Explore Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is a popular vacation destination for families because U.S. citizens are not required to have passports for entry. There you'll feel the taste of the Caribbean with the flair of being in the U. S.

Just a 2-hour drive from San Juan,many Porta del Sol towns are ideal for day-trip destinations and all are perfect for longer stays too. The easiest towns to reach from the north are Isabella, Aguadilla, Aguada, Quebradillas, Rincon and Añasco. There you'll find great surfing, golf, horseback riding or even ice skating. 

The mountain towns of San Sebastian, Moca, Maricao and Las Marias merit an extended visit. Mayaguez, the largest city in the region, has a major University of Puerto Rico campus, casino hotels, and 45-acre Zoo. Cabo Rojo is much visited for its nature reserve, salt flats beaches, picturesque lighthouse, and seafood restaurants.

 On the South, you'll find Ponce, also called "Pearl of the South" and it's the region's largest city (about an hour from San Juan). One of its attractions is Hacienda Buena Vista, here you'll learn about the history of the island's 19th-century coffee and corn processing and hike two special trails along Canas River. Ponce's Historic Firehouse located in Plaza las Delicias. This bright red and black wooden structure houses antique fire equipment and exhibits.

For the Nature Lovers is El Yunque located on the eastern region. El Yunque National Forest towers above a string of fascinating beach towns that line the coast from Maunabo through Yabucoa.  El Yunque is a finalist for the New Seven Wonders of Nature, is one of the oldest nature reserves and the only tropical rainforest in the US Forest System. 

Puerto Rico is a place where you can not just enjoy beautiful beaches, it has so much to offer beyond it's capital, and it's an incredibly easy destination to drive around. And then there's the food. Local eateries can often be very rewarding, and if you're traveling along the coast, the local seafood is simple but tasty. Whether you prefer a vacation to relax, to have fun or even to taste local cuisine, you are going to have a great retreat. 

For more information about Puerto Rico or any of its municipalities, don't hesitate contact me. 

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com 

Cruise for YOU

You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse and children. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.

Here are 10 Reasons* of Why you should take a Cruise:

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9. 

   Mandara Spa Sauna
   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

These are just a few reasons you should give yourself a chance to Cruise if you haven't before. You can even plan your cruise more than a year in advance and pay over time, budget is not a trouble anymore. Give me a call and let me explain the endless chances you have customized to your expectations and beyond.

*Courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line, all Rights Reserved.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

When I should book my Vacation?

This is a question you probably have heard or even have asked yourself. As a Family Travel Specialist is a question I've been asked a lot. I know how hard is to take decision, but there are factors on the specific details of your vacation that can help tremendously to help you choose the best time to book your vacation.

First, I suggest you make a list of the details of your vacation. Actually you should make two different lists, one that includes everything that you want and you're not able to negotiate and other that includes things that might be or you are more flexible.  Let's say you have specific dates for your vacation because your children, who will be traveling with you must be out of school, the date you have chosen should go under the list of things you won't negotiate. When creating the lists you should consider the travel dates, if it's going to be a land or cruise vacation, your hotel preferences, how many people will be traveling and if are kids involved, are there payment options available, etc. Taking some time to plan and analyze all the do’s and don’ts will help you to have a better picture of what exactly you want to do. This way you won’t regret your decision, although this wasn't the outcome of Lisa.

A few months ago, Lisa Daniels* asked me to help her plan a Cruise Getaway to celebrate her 15^th Anniversary.  After a wide search I found her cruise, she was very pleased with the itinerary and the Cruise Length, but instead of booking she decided to wait because she has heard that “closer the departure date the lower the fares”. By the way this wasn't planned 6 months in advance, she was only a month from the sailing date, and I couldn't stress her enough to book her cruise that day, because she was risking losing availability on the Ocean View Cabins she requested (which were only 4 available by that time). So I went directly to my "do list" plan. This way I could show her that celebrate her anniversary on a cruise for the dates indicated was a priority for her and waiting to book would put at risk she could make the trip or not. I also detailed her all the options she had, and the possible outcomes. Happily she made her booking that same day, and reduced her risk of losing it.

