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Tuesday, October 2, 2018

Why Use a Travel Agent? Why not do it yourself?

You are an independent person. You may home school your children, no one can do it better than you. Agreed. You may have landscaped your own yard. You may have built an addition to your home, own your own business, and planned many a vacation yourself already. Great job! Let me challenge you to a new way of thinking, one that doesn't start with you. Gasp?!? Not thinking of you first?!? I know. Stay with me.

We live in a big, big world. We have choices with choices and more choices. You vote, you support, and you grow your community with your dollar. When you choose to spend money you impact the world around you, your economy and your local community as well as the world in general. Someone benefits from every purchase you make. You are providing employment and tax revenue somewhere to someone.

What if you knew of a way to support those in your local community without paying one cent more for your purchases?  Have you considered the idea of shopping locally?  It takes some retraining of your methods to fully engage in this but it can be very rewarding. 

Time and time again I hear and see that people, for example, go online or pick up the phone to order or book their vacation. They may say something like, "well, I knew what I wanted so I just called them and booked it." What?!!? You didn't book with a local travel agent because you knew what you wanted?!? Does this mean that you would not bless an agent with an easy sale but would rather call the company directly, taking money from your local community, friend, church member, neighbor, you name it?  

Think about this for a moment. You would contact your friend if YOU needed help. You may contact them for assistance deciding on a resort, when to travel, which is the best cruise line, best time to go, what rooms are available, asking hours upon hours of questions. After the travel agent does this work you bless them back by booking your vacation, the same vacation you could call and book yourself, for the same price, directly with the company you are choosing to travel through. Take scenario 2. You went online and quickly checked out some travel options. You see a deal, the right dates, the room, the cruise, the hotel, the package, you name it, that is the perfect one for you and you're ready to buy now.  Is there any reason you would not call that same travel agent and book that package with them?  Why, in this case, do we see time and time again that someone will pick up the phone and call Disney, call Carnival, call Disney Cruise Line, and book what they want because they already know what they want? You know your friend, church member, co-worker, roommate, neighbor, you name it, sells travel. You know they don't mark it up. You know they would benefit from you booking with them. But, since they didn't do hours of work quoting different options or answering hours of questions regarding this vacation or because they aren't providing you with anything "extra" that you can't get doing it yourself, and you know what you want, you just call and book it directly with the big, faceless company who sells the package? Do you see the problem here?

My challenge to you - the consumer - is to use your heart and your head before you make a purchase. Before making a purchase think, "Is this something someone in my community offers?" Before you go buy new marketing material, for example, give your friends a shout, post on Facebook, "hey, I need some personalized marketing material. Does anyone offer this service or know someone who does?" Or, next time you buy insurance, "Hey, I need to buy some life insurance/health insurance/car insurance/retirement investment/you name it. Does anyone know someone who offers these products?"  You’re buying a home, “hey, does anyone have a realtor they recommend?” My A/C is broken, “Hey guys, do you have the name of a great A/C repair man?” It's called word of mouth. Even if the person you used didn't save you thousands of dollars, even if you knew what you wanted and they were just the order taker, send business to your friends, keep it in the community, shop local. I challenge you to think about someone besides yourself, the bigger world around you and others and how we work together, encourage, support and grow as a community through local businesses.

Now, back to some details to satisfy the selfish reasons for you to consider these options. Often there is more offered in service from a local agent than you will find booking directly with the travel company offering the package.  You may find an opportunity for relationship with someone in your community from the transaction. You are providing money to someone in your community through your purchase which will, more than likely, be spent back in your local community directly benefiting your local community through sales and tax dollars. If you have a business, you can bet the person you remembered will remember you back. Make sure they know what you do. If you don't tell them, and others don't talk about these things as seems to be the case in some communities, how will they know?!!??! You have to tell people what you do for a living. I know a family who has a roofing business, known them for years, had no idea until recently. It blew my mind! I own a business and always think of shopping locally, shopping with those I know and felt like they were hiding it from me or something. This is no way to grow business. You have to tell everyone what you do so, when they need your service, hopefully they will remember to call on you.

