EZTravelpad

It's ALWAYS on Sale - Cruises, All inclusives, Tours & More

Cruises are ON SALE - All Inclusives are ON SALE!!

I am just back from a week at a Sandals resort in Ocho Rios Jamaica, and boy did I learn alot!

 
part of the private Sandals beach in Ocho Rios

 

• I learned that the Sandals Grande Riviera is really looking good -

• I learned that Negril still looks the same as it did 20 years ago (except Rick's Cafe has expanded some)
• I learned that the "new road" is still not the same as an interstate
• I learned that if you want to scuba you better download the form before you go and get any required physician's signatures in the US (they are VERY cautious with guest's health at these resorts)
• But mostly I learned that people really believe that stuff about 65% off

Seriously? I guess I (and other travel agents also) do a lousy job of getting the word out that all these sales (Sandals is perpetually 60-65% off anytime you go to their website - at least anytime in the last 3 years...) - these perpetual sales that you can find any moment on the internet...they are just fluff. Everything is ALWAYS on sale - cruises are routinely 75-87% off - but off of what?

Who pays full fare?

Don't get me wrong - Sandals does a fantastic job of marketing their product - and it is a good product. I experienced it for 7 days last week and have VERY few complaints (there is always something that isn't 100% perfect, right?).

I guess my surprise, and the point of this post stems from several conversations with guests. Sandals guests tend to be very friendly ad out-going (alcohol maybe??) - I met many great people and invariably the topic of "what do you do?" came up. Frequently when guests learned that I was a travel agent/consultant/adviser we would talk travel - where have you been, where do you like best, etc. They were always very generic conversations, i mean- the last thing I would want to do is go to someone's place and start selling THEIR customers, so I was always very careful in how I responded to questions like - "so what do you think about this place?" - it's awesome of course!

The thing that I found most interesting was the amount of certainty that people held in their belief of their price being really special - the "I got a great deal" syndrome was rampant. People just don't believe that the Sandals price and the internet price and the agent price and the EZTravelPad price are exactly............THE SAME!!! Furthermore, it's the same situation with just about every resort company or cruise line or hotel or tour operator or wholesale packager on the planet. Nearly every time the agent price and the direct booking price are identical.

• Is there anything wrong with going directly to the source? No.
• Is there any advantage to booking direct? No.
• Is doing your own direct booking wrong? No.
• Is doing your own direct booking smart? Not really - because by using an impartial agent/consultant/adviser you can get advice - advice that you will not get from going direct, and you will usually pay ZERO (zilch, $0 - Nada)for that advice.

So, what did we learn? That if you want 65% off your next all inclusive vacation you need to go directly to the source - or the internet - or your preferred agent, because the pricing is ALL THE SAME almost every time - and when it's not (I cannot speak for every agent on planet earth) most agents will match the price.

Plus- even if you are paying a premium for your agent (and some top agents do charge premium fees)- how much value is their in having a go-to person when things go wrong? Do you REALLY like dealing with the call center? Really?

An Agent can help you make the best choice

What incentive does a resort have with making sure you have the best connections or even digging a little deeper to find a non-stop? Not much...

How likely is it that a tour company (Apple Vacations for example) will suggest that their competitor has a better flight option, or a better price? Not a chance in the world.

Do you know every place to shop for best combination of price/flights/room availability? Unlikely

How likely is it that the internet based travel agency is going to take the time to meet with you 1-on-1 to REALLY find out what you want for your next experience (and the one after that?).

Vacation planning is an art - and a science. It is something that someone like myself takes pride in - helping people get the most value for their most important commodity - TIME

So people, next time you are contemplating going somewhere - find an agent that you can be comfortable working with, and at least ask them for a quote - what do you have to lose? What do you have to GAIN?

But, just in case I haven't yet convinced you, and you are still holding out for the biggest sale yet - here you go.

THIS Fall - Oct 3-6 to Riviera Maya in Mexico.... an EZTravelpad exclusive at 99.98% OFF List Price - It's UNBELIEVABLE

Package includes RT air from Chicago, 3 nights at a 5 Star All-Adult All-Inclusive Resort ...plus a T-shirt plus.... 2 bottles of water!!.....all for only $855 pp dbl - That's 99.98% off the regular EZTravelpad price of only $42,750 per person*** - WOW - the deal of a lifetime!!

*** - ok, the 99.98% off is made up, so don't believe it - I'm just trying to illustrate the point that these savings that companies are routinely touting (off list price) are just numbers pulled out of thin air - numbers that sound enticing.... but the $855pp is real - and it's a steal! Hope to see you there!

European River Cruises On Sale Now For Singles

Want to avoid the "Single Supplement" on your European River Cruise?

Uniworld, a leader in European River Cruising has recently announced that they are waiving the dreaded "Single Supplement" on many European River Cruises for departures in 2011. What does this mean?

What it means is tremendous savings for single travelers- Read on.

 

Traditionally cruise ships price their cabins for double occupancy. For example, if a departure is priced for $3000 per person, a single traveler can frequently pay 150-200% of that amount to travel alone! Yet, for many departures in 2011 Uniworld has waived the single supplement, meaning that single travelers can cruise many of the rivers of Europe at tremendous savings.

Some of the departures available this year are:

 

Enchanting Danube

7 nts Budapest-Passau

June 26, July 10 & 31,Aug 7, Oct 23, Nov 06

 

Castles Along the Rhine

7 nts Amsterdam-Basel 

Nov 6 & 13

 

Imperial Capitals of Europe

14 nts Istanbul- Vienna

April 16, July 17 & 25, Oct 10

 

Danube Holiday Market

7 nts Budapest- Passau

Dec 12 & 19

and there are many more from which to choose!

Do you love history, food, wine, architecture, and music?

A European River Cruise is something on the bucket list of most baby boomers seeking travel experiences that they can cherish for a lifetime. There is nothing quite like meandering along the rivers of Europe as castles and vineyards pass by just a few hundred yards in the distance. Essentially you experience a guided tour in a 4 star hotel at your own pace, and best of all, you see much of Europe but only need unpack once!

There is nothing quite like the enrichment and educational programs offered by the cruise lines that specialize in bringing The Old Country to life as you pass through the heart of Europe and see it from a perspective like those that navigated these waters centuries earlier.

So if you would love to see Europe from a unique perspective but don't have a travel partner, this is your opportunity.

You can do it yourself, or you can enlist the help of "Your friends....in the travel business" - EZTravelpad

We're here to help you enjoy your life to the fullest!

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.

River Cruises- Watching the Castles of Europe pass as you float by in Luxury

European River Cruises Offer Europe from a Seldom seen Perspective

You may have never heard of a European River Cruise, or it may be on your bucket list. You may have cruised the Danube or Rhine, or may know someone who has. In any case, if it's not yet on your radar, it soon will be. As U.S. Baby Boomers see their portfolios recover from the Great Recession - and enter retirement with an energy and youthful exhuberance not seen before - with a desire to see the world, and the means to make it happen, what is on their bucket list?

As more mature couples fall in love and marry, what are they looking for in a Honeymoon? Beaches and a tropical paradise are great when you are young but at a certain point- for many, the desire for a little something different emerges...

River Cruises Top Bucket List for Many

Check out this short video to give you a sense of what this travel niche offers

 

 

3 Ways to See Europe

Esentially there are 3 ways to see Europe

• Fly in to a city or two and experience them for a few days at a time
• Tour several countries by a combination of bus and rail
• Cruise the rivers

Each of these strategies are great- nothing wrong with doing them all- and you know the easiest way to get it done, right?

Contact "Your friends....in the travel business" at EZTravelpad - where if we don't know the answer there is a good chance we are friends with an expert on the subject, so one call does it all.

Have fun, see the world, enjoy your life starting now- it goes very, very quickly!

 

Compelling Reasons to Book Cruises Early and Beat Price Increases

Cruise Prices Should be Going Up- and For Good Reasons

Sometimes you just can't say something better yourself, so with that in mind, here is a short article about why cruise lines repositioning ships to Europe affect supply of ships serving Caribbean and why cruise prices will be going up soon - so better book now and lock in lower prices!

This is just one aspect of why cruise prices will be inflating- oil prices are another...remember the fine print regarding fuel surcharges? How high does oil need to go before these start kicking back in?

 

5 Days of Fun on Carnival Destiny

Carnival Destiny Offers Maximum Fun at Modest Prices

 

 

You are never far away from The Drink of The Day on a Carnival cruise- after all, that's where much of their profit comes from, so you know that you won't go long without someone offering you a refreshment!

If you've been on a cruise before then you know that the food (generally) is included in the modest price. I say generally because many cruise lines have recently begun offering premium dining options- fine Italian, Steakhouse, Teppanyaki grill and more - but I digress...

 One of te things that amazes me is how many people never even make it to the dining room once - even for dinner - but ESPECIALLY for lunch. Most people are content to stand in long lines at the buffet waiting for a mediocre burger or taco bar, a crime, escpecially when there is a perfectly good dining room just waiting for you to stop by and be served something interesting....like maybe a California Roll

 

 Entertainment abounds- for a sense of some of the things that you can do to have fun see What is there to do on a Cruise Ship this, of course does not even consider the poolside games and contests - or movies on the big screen...

 

 When activities and entertainment give way to quiet and relaxation, the adults only area at the rear of the Lido deck may be just the ticket- get some sun and read a book- catch a hot tub or take a nap....(note, the roof is retractable so even during inclement weather it's a nice escape)

 

 But when nap time is over the sports deck is waiting (and the casino probably is too)...

 

On our most recent cruise we occupied an Oceanview stateroom that looked EXACTLY like this- very spacious- surprisingly spacioos...

Earlier we noted how economical crusing can be- check this out.

Carnival Destiny is currently sailing 4 and 5 night itineraries to various Caribbean destinations starting from $249 per person (plus tax). That's probably less money than you would spend driving to the enge of town to stay in the Ramada and eat fast food for the entire time - but here you have a comfortable cabin, and good dining choices (steak, lobster, molten cake!!) plus there's the entertainment - the duty free shopping - the new friends you'll make singing Karaoke or catching the game in the sports lounge....and the adventures you can have in the ports you will visit!!

So yes, there is fun to be had on a cruise ship, Carnival is 1 option - but there are more.

For trusted advice at a fair price (often free) turn to EZTravelpad. No matter where you want to go, if we haven't bee there we know someone who has, and can give you the facts you need to know- and the expertise to help you go.

4 Days on board Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas

Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas-Beautuful Ship Full of Fun

Cruising on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas was a total pleasure (except the casino- stupid casino...).

Aside from being a gorgeous ship, the food was great - there was plenty of fun to be had - the entertainment was top-notch, and the service was great. Oh, and it was full of beautiful & fun people! What more do you want in a vacation destination?

 

Flopping into Greatness

One of the highlights of the cruise (beside being a judge in the women's bicep competition) was watching the men's belly flop contest. It was a hoot! Several men sporting pot bellies both large and small were more than willing to turn them red by flopping into the pool- all for a chance at the title, and maybe a ball cap. People were lined up all around the pool deck trying to get a better view of the fun.

 

Johnny Rockets

One of the hot spots on Navigator of the Seas is the Johhny Rockets restaurant. In fact it is so popular that they were forced to institue a minimal cover charge. So contrary to popular belief, not all food on the cruise ship is free- but $4.95 for an awesome burger (or 2), fries and a thick milkshake is a bargain compared to what you would find on land!

 

Dodgeball on the Sports Deck - Yeah Baby!

Everyone has plenty of chances to make memories on a cruise ship, and one of my fond memories was playing some dodgeball. I hadn't played dodgeball for the past few decades, and it showed- but it was fun, and my teammates were awesome. I highly recommend getting involved in as many activities as possible. Get outside of your comfort zone- do something you haven't done in a while - line dancing - disco - karaoke - jump into a fun contest - make some new friends, and take a bunch of photos to share when you get home!

 

Premium Dining Options

As mentioned earlier, not all cruise ship food is always included. In fact, there has been a trend lately toward premium dining options on many ships. Premium Italian, Teppanyaki, designer cupcakes and upscale steak restaurants are making their appearance on cruiselines including Carnival, NCL & Royal Caribbean. One night on Navigator of the Seas we had the opportunity to go to Chops Grille - a premium steakhouse. A $25 cover charge earns you the right to enjoy excellent cuisine that is comparable to some of  the premium chop houses in big cities across the country. Is it as good as Ruth's Chris? Only you can be the judge- but I can tell you that these were the best lamb chops I have ever tasted (ok, they are the 1st lamb chops I ever had...but my wife's 10 oz filet was comparable to what I have had at Sullivan's before at twice the price!) Oh, and the shrimp cocktail was awesome- and the Mud Pie for dessert....YUM

 

 

Skating in Studio B

You have probably seen TV ads claiming that on Royal Caribbean you can ice skate across the equator. Yep, you can ice skate on some ships, and Navigator is one of the ships that sports the Studio B ice skating rink. Not only is the rink open to family skating, but also hosts Ice Dancin' - a wonderful show for sure! Having seen it once now, I can't wait to go back. Getting good photos is a challenge as flash photography is strictly prohibited, but this can give you a sense of the costumes during the Rock Me Amadeus number- memorable!

 So cruising isn't for everyone, I get that. But here's a message to the 80% of the US public that has not had a chance to experience cruising yet- TRY IT.

Just try it once, you may get hooked. It's a big world with so much to see, and so little time to see it. There are experiences to be had- and experiences are what make memories...and memories, in the end, are all that we can keep with us for a lifetime.

So what are some of the other things you can do on-board?

• Get a Massage
• Enjoy a Spa Treatment
• Play Bingo (you could win a couple thousand if you play your car right)
• Shop Duty Free
• Climb a Rock Wall
• Play some Nintendo Wii
• Enjoy a Cigar and a fine Cognac in the Connoisseur Club
• Tone your Abs
• Dance to Some Latin Music Poolside
• Watch a New Release Movie
• Compete in a Free Throw Competition
• Compete in the Love and Marriage Gameshow

Make some memories with some good friends, or go out on your own- and make some new friends.... but get out there and see something. Or, take the $600 you would have spent on a cruise vacation and buy a new TV- ultimately, it's your choice.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica during a Carnival cruise - climbing Dunn's River Falls & more

Dunn's River Falls in Jamaica is Top Tourist Destination

Chances are, if you have done anything in Ocho Rios Jamaica then you have climbed Dunn's River Falls. That is, at least you tried....

 

Dunn's River Falls is not for wimps. The beautiful scenery masks the difficulty of the climb. It's not like you need any special skills, but I would suggest getting up early and getting a light workout with a really good stretch before you go - getting limber will make the climb so much easier...

There is a short walk from the entrance down to the beach - take your time, it's a beautiful walk!

FYI- the cost to enter the park is $15 per person. Bring your own water shoes or be prepared to pay another $7 pp to rent water shoes (you'll want them unless your feet are made of leather!)

Starting out where the river meets the sea you embark on a 600+ foot climb up the falls by forming a human chain, hand in hand everyone helping everyone...

Your guide will help you navigate the best way up, but be prepared to step into a little drop-off, or stumble on a big rock hidden below the frothing current

 

 
The views are spectacular as you slowly wind your way up the falls, and the guides wil make it more fun than you imagined by engaging everyone in chants and songs. Sure, you can go it alone, but why would you when you're bound to have more fun in a group!

 

 

Now, no trip to anywhere in Jamaica is complete without spending a little time with people trying to sell you something- and Dunn's River Falls is no exception.

I did not find the vendors to be overly aggressive, but they are certainly much more aggressive than a cosmetics counter at Nordstroms...... if you are offended by someone trying to sell you something just politely say no and move along swiftly - OR - enjoy the culture, interact, and buy a couple of things, or get your hair braided - Why not? The people are lovely - and friendly - and just trying to help you remember your trip to Jamaica..... and make a living

 

 

So there are 10 tips that you need to know before you go-

1. Be perpared for a $20 taxi or set your tour ahead of time (preferred)
2. Be prepared for $15 entrance fee
3. Be prepared to buy some souvenirs
4. Be prepared for $7 water shoe rental
5. Be prepared to tip your guide a few dollars
6. Be prepared to buy the video when you're done with the climb (approx $40)
7. DO NOT attempt to carry anything with you - get a locker to put your belongings in
8. If you take a camera, make sure it's a water camera
9. Be prepared to get wet - VERY wet - wear a swimming suit and nothing else
10. Be prepared to....Have fun!

You can set your Dunn's River Falls tour up ahead of time by booking on the cruise ship- or if you want to save a few dollars get with EZTravelpad for a Dunn's River Falls Combo (some time at the beach, rafting, touring Ocho Rios highlights and more...) You'll be in good hands when you book with "Your friends....in the travel business"

In any case, be prepared to have a great time and make a memory that will last a lifetime!

An Afternoon Aboard Celebrity Eclipse's Inaugural Sailing

Celebrity Eclipse Delivers the Luxury to Discriminating Vacationers on Inaugural Voyage

The Main Dining Room on Celebrity Eclipse is Simply GORGEOUS

EZTravelpad was lucky enough to be invited aboard Celebrity Eclipse- the newest offering and crown jewel of the Celebrity brand of cruise ships - the occasion, her inaugural voyage.

In case you are not aware, Celebrity is an up-scale brand offering from Royal Caribbean. Her inaugural saling (a short 2 night for VIPs and other lucky guests) occured on November 16, 2010. Oh, how I would have loved to have experienced the full 2 days - our visit was brief- just a quick tour....but it showed me that there is a new ship available for the discriminating cruise afficianado- and she is lovely!

From the artwork that inspires- at every turn....

To the tchnology that amazes (the Qzine menu is an iPad that allows you to design your own dining experience)....oh, and the decor is something to see as well!

 

...to the luxury that embraces you in the comfort of your stateroom...

 

to the cuisine that is prepared to both nourish and remember....

 

...to the enrichment experiences, like the glass blowing demonstration....

 

This is One Cool Ship -

The Ice Bar is especially cool.....

 

 

So whether your vacation is about ultimate relaxation

or ultimate service....

or ultimate luxury..... Celebrity delivers!

Eclipse is sailing alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries this winter, and calling on ports that include-

• St Maarten
• St Kitts
• San Juan
• Roatan
• Cozumel
• Grand Cayman

For more information on this, or other vacation ideas for discriminating vacationers, EZTravelpad is ready and waiting to deliver. Remember, we are "Your friends....in the travel business"

Grand Cayman and Stingray City - a MUST see at some point

A stop at Stingray City in Grand Cayman is a stop you will NEVER forget

Vacations are all about making memories, and a memory that is sure to last a lifetime is a stop at Stingray City in Grand Cayman. My memory might not be the best, but I am pretty confident that I will never forget swimming with Stingrays, feeding Stingrays, Kissing a Stingray, and having Stingrays rub up against me like a kitty cat does when she wants fed - pretty amazing!

There are many vendors, but the original - Captain Marvin's is certainly one of, if not the best trip you will take to Stingray City. There is so much to be said for going with a small group. While we were there I noticed that while our boat carried 12 passengers, most others carried 30-50, a pretty big difference!

What does that mean for you? More chances to feed the stingrays, more chances to have interaction with the stingrays, and more personal attention from the crew.

Stingray City might have been the most memorable stop, but it wasn;t the only one - there are also chances to snorkel reefs while you are out.

Cayman Turtle Farm and Hell

Feeding and interacting with the stingrays is a stop you will not soon forget, but neither is a stop at the Cayman Turtle Farm - a large facility dedicated to raising endangered Sea Turtles

Learn about different varieties of Sea Turtles, learn about the lives of Sea Turtles, and interact with them at various stages of their lives-

When is the last time you had the opportunity to hold a baby Sea Turtle, not yet 3 weeks old?

Of course, no trip to Grand Cayman is complete with a trip to Hell

A trip to Hell is a popular stop while in Grand Cayman- famous for their postcards, and for their unique rock formation just behind the Hell post office

So how can you go to Hell while you are in Grand Cayman? It's easy- get with EZTravelpad.

OK, that didn't really sound right - what I mean is that you can book your excursions while you are on board, and a trip to Hell, Cayman Turtle Farm & Stingray City are things that you can arrange, but why not get with EZTravelpad BEFORE you embark on your cruise - plan ahead so that while you are on-board you can enjoy every minute knowing that your vacation is already arranged, plus you will likely save a few dollars vs. booking on the cruise ship!

Other Things to do in Grand Cayman

Of course, you can enjoy yourself on Grand Cayman without going to one of the aforementioned attractions (although I HIGHLY recommend Stingray City) - for many a trip to an island would not be complete without a trip to Margaritaville, and Grand Cayman is no exception.

No self-respecting Parrothead would pass up a chance to hang at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville, even if just for an hour or so....

waterslide into the pool after a few margaritas!

Or just shop, eat, or take a taxi to hang out at the world famous 7 Mile Beach - beautiful!

Lastly, you can dive. Grand Cayman is one of the best spots for scuba diving in the Caribbean. Basically Grand Cayman is a flat topped mountain poking just several feet above the Caribbean - just a short trip into the surf takes you to "The Wall" - a straight drop of a couple thousand feet, so the diving is both varied and amazing!

So one more time, you can do it yourself, or you can enlist the help (FREE help) of a travel professional at EZTravelpad - there is a reason that we are "Your friends....in the travel business"