There are endless factors that can affect your decision, because each vacation is unique. Let me give you another example; let's say you want to spend New Year's Holiday in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL with your family. One thing I can tell you right away is that these dates are peak season in ANY hotel. I will highly recommend you to book as soon as possible once you have agreed the fares and availability for your family vacation. Another advantage is if you book in advance (3-6 months) Disney Resorts allow you to make a down payment and pay your full balance on a later date or on installments. (This option is also available in cruises; you can even book a cruise 2 years in advance in some cases, which is smoother to your pocket.) If your traveling party is 5 or more, availability is something you need to secure. I have a family of 5, and not always I find room for us, that's why I usually book 6-10 months in advance.

Summarizing, whatever I could recommend you to do, will depend on the factors and/or details of your unique and special vacation. although you should not wait if, in fact, are 100% sure of what you want, and when you want it. Do you need help deciding? Please give me a call, so we can start planning your next vacation and the options available you may have to book now or later.

Leila Reyes, CTA
Travel Expert
L R Travel, LLC

817-554-3346

*Names have been changed for Privacy Purposes. 

9 Myths About Travel Agents

1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same Fact: Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they specialize in. Depending on what type of trip you are looking to take, one travel agent will suit you better than another. That is why it's so important when planning a vacation to find a travel agent that specialized in where you want to go.
2. Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore Fact: Travel Agents still sell 50% of all airline tickets, 85% of all cruises, 70% of all tours and packages, 25% of all car rentals and about 30% of all hotels.*
3. Myth: Travel agents are just glorified sellers of airline tickets and their time has comeand gone. Fact: Travel Agents are professionals who provide value by helping consumers cut through the clutter and save time and money.
4. Myth: The internet will/has replaced the need for Travel Agents. Fact: When it comes to booking travel, Travel Agents are experienced professionals. There are some things technology cannot replicate and personal touch is one of them. The internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent.
5. Myth: Travel Agents are trying to cheat me if they don't quote me the cheapest price Fact: Travel Agents know the ins and outs of different itineraries. While you might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that exact itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches that you unknow. For example; longer waits at the airport, or even more than 2 connecting flights. A travel agent will be looking to get you the best value for the money you spent which should include the most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. (Unless you have told them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented as well expect value to be a factor included in the trip they plan).
6. Myth: Travel Agents are a Waste of time Fact: A Travel Agent can save you hours of painful research and headaches trying to compare everything. They have up-to-date information. Their prior knowledge and experience gives Travel Agents thumbs up in trip/vacation plannign.
7. Myth: Travel Agents don't have information as updated as the internet Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sourses you are. They also receive emails and information with the latest specials that have not yet been published on the internet.
8. Myth: I can easily book the "same" trip on my own without using a Travel Agent Fact: Travel Agents have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are mostly not available to the public. A Travel Agent also has more leverage helping out in situations that may arise like: hotel claiming to be booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are hold for travel agent reservations.
9. Myth: It's more expensive to use a Travel Agent Fact: Not every Travel Agent charges fees, this will depend upon the agent. Good Travel Agents will notify their clients of any additional fees including service fees, up front. Besides, it's important for you to remember that most online booking sites such as Orbiz and Expedia, charge a booking fee as well.

A travel agent will be there for their clients before, during and after their trip, and when the unexpected happens. Working with a Travel Agent will give you peace of mind. If you haven't work with one, give me the chance to help you plan your next Family Vacation.

*Source: 2008 PhoCusWright Travel Agency Distribution Landscape Report

Leila Reyes
Family Travel Specialist
817-554-3346
lrtravel@live.com

Why to choose a Travel Agent?

People always come with the questions, Why to choose a Travel Agent? There are so many myths out there about Travel Agents that concerns me you may still wrongfully informed. I couldn’t agree more with my colleague’s blog: Educated Consumer Vs. Ignorant Cheapskate. One of the things Cricket mention and quote:

There have been any number of discussions on the “travel agent vs. direct booking” topic, and I can usually read them without completely blowing up. I think that people should know the differences in the two, especially because there are many who are new to cruising or think that booking direct with the cruise line is always the best course of action, and it’s good to see how others will choose to express their preferences in that particular debate.

