Amy Lawson

Myth Busting: Travel Advisor Edition

May 20, 2019 by crystal Leave a Comment

Thank you to our friends at Travel Insured International for sharing!

Travel Advisor Myth Busting

by Travel Insured | Mar 27, 2019

There’s no denying that the travel industry is drastically different than it was a century, a decade, or just a few years ago. Travel advisors used to virtually be the only source of travel information besides the shuffle between outdated pamphlets and books.

Now travel advisors find themselves fighting through the noise to prove that the internet is not the be-all-end-all and that they’re still the travel experts.

With this extra burden to carry, travel advisors are also feeling the burden of stereotypes. Through Travel Insured’s close work with advisors every day, we’ve gotten to see just how mythological these stereotypes are:

Myth VS Fact

Myth: Travel advisors are obsolete.
Fact: There’s no denying that the internet is an awesome travel-research tool. Travel advisors help travelers sort through all of the “internet fluff” to get to the core of what they are looking for in a dream trip.

Myth: Travel advisors try to sell expensive options to get the highest commissions.
Fact: Travel advisors are invested in converting a one-time client to a lifetime client. To do so, travel advisors work with their clients not to create the most expensive trip, but to ensure their trips are exactly how they envision every time.

Myth: Travel advisors require a huge fee for their services.
Fact: Many travel advisors don’t charge a fee at all, and if they do, a service fee is typically minimal compared to the time and stress spent when travelers plan trips on their own.

Myth: Travel advisors book only cookie-cutter trips.
Fact: Travel advisors’ main goal is to create a trip catered to their client’s vacation vision. Whether that vision is Disney, a safari, or a secluded island getaway – travel advisors are skilled to ask pointed questions to plan the dream trip.

Myth: Travel advisors don’t offer more than the internet.
Fact: The travel industry has never been more convoluted since the rise of the Google search. Travel advisors receive special offers as a travel industry insider, have more leverage in travel bookings, and more experience scanning through the internet jargon.

Travel advisors aren’t a thing of the past – they’re a thing of the present and future. Along with travel protection, travel advisors help ensure travelers vacation relaxed, secure, and insured.

Overcoming the fear of Disney World in the Summer

May 7, 2019 by Elissa Colón

We promise, you won’t melt!

Disney World in the summer. When I say those words what is the first thing you think of? Heat, humidity, sweat, the scorching sun, am I right? What if I told you that you were thinking about Disney in the summer all wrong? When I think of summer at Disney World I think low crowds, not missing school and a chance to save some money. I know people have a fear of the heat when traveling to Disney World in the summer, but I have some reasons that might cure that fear of Florida summers permanently.

Reason Number 1 Smaller Crowds:
There are so many reasons to travel to Disney World in the summer, but the most important of these is that there is a significantly lower crowd. Most people are afraid of Disney World in two situations- the heat and the rain. This is what makes it the perfect time to go. You can walk through the park without having to bump into people. Go shopping or get food without having to push through crowded stores. You can even sit with your family to watch a show or a parade without people sitting on top of you. Most importantly though you can go from attraction to attraction with little to no wait! Just think you can go on your favorite attractions over and over again with little to no wait! Not having to spend hours in lines also means that you have the time and the freedom to truly enjoy all of the amenities that Disney World has to offer. This allows you to come and go between your resort and the parks so you get a better chance to enjoy both. You can do an early morning in the park, head back to your resort for an afternoon dip or nap and then head back to the park in the evenings. You are truly able to go with the flow and live your best life.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts mid- August. Look how low those crowds are on a summer day!

Reason Number 2, School and Cost:
The second major reason to travel to Disney World in the summer is to not miss school. There are many parents that take their children out of school during the school year for a trip, you are my people. However, there are many people who can not take their children out of school. Perhaps your child is older and is not in a grade where they can easily miss a lot of school work. A member of the family might be a teacher and is unable to miss work to spend time on a vacation. For these families there is only one option, to go when school is off. The problem with going to Disney World or really any travel destination when school is not in session is that is when everyone goes. This means crowds and usually a higher total trip cost. However, summer in Disney World does not follow this rule. Since people are afraid of the heat in Florida this is the perfect time to travel for the folks that can not miss school. The crowds are light, and the prices are typically lower. It is a win-win situation. You get to go to Disney World for less money and do not have to deal with the crowds that are typically there for spring or winter break. Yes, it is hot, but what is a little heat when you get to have a better-quality vacation for less money?

Ice Cream makes a hot day much more magical, especially if it is Mickey shaped!

Reason Number 3, The Heat:
So, let’s talk about the heat. Yes, it is hot in Florida and it is humid, but where is it not? Most of the US deals with either extreme heat, humidity or both during the summer months. The question is where do you want to deal with that heat? Do you want to be sitting on a field watching your kid play soccer or baseball or watching a Disney World parade? Do you want to be in an air-conditioned office or in an air-conditioned attraction? A hot and humid day at Disney World beats a day anywhere else. At least at Disney World there are Mickey ice cream bars!

So, let’s overcome that fear of Florida summer together. Yes, you will be hot, but that wont change if you stay home. At least if you go to Disney World you and your family get to make amazing, magical memories with low crowds while you get to save some money. So, no more fear instead lets say Disney World this summer for sure!

