2023 has been an INCREDIBLY busy time for my agency: the demand for travel is "out of this world" and I have been feeling it! I thought I'd touch base and give you some travel updates that have caught my attention in the past month or so.
Out With The 50th
And In With D100!
Walt Disney World's 50th Anniversary Celebration ended April 1 - it was 18 months of fun celebrations and even different firework presentations.
Disney LOVES a celebration: so D100 is here!
At Walt Disney World: EPCOT will be the center of the D100 celebrations later this year. Although maybe not as noticeable at the 50th Anniversary - there are some pretty fun things to see. Mickey and Minnie will be wearing new D100 outfits and Spaceship Earth will sport a new "look" at night to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Walt Disney Company. There will be special snacks and drinks throughout the parks. Congrats to Disney for 100 amazing years!
Tickets Now Available!
It's that time of year when I remind you that Fall really isn't that far away: and with it comes the chance to celebrate Halloween with Mickey and his pals!
Now, I'm going to be honest: celebrating Halloween in August might be a bit of a stretch - but if you are geared up for a pumpkin spice latte, then Disney is waiting for you!
On select nights from August 11 - November 1, you can dress up in your spoooookiest costumes (even adults!) and enjoy the Disney magic with a Fall twist (the parks will be decorated by then!).
Drop me a line HERE and let's start planning that Fall escape: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party is a great way to spend the afternoon/evening in the park while you have time to enjoy the resort during the peak heat of the day!
My "Kids Free" Work-cation
Even though I have been incredibly busy - I took a little time for self-care and turned a work trip into a mini-vacation! I am the proud Dad of (soon to be) 9 year old twins and if you're a twin parent, I don't have to remind you that it's a tad exhausting.
Enter: Virgin Voyages. I've mentioned this cruise line before but this is my second voyage and I'm more in love with this cruise line than ANY other cruise line!
It's refined but not snobby. It's upscale but not pretentious. It's fun but not obnoxious. Imagine a summer camp for adults who just want to forget their daily routine and have fun! There were parties, dancing, dining and (of course) drinking.
I sailed on "Valiant Lady" which is basically the sister ship to "Scarlet Lady" - so they're laid out almost identically and offer the same dining. The venues might look the same but the food was all refreshed and new. I was able to eat in ALL the dining (no silly "upcharges" - it's all included) and I was surprised at every turn.
Extra Virgin (Italian) was an incredible surprise! I loved meeting new people at Gunbae (Korean BBQ) and the unique flavors of The Test Kitchen. We had a couple of brunches!
With Virgin Voyages, there are really no surprises price-wise. The amount you pay when you book is basically the amount you pay with the exception of alcoholic drinks. This is NOT a cruise line that will "nickel and dime" you to death.
I danced late into the night during the pajama party in "The Manor" and we all partied during "Scarlet Night" (everyone is encouraged to wear red outfits).
Did I stay up until 2 a.m. one night (which is unheard of with kids unless one of them is sick! ABSOLUTELY! I lost track of time and it was fabulous!
After I boogied all night did I stop by the Pizza Place and pick up a small pizza to carbo-load for the next day? OF COURSE! When you're on vacation you HAVE to keep your energy up!
Did I need that double scoop of ice cream at "Lick Me Till You Scream" daily? Yes: doctor's orders! (That Key Lime Pie ice cream is something I will never forget!
Here's the deal: you don't need to take a whole week to enjoy a Virgin Voyages cruise! They offer 4, 5 and 6 night cruises (and honestly, 6 nights was pushing it!).
My FAVORITE spot during the day was at the back of the ship sitting at "The Dock" (you can see the image above).
There are giant beds you can lay on and there was just enough shade to relax and sip a glass of rose! Plus: they had the most AMAZING polenta and grilled shrimp midday - it became our "tradition" and it was a time to relax and recharge.
I was even able to hit the gym and it's IMPRESSIVE! One side is all cardio (tons of treadmills/bikes/step and the other is weight training including three free weight stations.
I had a fantastic client sail in early April and he said it was "the best cruise ever" - and he's not wrong!
Where do they sail? If you want close to home: Miami sailings all visit the Caribbean and some Mexican ports. Interested in Europe? Those Greek itineraries are pretty dreamy. Enjoy new sailings to Australia and New Zealand!
For a limited time: save up to an additional $1,200 off select sailings plus up to $600 in free drinks per stateroom!
Interested? You should be! Click the button below to pick your perfect sailing!
Bucket-List Trip:
RARE OFFER
Have you ever wanted to visit the Galapagos Islands? Antarctica? Greenland? Alaska? The Canary Islands?
Boy have I got an amazing offer for you that is EXCLUSIVE to travel advisors. Hurtigruten Expeditions is a world-renowned cruiseline that sails in all of those locations. And for a VERY limited time for select sailings through March 31, 2024 - you can "Buy One Get One Free"!
That's not for two different cruises: it's for the same cabin! One passenger pays full fare and the second passenger is FREE.
If you've dreamed of any of those destinations: contact me today!
THANK YOU!
Well - there you go! To all of my clients: THANK YOU for keeping me busy and helping me grow my small business. I hope you know how much I value you. And for anyone who is considering traveling - I hope to get a chance to earn your business. My job is to make YOUR vacation as stress-free as possible.
- John