EZTravelpad

Cherish the Moments

Sometimes life is filled with great joy, and other times not so much

One of the reasons that I enjoy this business of helping people with vacation planning is that it brings much happiness into my life. Helping people better enjoy their Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, Anniversary or Family vacation is a very rewarding business to be in - sharing in the creation of memories for people that will last a lifetime. Additionally it brings me into contact with a great number of people connecting with them on a deeper level...making new friends....sharing smiles.

Today though, I am filled with great sadness for a man who I consider to be a friend, a couple that I consider to be clients, and a lovely family that has been stuck by the deepest of tragedies - once again sudden and at the end of a firearm.

I do not, nor do I hope to ever know the intimate details of what happened yesterday in an affluent community on a gorgeous summer day, and this is not a politically pointed post - just something I have to relate....cherish every moment with your loved ones for you never know which will be the last.

Unbelievably this is the 2nd time this year that gun violence has struck down an EZTravelPad client- one completely random and the other apparently much less so.

As I sit here this morning perusing the photo entries sent in by clients for our photo contest ending in a couple of days I am taken with them on their dream vacation- sharing their joys, and it is very rewarding, yet it also reminds me of how fleeting those joys can be. A few months ago I awoke to the news of the senseless murder of a Honeymoon client - a husband and expectant father. Today I awaken to the news of another tragic loss of a beautiful young lady who was a daughter, a mother, a sister and a teacher. It's not been so long ago that I was helping this family plan their Disney vacation. In both instances their loved ones are left with only memories.

Tragedies are an inevitable part of the human condition - nothing we, or anyone does is going to alleviate great sorrows... we will all expereince them on vastly different levels, but what we can do is endeavor to make sure that those sorrows are outnumbered by great joys. How?

• Do things together (with your friends, family and acquaintances) - all sorts of things!
• Experience new places
• Connect at deeper levels with your loved ones
• Enjoy each other's company

I can do very little at this point for the family and friends left behind- a note, a card, a gesture, far too little. That said, I hope that at some level I already did something for them.... by helping make their last big vacation together more memorable for the loved ones left behind. I hope their pain is soon replaced by fond memories. I hope that this is the last time I awaken to such news.

Wishing you all Peace, Love & Hope-

Scott

 

 

 

Savannah, Georgia: Saint Patrick’s, Spooky Ghosts and Southern Charm

Hi there! I’m Lindsey VanWinkle, student at Butler University and intern for EZTravelPad. One of the most unique and culturally intriguing places I have been in the U.S. has been Savannah, Georgia. I did not spend very long there, as I was staying on the outskirts of Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.

However, Savannah is one place that as soon as I left, I thought, “I want to go back there someday.” I honestly cannot say that for a lot of places that I have been. Typical thoughts when I leave vacation are, “I don’t even want to look at my next bank statement,” “I hope I didn’t leave anything in the hotel,” and “What’s my arrival time?” Yet, when leaving Savannah, none of those thoughts came to mind.

I visited Savannah the weekend of Saint Patrick’s Day, only to discover that the reason why the town was so packed was because they have the second largest Saint Patty’s festival in the United States. Savannah was obviously the place to party and a big fan of the holiday. Everywhere I looked people were wearing green, walking along the streets with drinks, and talking in fake Irish accents. It was as I entered Ireland instead of Georgia when I drove over the bridge from South Carolina.

As a person who had never really explored the South with the exceptions of the city of Atlanta and the state of Florida, Savannah was like a foreign land. I loved soaking up the culture of the city with the Spanish moss hanging from the trees, the old-school brick streets, and the Southern charm.

As it turns out on one of our tours, Savannah is one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., but not in any way that made me feel unsafe, scared, or uncomfortable. My friends and I decided easily that Savannah was one of the coolest places we had been with its Civil War history, supernatural quirks, and cozy neighborhood atmosphere.

The rich history of the city made my friends feel satisfied with our experiences and craving to explore more.

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

 

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

 

Free Press is Great Press!! - Appearance on WSBT's Business Break

Scott from EZTravelPad appears on WSBT Business Break

Recently EZTravelPad was invited to a segment called Business Break on South Bend's WSBT TV.

Business Break is a regular segment that features local businesses and community events to help viewers become better informed about what is available in their community.

 

   

Remember- you can go out into the wilderness of the internet on your own to plan your vacation, or you can get help - AT NO ADDITIONAL COST - from an agency like EZTravelPad

The choice is yours

IF you choose to go it alone, here are a few links that can help.

Booking simple flights or flight/hotel combos this link or this link

Booking hotels only at hotels.com

Finding Vegas deals on shows and more at this link

Finding deals in Orlando at this link

Big savings on restaurants all across the US at this link

Beat the fees for checking luggage with a new bag at this link

Find deals on cheap all inclusives and more at this link

Handle your own cruise at this link

Insure your vacation investment with better insurance coverage at this link

Thinnk you're going to save a little money using bookit.com? It's at this link

So these are just some of the best of the multitude of options for handling your own travel planning. There's nothing wrong with doing it yourself so feel free to take my suggestions for some of the best places to shop- but there's also nothing wrong with getting a little help from a travel pro.... a travel pro who will no doubt make your life easier, and makes save you a few dollars in the process!

Oh, there is 1 other place you can go to shop without picking up the phone or composing an email to EZTravelpad, and that is www.eztravelpad.com

Save travels!

 

 

 

Cruising Outside the Box- Small Ship Cruise in Great Lakes or Great Rivers

Think Cruising is All About Oceans? Think Again.