It’s true some Travel Agents have different ways to do business. As a consumer you must be thankful of Travel Agents work and time, we all have a goal and that is making your vacation as easy as possible. We provide a service from the planning stages until you return home, we are on your corner.

In other hand, as travel becomes more and more difficult, unpredictable, and arduous, travelers who moved away from travel agents in favor of self-service internet booking, or never have use one,  are rediscovering the true value of a good travel agent, and returning in droves.

Here are some benefits:

·        Save you time – A Travel Agent can avoid you headaches, they will be the ones calling around and doing all the time consuming search like looking for prices, activities, and flights for your complex itinerary. By now you may know what it is being online searching and comparing prices…can take you forever!

·        Travel Advocate – A Travel Agent can help when things go wrong, a good one is available 24/7 and has the expertise to resolve the problems quickly lifting the burden from the traveler. It’s your vacation isn’t it? You deserve relaxing even during the planning process.

·        Less stress – Even I mentioned in my previous benefit, I can’t stress enough the importance of “distress” you as you plan your vacation. Let the Travel Agent ease that burden and help you while they can, on your behalf.

·        Knowledge and Experience – A Travel Agent are informed on what’s new, good or bad in the market. That is why we are constantly taking seminars, classes, doing physical inspections (hotel, cruises, etc). The more complicated the travel plans, the more probability you’ll be experiencing difficulty to achieve it by yourself.

·        What to wear –Not only a Travel Agent can inform you of the dress code in the different dinning places you’re about to visit, but the weather, the customs in that country as well.

·        What to do and not do - Have you any idea of the social customs are on the place you want to visit?

·        Personal Customer Service – Travel agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience, offering help and advice that a website can’t provide. What can be better than call the same Travel Agent over and over and not having a different one every time you have a question about your trip; that could happen on big Agencies, but not with L R Travel.

Why then having a hard time, or spending many hours trying to find the best vacation for you and your family. I heard once a great quote: 



Give the chance to a Travel Agent to take care of everything while you rest. If you are ready to plan your next family vacation, schedule an appointment here,  I will be more than happy to help you.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com

Our First Stop in my Mediterranean Passage Cruise: Madeira

Madeira, Funchal

Madeira and its little companion island, Porto Santo, were mentioned by the Roman author Plini. He knew about the Fortunate Isles, which are what the Romans called the Canaries and the described, his mysterious “Purple Islands” as being about the right position for Madeira.

Because of the great profusion of trees, the name Madeira (meaning wooded) seemed appropriate. Madeira’s volcanic origins gave it not only great fertility, but also dramatic escarpments and rocky outcroppings. But the density of the forests was seen as an obstacle to farming and settlement, so early colonists began burning clearings along the shoreline. Madeira grew into a semi-tropical paradise known as the “floating garden”.

The early colonists developed a complex irrigation system of water channels called “levadas”, which are still in use. The island’s vintners produce four types of wine, all prized for their age-worthiness and complexity.

Cabo Girao – The world’s second-highest sea cliff plunges over 1500 feet from the top to the waves below.

Funchal is noted for its superb hand-embroidery and wicker ware, both Madeira specialties. The island, of course, is also noted for its superb wines, they are perhaps the world’s most complex and long lasting wines. 

You can visit Funchal by land trip or by cruise. Either way you'll enjoy their cuisine, their culture, their weather, their wines and so much more.

For more information about how to customize your next vacation, ideas or bookings please contact me. I'm here to help you.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346

4 Tips to Avoid Being “Surprised” with your Phone Bill



International travel can be for most of us a dream come true, but what a nightmare at the time our phone bill arrives. There are many international plan options, but personally I consider staying away of “data usage” will help you ease with the cost. In case you can’t separate leisure and work, the following tips will be handy at the time to make a decision:

1.  Call your phone carrier before you travel – All major carriers offer international plan, make sure you understand completely the cost to call back to U.S. while you’re overseas. The difference, if any, between the costs of calling another mobile phone versus calling a landline. The fees for sending and receiving text messages, including media and video messages, the fees for data access. Make sure they explain you in detail especially if you know the places you’re visiting. Depending of the country will be the charge. If you’re going to be on a Cruise Ship, they will charge you a different amount while on land than while on sea.

