'Unlimited Luxury' ~ Now Resorts and Spas

With the winter travel season right around the corner, I'm becoming more amazed, (not to mention more frustrated) with how fast things are booking up for the 2013 winter/spring travel season.  March is getting really picked over and it pains me to see families either spending 2 days of their vacation in airports or on airplanes, as they're forced to take single and double connections, or even worse, forced to stay home.   I'm always on the lookout for great bonus deals for our clients and one of the resort chains that always comes to mind is Now Resorts and Spas.

Now Resorts and Spas offer guests something more than just a trip to Mexico.  They offer a vacation experience.  They want you to leave all of your stress, your worries and whatever else you're carrying on your shoulders behind, live in the NOW ~ and bask in the concept of their Unlimited-Luxury®.  Unlimited-Luxury® means wristbands are never required, mini bars are refreshed daily, 24 hour room and concierge service at no additional charge, restaurants require no reservations and bars serve unlimited premium brand beverages.  Not to mention great daytime activities, live, professional entertainment at night, supervised kids clubs, teen activities and the list goes on and on.  Best part of all?  They're in some of the most beautiful and easy to get to locations which puts them at the top of my list!  Here's a couple of my favs...

Now Jade Riviera Cancun ~ Just a few minutes from the quaint fishing town of Puerto Morelos, and about 12 miles from the Cancun international airport, this is a perfect location.  Great resort for the young at heart.  The Now Jade Riviera Cancun guest is more interested in experiences than material things.  They like places that are different and stand out at every level.  550 tastefully decorated suites, private white-sand beach, and excursions to the 2nd largest barrier reef.  There's nothing to disappoint!

Now Larimar Punta Cana ~ Vibrant and contempory, Now Larimar is perfect for singles, couples, families or groups!  You can sit back and relax on 700 yards of picturesque white sandy beach or enjoy endless entertainment and activities.  The decision is yours!

Now Amber Puerto Vallarta ~ Just 15 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport Now Amber is located by the famous "El Malecon" boardwalk and great shopping and nightlife.   Golden sand beaches, 8 dining options, 4 bars and luxurious decor this resort is pleasing to every sense!  With theme parties, Movies under the stars and 7 golf courses nearby, there's never a dull moment for any member of the family!

For those who want a bit more pampering Now Resorts and Spas offers Preferred Club rooms.  With lots of added amenities they may be the perfect fit for you!  Here's what you get:

• Personalized check-in and check-out with concierge service 
• Preferred status and amenities Exterior Jacuzzi 
• Private Preferred Club Lounge 
• Two private, Preferred Club pools each with Jacuzzi 
• Upgraded bath amenities 
• Bathrooms with double sinks 
• Pillow menu 
• Complimentary computer access in Preferred Club Lounge 
• Upgraded mini-bar and room service menu 
• Daily continental breakfast service in the lounge 
• Pool concierge & bar service
• Afternoon hot and cold hors d’oeuvres; exquisite desserts & fine liquors in the lounge 
• Complimentary newspaper in room every day upon request 
• Complimentary wireless internet access

Saving the best for last...we all like more bang for our buck, right?  Now Resorts is currently offering the following promotions.  Of course, there is always the small print that explains the terms and conditions for each promo.  Looking them over briefly, the restrictions are few and I know they'll bring so much more to your vacation experience if you qualify.  Truly something for everyone and any of our 'Escape Artists' would be happy to make sure you are meeting the rules of the restrictions to ensure you can take advantage of your favorite promo!  All you gotta do is ask!

Golf at Now Jade and Now Sapphire 

Guests at both of these resorts are offered complimentary greens fees at Grand Coral Riviera Maya. A course designed by PGA champion and golf course designer, Nick Price, the Grand Coral Riviera Maya boasts a magnificent 18-hole, 7,043 yard golf course where golf pros and amateurs alike can enjoy a round of golf just steps away from the breathtaking Caribbean Sea.  One round of golf per person, per day.

Golf at Now Amber
Guests staying at Now Amber Puerto Vallarta through June 30, 2013 can enjoy one round of complimentary greens fees at the two 18-hole championship courses at Vista Vallarta Club de Golf and the neighboring course at Marina Vallarta Golf Club! Vista Vallarta Club de Golf is located on the property's highest elevation, golfers will enjoy breathtaking views of Puerto Vallarta, the Marina and the Banderas Bay as well, the perfect setting for this world class course designed by the world's greatest player, Jack Nicklaus. Marina Vallarta Golf Club is built on the property's lower west end. Tom Weiskopf has done a masterful job of blending elevations and natural features into an incredibly playable experience.  One round of golf per person, per day.