Now, remember, when you contact a travel agent or other local business. What is your intention? My most common call is, 'hey, I heard you have a travel agency. Can you save me money over what I would pay if I do it myself?"  Can i ask if this is the only way you would not do it yourself is if they can discount what you would pay booking directly, why? Why would you not book with a local agent if it were the same price? Why do you start with, "can you save me money?" I hope I am challenging you to think outside of yourself, "what's in it for me?"as being your sole reason for all purchases. Why would you do it yourself if it were the same price to use someone else? I have literally had "friends" email a request for pricing for travel to a destination, turn around and pick up the phone and call Disney, Carnival, you name it, and book what they wanted. Huh? You wanted me to write a lengthy proposal to you, explain the options in writing, which takes a long time, sometimes hours, but since you knew what you wanted you just picked up the phone and ordered it directly from the company? Why must there be jumping through hoops, bending overbackward, hours of time spent or thousands of dollars saved to be worthy of your business vs. the no name, no face person or website you would just call or go online to book yourself?  Why not pick up the phone and call your agent to buy that same package? What is it that makes it less appealing to use a travel agent when you don't "need" additional hand holding or assistance? Why are they only worthy of your business if they are jumping through hoops to help you?


I am giving you permission - from this day forward - it is OK to call a travel agent and book a vacation if you already know what you want. In fact, you will make someone's day! 

Remember this - The Internet is for LOOKING but your Travel Agent is for BOOKING.

Thank you! God bless!

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Play, Stay, Dine and Save in 2019


Play, Stay, Dine and Save
In the Middle of the Magic with a Vacation-Ready Package 
Start the new year in 2019 with a vacation to the Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida
With this unique offer a family of four can “play, stay, and dine” and save up to $500 on a 5 night/6-day room package with ticket and dining plan at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels most nights January 1 through March 9, 2019.


This offer is valid for booking through January 2, 2019
Currently offering:
·         Save Up to $500 at Disney Deluxe Villas
·         Save Up to $600 at Disney Deluxe Resorts
·         Save Up to $500 at Disney Moderate Resorts
·         Save Up to $300 at Disney Value Resorts
Sample savings based on a 5-night stay in a standard room or studio with 6-day Magic Your Way base tickets for a family of 4—based on 2 adults, 1 junior (ages 10 to 17) and 1 child (ages 3 to 9) and may vary based on resort availability, length of stay and age of travelers.

Vacation planning services are always complimentary at Happily  Ever After Travel® when booking planning a vacation which includes your resort, tickets, and dining. 

Since 2008 Happily Ever After Travel® has been helping families realize their vacation dreams, helping plan, answer questions, find packages in their budget, and assist them with payment plans to make it possible to realize this dream.
Don’t delay! Contact one of our Story Writers TODAY to book or learn more.
Call Toll Free 1-855-WDW-HEAT
Visit our website at www.HappilyEverAfterTravel.com
Visit us at facebook.com/happilyeveraftertravel




Christmas? Covered! Give the Gift of a Magical Stay


Give the Gift of a Magical Stay
Book Early & Save Up to 25% on Rooms at Select Disney Resort Hotels
Book now through January 2, 2019 to receive special rates on a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation

Currently offering:
·         Up to 25% off Disney Deluxe Villas
·         Up to 25% off Disney Deluxe Resorts
·         Up to 20% off Disney Moderate Resorts
·         Up to 15% off Disney Value Resorts

Give them the gift this holiday season that won’t be in next year’s yard sale, on Craig’s List, or eBay. Cross another holiday present off your list and save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels for stays most nights January 1 through April 27, 2019.

Give them the gift of your time, together, playing, laughing, and making memories you’ll never forget.

Contact one our Story Writers today to learn more about how easy planning a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation can be and how our included services can make the process seamless, sending you fully prepared to relax and enjoy the magic.

Vacation planning services are always complimentary at Happily  Ever After Travel® when booking planning a vacation which includes your resort, tickets, and dining. 

