Don’t go at it alone the next time adventure calls. Travel advisors are the best in the travel planning and booking biz and they’re eager to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime or a quick weekend getaway. Plus, with benefits like insider knowledge, travel protection and secret perks, you’d be missing out if you didn’t at least consider working with an agent when dreaming of a new destination.
1. They do the research for you Between searching for authentic experiences, finding the best neighborhoods to explore, deciding where to eat, figuring out the currency and understanding local customs, researching a new destination can be time consuming. Luckily, this is the kind of homework that travel advisors love to do. Plus, agents often have insider information on destinations you’re unfamiliar with, thanks to firsthand experience, product knowledge, in-depth education and client feedback. 2. They’re up to date The world of travel is always evolving and this means that the rules might have changed since your last international, or even domestic, venture. Stay in the loop, especially with a destination you’ve never visited, by working with an agent who is up to date with the latest travel documents, rules and regulations ensuring that you don’t run into any surprises while in line at the airport. 3. They’re ready for the unexpected There’s no one better to have by your side than a travel agent who can cancel or rebook your trip when personal conflicts or weather events arise. No one likes getting the run-around in a frustrating situation when abroad, but agents are equipped with the right personal and professional connections to help get you out of a pinch relatively stress-free. Speaking of weather, agents are in the know when it comes to weather patterns in popular vacation spots like Mexico and the Caribbean, so they can make sure you get more sunny days and avoid rainy seasons. 4. They make the best choice for your wallet Basic Economy, Economy and Business class, fare options are abundant and can get confusing. Throw in extra services like seat reservations and checked baggage and the fees can begin to pile up. And this trend isn’t unique to travel by air, booking a cruise is equally complex, with different rate codes and room categories to choose from. Travel advisors can see past the overwhelming number of choices and will help you decide which combination is right for you without breaking the bank. Plus, thanks to their own experience, agents are transportation pros so they might have a few tricks up their sleeve to help make your time in transit run more smoothly. 5. They offer perks Thanks to their hookups around the industry, many agents have access to special rates and perks that are available to their clients. Whether you’re exploring a new domestic city or a destination abroad, agents will do their best to connect you with a few extra frills along the way (Think room upgrades, free cocktails, spa treatments and more). What type of traveler can benefit from using a Travel Advisor?Travel advisors are a secret weapon in leisure travel. In an age when you have too many options (Which website should you use? Where should you go? Where should you stay? How should you get there? And so on…), a travel advisor is your best resource to cut through the noise and help you get what you really want. The problem though, is that you may not know what a travel advisor even is. Or why you should use one. It all comes down to the fact that traveling is exciting, but the planning for traveling can be time-consuming, complicated and sometimes beyond stressful. So, why wouldn’t you phone a friend, aka your travel advisor, in order to have the best experience possible? What is a Travel Advisor?A travel advisor, travel agent or travel professional uses their knowledge, expertise and resources to craft vacations for their clients, who are travelers just like you. They’re a go-to person when a traveler wants to immerse themselves in unfamiliar places (and familiar ones), connect with the world and do so with offers and pricing that are sometimes only available through travel advisors. Travel advisors are experts in hospitality around the world, with many focusing on specific niches like destination weddings, group travel and multi-generational/family travel. Why would you use a Travel aDvisor?There is a plethora of reasons you could use a