2.  Use Wi-Fi for calling, messaging, conferencing and accessing the Web – You must turn Off international roaming; and turn On your Wi-Fi connection (check your phone manual for a step by step, sometimes are different screens that need to be selected before finding this application.

3.  In case you’re a business person Take Calls Only from Clients – this is one Rule of Thumbs Up. I know your immediate family will understand if you contact them through emails or Skype. But your clients won’t understand this, I can assure you this is a rule I follow. On my last cruise, my Princess Commodore Cruise, I spent 16 days away from my children, but at the same time I was working with 2 Group Cruises. Selecting wisely which calls I had to answer, my phone usage turned into profits instead of loses.

4.  Consider using smartphone calling apps – This can be a saving since it uses low-cost Wi-Fi connections, Skype mobile for example charges an average of $.30 per minute for a call in Italy; a difference from Att rate which was $.99 per minute.

Master this steps and you may stand a good chance of coming back from your overseas trip with some new business and without a whopping cellphone bill. I hope this tips help you spend your money wisely. If you are planning to travel overseas or locally, please let me help you customize your next trip.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com          

817-554-3346

What is a Tour Conductor?

What is a Tour Conductor? Well this is a term used in the travel industry, which can give you the opportunity to earn great incentives. What would you say if I tell you that with L R Travel you can cruise for a low rate or even free? Is it hard to believe? Maybe for your surprise, but yes it is possible and is not as hard as you may be thinking.

It could be as simple as a family reunion you have been planning for so long, bring enough people and L R Travel will incentive you for your effort. Anyone that is a member of an organization, a club or even a team can take advantage of it too; if you are interested to become a Tour Conductor you must meet the following requirements.

First, as I mentioned before you must gather enough people, which constitutes a group. Most cruise lines require a minimum of 8 staterooms or 16 adult full fare guests occupying them.

Second, the more, the better. The incentive will depend on the group size, duration of the trip, the destination and other factors may apply. For example, if your group consists of 32 adult Full-Fare (16 staterooms), and of those staterooms the average of most booked were inside staterooms you’ll get an equivalent stateroom as your incentive. Which in plain English means you’re cruising for free with a companion.*

Related Topic: Form a Group Cruise  and Sail for Free

Third, a group has the advantage of better fares than individual bookings and enjoy of many amenities like for example: a bottle of wine or champagne per stateroom, strawberries covered with chocolate per stateroom, group reception or even onboard credit. It’s very important for these amenities to take place the minimum of 8 staterooms requirement must be met.

Once you have established a committed group, L R Travel will do the rest and that include making bookings, tracking payments, following up with all guests, and setting up their onboard activities and shore excursions.

If you have a group looking for a memorable vacation or want more information of what L R Travel can offer you as Tour Conductor, give me a call or contact me via email. Let me help you customize your next Cruise Vacation.

Leila Reyes

Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com       

817.554.3346

*Taxes and gratuities are not included.

Exploring Barcelona: 5 Things Not To Miss When Visiting This City

Every year Barcelona is visited by millions of tourists, coming from all parts of the world. With hundreds of good quality Barcelona holiday apartments  it´s one of the most popular destinations for youngsters, couples and families who all can choose from dozens of attractions in and around Barcelona. Because of the attractions galore in this city I´ve selected five of the best attractions in Barcelona you definitely should not miss when visiting this great city.

La Sagrada Familia

Construction of this unique church began in the late 1880´s and is still continuing at this moment. It is designed by the famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, who even is buried in the Sagrada Familia. For only 2.50 Euros you could enter the 300 ft tall towers and enjoy a panoramic view over the city, the mountains and the Mediterranean.

Camp Nou Stadium

Not only for soccer passionates this stadium and its surroundings provide a great day for the whole family. Camp Nou stadium is with its 98,600 seats one of the biggest stadiums in the world and definitely the biggest stadium in Europe. When entering the pitch and hearing the chants played through the speakers you´ll understand why people call FC Barcelona ´més que un club´ (more than a club). Also note the little chapel where the players could say a little prayer before entering the pitch. A real must see!

