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Your Ultimate Caribbean Vacation Guide: Timing is Key!

If you are planning your Caribbean vacation, here is what you need to know!

Time of Year

Peak or non-peak travel dates affect pricing, so look at your calendar and decide when you can travel. This is important so you can get the best pricing during your travel dates. Plus, it is not easy to swap and make date changes after you have booked your vacation. Why pay for unnecessary change fees if you can make sure your original dates work for you.

Will this be an adult only or family friendly vacation? This is important so you know which resort is best for your vacation. If you plan to travel with your kids, make sure the dates work for their school and activities schedule also. The weather is important too. Will it be hot, rainy, or hurricane season?

Choosing Your Destination

Let’s make this one easy. What matters most when you are dreaming about your tropical vacation? Is it the pool with a swim up bar, tranquil blue water, swimming and playing in the ocean, all-inclusive, or lounging by the beach? Do you have any certain activities you want to experience?

Your Resort

Now that you have chosen your dates and Caribbean Island, which resort fits your travel style? Do you care more about the culinary options, the accommodations, the resort vibe, or the location of the resort? Some resorts have sister properties, and you can experience those during your stay. The possibilities are endless, so choose what fits you!

Planning in Advance

If you are a last-minute planner, I suggest allowing more time to book your vacation. This can help the pricing for your airfare and resort. I typically recommend at least six months in advance if your schedule allows it. Your Caribbean vacation is a magical experience waiting to happen, and by carefully considering the information above, you can make it even more extraordinary.

Ready to Plan?

Your Caribbean dream vacation is within reach, and I’m here to make it effortlessly extraordinary. Say goodbye to the stress of planning and hello to a personalized, seamless getaway. Contact me today, and let’s transform your vision of the perfect Caribbean escape into a reality you’ll cherish forever. Your dream vacation awaits – let’s make it happen!

Navigating the Seas of Change: Will Cruising Cost You More in 2024?

We love cruising and this year has proven to be a record-breaking year for the cruise industry. Everyone’s desire to sail has led to high demand and sold-out cruises for many. This year is on track for the same momentum.

Here is what you should consider if you want to sail the open waters this year.

Plan NOW

Planning now is crucial. The cruise lines use dynamic pricing, and this means the cost will continue to increase as the cruise fills up. Some cruise lines are already at 80% full for the year for all sailings. The sooner you plan, the better it will be for pricing and availability.

Know Your Travel Dates

You should determine which month you can sail. Keep in mind that most deposits may be non-refundable, so making changes will cost you more. Travelling with family means you need to confirm everyone’s schedule before booking your cruise.

Which Itinerary?

You have the option of several itineraries to choose from. We recommend you decide by starting with how many nights you want to sail because this also determines the destination. Is there a port you want to visit or skip? Which port is the cruise departing from and will it be easy for you to get there?

Which Cruise Line?

There are multiple options. I recommend you look at the age of the ship, the port of calls, the activities and restaurants, and the cruise lines private island. Is one more family friendly than the other or do you prefer adult only? You should consider what matters most to you! Not all ships are created equal, and we can help you decide on the best one.

Which Cabin?

Is pricing a factor? Look at the cost of each category because of dynamic pricing, a Balcony cabin may be cheaper than an inside Oceanview. If you are a solo traveler, you may pay more, so if you have a friend that can sail with you, we recommend it. Families may opt for two cabins instead of one for more space. Having two bathrooms is better than one with kids!

Your Budget

If you know your budget, this will help because of dynamic pricing and availability. You should also consider the final payment due date. The closer to the sailing may require paid in full versus a deposit. Will you fly to the port for your sailing? You should arrive a day before the cruise, so factor the cost of an overnight hotel stay too.

Embarking on a sailing adventure in 2024 is more than just a vacation – it’s a voyage of discovery, relaxation, and joy. At Fairytales and Sunsets Travel, we’re passionate about turning your sailing dreams into a reality. Let us be your compass as you navigate the seas of possibilities. Contact us today, and together, we’ll craft a sailing experience that exceeds your expectations. Bon voyage!

