EZTravelpad

Busier Than Normal During May in Indy - Working With Interns

New Interns Joined EZTravelPad This Month - Welcome!

Butler University Student Interns Working Several Projects This Summer

The month of May in Indianapolis is traditionally a crazy month with all of the festivities revolving around the Indy 500

• Mini Marathon
• Pole Day
• Carb Day
• Parade
• Indy 500

The weather starts breaking so you can get outside more, yard work commences plus this year saw the Indiana Pacers with a playoff run so May was such a busy month already.....

Add to that mix the fact that 4 interns joined EZTravelPad this May and you can imagine how busy it has been (oh yeah - business has been really strong also...)

So I would like to officially welcome Becca, Jessica, Kirk and Lindsey to the EZTravelPad team. This group of Butler University students will be working on all sorts of projects that include website development, social media outreach, brand development and more - so if you see a bit of a spike in tweets and blogs posts this summer, you have our new Butler interns to thank. I am confident they will do a great job in helping improve EZTravelPad's internet presence and help spread the message that you can get help with your travel planning and you won't pay more by working with EZTravelPad

Stay Tuned to see what these Butler Bulldogs have to say!

It is Shatner's World....

"Shatner's World - we just live in it"

In case you are not aware, there is a new theater production crossing the US and it is Shatner's World - a One Man Show starring who else - William Shatner (yeah that one - Captain Kirk, Denny Crane, The Negotiator, Alexander the Great, TJ Hooker, even a recording artist - check out this awesome little nugget a video that ends with part of a great song from his album "Has Been").

Wait, you say - this is a travel blog, what's up with a theater review? Well, that's easy - often when you want to go to a performance like this you need to spend the night in the city and who helps with the hotel? The travel agent...

On a deeper level, EZTravelPad is not just a travel agency helping clients arrange transportation and lodging, but a source for better information and ideas. The real reason that I do what I do is that I decided I wanted to enjoy my life better through experiencing new places, people and events, plus I enjoy helping people enjoy their lives a little better too - THAT is why I have the best job in the world.

So with that in mind, I have to confess- I am no theater critic, but I loved Shatner's World. My wife and I recently saw the show in Chicago and while it lacks the drama and spectacle of other performances I have witnesses before, it is just a little bit life changing.

If you had told me a month ago that I would spend 2 hours in an uncomfortable chair listening to an 80 year old guy ramble on about his life experiences I might not have believed you, but this Shatner guy has lived quite a life and I wanted to know more- and more I did learn.

Shatner spent just short of 2 hours telling stories about his most incredible experiences, stories about people he has loved, stories from his childhood, stories about his marriages. Some stories were not exceptional - some were and most were funny - for example the punch line to one such story is....

"and somewhere in New Orleans a family is living in a house that my kidney stone bought"

 What did I take away?

• Live
• Take a chance
• Say YES

You never know what it might lead to. That philosophy has certainly worked for Shatner and it brings me back around to my life, and how I like to live, and how I like to help you with yours....I know I am going to seize every chance to do new things - what about you? 

When you are ready for a new experience (or maybe to revisit a great one) get with EZTravelPad and see why so many other people are turning back to travel agencies - it make sense 

Bride Blu Bridal Show at Blue Chip Casino 2012

Big Bridal Show at Blue Chip Casino February 19, 2012

One of the best Bridal Shows of the year is this weekend in Michigan City, IN - Bride Blu at Blue Chip Casino. Produced by Wedding Day Magazine, Bride Blu is a great event for brides and engaged couples to make connections with the wedding industry pros that can help them put together the perfect wedding - see more about Bride Blu in this quick video

I have really come to enjoy doing the bridal shows that are seemingly everywhere this time of year. Getting to meet and eventually get to know young couples interested in "doing it right" when they plan their travel in conjunction with their upcoming wedding - Bridal shows are a great place to reach out to people who are planning to travel either in order to experience a Destination Wedding somewhere "beachy" or more often they are interested in a Honeymoon just after the traditional wedding closer to home.

These couples know that since this is going to be such an important vacation they should use a travel pro to help make sure they get it right and they sure seem to appreciate the complimentary services that EZTravelPad provides!

Couples find that the experience of using a travel pro to help witht he whole process saves them tons of time and frustration, not to mention saving money too- and since they normally come back for help with planning the next trip we must be doing something right.