travel advisor. If you’re booking a vacation somewhere for the first time or going on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, a travel advisor is going to be by your side from beginning to the end. They’re passionate about sharing as much of the world as possible with you, plus they know the ins and outs of undiscovered and exclusive destinations, dining experiences and excursions on land and sea. Additionally, they’re there to manage everything during the booking process while finding the best options and offers out there with your preferences in mind. Whether that’s special assistance from the airline, a particular room amenity, a resort than can accommodate a large group, a budget hotel that’s close to the beach or ensuring that the resort can handle a certain dietary restriction, a travel advisor is able to take care of these things for you. Travel advisors are available to answer questions, concerns and issues that may arise before, during or after you travel. If something unfortunately goes wrong with the airline, hotel or activity, they can turn your experience around. They’ve got connections to professional travel tools, people and businesses all over the world for that reason that you as a traveler may not have. Who Can benefit the most from using a travel advisor?Honestly, all travelers could benefit from using an advisor. As a traveler, all you need to do is tell them where you want to go, when you want to go, what you want to do, your travel style and your budget. Seriously – that’s it. Here are some specific types of travelers who would especially benefit from using an advisor:
Walt Disney World now has a waitlist for certain dining options in the parks and select resorts. It is pretty easy to use. You do need to be close to the restaurant to proceed with being added to the list. Here is the step-by-step process. Open your My Disney Experience App. Click on the plus (+) on the bottom. Choose “Check Dining Availability”. Choose your party size then choose today’s date. Choose “Now” and this will bring up the list of options that have walk up availability. You will be able to see how long the wait times are for the available options. Once you have chosen a restaurant, choose “Join Walk-Up List”. It will ask you for the number of adults and children as well as mobility access needs, dietary requests and celebrations.Once you have gone through all that you have the option to be texted when your table is ready. You can add your phone number if you would like to. (If you do not want a text, you will get a notification from the My Disney Experience app.)Click submit and you are all done! Your table will be ready soon! I love that Disney has made this option available through the app. Sometimes I just like to “wing it” and eat on the fly. I have found some really great restaurants this way. Want more tips or need help planning your next Disney vacation? Contact me! Lisa Liptak lisa@mdvtrips.com BREAKING: Walt Disney World 2021 Special Package Offer with Two Free Days of Theme Park Tickets12/17/2020
New Special Package Adds Theme Park Magic to Stays at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels in 2021.
Walt Disney World Resort is offering a special “happy new year” gift to those planning 2021 vacations at The Most Magical Place on Earth. Available to book beginning Jan. 5, 2021, Guests buying non-discounted four-night/three-day room and ticket packages at select Disney Resort hotels for arrivals most nights Jan. 8, 2021, through Sept. 25, 2021, will receive an additional two days of theme park tickets. From pleasant Central Florida temperatures to the return of the guest-favorite Park Hopper option (available as an add-on purchase), 2021 promises plenty of fun at Walt Disney World theme parks:
You can also check out other great offers for Walt Disney World visits, including savings of up to 35 percent off rooms at select Disney Resort hotels. As a reminder, Walt Disney World continues to operate with enhanced health and safety policies so everyone can enjoy the magic responsibly. To manage attendance, guests are required to have valid theme park admission and make a park reservation for each day of their visit through the Disney Park Pass system. My husband and I went to Mexico Sept 4-8 and had the BEST time! I wanted to share some things from our stay in regards to the resort and traveling to Mexico during covid.
