Rome is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the world to visit. Enjoy this extremely detailed video on traveling to Rome; what to see, when to go, and what to expect.
Like what you see? Well, let’s get you out there exploring! For personalized itineraries and dependable travel assistance, please contact our travel specialists at Cruise & Travel Masters!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Why would the 20-somethings use a travel agent these days? And why might they be avoiding the idea?
Below, travel junkie and professional writer, Emily Gerson, interviews agent Tom Lewis to find out why. You can read the full article on Emily’s blog, Maiden Voyage: Travel For 20Somethings.
Emily Gerson: As a travel agent, do you work with 20somethings? Why would they want to use a travel agent?
Tom Lewis: We are high-end travel agents, but surprisingly, I have quite a few clients who are in their 20s. Its been growing by word of mouth within that group. I’m 54, I have two daughters – one is 27 and one is 25. The 27-year-old’s husband works for Wells Fargo and most of his friends are business majors, lawyers, and other young professionals. Once I got them hooked on my services, they started referring me to their friends. People in their 20s are a generation that trusts their friends. That’s where this industry has done a poor job – getting its foot in the door. Once people use me, they get their friends to call me. It’s more personal.
Certainly if they’re just booking a flight from Phoenix to L.A., they don’t call me – it’s not cost-effective. The advantage I can give them is that I don’t just book them a room in a rate category – you can do that on the Internet. If a young client calls me and they booked a room at Shutters in Santa Monica, I contact the management and let them know they’re coming. They have a room in a certain category, but there’s a good chance they’ll get a room upgrade. There’s also a good chance they’ll get an amenity when they get to the room – maybe a bottle of Champaign, wine, or a fruit plate. With Virtuoso, if I’m booking a very high-end hotel, a lot of those things are guaranteed. And it’s the exact same price as you can book on travel websites.
Another advantage that I’d emphasize is that booking your own travel costs you time. The average person visits 27 websites before they book in order to gather information and compare prices. If you call or email me, within 15 minutes I can find the same information. I can give you price and itinerary in two phone calls. It’s so much easier.
EG: What are some of the most common misconceptions you see amongst 20somethings in regards to travel agents?
TL: The main one is that it’s too expensive. There are rare occasions when there are Internet specials we cant match, but about 95% of time, that cheap rate you see on Internet is the same one I’m seeing on my computer. And often, a travel agent can get you a better deal than what you’re seeing online. We can actually save them money. You retain the same price but are getting a better room and things added to it – it’s a better deal. The perception is that it’s too expensive, but the reality is that its often more expensive to use Internet. The reason I believe that most people your age assume they should book on Internet is they assume it’s always cheaper.
The other misconception is that it’s not cool. The cool thing is to go online and book your own travel. Do you think Ashton Kutcher books his own travel? Do you think Blake Lively books her own travel? No. The people who 20somethings aspire to be – they all use travel agents.
EG: I’ve read several articles recently that said travel agents were making a comeback. Do you think this is true?
TL: The tide has definitely turned so that we’re starting to win back market share. There are a number of reasons for that. I’d encourage you to do a Twitter search for the names of large travel websites and sucks or #fail. You will see that there are a lot of people are not happy with the service they get from these companies. A recently survey said only 27% of people who book all travel on the Internet are satisfied or very satisfied with the process.
Nobody has done survey like that on travel agents, but once we have gotten a customer into our office and booked a trip for them and they’ve returned, about 95% of them call us back. There’s a reason for that. We’re personable, it’s personal, we do whatever we can to make sure that the client is satisfied and has a great trip. With the Internet, you’re on your own. If something goes wrong, their customer service is very poor. With us, if you get to hotel and it doesn’t meet your expectations, we want you to call us. We may not be able to fix it, but chances are if we get on the phone with the management, we may be able to get you better room. However, there are some travel agents who are less professional and less full-service, who are basically taking orders, so you can’t really say that all travel agents do the same thing.
EG: If I was using a travel agent for the first time, how do I know what to look for?
TL: Ask them if they provide service after the sale, so in other words, if you show up at the hotel and they show you to your room and it’s not what you believed you are getting, will they intervene with the hotel and try to get you a better room?