If you are planning a wedding, or know someone who is, anywhere near Michigan CIty, IN this weekend then come out to the Bride Blu event (see more at this link) at  Blue Chip Casino Sunday February 19, 2012 to see what EZTravelPad can do to help- but get there early, with the large number of couples that get engaged on Valentine's Day, not to mention the amount who become engaged over the holidays, you can expect a big crowd. 

Super Bowl XLVI was worth the trip

Indianapolis Scores Big with Super Bowl XLVI

Eli Manning and the NY Giants may have won the game, but the big victory in Super Bowl XLVI goes to the city of Indianapolis.

The house that Peyton built proved to be a gorgeous venue, the layout of the NFL Experience and Super Bowl Village were smart creating a sense that for the past 10 days Indianapolis was the "epicenter of awesome"

You could zip line down Capital Ave, Watch ESPN or The Today Show, Bob & Tom, Mike and Mike or any of several other live broadcasts, get involved in curling, take in street performers or great bands, enjoy some of the best restaurants around, or just socialize with thousands upon thousands of the happiest people around enjoying every minute. I only wish I was able to spend more time exploring and enjoying the dozens events

For just a glimpse of some of the action check out this short video

 

I loved my time at Super Bowl XLVI - or - the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis and it was totally worth the trip (of course my trip was only about 65 blocks so if was easy).

If you know EZTravelPad you know that we help you get to places to enjoy your life - mostly resorts or tours or cruises, but sometimes for other events like The Super Bowl. Please keep us in mind when you think of travel planning - we are here to help!

Oh, and next time the Super Bowl comes to Indianapolis make plans get get here - it was amazing

 

Costa Concordia Accident - Some Perspective

Costa Concordia Cruise Fallout

It has been only a few days now since the Costa Cruise Ship Concordia ran aground off the coast of Italy. There is still an ongoing search for possible survivors and speculation abounds regarding what could have caused this tragic and sensational accident. Carnival Corp - the parent company of Costa - is scrambling and all blame is pointing toward the captain, and I believe rightly so. It is hard to imagine, yet still not surprising that a lapse in judgment could cause such a terrible tragedy. No doubt that the investigation and inevitable trial will be in the news for months, if not years to come.

So what does that mean for the cruise industry? Will people still want a cruise vacation? From my perspective all signs point to yes - for now. This appears to not be a failure of a company, or an industry, or a product -  but the failure of a man. It appears, at this early stage, that this is just a tragic accident that was totally preventable. There are systems and rules and procedures that should be followed each and every time to prevent things like this from occurring. There is a little thing called training that should be implemented more consistently across all industries, especially those that serve the retail public.

Since I am sure that all travel consultants, advisers and agents are now dealing with answering the question - "is it safe to go on a cruise?" I thought I would just take a moment to share my response to that concern - my reply to the concern voiced from a client recently booked on an Alaska cruise for this coming spring. It seems some of the group is seriously rethinking whether to go now - here was my reply

"I can see why that would give someone pause, but like anything else, danger is all around.
By and large it is an exceedingly safe industry.
I could probably find some stats to rattle off, but why bother. To the unlucky person that does get struck by lightening on the golf course, there is little consolation that the odds are against it.
To me a small amount of risk in return for seeing and experiencing is worth it. That said, you won't find me jumping out of a perfectly good airplane even if I am jumping tandem with the world's best skydiver - no way baby!!
Cruise, pretty safe all in all."

What do I know? Not much I suppose, in the big scheme of things - but I do know that I will not let the stupidity and cowardice of one individual keep me from experiencing as much of the world as possible. I mean, I saw the Poseidon Adventure (the original) and Titanic (DiCaprio version) and did not let that dissuade me from a cruise vacation - I saw Jaws (skipped the remakes) and still get in the ocean - I saw Airport (what an excellent disaster movie) and still fly.....

Life is short and there is much to see - and a cruise ship is a great way to see a good part of the world, so here's to the next great adventure-

Lastly, we would like to express our sincere condolences to those who lost a loved one, and those that experienced this horrible event firsthand yet survived.

 

How a Travel Agent Can Decrease Your Jail Time

Owner of South Bend Chocolate Company Jailed 2 Nights

This is a story about why it would have been good to have a friend....in the travel business

I awoke this morning to a news story that I found curious.

The story.....a very successful entrepreneur, owner of the South Bend Chocolate Company, spent a couple of nights in jail as a result of trying to get a gun through security at a Chicago airport -  see more at this link

How did the high profile owner of a very successful small business spend 2 nights in jail? Apparently he grabbed the wrong bag (the one with the gun in it) while dashing off to the airport and then inadvertently attempted to get it through security but TSA caught it. It can happen....

