Guest Post: South Florida Vacations

By Alexandra Jacobs

If you will be visiting the Florida Keys this spring, you have chosen one of the most beautiful and diverse locations on earth to vacation! From white, warm beaches to historical landmarks, there is plenty to see and do here. Check out these amazing attractions for visitors looking for some fun!

 

Photo by Flickr user heather0714

Places to Visit

• Tropic Cinema. Check out this tropical theater if you’re looking for a place to view the latest new releases. The edifice was founded in 1998 and today hosts independent screenings and film festivals dedicated to the moviemaking industry. They have shown Algerian, Italian, Indian and French films in the theater, as well.

• Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. This is perhaps the most unique attraction in Key West, Florida. Guests are treated to a spectacular view of hundreds of butterflies and their subsequent habitats. It’s a great place to take children or simply browse through the displays of gorgeous insects. There are also a few species of birds that guests can view, as well. The entire conservatory can be viewed in about 30 minutes.

Photo by Flickr user Milan.boers

• Seven Mile Bridge. Keep your eyes open for turtles, fish and sharks! This bridge extends over 7 miles of beautiful blue water. You can spot lots of boaters in the evening and it’s a great place to take a drive if you’re looking for a spot to watch the sun set. The road extends from Marathon to Key West.

• Dolphins Plus. Located in Key Largo, this watery attraction is the perfect spot to bring the children for the day. It features an entire host of aquatic creatures, and of course the star of these water animals is the adorable dolphin. Children 7 and up can swim with the dolphins. It is an amazing experience that is not to be missed.

• Captain Hook’s Marina and Dive Center. This is the best place in Marathon, Florida to go diving and enjoy the beauty of the ocean. You can get everything you need for a day on the water: boats, charters for fishing, scuba gear, and so much more. They also offer diving classes with experienced instructors. 

• Harry S. Truman Little White House. The Little White House is the only Presidential museum in Florida, and it exhibits the winter home of America’s 33rd President. You can also find many lovely homes that resemble Hamptons rentals along the beach to overlook!

Photo by tranquilitybay.com Butterfly Cafe

Places to Eat

•  Garbo’s Grill Possibly one of the most popular eateries in Key West, this dining venue is both a tourist and local favorite. Don’t let the fact that the restaurant is encased in a transportable cart dissuade you from eating there. Their fish tacos are one of their most popular dishes. They also serve great Korean barbeque plates and as traditional Mexican fare.

• Cole’s Peace Artisan Bakery and Sandwich Shop. For traditional Cuban food in addition to old-fashioned pastries and coffee, hit up Cole’s. Their sticky buns and blueberry muffins are especially good. It’s a good place to stop on the way to the beach.

• Butterfly Café. From the presentation of the food to the fantastic name, Butterfly Café is easily the best place in Marathon to eat. The scallops and grouper entrees are simply amazing.

• Old Town Bakery. Easily the most enjoyable place to have breakfast in Key West, check out their cheese Danishes and sticky buns with their signature honey and caramel glaze.

• Paseo Restaurant. This Caribbean-inspired cuisine offers pork, steak and fantastic Cuban sandwiches. The prawns, grilled chicken and roasted corn is to die for. Visit this superb restaurant before you leave!

This article was written by Alexandra Jacobs, a passionate writer that shares her experiences, you can read more about them here: http://alexsjourneys.wordpress.com/

Onboard the Carnival Magic in Galveston, TX

I had the honor to be at Carnival's Magic Inaugural Event celebrated in Galveston, TX last November. My husband and I get the chance to enjoyed Maroon's 5 Live Concert, from Carnival's Magic pool area. This beauty (the ship) is a total "Magic" and I can not be more excited to know this vessel homeport is Galveston, Texas.

Needless to say, I got in love with the Kids and Youth Areas (you know mommies looking for children amenities). As a mother of 3, it is extremely important to me that my children enjoy their cruise Vacation as much or even more than me.  This is complimentary service starting at age 2. Carnival's counselors, each with education or childcare experience, are on the clock making sure everyone in the small groups of kids are having fun. When it’s mealtime, kids get their own menus, with faves like mac & cheese, chicken nuggets, and more.  They also  offer Camp Carnival Night Owls, so kids get to spend more time having fun, while their parents also enjoy themselves well into the night (Extra fee).

 

 

Some of new venues Carnival Magic has is Red Frog Pub, Cucina del Capitano (Italian Restaurant), Cherry on Top (Candy shop), and the Aqua Park that you and your kids will love it!

If you are planning to cruise from Galveston, Texas to the Western Caribbean I encourage you to stay 1 or 2 days in port. This way you'll get the most of your vacation. Galveston has so much more to offer. If you don't know where to start, give me a call so we can together plan your next Family Cruise Vacation from Galveston, Texas.

Leila Reyes

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

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