La Xampanyeria (Can Paixano)

This hidden secret is the place for cava (Spanish champagne) lovers. In here you could order bottles of cava for only 3 Euros each. In La Xampanyeria you could taste the real Catalan atmosphere and therefore this tiny bar is also very popular with Catalans. If you´re considering a visit, avoid the weekend as it can be really crowdy with long queues forming in front of the entrance.

Park Güell

Also designed by Gaudí this futuristic park landscape is some kind of a wallet friendly alternative if compared to the previous attractions as it is totally free. The park is popular with both tourists and city dwellers bringing along wine, food and friends and having a  pick-nick with marvellous views overlooking the city. Make sure you visit Park Güell by bus instead of the metro. This will save you a calve killing uphill ´climb´.

Barceloneta Beach

The Costa Brava is home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Spain. In Barcelona you also could find some great beaches ideal to spend some time at with the kids. About the second half of May temperatures are mostly about 25 degrees Celsius (77º Fahrenheit) or higher which make the beach a perfect option to get yourself some good tan without getting uncomfortably overheated.

This article was written by Thomas Carter, a writer for Apartime provider of vacation rentals Barcelona.

Top 3 reasons Cruising is the Perfect Family Vacation

Cruising is the perfect Family Vacation. Reason #1 No matter the family size there will be an activity for each family member. Don't you agree? Cruise Lines have improve with the years the activities and amenities for every taste and I haven't mentioned any shore excursion yet. From the youngest to the oldest you'll find a complete list of activities that will give you the most of your Family Vacation.

Another Reason (#2) I really like this kind of Family Vacation is because of the fun I had with my kids...at the pool. I have to admit I don't always have the opportunity to "do things WITH them", I'm usually on the "watching over them" mode, especially with my 2 yr old son. Also, having dinner together as a family was awesome. Daily schedules can be very tight this days, and for me it don't allow us being "together", everyone get to eat when they can, specially the youngests.

Having an "adult only" indulgent is almost mission impossible, my husband and I usually have to take turns (who's going to watch the kids you or me, you get the picture). On a cruise, we can have this "adult only" time together, while the kids are enjoying their respective activities, well supervised by the cruise personnel, and most important they are with kids of same age.

One more reason #3 I like a Cruise Family Vacation is because we have the opportunity to visit several countries in a short period of time. What a great experience for children to have the chance to enjoy different cultures, and places they will never forget (even more exciting than History 101). I wish you have this same or even better experience. I can help you plan your next Family Cruise Vacation, you are just a call away.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346

This could be your next Family Vacation!

Is not impossible for you to have this "kind" of vacation.

Disney Cruise you said? That's for Kids...

I have heard this statement more frequent that you can imagine. Disney Cruise it's just for kids...WRONG! When we talk about Family Vacation, we expect that every member get the most of it and have a blast as family and as individuals.

Allow me transport you to one of the newest realities of Disney Cruises...The Disney Dream.  Even the name can give you a hint of what is all about and I know, for sure, once you experienced what's in it, you'll realize it was above and beyond what you have ever dreamed.

On Disney's Dream Cruise you'll find the Adults area called The District.  The District is a section of the ship that caters to adults in the evening, and is home to a variety of distinct lounges and nightclubs, including Evolution, District Lounge, 687, Pink and Skyline. All venues in The District intertwine, with each venue possessing its own totally unique look, sound and feel, providing adults a range of fun options that play to all senses. Here is a brief description of each one:

