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Just Back – Moon Palace Cancun

Posted on February 1, 2012 by
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My husband and I had a wonderful time at the Moon Palace last week.  Since we traveled in the slow season the occupancy rate was down…it seemed like we had the run of the place!  This was our third time at the Moon Palace…we love it!

The Moon Palace is a large resort.  So large it has 2 separate lobby areas – Sunrise and Nizuc.  There is a shuttle bus running non stop between the two areas.  We stayed in the quieter Nizuc side.

Our comfortable room had a double jacuzzi, fully stocked mini bar and a lovely balcony where we would sit every morning and enjoy our coffee.  The king size bed was comfortable, large shower area great and flat screen TV played American shows.

Breakfast and lunch are buffet.  Both meals served a great variety along with cook to order specials.  For dinner there are 12 a la carte restaurants to choose from as well as buffet dining.

Our favorite restaurants are the Asian, Upscale Italian and Mexican.  Each restaurant greets you with an appetizer while you look over the menu.  The service in all is exceptional.

The pools here are magnificent.  Lagoon style, one meandering into the next.  Of course there are swim up bars, pool side service and ample lounge chairs.  A day lazing by the pool is pure heaven.

The beach area is great for taking long walks, or you can walk along the beach on the sidewalk.  While you can go in the water there is a lot of seaweed here.  Seaweed washes up on the shore line and piles up.  Fortunately the Moon Palace is on top of the washed up seaweed with trucks that are constantly cleaning the beach for your enjoyments.

If you love to golf then look no further than the Moon Palace.  27 Holes.  3 golf courses with 9 holes each.  A fabulous golf club.  While I didn’t golf on this trip I did talk to many who were golfing every other day.  In their words “some of the best golfing in the world.”

With 3 shuttle buses going to the Cancun Hotel Zone daily (12pm, 2pm and 5pm with return trips at 4pm, 6pm and 9pm) you have the ability to shop and enjoy the other Palace Resorts.  For those who want to swim with the dolphins or enjoy some state of the art water-slides there is Wet and Wild.  Since the Palace Resort group is part owner of Wet and Wild Cancun admission is free along with all your drinks, snacks and meals at Wet and Wild Cancun.

Bicycles, mini golf, golf, spa, tennis and basketball are some of the activities you can enjoy at the Moon Palace.  With the $1500 resort credit (for 5 to 7 night stays) you can enjoy excursions to Tulum, Xel Ha, Chichen Itza and more.

Moon Palace – a great resort for couples, singles, and families.

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Advertise Full Fare – It’s Now the Law!!!

Posted on January 9, 2012 by

How many times have you seen “$99 round trip to Cancun” airfare advertised only to learn the REAL price is double (or more) upon check out?  Well, finally the DOT (Department of Transportation) has added a new consumer protection law against this unfair and deceptive method of advertising.

Starting January 24, 2012 all advertised airfare must be TOTAL, including the taxes and fees that have been excluded by the advertisers to lure you in.

Here is what you need to know:

  1. Full Fare Advertising Law  When an airline, agent or tour operator advertises an airfare or package containing an airfare, they must display the full price to be paid – including all taxes and fees.
  2. Post Purchase Price Increases  An airline cannot increase its price after a deposit unless the consumer agrees, in writing, to the price increase.  Once a consumer makes a full payment the airline cannot increase the fare for any reason other than the increase of government imposed taxes and fees.
  3. Baggage Fee Disclosure  Airlines will be required to provide the specific baggage fees applicable to the itinerary.
  4. Opt-Out Prohibition  Many airline booking sites and online travel agency booking websites have automatically added in optional purchases such as travel insurance.  Many consumers did not “catch” this add on and unwittingly paid for a service they did not want.  Under this new law consumers will have to purposely opt-in for extra services as they will not longer be automatically added.

As a travel agent I welcome this new law.  When I quote a price to a consumer I have always included the FULL price and stated so in the quote.  However, many consumers looked at my price as “too high” because xyz agency has it online for less.  Well, that “less” has never included the full taxes.

Here is an example of this new “truth in advertising.”  Before the new DOT law and after the new DOT law.

Air-Only (7 nights) BEFORE

$199 pp
Includes Air plus fuel surcharge

 AFTER

$325 pp
Includes Air plus fuel surcharge, Government Fees/US Department taxes and PFCs.
Charter Vacation Package (7 nights)
$949 pp Includes Hotel & Charter Air plus fuel surcharge		 $1075 pp
Includes Hotel & Charter Air, plus fuel surcharge, Government Fees/US Department taxes and PFCs.

This new law protects both the consumer and all who sell travel.

 

 

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Savvy Traveler Tips for 2012

Posted on January 4, 2012 by

The travel forecast has prices rising this New Year.  Saving money means you will have to stategize ahead of time.  Here are some facts and tips to help stretch your vacation dollar.