Mexico/Resort Covid Precautions: -No covid test required, the only thing you need to fill out is a health form questionnaire. Super easy and quick! You’ll need it when entering and when departing! If you don’t fill it out ahead of time online, they provide them at the airport. -Masks were required at the airport and in the lobby of the resort but not required on the grounds. -Before entering your shuttle to the hotel (we did Amstar) they will spray down all your luggage to sanitize, you will step on sanitizing pads for your shoes and they will make you sanitize your hands before entering the vehicle. All workers/drivers any person your contact with has a mask on at all times. -Same steps when arriving to the resort (sanitize luggage, step on sanitizing pads, hand sanitize) they had each group waiting to check in, sit in different areas and then upon check in before you sat down at the desk with the employee they wiped everything down. -In the resort room any “high touch” items (remote, phone, tablet, hair dryer) were wrapped in plastic with a sanitizing seal. -In the buffet area, everything was served to you from an employee. There were a few stations where you could grab your own things but the food was in individual portions with its own plate -In any of the restaurants, before you entered the hostess would make you sanitize your hands and step on sanitizing pads. All the menus were QR codes to access through your phone. -Technically, the government has closed all the beaches. However, everyone is on the beaches and swimming in the water. The resorts are not allowed to provide any water activities for guests but they can’t stop you from “doing them at your own risk”. We snorkeled off the shore and just brought our own snorkel gear. **During our stay in Mexico, it was hands down the safest I have ever felt from a covid stand point! The precautions they were taking were extreme. Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: -We stayed in the Preferred Level Jr King Suite Tropical View room. The preferred level is essentially like their club level rooms. We had access to a preferred level guests only lounge that had a bar, small buffet area for each meal of the day, and concierge service. -The resort was beautiful and the grounds were so well kept and clean. They had 2 separate pool areas: *The main “fun” pool is the infinity pool that lines up with the beach. It had a swim up bar and had various activities going on throughout the day (exercise classes, Spanish lessons, volleyball games, etc) *The quiet pool, I probably saw maybe 10 people total our entire stay use that pool. -Pool and beach wait service was amazing! We had people asking us every 20 min if they could get us anything (food or drinks) -Fitness center was closed due to covid but they had multiple exercise classes per day you could do for no additional cost (CrossFit, cycling, yoga, etc) -It had 6 restaurants (French, Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Steakhouse, Seafood) I think we are really spoiled with our food in Chicago, but I would say the food there was standard. I mean I wouldn’t say it was really good but I wouldn’t say it was bad. The portions were decent sized. We tried each restaurant besides the steakhouse and I would say I had 1 item at each that I would say was good. (I have pictures of some of our meals we had) They are strict on the dress code for restaurants (men have to wear pants to dinner, I saw multiple guys turned away) -It has a spa with aqua therapy pools, I did not get any treatments while I was there but I did a walk through and it was super nice! -They are not lying when they say you can snorkel with turtles off shore! We did multiple times during our stay. Kerilyn Gatto Travel Planner kerilyn@mickeysdreamvacations.com Mickey's Dream Vacations 630-341-3058 text/call Check out my facebook page: www.facebook.com/mdvkerilyn I recently visited Secrets Playa Mujeres which is an adults only, all-inclusive resort just outside of Cancun. I was overly impressed by the resort accommodations, the precautions they were taking during this time and the overall excellent service we received. This resort has direct shuttle transportation to and from the airport which is nice to not have to make stops at other resorts along the way. When we arrived we entered through Playa Mujeres resort community gates. This means if you do not have a reservation you will not be allowed to enter the community grounds - this was the first check on my list - they will keep you safe! I had the Preferred Club Master Suite ocean front with private pool and let me just say, "AMAZING"! Since I was preferred club one of the perks is immediate check-in so I was able to bypass the long check in line and go to the preferred club desk and get checked in right away. Preferred club rooms are in premium locations, you have an upgraded mini bar in the room, upgraded bath amenities, you have access to computers if needed, you have access to a preferred club lounge that serves specialty food and drinks through out the day, you have access to the beach lounge huts and pool huts. It definitely has it's advantages to booking a preferred club room. The food and drinks at this resort were very good and had a large selection. They have 8 restaurants to choose from here and a coffee and dessert shop. This is all included in the price of your stay! A huge advantage of staying here is that you can walk to the Dreams Playa Mujeres Resort next door, which is Secrets' sister resort for families. Secrets guests have access to Dreams restaurants and pools if you choose so this gives you an even larger selection of choices. We walked to Dreams one evening to eat at the French restaurant and we were able to walk from resort to resort in less than 2 minutes. We had free access to many activities! Some included were paddle boards, kayaks, bike tour, hobie cat sailing, pool tables and foosball tables. There is a gym onsite which is included but was not open at this time due to COVID restrictions. Not included but onsite were jet ski rentals, parasailing, luxury spa, swimming with the dolphins and you could take a ferry boat over to the island of Isla Mujeres which is a very popular excursion. On Isla Mujeres you can rent a golf cart for the day to explore the island, local food and culture. These type of resorts are always typically very clean but the staff was going above and beyond sanitizing round the clock. The resort is only allowed a 30% capacity right now so you did not have to worry about large crowds of people. There were more than enough beach and pool chairs for everyone even after they spread them apart for social distancing. The swim up bars were open and the evening bars were open as well with a close time of 11pm. They had nightly resort entertainment every night at Secrets and Dreams. From my observation the only thing we did not have access to that we normally would have is the fitness center but let's be honest and say I was definitely not going to be using the gym while on vacation! The only time we had to wear masks was in the transfer shuttle to the resort and at check in. Once we were checked in they went in our bags and were not thought of again until departure. All staff members are wearing mask for your safety though!