Tips for beating the summer heat in Disney World
No More Fear!
• Get to parks at opening, take a mid afternoon break and then return to the parks at night.
• Take advantage of your resort pool!
• Upgrade to a water park ticket! There are two water parks with so much to do!
• Take water misters that you can carry with you.
• Use hand held fans that are battery powered or that you can charge the night before! Amazon has some great options.
• Use cooling rags! The Frogg Togg cooling towels on Amazon are awesome.
• Order FREE ice water at any quick service locations.
• Use those snack credits for Ice Cream or Frozen Drinks.
• Take advantage of indoor waiting and lounging areas with air conditioning.
• Ride water rides like Splash Mountain or Kali River Rapids.
• Be sure to stay hydrated and take breaks from the sun.
• Escape to a bathroom or a store for a blast of air conditioning.
• Make afternoon full service dining plans to sit inside and escape the heat in the worst part of the day.
• Run through the park in the afternoon rain storms. The park will empty out even more and the rain will cool you down.
• Make sure you use plenty of water proof sunscreen and reapply often. The summer sun can be brutal to your skin if you do not protect it.

2019 Walt Disney World Resort Packages

March 1, 2018 by crystal

We want to keep you up to date on the latest information about the 2019 Walt Disney World Resort packages. Prices and packages for the following year usually come out in the summer months but we know many of our friends are watching and ready to book ASAP! To make sure we get in touch with you as soon as possible, please complete this simple 2 question form. EASY PEASY!

**And we promise we will not bombard you with spam. We don’t have time that! 😉

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Welcome to the Seven Neighborhoods on Harmony of the Seas

October 15, 2016 by crystal

Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, part of the Oasis class of ships, is huge but with 7 neighborhoods on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Harmony of the Seas, everyone is certain to find their favorite area to relax and enjoy their time on this amazing ship! Each distinct area helps cruisers feel like they are in a smaller, more intimate area.

What is in each neighborhood?

Central Park

Who would have ever imagined a full, living park on a cruise ship in the middle of the ocean? Royal

Caribbean Cruise Line did! Central Park is a lush, relaxing area with tropical area, trees and walkways that take you to restaurants, shopping and galleries. Dining options in Central Park include Royal Caribbean’s famous Chops Grille.

For guest that enjoy the view, there are inward facing rooms that overlook Central Park so you can take in the gardens anytime day or night.

Royal Promenade

The lively Royal Promenade is the perfect place for a drink from a robotic bartender, shopping, restaurants and more!

Boardwalk

It’s all fun and games at the Boardwalk! A nostalgic feel with a handcrafted carousel and arcade makes you feel like a kid again. Then you can relax at the AquaTheater where you will see a high dive show with the deepest pool at sea.

Pool & Sports Zone

Cruising is not all about relaxing. There’s also fun and thrills! Pool & Sports Zone. After you encounter the “Perfect Storm” of water slides, you can take a plunge down a 10-story slide that ends on the Promenade deck. You can also learn to surf on the exclusive “FlowRider”, climb a rock wall and zip line across the ship.

Spa & Fitness

After all that excitement, you may need to relax in the Vitality Spa and Fitness neighborhood. Aromatherapy and full body wellness help you to recharge your body, mind and spirit.

Entertainment Place

This is the place for music, laughs and Broadway hit moments. On board you will be able to enjoy the Broadway musical “Grease” as well as exclusive shows like “Columbus, The Musical”. You will also find Vegas-style casino action with poker, blackjack, slots and roulette.

Youth Zone

Harmony of the Seas wants everyone to have their “space”. Teens, kids and babies, too, can hang out in their own area that designed just for them. Grouped by age and supervised by trained, certified staff, there’s also fun going on that is sure to bring smiles to every age!

For more information about the neighborhoods on Harmony of the Seas or about any Royal Caribbean Cruise Line ship, contact your favorite DWB Vacations team member!

#DWBcanbookthat

Norwegian Cruise Line names the Godfather

October 7, 2015 by crystal

For about 4,000 years sailing vessels have named a Godmother to launch the ship and bless its journey and passengers. In recent years the cruise lines have taken to making celebrities the Godmother of new ships. Sometimes there is a natural tie in between the celebrity and the ship as when Jennifer Hudson was named the Godmother of the Disney Dream in 2011. Hudson formerly worked at Disney World before her American Idol days.

Today, in a step away from the traditional Godmother, Norwegian Cruise Line named Armando Christian Perez to be the GodFATHER of the new Norwegian Escape. If that name doesn’t ring a bell, it is because you probably know him as Pitbull, the miami based singer famous for hits like “Feel This Moment” with Christina Aguilera and “Everything Tonight” with Ne-Yo.

The choice makes sense for many reasons.

First, it represents Norwegian Cruise’s less than traditional cruising style. In the announcement, Norwegian Cruise Line said, “”reinforces Norwegian’s nontraditional cruising that focuses on freedom and flexibility for guests.” Norwegian Cruise Line is known for their “freestyle” cruising that gives guests the freedom to choose. Guests can dress up or down or they can dine in a different restaurant every night. So it only makes sense that this honorary position should be just as nontraditional as the cruise line’s style.

Second, Pitbull has already been a partner with Norwegian Cruise Line The artist performed at the inauguration of the Norwegian Getaway in 2014 and for the Nov 9 pier side inauguration of the Escape he will perform again.

“Pitbull has been an excellent partner and great friend to Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Andy Stuart, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president. “A Miami native, he epitomizes and contributes to the energy, excitement and local flavor that our ships so proudly embody and we’re excited to build upon our relationship and have him serve in this special role as Godfather to Norwegian Escape.”

Currently being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Escape will sail weekly seven-day cruises from her year-round homeport of Miami to the Eastern Caribbean beginning on November 14, 2015. The 164,600 gross ton ship will be the largest ever to home port year-round in Miami, carrying 4,200 guests to tropical Caribbean destinations including St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas. Norwegian Escape’s signature hull artwork is designed by marine wildlife artist and champion of ocean conservation, Guy Harvey.