November Newsletter
Happenings
Four years ago, Tim and I left for our around the world trip. 75,000 miles by plane, train, car, boat, and foot across 6 continents, 30+ countries, and countless cities: Road tripping in New Zealand, walking the Great Wall of China, exploring ruins in Cambodia, photographing an African safari, cruising the Mediterranean, and strolling the streets of Prague.
We both left jobs that brought us zero joy. Mine made me miserable, even if they paid me very well. Money does not make you happy. I quickly learned that doing something scary and having once in a lifetime experiences was where I needed to be.
This was the best life decision I made. It made me realize that I was on the wrong career path, even if I may of learned that when we returned and I started another job that didn't bring me joy. That lasted only a few months before I decided that I would open my own travel agency.
Even though this year has been a very tough year for the travel industry, I still know I made the right decision by doing something that makes me happy.
I know travel will rebound in the next year or two, even of that means the top travel destinations will change a little. I am excited that I get to be there to help my clients plan these travel experiences.
-Anne
V&V Travel Info
We are headed to the Dominican Republic for a business trip next week....with a few days of fun in the sun. We will be spending a few days in Punta Cana on site inspections.
If you remember, we spent a week in Mexico back in September conducting site inspections. We will be learning all about the different room types, pools, beaches, food, and activities offered at some of the most popular resorts in Punta Cana. Then sharing our reviews with our clients.
We have some great resorts lined up:
Sanctuary Cap Cana
Secrets Cap Cana
Hyatt Ziva and Zilara
Now Onyx
Excellence El Carman
Hard Rock Hotel
Dreams Punta Cana
Keep an eye on our Facebook page in the coming weeks to hear our thoughts on each property. Since we are visiting all-inclusive resorts this month we wanted to offer this promotion again!
Trip Requests
Here are some of the 2021 trip requests I worked on this past month:
Spring Break Without the Children - My clients wanted to take a big getaway over spring break and leave their kids behind. Their must haves was a beautiful resort with their own private pool. They will be staying at El Dorado Casitas in the Riviera Maya, MX. They have a second floor bungalow with their own private pool.
Grand European Viking River Cruise - My clients sure made it easy on me this time. They had the Viking cruise picked out, had already done all the research, and found a good price. They contacted me about the booking they had on hold. I was able to look into it for them and provide them some extra information on what the best air package to add on to their booking.
Antarctica Rebook - My friend and I have been looking forward to this cruise all year. Our last continent! This cruise leaves from Argentina and sails over to Antarctica. Unfortunately, Argentina is still closed to tourists so we had to reschedule. But this worked to our advantage. The new cruise we picked out for December 2021 had no single supplement. That means that we were able to each get our own room for the same prices as our shared room. While we are bummed we have to wait another year, we are excited for the extra space we now have.
Family Trip to Mexico - My clients are the adventurous types but wanted the luxury of an all inclusive resort. They wanted to zip line, atv, explore cenotes, and kayak all while having the option to hang in the pool, enjoy great food, and sip on taste drinks. They are heading to Hotel Xcaret a nature park in Playa del Carmen where the can experience more than 50 natural and cultural attractions. They will have unlimited access to the Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xavage, Xoximilco and Xenses, as well as tours to Xenotes and Xichen. They are going to love this experience.
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?
May 2021- Costa Rica & Panama Canal. We made a small change to our travel plans this year. We have replaced our tulip time European river cruise with a Panama Canal/Costa Rica cruise. Tropical Islands. Exotic Jungles. Experience it all in private yacht style. Because the sailing is during the start of the slow season, the cruise price per person is almost HALF off! Let me know if this is something you are interested in.
July 2021- Galápagos Islands. We begin in Quito, Ecuador then spend 5 days island hopping on land and by ship. The ship only holds 16 guests. I have 4 spots left!
December 2021- Antarctica. (NEW DATE) This is my last continent. We will be taking an expedition cruise from South America and through the Drake Passage to the Antarctica peninsula with Ponant Cruise Line. Trip of a lifetime. Can't find anyone to travel with you? This cruise has no single supplement, for a limited time.
August 2022 (Date pending)- Cruise and Land tour in Alaska. We will be sailing on Holland America and spending three days in Denali National Park. I have rooms available if you want to join us.
If you are interested in joining me on one or all of these trips, please reply to this email.