Girlfriend Getaways
Enjoy an Unlimited-Luxury® getaway with your girlfriends at any Now Resort & Spa. In addition to an Unlimited-Luxury® getaway, you and your girlfriends will be pampered as you should be! Package cost is $62.50 per person, per stay. Girlfriends who select this package will receive the following as a part of this package: manicure and pedicure sessions (up to three girls may receive these treatments at the same time), champagne and strawberries in room upon arrival, complimentary room service one morning offering Mimosas, fruit plate, and pastries, a complimentary group photo (each girl will receive one printed photo), daily yoga session (only available at Mexico properties), access to wet areas of the spa and 10% off additional spa treatments.  Doesn't that sound like something us gals could use?  Anyone in need of another girlfriend - I'm available and I'm fun!

Groups
There are groups for every reason and Now Resorts has some great group benefits for you!  Book five rooms, receive the sixth room free! Plus, your group will receive a private check-in, 1 complimentary VIP room upgrade for every 10 nights paid and $200 in resort coupons per room!

And don't forget about Romance Travel!  Destination Weddings Groups and Honeymoons are a speciality at Midwest Travel Service and Now Resorts and Spas do them perfectly!  We'll work with you to find out what your dreams are and make sure they become reality so you'll have memories that will last a lifetime!  That's what makes us happy!

Until next time...

Sometimes it pays to be Square!

With the busy 'winter escape' season right around the corner, I can say with complete certainty one of the questions I get asked most often is, "What's the best deal I can get to ________?"   Although it's a completely legitimate question and a really important one too, it's kind of like walking into your doctors office, telling him you don't feel well and expecting him to give you a diagnosis without even examining you!  There's so many components and variables involved in finding the perfect vacation at a perfect price that it's basically impossible to answer that without a little investigation...unless of course you have no problem being square!

A Square Deal is a great way to have an amazing vacation experience AND save a lot of money!  Basically you pick the departure date, the destination you want to travel to, the resort rating and Apple Vacations picks the resort!  Sound scary?  Not at all, but it does have a few requirements.  You must like wonderful surprises, you must be flexible, and you must be able to handle anticipation without driving your traveling companion (and us) crazy!

Here's a little Q and A to give you a bit more info:

What exactly is a Square Deal?
Square Deals are Apple Vacations best value vacation packages and are exclusive to Apple Vacations. They feature the lowest prices you’ll find for the promised hotel Apple rating.  You choose the destination, departure date and hotel Apple rating.  You'll be informed of your hotel just prior to departure.   In return for your flexibility, you’ll save hundreds! 

When you choose a Golden Apple Square Deal, you can be assured that you have made a great choice, because Golden Apple Hotels are selected by Apple Vacationers for consistently exceeding their expectations.  No matter when you plan to travel, Apple Vacations has Square Deal Savings for you.

Are there different types of Square Deals?

Yes, there are.

6 Apple Plus Square Deal:  When only the best will do! Luxurious accommodations, upscale amenities and personalized services.

6 Apple Square Deal:  Deluxe resort offering high standards and a wide variety of dining and guest amenities.

5 Apple Square Deal:  Superior first-class hotel with quality accommodations and guest services.

4 Apple Square Deal: First-class resort hotel or condo with a good selection of guest services.

Can I request a specific hotel? 

Because of the nature of Square Deals, no special requests may be made including a preferred hotel, location or room type.  Hotel Brand loyalists will love Apple Vacations Branded Square Deals, where you'll be guaranteed of staying at a hotel belonging to a specified hotel chain. 

When do I find out which hotel I will be staying at?
In departure gateways where there are Apple Representatives, you will be informed of your hotel when you arrive at the departure airport. Take this opportunity to inform family members and friends where you will be staying prior to leaving the States. In departure gateways where an Apple Vacations Representative is not at the airport you will be informed of your hotel one business day prior to departure. This procedure also applies to any scheduled air or land only Square Deals.

What if I don't like the hotel that has been chosen for me?
If you are unhappy with the hotel that has been selected, your Apple Representative will work with you to offer an alternative choice. The cost to change hotel will be at your expense and will be payable to the Apple Destination Management Representative in destination. Please remember that due to the special negotiated pricing of the Square Deal, the cost to change hotels in destination may be substantial. 