Here's the thing- supposedly he repeatedly tried to call his business to find someone to bail him out. The employees repeatedly hung up when they heard the call was coming from the Cook County jail. There are many questions that come to mind, like didn't he have anyone else to call? Perhaps all of his family and friends were out of touch.

While I don't know for sure, I have a strong feeling that he did not use a travel agent because I bet the travel agent that he used would have answered the phone!

As a travel agency owner I cannot say that I can keep you out of jail, but I am pretty darn certain that had this business owner planned his trip with EZTravelPad he would have gotten out of jail much quicker!

 

Santa, Elvis & Michael Jackson - what do they have in common?

It's Christmas Time - so where is Elvis and Michael?

This Christmas I see Santa impersonators everywhere. They are in stores, on TV, in the parade and more. There once was a time, not so long ago, that the most popular impersonator was the Santa. Then something wonderful happened - Elvis.

Hmmm.... Elves - Elvis a connection?

Elvis gave us so much, perhaps not as much as Santa, but hey- Santa never sang Blue Christmas now did he? Elvis was to be short-lived though - he died far too young and left us with only memories - and impersonators. All manner of Elvi (is that the plural of Elvis?) now roam the countryside in search of cheap gigs. Some are good, most are not - but given that Elvis works 24/7/365 and Santa really only works from Thanksgiving to Christmas, my unscientific analysis indicates that there are now more Elvis than Santa impersonators so Elvis is now number 1

But for how long? As Yoda once said - "there is another" - Yes Santa fans, I now predict that within the next decade or two, Santa will have fallen to number 3 behind Elvis and.....Michael Jackson.

If my recent trips to the Cancun and the Riviera Maya resort areas are any indication there will one day soon be more Michael Jackson impersonators than Santa - and perhaps even more than Elvis (although given the obesity epidemic it is far easier to go the Elvis route).

See the show at Fiesta Americana

  

Michael is Everywhere

There are today, as we speak, legions - well, maybe not legions, but groups - definitely groups - of Michael Jackson troupes practicing right now for the show tonight - and tomorrow night, and next month. They are rehearsing for the gig at the resort, at the arena, at the bar, and yes - for the Cirque du Soleil show. See this link - think that will be awesome or what?

Maybe the whole process will occur within the next year - perhaps this is what the Mayans foresaw - Michael Jackson performances throughout Mexican resorts and the end of the world....Hmmm.....

Newlywed Christmas Gift idea - A Presentation Competition - LOVE This !!

A Most Memorable Christmas Gift To Each Other -

 

 

I just received an email from a new bride. I had helped with the Honeymoon to St lucia earlier this year so naturally she turned to me for another idea. This is just so cool - had not heard of doing this before, but I LOVE the idea. In her own words, here is part of what she wrote me...

"instead of Christmas presents this year we would each plan out a vacation idea to present to one another and then decide on which one to take. We have to do a whole presentation with every detail planned, including little things like how we get to airport and where we eat and what we do (of course we won't have to follow the plan exactly when we actually take the vacation, its just to give the other a big picture idea of what we could do). So we each get to plan whatever kind of vacation we want for whatever date we want in 2012 and then whichever one we agree on on Christmas morning we will then book as our Christmas present"

How much fun is that? Great idea, huh?

Give the gift of a memory that will last - give the gift of an experience to share together - give the gift of an adventure - give the gift of travel....

If this sounds like a great idea to you too, and you would like a little help with the process - turn to "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelPad is here to help!

Small Business Saturday - Travel Agency & St Jude - What's the Connection?

EZTravelPad Supports St Jude Children's Research Hospital thru 2011

It's Small Business Saturday. No matter what else you do today, if you make a purchase of any kind - gift, food, clothes, travel, you name it - I strongly encourage you to support a small business.

EZTravelpad is a travel agency - a sole proprietorship - a Hoosier company - a small business that needs your support, and I am going to give you a fantastic reason here in a moment. EZTravelPad offers all types of solutions for your travel needs from complimentary services regarding travel planning (plus a best price guarantee), to links for top suppliers offering everything from do-it-yourself booking to travel insurance to luggage and beyond.