Since 2008 Happily Ever After Travel® has been helping families realize their vacation dreams, helping plan, answer questions, offering packages in budget, and assist with payment plans to make it possible to realize this dream.

**Please note, pricing and availability is subject to the terms and conditions of this offer**

Don’t delay! Contact one of our Story Writers TODAY to book or learn more.
Call Toll Free 1-855-WDW-HEAT
Visit our website at www.HappilyEverAfterTravel.com
Visit us at facebook.com/happilyeveraftertravel


Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Be one of the FIRST to Experience Hotel XCARET Mexico

Graduation trip?? Summer Vacation Plans? Looking for something new, exciting and different?  (even BRAGGING rights?)

Be one of the first to explore the natural beauty of this whole new world of options at 
Hotel XCaret Mexico

This luxurious resort, combined with 8 natural parks, just opened December 2017 and is truly breathtaking! It’s a first of its kind, all inclusive resort, dining, airport transfers, excursions AND meals at the natural parks during your visit – all included.
Guests traveling between May 30-June 10, 2019 can take advantage of EXCLUSIVE Pricing Contact your Happily Ever After Travel Professional TODAY to take advantage of this special offer. Space is limited. Don’t delay! 
A small initial $50 per person deposit secures this offer.
Kids 5 and under stay free at Hotel Xcaret Mexico
Contact Happily Ever After Travel TODAY for the best pricing and availability
Toll Free 1-855-939-HEAT or contact your Story Writer directly
www.HappilyEverAfterTravel.com
Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/HEATravelAgency/ 

Please note: valid US Passports are required for all guests

Here is a sneak peak of the beauty you'll experience at Hotel Xcaret Mexico








Happily Ever After Travel is a Registered Trademark 2012. Happily Ever After Travel CLIA and ARC approved since 2008. Fla. Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST40535 - California Seller of Travel Registration No: 2123983-40

Walt Disney World® Resort to Debut Date-Based Tickets and Pricing on Oct. 16, 2018

Walt Disney World® Resort to Debut Date-Based Tickets and Pricing on Oct. 16, 2018

Why do you need a professional travel planner? Because we speak "Disney."  If you don't want to learn all of the ins and outs of all the CONSTANT changes to the Walt Disney World® resorts, tickets, attractions, dining, etc. you need a professional planner to help you navigate the ocean of information out there on the world wide web. 

Here's a HEAT Tip! Your supporting local business and someone is VERY thankful for you choosing to work with an individual vs. calling the Disney call center direct, only to give that business to an agent you'll never speak to again and who will do nothing, zip, zero, nada, to assist you in your vacation planning beyond taking your order for a resort. But I digress... on to the purpose of this post which is the NEW ticket prices which will launch October 16, 2018.

Second HEAT Tip **Book NOW to protect your pricing from this increase**

Beginning on Oct. 16, you will be able to purchase Walt Disney World® theme park tickets that are priced based on the date of your visit. 

The following information is paraphrased from the information released on September 24, 2018 regarding the ticket changes. 
Please direct any questions or concerns regarding these changes to your Happily Ever After Travel® Story Writer.