How do I know if a Square Deal is right for me?
If you answer yes to the following questions, a Square Deal is a good choice for you!
      1.  Are you looking for unbeatable value? 
      2.  Do you understand what types of hotels are included in each Apple rating and will you be 
           happy with your vacation as long as your hotel meets the criteria in that rating level? 
      3.  Can you wait until departure to find out where you’ll will be staying? 

If you answer yes to the following questions, you may want to consider booking a traditional Apple Vacation.
      1.  Do you want to stay at a particular resort or location in destination? 
      2.  Do you have special needs or requests? For example, you should not book a Square Deal if 
          you are disabled or require handicapped accessibility or room accommodations. 
      3.  Are you traveling with a group on multiple reservations? Square Deal hotels may change
           at any time. We cannot guarantee multiple bookings on any given arrival will be 
           accommodated at the same hotel.

The moral of the story is, although the definition of what a 'travel deal' is has changed quite drastically in the last few years, there are still plenty of ways to find good vacation values today.  Our Escape Artists are passionate about finding ways to help you travel for less money, yet give you the vacation experience you deserve!

Until next time...

Valentine's Day, Sandals and Pinterest

Does everyone have something prepped to remind loved ones they're special tomorrow? It's almost Valentine's Day in case you forgot! I know a lot of people think Valentine's Day is just another way for the card companies to rake in more dough selling over-priced cards (which I don't entirely disagree with), but I still enjoy 2.14 and think it offers a nice opportunity to be thoughtful and remind those who're near-and-dear that we adore them!

In case you don't have anything for your sweetie just yet, check out the Sandals sale which ends in just a couple of days. Take a moment to browse and you'll see that there are some GREAT deals currently offered which include plenty of extra perks and inclusions. Why not treat yourself and your honey to some time away together?! You have to admit that the couple below appears to be having a great time :-) Here's a link to view more info.

One more thing before I wrap up this quick little post! Midwest Travel Service recently joined the Pinterest community so I want to share that link as well: MTS on Pinterest. We just joined so our pinboards are still pretty bare, but we're looking forward to finding and sharing lots of cool stuff on this new site soon!

Are you on Pinterest? It's a pretty intriguing site that allows members to visually organize and share the things, sites and ideas they love + find inspiring (quickly and easily too!). If you decide to check us out and do a little browsing of your own, don't say I did't warn you about how addicting it can become!

Happy Valentine's Day to you all~

New DOT Regulations Affect the Way We Advertise ~ Not our Commitment to You!

Client: Do you actually know the capital of Japan?

Travel Agent: Of course I do...'J'

I've been in the travel industry for over 20 years - yikes, that's a long time, but we all know how time flies when you're having fun!  While the above interaction may well have happened when I first came onto the travel scene, I must say I've learned a lot since then!  As long as I can remember it's been a frustration of most travel agents to receive a call from a client inquiring about the $49 advertised airfare to say, Las Vegas, only to have the final cost of the roundtrip ticket be more like $138.  Granted the fine print usually spells it out, we all know we don't always take the time to read it.  Over the years I've been called some crazy names by frustrated clients.  Most are saved for an office 'Happy Hour' where we get together and laugh about what has always been considered a 'Job Hazard'   (You know, we all have 'em...we just learn to live with 'em!)

Within the last few weeks, you may have noticed what seems like significant price increases on our website.  For the most part pricing has remained the same, however, the way we are displaying the pricing has changed. 

The change took effect on January 26 and was mandated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in an effort to provide more transparency for the consumer related to travel costs. The change affects the air component in vacation packages and states all airline, government related taxes, and fuel surcharges must be included in the advertised price.

What’s not included in the new advertised pricing rules? Fees charged and payable to the airline for seat assignments and/or baggage fees, which can notably be a hefty add on to your travel cost. Also not included, are any entrance/departure taxes which may be charged at international airports and any resort fees which are payable directly to the hotel. Can you say confusing?  Sometimes even to us and we are the experts!

Allow me to explain.  In the past a $499 advertised price for an airline ticket to Paris would have been closer to $699 once all airline and government taxes were added.  A vacation package to Mexico would have been advertised at $899.  However, taxes could've been up to $150 resulting in an actual cost of $1049.  See what I mean?  While we welcome the change, we realize the sticker shock of new advertising rules will take some time getting used to.