• 687 is a contemporary sports lounge located on Deck 4, Aft in The District area. During the day, 687 provides family games and activities in a comfortable, casual setting; after 9:00 p.m., the venue transforms into a refuge for adults seeking more grown-up activities and games to enjoy over a beer, wine or mixed drinks.
• Evolution is a trendy dance club and the premier venue for grown-up fun. This glowing, pulsating club plays contemporary hits and classic favorites. During the day, Evolution provides dance classes, bingo, and arts and crafts. At night, Evolution caters to adults only, offering dancing, games, karaoke and a full bar serving mixed drinks.
• District Lounge This bar's cozy modern design conveys a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable, contoured seating that creates a gathering space for adults, as well as the perfect place to kick off the night's entertainment before moving on to explore the other venues in The District. A special feature of the District Lounge is its "halo" lighting overhead that provides a warm ambiance and its ceiling dome that imparts a soft glow and sets the mood, changing in hue and intensity as day gives way to night.
• Pink is a chic cocktail bar.  Inspired by France's finest Champagne, the entire venue makes Guests feel as though they are immersed in a bottle of pink effervescence.  Designed in French Art Nouveau, a style characterized by flowing curvilinear shapes, Pink's decor features back-lit glass "bubbles" inset into the walls to create an effect of cascading Champagne.  Sculpted-glass light fixtures are reminiscent of Champagne flutes. The bar stools appear as if made from sparkling crystal and the detailing along the front of the bar resembles the wire cage surrounding a Champagne bottle top.
• Skyline is a stunning cocktail bar. This ever-changing venue celebrates some of the world's most famous cities. Tall "windows" line a wall that offer Guests a commanding view of some of the world's most beautiful city skylines as if from a vantage atop a high rise. The chic setting is "metropolitan sky bar meets luxury penthouse," complete with digital fireplace. Warm wood and lustrous metal finishes provide a handsome backdrop to the 7 LCD big screens—Skyline's "windows to the world"—that not only depict a different city locale each day, but magically transform from day to night as each day progresses.



All images © Disney | Walt Disney

Imagineering Concept Art.

There is also a place to indulge yourself in Senses Spa & Salon. The ultimate in peaceful retreats, this immaculate setting offers spa treatments, massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and much more. Salon services include manicures, pedicures, hairstyling and blowouts, plus teeth whitening at the Smile Spa, and a barber shop for traditional men's grooming services.

At Disney Dream Cruise you'll also have the access to the Fitness Center which includes: Weight Machines, Spinning Machines, Treadmills, Elliptical, Instructional Classes (Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics)* and Personal Training Sessions*. *Requires a nominal Fee.

Now, that you have pictured with me all this features,  Do you still believe Disney Cruise is for kids? Let me help you customize your next Family Vacation in a Disney Cruise. Contact me via phone or email so we can start planning the Family Vacation you have dreamed for so long.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346



Knowing the details of your Dreamed Family Vacation...

How do you know me so well? Do I? This is one of the questions I love the most. The secret? Nothing fancy, just handy...especially for a "Mompreneur" Travel Professional and Family Vacation Specialist like me. To simplify the way I can approach to each one of you, at the beginning took me a while. I had the desire to have a CRM (Customer Relationship Manager), but didn't want anything too complicated, actually I was looking for the simplest thing I could find. Then I decided to create a client database with the specific information I need that helps me to get to know your very own needs and desires for a specific Family Vacation.

This database is easy to sort, allowing me to use target information like my client's birthdays or anniversary dates. This has helped me to get to know what my clients like, what they dislike, what they wish or dream to do, have or receive. At the end of the day, I have not just earned a new client, but a special friend, because I have offered them (and you) a personalized service and most of all a trustful one.

To be part of my special client database is simple, just give me a call or email me, so we can plan together your next worthy and unforgettable Family Vacation.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist
ltravel@live.com
817-554-3346

Eating Mofongo on my Family Vacation

Puerto Rico is an enchanting island in the Caribbean. Surprising to some, Puerto Rico is territory of the United States. This means that citizens of the United States do NOT need a passport to visit the island. Puerto Rico has become a very popular destination for tourists and cruise ships, perfect for a Family Vacation. Reasons leading to the popularity among tourists include the friendliness of the locals, beautiful beaches and delicious food.

Mofongo with Chicken

Mofongo with Shrimp

A trip to Puerto Rico is not complete if you do not sample some of the local cuisine. Try some fried plantains as an appetizer and the delicious mofongo with your entrée. Puerto Rican cuisine is very similar to Cuban, Spanish, and even Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend (Taino, Spanish, African and American influences) of ingredients like oregano, coriander, garlic, cacao, nispero, apio, plantains and yam.