This new ticket pricing structure which is based on travel date is part of the Walt Disney World® Resort's effort to "better distribute attendance throughout the year to improve the Guest experience."
"In the past five years alone, Disney Parks has invested approximately $15 billion to bring historic and exciting expansions, both completed and in development, to destinations around the world. Expansions like Pandora – The World of Avatar at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® helped drive record attendance at Walt Disney World and along with Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios® increased capacity and resulted in high levels of guest satisfaction"
Detailed pricing will be available beginning on Oct. 16.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • When will date-based tickets expire?
1-Day base tickets are valid for admission on the specific start date selected. Multi-day tickets are valid for admission beginning on the start date selected and must be used within a limited time period.
Ticket Duration
Valid Use Period
1-Day Ticket
Only the start date selected
2-Day Ticket
Any 2 days within 4 days beginning on the start date
3-Day Ticket
Any 3 days within 5 days beginning on the start date
4-Day Ticket
Any 4 days within 7 days beginning on the start date
5-Day Ticket
Any 5 days within 8 days beginning on the start date
6-Day Ticket
Any 6 days within 9 days beginning on the start date
7-Day Ticket
Any 7 days within 10 days beginning on the start date
8-Day Ticket
Any 8 days within 12 days beginning on the start date
9-Day Ticket
Any 9 days within 13 days beginning on the start date
10-Day Ticket
Any 10 days within 14 days beginning on the start date
For example, a 6-day base ticket with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov.1 – Nov. 9.
Add the Park Hopper Option to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 9.
Add the Park Hopper Plus Option to include visits to the Disney Water Parks and other attractions—along with the ability to visit more than one Theme Park on the same day. This option also extends the period of time within which you may use your ticket by one day. For example, a 6-day ticket with the Park Hopper Plus Option with a start date of Nov. 1, ticket is valid any 6 days from Nov. 1 – Nov. 10.
  • When will tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company package expire?
Date-based tickets purchased as part of a Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package will have one of the following valid use periods (whichever is longer): (i) the same valid use period described above, OR (ii) a valid use period beginning on the package resort arrival date and ending on the package resort check-out date. See above for the explanation of valid use period and how valid use period is not the same as ticket duration.

For example, a Guest who purchases a Walt Disney Travel Company package with a 3-Day base ticket and a resort length of stay of 6 nights with an arrival date of Nov. 1; ticket is valid any 3 days from Nov, 1 – Nov. 7.
  • Why did you shorten the valid use window for tickets?
The new valid use window for tickets better aligns with observed Guest ticket usage patterns. Guests wanting additional flexibility can purchase a Flexible Date Ticket.
  • Will you still offer multi-day discounts?
Yes, the “More you Play, the Less you Pay Per Day” philosophy still applies. Similar to today, the price per day decreases as you add more days to your ticket. Multi-day discounts will vary depending on the length of the ticket.
  • I already purchased tickets for my upcoming visit. Are my tickets still valid?
Unused, unexpired tickets will remain valid. Tickets maintain the same terms and conditions – including the expiration date – as they had at the time of purchase.
  • Will I need to pay more for my ticket if I already purchased it prior to Oct. 16?
No. Please be sure to check the specific terms and conditions on your ticket to confirm the expiration policy.
Well, if all of that is as clear as mud, call US! We're here to help you understand what you need, what you don't need, as we always have been, your advocate to protect what you spend but make sure you have what you need. At Happily Ever After Travel® we treat your vacation dollar like it were our own. We're not here to "upsell" you, but rather equip you for your vacation, informing you of products you need and not having you spend money on products you don't. 
Contact one of our Story Writers to book or learn more TODAY and book BEFORE October 16 to lock in current room, dining, and ticket pricing. Star Wars Land opens LATE FALL 2019 and room packages are open for booking NOW!

Call Toll Free 1-855-WDW-HEAT or visit www.HappilyEverAfterTravel.com 
Happily Ever After Travel® is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
There's never a fee for our planning services
Guests booking a Walt Disney World® Resort vacation package with tickets and dining will receive complimentary itinerary planning services from our Story Writers who are professional travel planners who LOVE what they do.

Monday, September 19, 2016

Royal Caribbean Beverage Packages


Royal Caribbean offers beverage packages to passengers as a way to pre-purchase their drinks onboard the ship.  This offers a convenient way to get the drinks you want while sailing aboard Royal Caribbean's ships


All-Inclusive Beverage Packages

Royal Replenish Package
Cost: $22.42 per guest, per day (includes service charge)
Package includes: 
  • Premium coffee 
  • Premium tea 
  • Bottled water 
  • Sparkling water (375ml) 
  • Still water (500ml) 
  • Fresh squeezed orange juice 
  • Non-alcoholic cocktails
  • Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup
Select Beverage Package
Cost: $46.02 per guest, per day (includes service charge)
Package includes: 
  • beer
  • house wines by the glass (up to $8 per glass value)
  • all non-alcoholic cocktails
  • fountain soda
  • juices
  • Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup NEW
  • 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine NEW
Premium Beverage Package
Cost: $57.82 per guest, per day (in cludes service charge)
Package includes: 
  • beer
  • frozen drinks
  • all cocktails including premium brands
  • house wines by the glass
  • bottled water (500 ml)
  • all non-alcoholic cocktails
  • fountain soda
  • juices
  • Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup NEW
  • 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine NEW