I would also ask if the travel agent is networking. We spend a tremendous amount of time and energy meeting with hotels, hotel sales reps and managers, so when our clients go to that hotel we have established a relationship with that person. Here’s an analogy; a very well-networked travel agent doesn’t know the bouncer at the exclusive club you want to go into, but they know the person who made the list. We can get you on the list, so when you show up you don’t have to say, “This room isn’t what I wanted” – you will get there and the room is the way you wanted, and will probably be better than you expected. We contact the people and let them know we have clients coming. Often we’ll have physically stayed at hotel or done a site inspection. I can ask for room in certain part of resort because I know it will suit my client better.
Credentials and certifications are not a bad thing to look for because it shows they’ve taken the time to get trained, but not it’s necessary. To me it’s more a matter of asking the agent, “What do you do to educate yourself? What type of training do you do? Do you go to industry events?” I take training from cruise lines, tour companies, hotel chains, and so on.
EG: What types of travels do you book for your younger clients?
TL: Most of my young clients do trips like urban hotel stays in California – it’s usually pretty straightforward. Many of them could have booked themselves, but I got them extras like room upgrades, free extras, bottle of wine upon showing up – things they wouldn’t have online. I booked a trip to Vancouver and Victoria for one couple and I outlined some of the activities they could do. I have also done Hawaii and Mexico resort stays, though I plan to book more complex stays eventually. I’ve found that young professionals don’t have much vacation time – most of the people I work with are looking more to decompress than to go and see everything.
Find out why Cruise & Travel Masters is the best agency for travelers of all ages! Give us a call today!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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These days, more and more couples are opting for winter weddings, and why not? There is something magical about the snowy landscape and cuddling up with your sweetheart. Not to mention, there is a lot less competition for vendors and sites. With a little planning the cold weather can be the perfect backdrop for a truly unique and unforgettable wedding experience. Read on to learn the Dos and Dont’s of Winter Weddings from Kate Wood at the knot.
Photo Credit: greenweddingshoes.com
You shouldn’t feel bound to a palette of winter whites, greens, and reds that traditionally surround the holiday season. Why not choose bold, bright colors and create a tropical wonderland of mango oranges, Key lime greens, or pineapple yellows? It sounds counterintuitive, but it can actually create a fun, unexpected setting for your guests.
Throw out the old-school rules that say you have to wear certain fabrics depending on the time of year you’re getting married. It’s completely okay to choose a strapless dress rather than one with long sleeves, or silk charmeuse rather than double-faced satin — go with whatever works for your wedding style and your bridesmaids’ bodies. Check out photos of our favorite bridesmaid dresses.
Photo Credit: Sweet November Events
Remember, though, you can’t be overly picky about what they wear when your bridesmaids are outdoors (which they will be, even if it’s just to dash from the limo to the church). If you’ve opted for glitzy heels that would be hazardous in snow (let alone ice), be okay with them toting along sneakers or boots to get from one place to the next. And obviously, coats are a must — in most parts of the country, it’ll take more than a pashmina to ward off the winter chill. Get more ideas for winter wedding accessories.
There are plenty of ways to make your reception an even more inviting space. With the sun setting early, candles will create a romantic glow right from the start of your party. To add to the ambience, consider bringing in lush, soft textures: Think velvet ribbon tied around each napkin or chenille pillows and throws in a lounge area.
Photo Credit: Youaphotography.com
Okay, we know it’s cold outside, but things may heat up on your dance floor. If it seems like guests are breaking a serious sweat, ask your wedding coordinator or site manager to turn the heat down a notch. Another option: If there are separate thermostats for different areas of your reception space, set the one for the dance floor area a few degrees lower.
There are tons of winter-inspired ways you can thank your guests for joining you at your wedding. Winter- or holiday-themed favors are always favorites, like ornaments with each guest’s name on them before Christmas or delectable truffles near Valentine’s Day. Another option is do an extra late-night snack. We love the idea of giving out hot cocoa with shortbread cookies or mulled apple cider with gingerbread. See more top winter wedding ideas.