 

Essentially, mofongo is a dish of mashed plantains stuffed with meat or vegetables. Generally, green plantains, yuca or breadfruit are used and then combined with a variety of other ingredients. Common ingredients include garlic, bits of bacon and olive oil. The mashed plantains are fried and shaped to almost create a bowl like appearance, which is then stuffed with cooked chicken, beef or seafood and vegetables. Do you know that locals call their cuisine "comida criolla".

In other parts of the Caribbean you will find similar dishes, like the Cuban fufu de platano. Several ingredients in the mofongo are consistent with these culinary influences. Yuca was a common part of the Taino cuisine and the use of bacon was introduced into Puerto Rican cooking after discovering its popularity in the United States.

Enjoy your Family Vacation in Puerto Rico!

Leila Reyes

Travel Agent

lrtravel@live.com

A Client Case Study---Family Vacation

Today I want to share an experience I had a few months ago. But before that, I want to talk to you a little about Marcy (this is an assumed name). She's not only a great customer, she has turned to be a good friend. Marcy is the type of clients that cares so much for her family, looking for every detail that could possibly please them and something that allow her, at the same time, spend time with her grandchildren. I met her a few years ago, but we lost communication after I moved out of town. Gladly, we reconnect through Facebook and then was when she shared with me her plans on having a Family Vacation.

It was not easy to get an agreement on what she desired and on what her family was allowable to do, but she knew it was a Cruise Vacation. One of her main concerns was to bring her grandchildren, but she wanted to avoid high season and mostly not jeopardize the children with too many school absences.  I suggested her a 4 or 5 days Caribbean Cruise. I customized the search to her request and  found 4 day Southern Caribbean Cruise, departing Thursday evening and returning on Sunday morning for early February (low season). It was a itinerary, mostly because she wanted to visit that region.  But when everything seemed to be perfect, the violence in their chosen destination increased,  and making everyone had secong guess. She contactedme requesting for another destination and probably other dates. Because our good relationship, I recalled she had told me in past conversations desire to take her family to Walt Disney after their cruise Vacation, and my light bulb went off. After all our ups and downs trying to find her a good cruise, I suggested her a Disney Cruise for the exact dates of her previous booking. That was a perfect match! I ended up booking her a Family Vacation on Disney's Dream Cruise.

Marcy got so excited that she shared her trip plans with everyone she knew and that brought me a total of 5 cabins booked instead of only one. Marcy's story stick out of my memory because I learned how important is to listen to every detail a client has to say. From that date on, I always have a piece of paper in front of me while talk to any client, friend or family member because I'll never know when I'll need that information and how handy can become. For example, when I found out one Marcy's grandson's birthday was on the dates of their Family Cruise Vacation, I ordered a birthday gift for him as part of their amenities. That detail could went off my hands if I wasn't listening at every detail.

I talked with Marcy upon her arrival, she was so satisfied with the outcome of her vacation, when I asked about her grandson she said and I quote "His face was priceless". They loved the kind gesture, most of all the accommodations and shore excursions were beyond their expectations. Now Marcy is planning her 2nd Cruise and this one will be for Summer 2012. If you are planning a Family Vacation, feel free to contact me via email or phone so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

Leila Reyes

Travel Agent

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com

Family Travel Expert, I call that Specialist; Why?

I became a Family Vacation Specialist eight months ago. I am a certified Family Travel Specialist by the Travel Agent Academy. I've been trained not only as Family Travel Specialist, but as Cruise Specialist as well. Currently working on my ACC certification(Accredited Cruise Counselor) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). I'm also a Commodore, the highest achievement earned by Princess Cruises and Cunard Cruises.

I've been in Disney World (a Family Vacation Preferred Destination) four times and this year my family will experience the Disney Cruise for first time. I have taken 3 other cruises, two to the Caribbean and one to Europe.

I provide my clients the most personal and trustful information regarding their pictured or planned vacations. I take every idea and thought as it is for me and my personal family, but keeping in mind what they want and what they expect. Always trying my best to find them the best itineraries and deals on the market that fit with their specifications. Searching and asking to every supplier available, taking my time to achieve and go beyond their expectations.

If you're considering going on a Cruise or planning a Family Vacation, please feel free to contact me via email or phone so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

lrtravel@live.com