Ultimate Package
Cost: $69.62 per guest, per day (includes service charge)
Package includes: 
  • Premium coffee 
  • Premium tea 
  • Bottled water 
  • Sparkling water (375ml) 
  • Still water (500ml) 
  • Fresh squeezed orange juice 
  • Call and premium cocktails (up to $10 value) 
  • Frozen cocktails 
  • Beers 
  • Premium wine by the glass (up to $12 value) 
  • Non-alcoholic cocktails 
  • Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup 
  • 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine
All beverage packages are available for purchase throughout your cruise as long as you have at least 4 days left in your sailing.  Each day that goes by, the price of the packages will be pro-rated for the amount of time left on your cruise.
Useful unlimited alcohol package links :
 


Soft Drink and Water Packages
 


happilyeveraftertravel royal caribbean cruise line texasRoyal Refreshment Soda Package
The Royal Caribbean soda packages give passengers unlimited refills at any of the bars
 or lounges onboard their ship as well as the Windjammer Café, Main Dining Room and
private islands (select itineraries).  With this package, passengers also receive a souvenir Coca-Cola cup.
Happily Ever After Travel Royal Caribbean
The Royal Refreshment Package has a cost of $9.44 per guest, per day.  These costs includes gratuity.
After purchasing the soda package, an icon will be placed on your SeaPass card that will indicate to Royal Caribbean employees that you have purchased the package.
The soda package will allow guests to use the Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines found onboard select ships, as well.


The following Royal Caribbean ships have Coca-Cola Freestyle Machines
Allure of the Seas                            Freedom of the Seas                                      Majesty of the Seas
Enchantment of the Seas                 Grandeur of the Seas                                     Oasis of the Seas
Explorer of the Seas                       Jewel of the Seas                                            Quantum of the Seas
               

Water Package
Guests can purchase sets of bottled water in quantities of 8, 12, 16 and 24 bottles.  
The Evian brand water also comes with a Sports Cap and each bottle is 1 liter.  
After purchasing the water package, the water will be delivered to your stateroom
on the date you request.  Unlike the other drink packages, the water packages are
for a set number of water bottles and is not valid for unlimited bottles.
Purchasing the water package does offer a discount compared to buying the water onboard individually.  Royal Caribbean promises up to 25% savings, depending on the quantity of water bottles purchased.





Juice Packages

Royal Caribbean also offers unlimited Minute Maid
brand juice packages in a variety of flavors and quantities
 for those that want a healthy drink choice.  

You may purchase,
 6, 8 or 12 bottles at a time.  Each juice bottle is 15 ounces and the following flavors are available
  • Choice of:            Orange juice                      Ruby red grapefruit juice              Apple juice
  • Variety Pack (equally divided among the 3 choices above)
If ordered online, the Juice Package will be placed in your stateroom on the date you request. If purchased onboard they will be delivered within 24 hours. 


Ships offering beverage packages
Royal Caribbean offers these unlimited
drink packages on select ships in the fleet.

These ships include:
Oasis of the Seas                                      Navigator of the Seas                     Adventure of the Seas
Allure of the Seas                                    Mariner of the Seas                        Brilliance of the Seas
Freedom of the Seas                                 Explorer of the Seas                       Radiance of the Seas
Independence of the Seas                         Voyager of the Seas                       Serenade of the Seas
Liberty of the Seas                                  Jewel of the Seas                             Enchantment of the Seas
       Grandeur of the Seas                                       Legend of the Seas                               Rhapsody.

**Information contained in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of availability or pricing. Please check with Royal Caribbean directly or your travel professional for the most current information pertaining to your sailing**