How to Become a Travel Agent

I am often asked this question and it inspired me to write this article. There are many things you should consider when asking about a career as a travel agent. I suggest you consider which agency is a great fit for you and your professional needs. You should do your research on what an acceptable commission percentage is for you and what are your long-term goals.

Travel planning is an amazing career and being full-time will set you up for success. Let’s dig in to some pros and cons.

Pros:

I love creating amazing vacations for families.
I love networking and making new friends in the industry.
Having a smaller team to brainstorm and grow together with is amazing.
We get to explore destinations around the world
You make your own schedule
Researching and exploring new destinations to grow your business

Cons:

We are on call 24/7 and 365 days a year. Think about this, your clients travel year round, this means cancelled or delayed flights, missed transfers, and issues at their resort, means you will most likely receive a call or email.
We get paid commission after the client travels. Book today and then you are paid 6 months later after the client travels.
The work load can be overwhelming if you are not organized.
Need for strong organizational skills
Spending time and quoting clients that do not book with you.

Obviously, this list is not an inclusive and covers everything; however, it does give you some things to consider for this career option.

You should definitely consider which agency is a good fit for you and you are a good fit for them. Always makes sure you ask about training, mentoring after training, what destinations the agency offers, support systems within in the team, and commission structure. Above all of this, make sure you read your contract! You should never sign your contract before reading and making sure you understand what you are approving with your signature.

If you are interested in learning more about our team, send us your resume today at [email protected]

Savoy Palace

Savoy Palace is a great resort located in Funchal, Portugal. This resort has something for everyone and is perfect for couples, best friends’ getaway, and family vacations.

The rooms are spacious with wonderful amenities. The ocean views are fabulous with balconies made for those early morning espressos.

The resort dining options are wonderful, including room service. Everyone loves the large pools, with plenty of space for everyone. We cannot forget to mention the rooftop infinity pool because everyone loves to socialize by the pool.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a vacation without wine in Madeira. You can experience wine tasting or a wine dinner at Savoy Palace too.

Location is everything and Savoy Palace is in a perfect spot! The resort is within close proximity to lots of entertainment and close by dining options if you want something different. There is also a convenience store within walking distance. This comes in handy if you want to purchase snacks or water.

We love this resort and cannot wait to visit again! The location, accommodations, activities, and restaurants make Savoy Palace a perfect stay!

If you are interested in a vacation to Portugal, contact Tammy Richardson today.

Is Vacationing With Your Family Really Important?

Is vacationing with your family really that important? This is a question that I have received before, and my answer is always yes. I mean, you do love your family, right?

This resonated with me recently as we traveled and visited one of our sons. You see, the pandemic in 2020 stopped us from seeing him for 299 days. When you are close with your grown children, this makes the days and months so long. So why was this year so important to visit? When you are a military family, you appreciate your time together, even when it is short. You cherish those moments and look forward to it, just like a vacation! We knew deployment was coming so we took every opportunity to travel to him and spend time together.

I felt compelled to write this blog and I hope it inspires you to travel with the ones you love, no matter the destination. When your children are small, they look up to you, and they crave your attention and time. A vacation is one of the best ways to experience and capture these moments. When they are grown, they love it even more. Why you ask? They have the freedom of being grown and exploring on their own and still capturing those moments and attention with you. These are the things in life you and your kids will never regret. Take the vacation, no matter how big or small, or the destination, trust me, just go! You will smile looking back on these years together.

Love your family, embrace your time together, and keep on making those memories!

Europe is open

Bonjour! Olá! Hej! Hallo! Ciao! Jó napot! Hallå! Geia sas!
I am so very excited to share with you that Europe is open for vaccinated travelers! Whether you have been at home quarantined or an essential worker for the past two years, now is your time to get out there and take the trip of a lifetime!

Why is now a good time?
The travel industry, as a whole, has been impacted greatly by the pandemic. Europe has especially been hit hard because of their restrictions and phased re-opening. Now that they are open again, they need the support to rebuild their travel communities. Now is a great time to go and support the industry while having the time of your life.