By shopping these links below.... You will be supporting a small business- not just today, but everyday. You will also be doing much more - you will be supporting St Jude Children's Research Hospital. Here's how - and this may be hard to believe, but believe it. EZTravelPad will donate to St Jude 50% of all revenue earned thru online sales beginning on Small Business Saturday and lasting through the end of 2011.

Book travel direct at www.eztravelpad.com

Vacations at this link

Travel Insurance at this link

Luggage from eBags at this link

Restaurant Discount Gift Certificates at this link

Hotels at this link

Flights at this link

Vegas shows and more at this link

 

Give During the Holidays -

St Jude has been doing fantastic work for decades and they are supported almost entirely through donations. Patients pay nothing. See more info on the good work done at St Jude at this link

So starting on Small Business Saturday November 25, 2011 and everyday through the end of 2011 shop online with EZTravelPad and help both a small business and a great organization.

Not in the market for travel related products at the moment? No problem - do your part by sharing this post with all of your friends - Pay it Forward....and have a wonderful and warm Holiday Season

 

So How is a Vacation in Mexico These Days?

Mexico Offers Great Value in Resort Vacations + Safety

Friendly staff at Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya

I just returned from the Cancun and Rivera Maya area of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. I know what you are thinking, how can I be writing this blog post with my head cut off, right? Well I am living proof that not every tourist to the resort areas of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera gets killed or kidnapped. In fact, I was traveling with a rather large group of travel agents and none of us even got so much as Montezuma's Revenge - (although I think one lady had a bit of a hangover one morning).

Poolside at Grand Velas in Riviera Maya

Contrary to popular myth, the tourist areas have been largely spared from the violence revolving around the Mexican drug cartel wars - and in particular, the Yucatan Peninsula and tourist areas of Cancun and the Mayan Riviera (the 100+Km stretch of gorgeous beaches south from Cancun) are a world away from trouble - unless trouble means another shot of tequila, then you got plenty of trouble there!

Seriously, it is a completely wonderful area for tourists with scores of excellent resorts that offer all manner of vacation fun.

wine lover? Dreams Riviera Cancun might be for you

 

• Looking for a 4 Diamond or 5 Star resort experience? There are plenty of choices.
• Interested in a budget all-inclusive? They've certainly got that covered.
• Looking for a perfect Honeymoon or Destination Wedding location? Great Choice!
• Want to experience the real Mexican culture at a boutique hotel in a quaint Mexican town? ok
• Seeking Adventures like Zip-lining, cave tubing, water skiing, para sailing? You sure can
• Want to dive in a world class reef - even dive with Whale Sharks? You can do that too!!
• Hunting for a great place for a family vacation - kids stay free at many family friendly resorts 
• Time to hit the links with some of your golfing friends? Fantastic courses!!

Americans Are Absent - But Other Nationalities Are Loving the Value

I have spent 12 nights in the area recently, during 2 separate trips, mostly revolved around visiting a wide variety of resorts so that I can better serve my client base. During one conversation with the manager of one of the Fiesta Americana resorts I learned that a few years ago Americans made up the largest majority of vacationers at the resort. Today US tourists are 5th as a group behind Brits, Brazilians, Japanese & Chinese - in no particular order....5th!!

As I sat in the spa one day during a treatment (gotta love the $1500 resort credits at Palace Resorts!) I had a conversation with a very intelligent gentleman from England. He had been to the area many times, and was well traveled in general. I asked him if the bad press was negatively deterring British from enjoying Mexico as a vacation spot and he related- absolutely not. His opinion was that it was strictly a US prejudice that is primarily fueling the hype...that the significant influx of Hispanic migration to the US in search of jobs over the past couple of decades has contributed to the perception of Mexico being unsafe for tourism....he makes a good point and may be on to something.

I don't claim to have all the answers -and there certainly is significant gang-on-gang violence in the country - WAY too much. Keep in mind though that it is far removed from the tourist areas that millions enjoy every year. There are literally dozens and dozens and dozens or resorts to choose from (so many that the help of a travel pro is quite helpful - wink wink), and the trouble you hear about on the evening news is generally 1000 miles away - or more.

Danger is everywhere in this world, and I'm not going to quit swimming in the ocean because there are sharks in there - I'm not going to forgo a trip to California because of gang violence in Compton - nor will I move from the Midwest because a tornado could hit - be smart, choose wisely, but don't dismiss Mexico as a great destination for a fantastic destination!!

And when you are ready to thin kabout it - give EZTravelPad a shout - we're here to help...