I would go back to this resort without hesitation. It was a wonderful vacation in the midst of COVID and it is very reasonably priced considering what you receive overall during your stay. I would rate this resort and my stay based on accommodations, service, food and drink quality and overall experience a 5 star! If you are looking to travel during this time and have questions or concerns I would be happy to talk more to you about my experience. I would love to see you travel to this resort and let our mind relax from all that is going on right now. Feel free to contact me anytime about this resort or any other Caribbean destination. I will give you insight, my honest opinion and what restrictions you would be looking at depending on which island you choose. Safe Travels Always, Kristy 225-505-0452 kristy@gomdv.com Do you have a young detective in your group? Do they enjoy a good mystery or just want to go an exciting adventure? There is a new activity at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort that they are going to love! Disney has just announced an evening cruise for kids ages 10-16 called ‘The Unsolved Mysteries of Barefoot Bay’. This evening cruise allows kids to collect clues, solve puzzles, and take part in a Scavenger Hunt to unravel the mystery of Captain Calico’s disappearance. This special cruise takes place on Thursday evenings from 8:00pm-9:30pm for a fee of $39.00 per person (plus tax). A snack is provided during the adventure. Reservations are recommended for the experience; however, walk-ins will be accepted based on availability. I would love to add this to your family vacation, be sure to contact me if you are interested. If you have not booked your trip yet and would like a quote, I would love to help you! Contact me today to hear about all the great offers available! Jen Morrison jen@mdvtrips.com 815-641-2028 One of my favorite things to do when I go to Disney World is try the new foods. I am leaving soon for the Toy Story Land opening press event and staying through the 4th of July with my family. I am super excited to try all the fun new foods at the parks since I was there last. Here is my "Must Eat" list this time around: Yes, I am just here for the food :) Churro Ice Cream Sandwich-can be found at Sleep Hollow Treats at Magic Kingdom Smore's French Toast Breakfast Sandwich at Woody's Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios Creamy Mashed Potatoes from Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' Kitchen at Disney Springs. Yes! They really are drool worthy! The elusive Mermaid Cupcake from the Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom Cookies & Cream Funnel Cake from the Oasis Canteen at Hollywood Studios Lunch Box Tarts at Woody's Lunch Box in Hollywood Studios Black Angus Filet Mingon from Yachtsman Steakhouse in the Yacht Club Resort Minnie Ear Caramel Blondie from Big Top Treats at the Magic Kingdom Are you hungry yet? Want us to help you make your own "Must Eat" list? Get a free quote for your next vacation here. Happy snacking!
