vallarta can be visited. There are lots of great winter specials on right now and a few Fall deals so definitely a good resort to take a look at if you are looking to go somewhere new and all inclusive.

Where you can find me:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/stephaniethetravelagentnextdoor

Website: http://www.exclusivetoyoutravel.ca

Email: slough@exclusivetoyoutravel.com

TICO 500212282

55 York Street, Suite 1003

Toronto, On M5J 1R7

Please keep in mind that while my head office is in Toronto. I am a home based travel agent and I live in South Dundas and I can service clients anywhere in Canada. But, I meet with clients in the SD&G area

Wednesday, 22 May 2019

Iberostar Playa Mita

This year's conference for the Travel Agent Next Door was held just outside of Puerto Vallarta at the Iberostar Playa Mita Resort. Being on the other side of Mexico it was closer for our West Coast Agent's for a change. Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos are actually becoming more popular for the East Coast as well as Ontario and Quebec visitors.
Amid the beauty of the tropical coast and excitement of All-Inclusive features, guests will discover a paradise at Iberostar Selection Playa Mita that is designed to make all those vacation dreams a reality. The combination of the exquisite waterfront location on the Pacific Coast with Iberostar’s 5-star resort facilities makes this resort nothing short of spectacular. Allow yourself to be introduced to a better way to vacation with your family and friends and experience a variety of activities, entertainment, and dining on the Riviera Nayarit, Mexico.
I was impressed with the property. Most of us had garden view suites or pool view. A few agents did upgrade to the ocean front rooms. I enjoyed where I was as I was closer to the lobby, restaurants and where most of the training was. I did not mind walking the short distance to the pool area, reception terrace or beach.
I shared a room with a fellow agent with two double beds, a nice walk in shower and a decent sized bathroom. The balcony was also a great size. The mini fridge was well stocked and there was a coffee machine in the room.

The couch in our room (easily used as a bed for a child)

Two double beds

Shower and sink

Lots of room for the toilet this year (not a closet)

Welcome fruit plate and bottle of red wine

Later in the week we had this plate delivered to our room also

The Resort has a theater with shows I did not make it to one with all the coktail parties etc.. They also have a disco. They do themes as they did set up the lobby area for a Casino night and a Mexico theme on Cinco do Mayo when we were leaving.

Roulette table

I did take 90% of my meals at the buffet and I was quite happy with the choices offered. Fresh guacamole, how I miss the already. It is just not the same at home. I also ate at the Pacific Express which is the French Restaurant and the Teppanyaki restaurant. I did miss out on the steak house and Mexican restaurant. There is a coffee shop open 24 hours and I was able to enjoy my caramel maachiato. We did have a dinner one night on the reception terrace which was a great buffet and I noticed a wedding reception there later in the week. Our gala evening was held in the ballroom where our sessions during the week were held.

Following Pictures are from the French Restaurant: