Why I love short vacations

In a perfect world I'm sure most people would love to be able to take months off at a time for vacation. But in all reality, we can only afford a couple of weeks a year. That's why short vacations are among my favorites!! They can recharge me. I visited family in Indianapolis a couple of weeks ago and am still smiling about my adventures.
In only a few short days I took in a Colts game, attended my family's New Year's Eve party and had dinner with dear friends. A vacation doesn't have to last 2 weeks for it to feel special. Just a quick weekend is all it takes to feel like new! I used to work in television many years ago and one of our segments was called "One tank drive". It highlighted great places to see in Indiana that were less than one tank of gas away. Next time you are in dire need of a vacation, try getting away for the weekend to someplace close, but will make you feel worlds away!

Allure of the Seas

I admit that I am a cruise addict! I love just about every aspect of cruising. I've been on countless cruises and still can't get enough. On November 29, 2010 I embarked on a 2 night pre-inaugural sailing of the Allure of the Seas. Travel Agents from across the globe were invited for this sailing to learn about Royal Caribbean's newest ship and spread the word!! I was in Ft. Lauderdale attending a NACTA (National Association of Career Travel Agents) convention and the Allure of the Seas sailing was the final two days. The ship catches your eye the moment you see her in port. Sailing out of Port Everglades, the Allure of the Seas can carry 5400 guests, has 16 decks and is 1187 feet in length.
The embarkation process was pretty easy. There are plenty of check-in desks to help ease the process. When I stepped onboard the ship I was on deck 5 in the Royal Promenade. I was impressed from the start. The Royal Promenade was beautiful and huge.

I then ventured to find my stateroom on deck 6, cabin 286.
It is a category D8 Ocean view stateroom with balcony. You can check out video of my cabin on the Travel Videos section of my blog.
Since our sailing was a "journey to no-where", my friend Linda and I had plenty of time to explore.
One of the first things we noticed was new to the Oasis class ship was the giant video screens just off of the elevators. They are touch screens that can help you locate anything on the ship as well as find out how busy the dining venues are at that exact time. It will even give you a map of how to get to your stateroom if you are lost.
There are 7 different neighborhoods on the Allure of the Seas. My favorite has to be the Boardwalk. This was on deck 6, just steps away from my cabin. I loved the feel of the Boardwalk.
It included a hot dog stand, carousel, Rita's Cantina (Mexican food), Johnny Rockets, several shops and the Aqua Theatre. Linda and I grabbed a hot dog for lunch instead of trying to fight the crowds up in the Windjammer Cafe. Rita's Cantina was already busy and had a long line, so we decided we would try it the next day.
Linda and I spent hours walking around the ship and all of the different neighborhoods.
Central Park is beautiful and breathtaking. The Rising Tide bar is located here as well as several of the other specialty restaurants such as Chop's Grille and Giovanni's Table. However, the Park Cafe does offer free food, such as sandwiches and salads.
We then started touring the different suites that were available to viewing. We started with the Royal Loft Suite. This two deck high stateroom has panoramic views, a grand piano, wet bar, 843 square foot balcony and is the largest suite onboard.
It can sleep six.
The suite itself is 1524 square feet. The balcony offers a great panoramic view of the ocean and sports deck. But it does not come cheap. It will cost more than $20,000 to book this cabin for a week. If you are looking for a much less expensive option there is every category from inside cabin to full suites. New to the Oasis class ships is the Boardwalk view balcony cabins. They do cost more than a regular balcony cabin that overlooks the ocean, but they offer a beautiful view of the greenery. They can sleep up to 4 people.
After touring the different cabins we decided to see more of the ship. We ran into one of the two arcades, visited several of the lounges and then changed for dinner. We ate in the main dining room.
The three story dining room is so elegant and our wait staff was absolutely fabulous!! I had the roast duck, which I have had before on other Royal Caribbean ships, but this was the best I have been served yet!! The skin was very crispy and the sauce was plentiful and complimented the duck and potatoes.

After dinner we took in two shows, first we watched a 30 minute performance in the Aqua Theatre. This combined high dives, swimmers on ropes, and a spectacular water show. We then went to the main theatre to watch "Blue Planet". This is a Cirque du Soleil type show. It was incredible to say the least. This was my favorite show onboard. The props and sets were breathtaking. I highly recommend this show above all others! You won't be disappointed.
There are so many activities on the Allure of the Seas that you won't be bored. I have to admit my favorite was the Zip-line. I was terrified to try it, but had an absolute blast. I was first in line for the day and after getting all of my safety equipment on and checked, was standing on the edge of deck 16-literally! I stood on the edge and pushed myself forward. It was only a 5-6 second ride down to deck 15, but I couldn't wait to get back in line again. For those willing to try, you zip-line over the Boardwalk neighborhood. So keep your eyes open, the view is great!

After my zip-lining adventure, Linda and I went to Rita's Cantina. We arrived 5 minutes after they opened and the line was already out the door towards the carousel. We got our pager and waited about an hour.. and I'm so glad we did!! I had some incredible Mexican cuisine. Linda and I shared the Party Nachos!! I had the Mango margarita and then Enchiladas for my entree. Wow, I'm still craving their food. The wait was worth it!! There is a service fee of $7.95, but you get a three coarse meal. Margaritas are extra. It's only open from 11-1pm each day, so make sure to get there early!

I wish I had more time to really share my experience onboard the Allure of the Seas, but I would literally be writing for days!
I enjoyed every second and did not want to get off the ship. It offers something for everyone. There are more than 20 dining options, lots of activities for kids and kids at heart. Amazing shows such as Blue Planet, Chicago, Ice Skating and a Dream Works character parade. I know that you will be as wowed as I was onboard the Allure of the Seas. She is an amazing ship and delivers a great vacation. If you would like more information on the Allure of the Seas, or would like to book your next vacation on her, please contact me at 800-249-7151 or email me at jeanie@becktours.com

Weary of online booking?

This week, USA Today published an article titled "Weary of online booking, clients return to travel agents." The article reported that only 46% of travelers who use the web to book travel enjoy the experience. Why is this the case? Because there is simply too much data out there and we're drowning in information.
There are millions of websites offering information but no one to talk to for help. Travel consultant Suzanne Burr gave a great quote in the USA Today article, "When it comes to really spending money and wanting an advocate, people are turning back to agents because people care. A computer doesn't."
Everyday more people are turning to travel consultants for their expertise and guidance.

The promise of the internet was that everyone could be their own travel agent. But the downside of this reality is that you're left on your own and planning a vacation becomes a stressful hassle. And should any problems arise, you have no one to help fight for you and help you recover any of your lost expenses.

There's an alternative to using Google as your travel adviser. You can turn to an experienced travel consultant who has planned hundreds of trips, booked thousands of hotel rooms and visited the exotic destinations you want to explore. So next time you are planning a vacation, turned to an experienced travel consultant. Whether it's Beck Tours & Travel, or any other agency, we are all here to make your vacation planning a stress free experience.

New Mexican Law on Accepting U.S. Dollars

The Mexican Government passed a new law which went into effect in Mexico on September 14, 2010. With this new law, you can only purchase items up to $100 in U.S. Dollars. After that you must use Pesos or a credit card.

Other payment methods such as credit cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Checks, Mexican pesos and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian Dollars) are not affected in any way by this new law.

The most noticeable differences will be:
Hotels and Exchange Booths, and Local Banks will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican Pesos. Previously there was no limit.
Businesses (including restaurants, shops, and Destination Management Companys) will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction - but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted. Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept American Dollars for any purchase at all (this may include shops, etc), however still accepting Mexican Pesos.
If a customer wants to purchase an excursion (for example) that costs $150 US dollars per person, customers will only be able to pay $100 of this amount in USD CASH and the remainder will need to be in another form of payment (credit card, Mexican pesos, etc).

Airlines are advising they will only accept Mexican Pesos and credit cards for any fees (including baggage fees).

Vacationers should never carry large amounts of American dollars with them to Mexico, but instead they should consider either using a Credit Card, taking or locally withdrawing Mexican Pesos, or use Travelers Check's (of any currency).

Sneak peak of Allure of the Seas

I will be sailing on the Allure of the Seas for a special 2 night pre inaugural sailing in late November. Here's a sneak peak of the construction progress. http://tinyurl.com/2awelzl

Disney Wonder Tour

This week I got a chance to tour the Disney Wonder cruise ship. The Wonder calls Port Canaveral home, at least for the next few months, then it will move to Los Angeles. The new Disney Dream will replace the Wonder in January. I have sailed on most cruise lines except Disney, so I was excited to get a chance to tour the Wonder. When you come onboard the crew announces your family and everyone clasp!! A cute way to start your vacation. You first enter the atrium, which I found to be smaller than most ships I have seen. But the classic touches of Disney characters is a beautiful sight. Since the crew was cleaning the ship for the next voyage I was not allowed to take many pictures, but I can tell you I was very impressed with the ship and staff.
I was given the tour along with two other travel agents and two members of the Disney sales staff. My biggest surprise was the size of the staterooms, even the inside staterooms.

They were bigger than I was expecting. The smallest cabin, the Standard Inside Stateroom is 184 square feet. It does not have the split bathroom, but still has enough room for a couch and desk. The Deluxe Ocean view stateroom is 214 feet and the Deluxe Ocean view stateroom with Verandah is 268 square feet.

We were allowed to view the Walt Disney suite, but could not take pictures since it was still being cleaned. This was the gem on the Wonder. It is 1,0239 square feet including the verandah and sleeps 7. There are 2 bedrooms (one with queen-size bed; one with 2 twin beds and 2 pull-down upper berths), 2.5 bathrooms including whirlpool tubs, living room, media library with wall pull-down bed, dining salon, pantry, wet bar and walk-in closets.

I got a chance to check out the two pools and quickly realized which one would be my kids' favorite. The Mickey Mouse shaped pool also has a water slide for the young and young at heart!! The other pool has the large movie screen so pool goers can take in their favorite Disney movies or shows. But if you are cruising without kids or would like some time to yourself while your kids are in the kids' club, there is an adult-only pool as well.

I thought one of the cutest areas of the ship was the Oceaneer's club. Disney's Oceaneer Club is the ideal place for children 3 to 12 years of age to dress up as their favorite princess or hero, play games, use the computer lab and enjoy a wide variety of supervised activities throughout the day. I know that my youngest would never want to leave this area!!
The Disney Wonder will be offering 3 & 4 night sailings to the Bahamas until the Disney Dream takes its place in January 2011. The Disney Magic is similar to the Wonder and offers 7 night sailings to the Caribbean while in Port Canaveral. For more information on a Disney cruise, please email me at jeanie@becktours.com.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Today I endured 95 degree heat, high humidity and long lines to tour the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. And it was worth it all!!! Located at Universal Studios Islands of Adventure in Orlando, Florida, the new attraction is a hit!! The Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened two months ago. We arrived at the theme park about 10:30am and made it as far as the Jurassic Park area when we had to stop and wait in line. We were given tickets to enter the Wizarding World area. I took my two eldest children with me today and we were told the wait was about 90 minutes. Fortunately we only waited about 35 minutes to get into the main entrance of the magical attraction.
We immediately decided to pass on any of the rides. The ride wait times ranged between 30 to 75 minutes. Since it was so hot and humid we opted to walk around the attraction and take in the atmosphere and check out the shops. The snow covered buildings made me long for cooler weather! We walked to the back of the attraction to find Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It was an impressive structure. It houses the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey ride and a small gift shop. There is also a wand stand nearby. Each wand is $30.84 with tax. You can choose your wand. My kids' both chose Harry Potter's.

I had been excited to try butter beer and am still craving more. For $10.50 you can buy the butter beer in a souvenir cup. I also purchased the pumpkin juice as well. The pumpkin juice was very refreshing, but the butter beer was amazing. I tried the cold version. They sell cold and frozen. I talked to a few people who loved the frozen as well. I have to say I would pay money to return to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter just for the butter beer.
The theme of the day was long lines. There was even a line to get into the Three Broomsticks restaurant for some fish and chips or shepherd's pie.

I plan to return in mid October to see if the lines have died down, but I highly doubt it.
For a quick tour of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, check out my video on the right hand side of this page.