Meg Kinnerk Owner and lover of Disney Food Mickey's Dream Vacations meg@mdvtrips.com I just got back from an amazing trip to Walt Disney World with my family. We go so often it is sometimes hard to find something different to do or something to surprise my boys with. This trip I decided to book the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage. If you have not done this yet, it is a MUST for your next trip to Disney World. The voyage starts at Disney’s Contemporary Resort. After you check-in and receive your really cool pirate bandana you meet your pirate guide, Patch. He will welcome you into a room where snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are served. There are cookies, cupcakes, chips and dip and my favorite – Mickey bars! You will also have the opportunity to meet Captain Hook and Mr. Smee! When it is time to set sail, Patch will choose someone to carry the ship flag. We were on Hook’s ship and my son had the honor or carrying the flag. He led us to the dock behind the Contemporary where we all boarded the ship. On our cruise out to the lagoon we had a jolly good time! Patch told us jokes, we sang pirate songs and there was trivia with prizes. Once we arrived at the perfect spot, the ship dropped anchor and we had the most breathtaking view of the Happily Every After Fireworks. There is just something about seeing Cinderella’s Castle, the monorail and the Main Street Train Station as you watch the fireworks! The music was piped through the boat’s speakers. It was perfect! On the way back to dock we had an up-close view of the Electrical Water Pageant. I have seen this a million times, but it was so cool to see that close! You could hear the music perfectly! I was sad that the voyage had ended! When you get back to dock there is a special surprise guest – Peter Pan! He was awaiting us with Tinkerbell. (Yes, there is a photo op!) Want to book the Pirates and Pals Fireworks Voyage on your next Vacation? Contact your Mickey’s Dream Vacations Agent and start planning! Don’t have an agent? I would love to help you create magical memories like this one!
Lisa Liptak lisa@mdvtrips.com 708-828-7111 Our agency recently went to Orlando to explore and learn more about the theme parks and attractions in the area. Part of our trip had us staying at the Universal Orlando Resort. I chose to stay at the Hard Rock Hotel. The Hard Rock Hotel has always been my favorite one to stay at in Universal, but it had been a while since I stayed there. (I had to check out the other properties!) From the moment you walk in the door you are treated like Rock Royalty! Upon check-in, I had to hurry and go because we had some meetings to get to. It wasn’t until later in the day that I was able to get to my room. I had a pool view, standard room. The room was spacious, with 2 queen beds, a bathroom and a mini-fridge. There was a nice large desk area – which was nice because I had to do some work during this trip. I could look out the window and see the pool. As far as dining options, you can always be a true Rockstar and order room service! The room service menu had a lot to offer all day long. The Kitchen is at the Hard Rock Hotel in Orlando. They have a great buffet breakfast! (Lunch and dinner are wonderful, too!) I did head over to the Velvet Bar one night for a good adult beverage. This bar is located right off the lobby and has a patio area where you can sit outside. You can also head downstairs to Emack & Bolio's Marketplace. This is a quick service restaurant where you can grab a quick bite to eat. They offer pre-made sandwiches to warm meals prepared while you wait. There are a few other restaurants located at the Hard Rock Hotel that I will have to try next time! If you are musically inclined or just want to pretend to be a rock star, you can “check out” a guitar! The Hard Rock Hotel has a guitar menu with 20 different Fender guitars to choose from. There is even a tv station that offers guitar lessons 24/7.
I personally had fun wandering the hotel looking at all the rock memorabilia. From the picture of John Lennon at the front desk, to Paul McCartney’s guitar and Lady Gaga’s outfit – there is so much to see. The Hard Rock Café is also right there if you want to see more (and grab a bite to eat!) The pool here is great! There are plenty of beach chairs so you can sit in the sun and work on your tan! There was live music for a little while on the stage at the pool. Also, when you go under water you can hear the music playing through the pool speakers. The service is impeccable! From the moment I walked into the pool area until the moment I left there was someone to make sure I was okay. There is food and drink service at the pool. I was sad to leave as I did not get to spend as much time as I would have like to at the Hard Rock Hotel. On my way out, I did, however stop at the front desk to get my room key cut into guitar picks. This is a neat souvenir you can bring back with you to remember your stay at the coolest hotel at the Universal Orlando Resort! Let me know if I can help you plan your next visit to the Hard Rock Hotel (or any of the other hotels on Universal Orlando property)! Until then… Rock on! Lisa Liptak lisa@mdvtrips.com Lisa Liptak Dream Maker Mickey’s Dream Vacations (708)828-7111 |