Why use a travel agent?
Yes, Europe is open and you are free to experience it like never before, but there are still many protocols in place that have to be followed. These protocols are ever changing and can be a bit overwhelming if your’e not familiar with the process. Luckily for you, travel agents, like myself, keep up with each regulation and all of the protocols in place for each country. We want to make your trip as easy as possible.

Ready to talk Europe?
If you are interested in visiting Europe in 2022 or 2023, now is the time to start planning! Please fill out the form below for a custom quote!

Take the Trip

I grew up dreaming of going to Paris. The Eiffel Tower seemed like the most amazing place in the world. The sparkling lights and the ambiance that surrounded the city seemed unreal to me. I can’t even begin to count the amount of Christmas presents my grandmother would give me that had the Eiffel Tower on them with a handwritten note telling me that one day she just knew I would make it to Paris to see it for real.
When I looked into studying abroad in college and was told that I could only do my program in one country, which was nowhere near Paris, I decided that I would plan my own trip where I could finally see the city that I had dreamed of. Little did I know this decision would be the best decision I’ve made in my life so far. It was scary and I know that I worried my parents, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The night I arrived in Paris I went straight to the Eiffel Tower. I would be lying if I told you that I didn’t shed a tear or two looking at the shimmering lights. That moment of anticipation, adrenaline, and joy all at once is a feeling I will never forget. I immediately face timed everyone I knew to show them that I was finally there. I called my grandmother first to show her the view that we had both talked both dreamed of for so long. I had done it. I could check this off of my bucket list.
If you know this feeling, then you know what I’m talking about. If you ever have dreamt of a destination to check off your bucket list, I can help. I highly suggest you take the trip you have always dreamed of. Whether it is somewhere domestic or on the other side of the world, I would love to help you experience the feeling of checking off a bucket list item.
Take the trip! It might seem scary. it might mean saving a little extra money by cutting down on something else, but trust me – TAKE THE TRIP!

Ready to Sail Alaska?

Alaska is one of our most requested cruise destinations and with good reason; it has it all. Nature, history, breathtaking scenery, and you can explore by train and aboard a cruise ship!

If you have been dreaming about going to Alaska, now is the time to make those dreams come true! You can sail onboard one of Alaska’s most popular cruise lines and we know which one will fit your travel style! You won’t regret it. We want to tell you of the six most significant reasons you should cruise to The Last Frontier sooner rather than later.

1. You decide which cruise line to take. Sailing in Alaska extends from the middle of May to mid-September. During these months, you won’t likely see a shortage of cruise line options. Choose to go on a luxury or expedition-style cruise or maybe something a little more unique.

2. Alaska is desirable to people of all ages and tends to be high up on many bucket lists. Many families come here each year to enjoy the beauty of the great state and the broad scope of activities and events.

3. The wildlife is absolutely out of this world. When traveling to Alaska by cruise ship, don’t be surprised to spot bear hunting for fish, whales, eagles, and several other beautiful creatures.

4. Dare to go dog sledding? You may have to take a helicopter ride to get into the mountains first. This could be one thrilling adventure. Best of all, you get to hang with sweet huskies all day.

5. Go on a land tour before or after your cruise. Hike through the Denali National Park or the Kenai River Valley.

6. Don’t wait, right now, you can see the nation in all of its iconic glory. From lush forests to enormous glaciers, there is so much to admire and capture those Alaskan travel memories!

Alaska truly is one of the most magical places on Earth, and it’s right here in the United States. If you, like almost everyone else, have “visit Alaska” on your bucket list, what are you waiting for? There’s no better way to visit the state than by ship, so contact us now to start learning of all the cruise line options. Before you know it, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind vacation planned that will undoubtedly bring you memories that last a lifetime.

Costa Rica is Your Next Adventure

I visited Costa Rica a few months ago and quickly feel in love! This is the perfect destination for our clients because it offers so many unique adventures! Plus, a major bonus is the opportunity of relaxing at some of the best springs and resorts in the world! Pura Vida is a way of life in this friendly destination.

Costa Rican life consists of endless beaches, rainforests, river valleys, and biodiversity all in one place, allowing different types of adventure around every corner. Many airlines offer non-stop routes to this country, making trips easier for people and travel more accessibly.