European River Cruises not the only option for Cruising Rivers

As a travel agent I'm supposed to know everything- right? Well, none of us do - but we know who does.... Being a travel agent (or as I like to think of it- a travel consultant) means that we know who knows the answers to questions. There is WAY too much to know about all things travel, and there is WAY, WAY too much information out there for the average consumer to digest- so most people rely on word of mouth - or the TV (so why do you trust the TV news now all of ta sudden?) - or they rely on past experiences. Other people ask their travel consultant. When someone asks me a travel related question that I don't know the answer to, I go to the community of agents for the answer- they know absolutely everything, because between them they have experienced everything!

Recently I asked such a question and ran across a small company specializing in small ship cruises through some of the most beautiful and interesting destinations in the US

So how is it then, that you find out about something cool like a Small Ship Cruise on Lake Michigan? How do you learn about the luxury delivered right from the heart of Chicago? Maybe from your travel agent? Here's an interesting and wonderful cruise right in the heart of the Midwest-

• Day 1: Chicago, IL
• Day 2: Holland, MI
• Day 3: Beaver Island, MI
• Day 4: Sault Ste Marie, MI
• Day 5: Mackinac Island, MI
• Day 6: Sturgeon Bay, WI
• Day 7: Milwaukee, WI
• Day 8: Chicago, IL

 Ever been to Mackinac Island? Here's a little more info and some phootos of a place with no motorized vehicles- only bicycles and horse-drawn carriages!

 Ever taken the time to see Chicago- so many things to do and see, from world class museums and shows - to world class skyscapers and more

Cruising Lake Michigan isn't the only option either- you can cruise

• Lake Erie to New York City
• Coastal cities of Southeast (Savannah, Charleston, Beaufort, Jekyll Island, Amelia Island & More)
• Islands of New England
• Chicago to New Oleans
• Many more itineraries

There are simply so many things to do that just require some time, imagination, and yes- some money... so what do you do? Get with your travel consultant and discuss what apepals to you - so where do YOU want to go? If you don't have a travel consultant- check out EZTravelpad for some great ideas.

Don CeSar in St Pete Beach - perfect for Destination Wedding

For a Destination Wedding at Florida's Sunset Capital it's Loews Don CeSar Beach Resort

Don CeSar Beach Resort - a Loews Hotel in St Pete Beach is a perfect spot for a U.S. based Destination Wedding. Stately, Classy, Gorgeous, and with a first class spa, this is a wonderful choice for discriminating couples interested in tying the knot beachside...

If coming in with a low budget is something that you want to accomplish for your Destination Wedding then this might not be the first choice, but compared to other more modest resorts in the area Don CeSar is surprisingly affordable.

Your Destination Wedding is in Good Hands

When putting together a destination wedding there are a few things to think about- location & reputation, capabilities and quality. Don CeSar has you covered, with 3 wedding coordinators on staff preparing to host over 400 weddings this year, rest assured that you are in good hands. If the service and attention to detail is anything like I experienced there recently I couldn't be anymore comfortable in suggesting this as a great spot to tie the knot.

Offering exemplary service at every turn, you will not be disappointed by the staff, by the facilities, or by the dining options....

Flatbread topped with shredded island chicken, black bean spread & vegetables - Potato & plantain chips served with traditional guacamole and pineapple guacamole - Yum!

For some people a grilled chicken breast over a rice pilaf is just fine- others require something a bit more interesting. A more interesting menu is what you will find at Don CeSar, but is doesn't stop there. The spa features 16 treatment rooms as well as a private deck overlooking the gulf - oh, and it smells like heaven when you walk through the door of the spa! Body toning water aerobics and beach yoga are complimentary for all guests.

Beach Resort = Beach + Pools

Beachside pools offer full service including complimentary refreshments (Italian ice, frozen grape kabobs, smoothies, chilled towels , etc) plus a full menu of activities include volleyball, beachball dodgeball, cannonball contest, and lots & lots of pool pampering are all in store for you if you stay for a few days.

Putting a Price on Service

How can you put a price on service? It's the little things that mean so much - like the general manager stopping to have a chat - or walking into a restroom that smells of mint and eucalyptus - or being greeted by smiles from all the staff....lots and lots of staff can you put a price on that? Would you want your wedding celebration to be anywhere that offered less?

view of Don Cesar from beachside - looking great from every angle

My reason for stopping into Don CeSar was to find a Destination Wedding and Honeymoon resort located in Florida that I could feel good about recommending. I found it. So if a Florida based Honeymoon or Destination Wedding is something that you want, let EZTravelpad help guide you there - or wherever else your heart desires. After all, it's your special day - but it's not your responsibility to plan it all.

U.S. Honeymoon on a Budget

When Budget is Biggest Honeymoon Concern

If  you are planning a Honeymoon (or helping someone who is) and you need to stay in the U.S. and also are concerned with your budget, Sirata Beach Resort in St Pete Beach might be an option.

Sirata Beach Resort & Conference Center is located on a super-wide stretch of white sand beach along the Gulf of Mexico in the Sunset Capital of Florida (as recently declared by Florida Governor Charlie Christ).  Sirata may not be the most luxurious Honeymoon destination, but at least when you can find them, the staff are super friendly. On my recent visit I found the grounds to be well kept and convenient with 3 pools, 2 poolside bars, easy beach access, volleyball, childrens play area & more.

It is tough to beat the air service, with 2 airports located close by, all kinds of culture with interesting museums such as the Dali museum, a fantastic Botantical Gardens, Sunken Gardens, Aquarium, Zoo, plus activities such as deep sea fishing, parasailing and all kinds of fun day cruises

A recent price check found a package including 6 nights at resort, airfare from Chicago, RT transfers to and from airport to resort plus a champagne cruise & a dolphin watching boat adventure - all for just a little over $1700 for a couple. For all sorts Honeymoon ideas trust EZTravelpad for the best values in this country, or any other!