Book early.  Gone are the days of last minute discounts.  Airlines have cut capacity which leads to an increase in prices.  This year there will be fewer planes to destinations world wide meaning less seats.  Supply and demand.  Airfares, hotels and cruises are not static in price.  If you are planning a vacation in 2012 you should be booking it now.

Tip:  Use the services of a good travel agent.  If the price of your vacation decreases between the time you book and the time you travel a good travel agent will go to bat for you and get you the lower price.

Hotels & resorts are fuller.  People are traveling.  Business and leisure travel is on the upswing.  This means hotels and resorts are filling up.  Supply and demand.  In the past couple of years hoteliers have dropped rates rather than let rooms sit vacant.  Now that people are booking they don’t have to decrease their rates.  What this means for you – rates are higher and will increase as a hotel/resort gets more bookings.  Book early to get the best rate.

Cruise deals have changed.  Cruise lines are no longer giving the deepest discounts to those who book last minute.  Why?  Those who booked ahead of time were “punished” by doing so by paying higher rates.  Not a good business plan or way to keep customers happy.  Now the best prices are for those who book early.  Early booking discounts, waivers for single travelers and discounts for paying in full at booking are the trend.

Tip:  Purchase travel insurance.  I know, many people see it as a waste.  However, life is unpredictable.  It can be a lifesaver if you need it.  Protect your vacation investment by purchasing travel insurance.

There is a lot of information out there.  It is easy to become overwhelmed.  If you want to find the best vacation for you at the best price then use the services of a good travel agent.  A good travel agent will listen to what you want in a vacation and present you with the best options and the best price.  You save time and money and get a vacation you will enjoy.

 

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6 Unique Winter Events

Posted on December 22, 2011 by

Chinese New Year
Location: Hong Kong, China

Chinese New YearOn January 23rd 2012 the year of the dragon begins in accordance with the Chinese calendar. On this day the city of Hong Kong will be transformed in a sea of red and gold. There will be music playing, cultural activities, festivals all around, and finally the main attraction the parade. The parade reflects the Chinese culture, tradition, and also a revitalization. With hoards of floats, costumes, and fireworks, there is fun for all ages. The most exciting part of this whole experience is the one-hundred foot long dragon. The dragon is guided by young Chinese men who move the dragon in a dance and blow fire out of its mouth. It  is a sight anyone would be impressed to see.

Mardi Gras
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Mardi GrasThe weekend beginning February 18th and leading into Tuesday February 21st 2012 is the best time to visit the city of New Orleans. Let us make your travel plans now because finding a place to stay is not as simple as the “Big Easy” nickname would have you believe. Mardi Gras is a celebration which comes right before Lent and culminates on Fat Tuesday. It is one of the most fun events a person can attend because it includes floats, costumes, parades, and so much more. Be prepared while in the crowd and try and catch a “throw” which could be anything from beads to stuffed animals.

Carnival
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Carnival BrazilAlthough Carnival is celebrated throughout the world, the widely accepted Carnival Capital of the World is Rio. In the peak of the warm and gorgeous Rio summer, you can enjoy the celebration that is Carnival. The same time as Mardi Gras, running the weekend of February 18th and finishing up on Tuesday February 21st, Carnival provides a South American experience in the final days before Lent. Carnival attracts upwards of 500,000 foreigners alone to this spectacular event. The main attraction of the parade is the Samba Parade, also known as the Rio Central Parade, which is filled with wonderful costumes and put all together with the beautiful Brazilian Samba music.

Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival
Location: Miami, Florida

This four day wine and food showcase begins on February 23rd and ends on February 26th. The event is hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU). In 2011 there were over 55,000 guests and they were able to raise $2.4 million for FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. This is the perfect place for any wine or food lover because not only is it located at beautiful South Beach but it also boasts some of the biggest names in the food industry such as Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse, and Bobby Flay.

Superbowl XLVI
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

February 5th 2012 is the date of the 2012 NFL Superbowl. Lucas Oil Stadium is the home of the Indianapolis Colts and one of the game’s greatest players, Peyton Manning. The Superbowl is the final game of the NFL season and one of the most, if not the most, important sporting event in the United States. However, this is not a vacation opportunity simply for one day or for the fans of the two teams playing. There will be events for the ten days leading up to the Superbowl in downtown Indianapolis for fans of all 32 teams. This is an event for the avid sports fan or a family looking for a fun week of sports and other great festivities.

New Year’s Eve in Times Square
Location: New York, New York

On December 31st there is no better place to be than Times Square. Over a million people come to Times Square to watch the ball drop and celebrate the end of one year and the start of the next one while billions of people nationwide watch their televisions closely to watch that exact moment when the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. Filled with stars from all over the world this confetti filled event is a must visit at some point in a person’s life. People from all over the world flock to New York City and wait days in advance to get the best possible spot to watch the festivities take place. Hotels in NYC fill up early, so let’s start planning now.

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