Forest Ziplining
Whether it’s through the evergreen Monteverde Forest with the Arenal Volcano’s view or through the vibrant jungle canopy, ziplining is very common and one of the most popular tourist activities in the Costa Rican jungle.

Wildlife
Nearly 25% of the country is preserved for national parks and wildlife. It is home to 27 national parks and takes up five percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Los Quetzales National Park allows birdwatchers to get a full aerial view of the various species of birds. Monkeys are very apparent in the jungles as well. The Corcovado National Park is another prominent place to visit for frequent whale-watching and dolphin sightings.

Surfing
Towns such as Samara, Avellanas, and Tamarindo are great places for year-round surfing on these Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The warm water and steady wind combo make Costa Rica a surfing paradise. Many of the beaches offer boards and lessons for beginners.

Volcano Hike
The massive Arenal Volcano is one of the most well-known spots in Costa Rica. The surrounding area around the volcano is often used for kayaking, boating, and paddleboarding. Hot springs and waterfalls are also present, with zip lines and horseback riding available below the volcano summit. Rincon de la Vieja National Park’s centerpiece is another million-year-old volcano that offers views of the Nicoya Peninsula and Lago de Nicaragua.

Jungle Tranquility
The natural hot springs with a green background provide geothermal waters heated by the volcano. The springs have been utilized for therapeutic healing in addition to simply relaxing in the tropics.

Waterfall
La Fortuna waterfall by Arenal is an approximated 20-minute hike presenting a massive waterfall with a jungle backdrop. Another favorite is located in Tenorio Volcano National Park in the Northern Plains, offering bright blue waters. Lesser-known waterfalls include Bajos del Tori in the Alajuela province and Catarata del Toro, which plummets into an extinct volcanic crater with aerial views.

Rio Rafting
Named as a Biosphere Reserve, Rio Pacuare offers a white-water Caribbean experience through the safari-like jungle. According to National Geographic, it is one of the top spots for white-water rafting. The highlight of rafting in the Rio Savegre includes coming into contact with the jaguars, tapirs, and birds that pass by the riverside.

Jungle Drives
The 4×4 is recommended for the best driving experience throughout Costa Rica. The off-beaten paths present unique views but require vehicles that can beat their own path. Driving on the beach, however, is not permitted. Another favorite way for locals to get around is via horseback.

Deep Diving
The majority of shore islands on the Pacific coast are the hub spots for scuba and deep diving, offering plenty of sea diversity with various species of sharks, dolphins, and much more. A renowned spot for divers is The Gulf of Papagayo in the Guanacaste province.

Yoga Retreats
Aside from the adventurous and bold activities offered in Costa Rica, yoga retreats are available for leisure in the peaceful surrounding.

If Germany is not already on your top destination list than I suggest you add it now!

Germany has so many unique cities that offer many different cultural experiences and is filled with so much history. I will be discussing the two major cities that I personally have been to and have fallen in love with, however, I know there is so much more of Germany that I have not even discovered yet.

Berlin. I don’t know how to choose a word that is capable of capturing everything Berlin has to offer. It is like being in a big new modern city that is packed full of history from years ago. There is so much to do and see there that you could spend weeks and never get bored. If you are interested in World War II history then this is the place for you. You must walk along what remains of the berlin wall to experience the amazing wall art that has since been added. I highly recommend doing guided tours while in Berlin to ensure the best experience and to learn about all the hidden history in this unique city.

Munich. If you are looking for that authentic German experience that you see in the movies. Ya know, girls in the. dirndls, men in lederhosen’s, braids, and Bavarian pretzels, and everyone has a beer stein in their hand? This is it! Munich is beautiful and so rich in culture and authenticity. Of course, if you really want to do Munich the right way you will go in October to attend Oktoberfest. This is when the city really comes to life to celebrate! If you wanted to go a bit later in the year you could attend one of their magnificent Christmas markets.

Lucky for all of you, I have the best Aunt and Cousin in Germany so I can always help you with the best recommendations and success tips for having the best of time in Germany!