Photo Credit: Wyoming.weddings.com
If you want to have a receiving line, plan ahead of time how it will work so guests aren’t left freezing outside. If your ceremony space has a large enough entryway or vestibule, you may be able to wait there and have guests greet you after the ceremony. To hold a receiving line at the reception, do it inside rather than greeting guests as they enter. That way, when the line starts to bottleneck, guests in the back aren’t left waiting (and shivering) to get indoors.
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Photo Credit: Cedar Creek Treehouse
Imagine waking up to the music of a mountain stream flowing by your cabin — except that your cabin is 50 feet up in a giant cedar tree with a view seen only by the birds.
Cedar Creek Treehouse is situated high in the canopies of the lush evergreen rainforest surrounding Mount Rainier National Park. The natural skylight highlights the giant tree trunk growing straight up through the floor of the kitchen, and disappearing through the ceiling of this Earth-friendly mountain retreat.
Cedar Creek was listed in CBS’s World’s 10 Best “One- Room” Hotels and The Guardian’s (London) ” One of the World’s Best Five Treehouses”.
They offer guided tours for visiting guests, which include ascending the 82′ high spiral Stairway To Heaven and crossing the Rainbow Bridge to the 100′ Treehouse Observatory. On fair weather days there are spectacular views of Mt. Rainier and its surrounding peaks. Bring your binoculars and you might see climbers on Mt. Rainier’s Muir snowfield and mountain goats on Mt. Wow’s meadows.
For more information on treehouse hotels and other unique lodging options, contact our travel specialists. We can turn an average getaway into something really special!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Photo Credit: whyinsuranceblog.com
Let’s face it, very few of us are where we would like to be financially. But don’t let that stop you from traveling this year! Here are 5 great ways to save big bucks on your next adventure!
1. Skip the hotel
For significant savings and more square footage for your dollar, swap the expensive hotel room for a privately owned apartment or house on your next vacation. More second-home owners are turning to vacation-rental companies like vrbo.com, which lists more than 100,000 houses worldwide.
House-swapping has also become very popular! Sites such as homeexchange.com, intervac.com, and ihen.com charge annual membership fees in exchange for access to their extensive databases. But remember, you have to live in a desirable location as well.
Photo Credit: Men's Health
2. Go all-inclusive
Avoid the shocking bill at the end of the trip by booking with an all-inclusive resort, where meals, drinks, and activities are included in the rate. No longer will you pay ridiculous amounts for renting snorkel gear or ordering a cocktail by the pool. Finally, a way to truly let go and enjoy yourself!
3. Chase the exchange rate
Travelers looking to make the most of their money should keep an eye on global exchange rates. Some places to get great bang for your buck are Iceland, Hungary, South Africa, Brazil, and Mexico. Also, don’t forget how far the dollar goes in India and Southeast Asia! Supporting tourism in these countries is a great way to boost their local economies while stretching your vacation time!
4. Stop hoarding your miles
This is the year to use all those frequent-flier miles you’ve been accumulating. CNN notes, “Most airlines start selling flights 330 days out, so using your miles as far in advance as possible increases the likelihood of getting an award seat. And if a flight isn’t full approximately two weeks before departure, the carrier will turn to frequent-flier customers to help fill the plane.”
Photo Credit: www.washington.or.us
5. Say yes to free
From spending the day at the beach or hiking a trail, to checking the local newspaper for free concerts and special events, there are tons of ways to enjoy your vacation without breaking the bank. Instead of taking professional tours, check out timeshares that will give you the tour for free. It’s a great way to see the city and save at the same time. Also, contact your destination’s tourist information bureaus in advance for free coupon books full of potential adventures. Your savings will be huge and you can find out about the “must see” local attractions.
For more money-saving travel tips, contact our travel specialists!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Traveling to Germany in January is no tropical getaway. In fact, the temperatures can be close to freezing, so make sure to bundle up! However, the experience is sure to be easy on the wallet, without crowds, and packed with German festivals and events! Here are a few things NOT to miss:
Fashion Week Berlin- German and international designers present the hottest new fashions at runway shows, trade fairs, exhibitions, and parties, which take place in historic buildings and hip clubs around town.
When: January 17- 22, 2012
Where: Bebelplatz and various venues in Berlin
Sylt Gourmet Festival- Foodies from around the world flock to the German island of Sylt in the North Sea to indulge in this 4-day long Gourmet Festival. Famous chefs and sommeliers prepare their feasts in the best restaurants of Sylt, offering everything from fresh-caught lobster, and fine French wines, to Spanish Tapas.
