December Newsletter
Happenings
In with 2020, out with 2019.
Oh my it has been a year of change for me. In January, I left my corporate job and started working at Visas and Vistas Travel full-time. While it was a scary decision, it was the right one. I now have the the time to devote to my clients when they need me. My hours are flexible to meet the planning and traveling phases of each trip. You might find me working on Tuesday night at 9pm or on a Sunday morning at 6am. I strive to fit into your schedule.
2019 was also full of lots of training. I completed Carnival, Norwegian, and Disney cruise ship tours. Multiple resort site visits in the Caribbean. Spent many weeks attending Travel Agent, Luxury Travel, Exotic Travel, Group Travel, and Alaska live trainings. In my spare time, I completed many online training courses offered by tour operators, resorts, and cruises. I do all these things to better serve you.
As I look forward to next year, I have big goals and will begin hosting my own travel groups. Check them out below and join me!
I want to thank you for trusting me to plan you travel adventures this past year, as well as referring your family and friends. Where will 2020 take you?
-Anne
Travel News and Info
Have you heard the term "Wave Season?" In the Travel Agency world it is the busiest time of the year. Cruise lines typically push out their best promotions from January through March dubbing it Wave Season. These promotions can include anything from deeply discounted prices on a specific cruise to extra amenities, like unlimited onboard internet, or getting gratuities and beverage packages included in the costs of a booking.
Many of the cruise lines have already started opening up their Wave Season promotions. For example, Holland America is selling balconies at the price of an oceanview plus added on board credit. Princess Cruises is offering their best sale ever with drinks, wifi and gratuities included. Even Disney Cruises are offering reduced deposits on some sailings.
Trip Requests
These past few weeks have been full of exciting trip planning. Here are just a few of the requests I received:
Universal Studios Orlando- My clients promised their 9 year old that once she finished all seven of the Harry Potter books they would take her to Universal to Harry Potter world! They will be staying at Loews Royal Pacific Resort.
Secrets Maroma Beach Cancun - My clients are anticipating a cold winter in Ohio and wanted to get something on the books to look forward to. They are leaving their little ones in the cold and heading to Cancun for some much needed Mom and Dad time. They are going to love Secrets beach, food, and service.
Disney Cruise- A repeat client is already thinking ahead to summer vacations. Last year they did a Disney cruise and this year they want more of the same only a different itinerary. They have a few dates to choose from in the Eastern Caribbean.
Egypt and Jordan - I am jealous of this one! So much so I am considering joining my clients. Luckily they are college friends so we know we can have a great time together on this Gate 1 Travel tour visiting the Giza pyramids, Petra, and a 3 day cruise on the Nile River. Swoon!!
My Groups
I love hosting group trips. Here is where I am heading in the coming year(s). Which one do you want to join me on?
April 2020- Cruising on the brand new Norwegian Encore from NYC to Bermuda. There is still space available! I am excited to check off a new country.
August 2020- Cruise and Land tour in Alaska. We will be sailing on Holland America and spending three days in Denali National Park.
December 2020- Galápagos Islands. We begin in Quito, Ecuador then spend 5 days island hopping on land and by ship. The ship only holds 20 guests.
January 2021- Antarctica. This is my last continent. We will be taking an expedition cruise from South America and through the Drake Passage to the Antarctica peninsula. Trip of a lifetime.
If you are interested in joining me on one or all of these trips, please reply to this email.