When: January 19-23, 2012
Where: Island of Sylt
International Green Week in Berlin- Berlin’s “International Green Week” is the world’s largest exhibition for the food, agriculture, and gardening industry. All the wonderful presentations are organized around national, regional or product themes, and the fair is a feast for all senses: The international selection of products on display include fresh produce, seafood, meats and sausages, beer and wines, teas, herbs, flowers, and much more.
When: January 2o – 29, 2012
Where:Messe (Fair Grounds), Berlin
Photo Credit: Germany Vacations
For more information on traveling to Germany, it’s amazing culture, and what to expect on your vacation, our travel specialists are the ones to ask! Let’s get you exploring!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Photo Credit: gaylordhotels.com
If crowds aren’t your thing, or you are just looking for a quieter New Years celebration, ring in the healthy resolutions at a destination spa. According to a study at Cornell University, destination spa-goers are fitter, happier, healthier, more alert, more agile, have greater cardiovascular health and understand themselves better than non-spa goers and regular vacationers. Destination spas work to heal the whole person by offering a wide variety of life enhancing programs, including hiking, yoga, massage therapy, acupuncture, weight and stress management, smoking discontinuance, hypnosis, writing workshops and many other healing modalities. Some of our favorites are the Canyon Ranch in Massachusetts, New Life Hiking Spa in Vermont, Oaks at Ojai in California, and Biggest Loser at Fitness Ridge in Utah. For more information on the best destination spas click HERE.
For an intimate, health-renewing New Year, let our travel specialists find the spa experience that fits you best!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Ice Skating Squaw Valley, Photo Credit: Sunset Magazine
Visit Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe, CA for some hot cocoa and ice skating at 8,200 feet. Smack in the middle of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the Olympic Ice Pavilion offers unmatched panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, the Squaw Valley Meadow, and beautiful Lake Tahoe. Families and friends pack into the Ariel Tram for a breathtaking ride up to High Camp, where the ice rink, hot tub, and restaurants are located. So whether you feel like twirling on skates, lounging in the sun, or grabbing a pint, Squaw Valley is the place to do it!
When it comes to booking fun winter vacations, give our travel specialists a call! We are sure to give you an experience you will never forget!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Photo Credit: zvents.com
January in Yosemite is as empty as the park will ever be, but it’s anything but boring. 2012 marks the 27th year of the Chefs’ Holidays series at The Ahwahnee Hotel. From January 8th-February 2nd big-time chefs from across the country gather for multiple cooking demos, meet-the-chef mixers and gala feasts. Guests watch as chefs like Brian Malarkey, from San Diego’s famous Searsucker restaurant, work their kitchen magic. Chef/Guest mingling is a must, especially with the folks from the TV show ”Top Chef”. Finish off the day by hitting the snow-packed Yosemite Falls trail for some exercise and winter views.
Ahwahnee Hotel, Photo Credit:Christine Loberg
Don’t miss this up-close and personal culinary experience- It’s sure to please food and nature lovers alike. Our travel specialists can help you get there. Give us a call!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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Photo Credit: old.schweitzer.com
Only 11 miles from the town of Sandpoint, Idaho is Schweitzer Mountain and it’s 2,900 acres of knee-deep powder. This charming little village is home to musicians, artists, and professional snowboarders. Everyone comes together at MickDuff’s Brewing Co. for a Tipsy Toehead Blonde Ale and their famous Garlic Gorgonzola Cheese Fries. Another favorite is Pend d’Oreille Winery and Bistro Rouge Café, offering tastings, wine by the glass, light tapas and live music on Friday nights.
Crowds of skiers and snowboarders are almost non-existent, especially on the “Idyle Our T-bar” lift, which accesses endless off-trail tree terrain and the resort’s longest run, the 2.1-mile intermediate Little Blue Ridge. At times you will wonder if you are the only one on the mountain!
For an intimate experience of skiing, dining, and drinking, Sandpoint is the place to be! Give our travel specialists a call and we’ll plan your getaway today!
Sonja Nash, Cruise & Travel Masters
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