Take cruising.  A typical Caribbean cruise has 'taxes and fees' of up to $300 per person!  Alaska cruises and Alaska Land/Sea vacations can have taxes and fees of up to $450!  All these additional costs has made advertising to our valued clients very challenging.  Although disclosing the additional costs related to cruises in the advertised price is not yet mandated by the DOT, we have made the decision to include them anyway so what you see is what you pay.  Our goal is to have our clients informed and comfortable with all costs involved in travel.  We hope to eliminate the confusion, the guessing games or any drastic difference in advertised fares and actual trip cost.  While there remain several variables that can affect pricing, such as travel dates, availability, etc., we are confident that using the same rules for all advertised travel will take the chore out of searching the fares and make for more realistic pricing.

Along with changing the way fares are advertised, the new rules bring other consumer-friendly changes. 

• Clients now have 24 hours to change or cancel a flight reservation without a fee as long as your flight does not depart within 7 days.
• Bans price increases once a ticket has been purchased.
• Requires that airlines must now disclose any baggage fees during online purchased and e-ticket confirmations.
• Airlines must provide prompt notification about flight cancellations, diversions or delays of more than 30 minutes.
• Passengers will be eligible for higher levels of compensation when 'bumped' from a flight.

For most of us in the industry, the change is a welcome one.  One thing that hasn't changed is our commitment to you! We'll continue to work for you, searching through fare sales and deals with a fine-tooth comb to find the best travel deals out there.  We'll continue to pass them along to you so you can buy with confidence.  So, although the prices you now see on our website and our 'Snooze You Lose' emails seem to have changed, rest assured we are still working hard to find the best deals for you, our esteemed client!

Until next time...

Why Use a Travel Agent?

The last several weeks have been spent working overtime and under pressure (just like Santa's little elves)! We're thrilled to have moved to a new office space! (Pictures and blog about new space coming soon ;))  Bigger space, means more 'Escape Artists,' more experts, hand picked by us, to assist you with your travel plans, however big or small they may be.

Even Marriott Hotels
'Loves' Travel Agents!

This past year has seen the return of the travel agent and although it's definitely not news to us, we're elated that others have figured out what we've known all along: with all the benefits using a travel agent can offer, why would you do it any other way?  I'm often amazed at the folks that are planning a long-awaited family reunion cruise, a dream destination wedding, or the trip of a lifetime, are spending either just a few hundred dollars or several thousand dollars - and they're considering booking themselves online (If I had a nickel for every time I heard "I found that cheaper online" I would've been able to retire by now!). I patiently explain to them the value of an agent and why using the services of an expert is the way to go. After all, you don't question the value of the 'expert' that changes your oil, gives you that snappy new hairdo or argues your case in court, so why would you not trust the travel expert when looking to make such an important purchase? For those of you still asking yourself the question- 'DIY my travel or go to the expert,' I'm here to set you on the right path!

1.  Time!  For most of us, saving money is not just about price. Don't get me wrong, the dollar amount is important but there are many other factors to consider as well. When you book through a travel agent it's a one stop shop! You won't need to spend hours checking different online travel sites, the airline sites, hotel sites, etc. Your time is more valuable than that. Not to mention, oftentimes that $40 you save by booking yourself online gets you an overnight connection or leaves you stranded without transfers, losing precious time spent with loved ones! Let us do the work for you. It's our job and that leaves you more time to do yours!

2. Value!  When we talk about value, it doesn't always mean price. Travel agents know which questions to ask to make sure you're getting what you want. We will then make a recommendation based on resorts we've visited, we have relationships with and have passed our standards. The end result is your expectations are met, most likely exceeded, and that makes for the perfect vacation!  Believe me, I've been on the receiving end of more than one call from clients that booked themselves online based on photos, descriptions and price, only to arrive at their destination and find out what they thought they were getting was not what they were getting at all. After all, if the hotel was in the wrong location, you spent a week in sub-par accommodations that smelled of mildew, and the food was barely edible and looked to be recycled from the buffet the night before, is the price the most important component at that point? We can help you find the value without sacrificing what's important to you!

3.  Added Benefits!  It's hard to believe that after giving you back the precious gift of your time and finding you a vacation that is a great value, we have more to offer, but hold onto your hat...it's true! We can enhance your travel experience in several ways. As I talked about in #2, we like to make recommendations based on what you're telling us is important for your vacation experience. Those recommendations usually come with added benefits for you! It may be a dollars-off promotion, a moonlit beach dinner for two, a room upgrade, private transfers, a welcome bottle of wine with fruit or other special amenities. You won't see any of these added benefits when booking yourself online.  In most cases, we are a preferred agency with most of the reputable resort chains and have partnered with them in ways that make your experience more memorable. A happy customer is a repeat customer and we want to have you as a customer for life!

4.  Your personal champion!  Let me give you a couple of real-life scenarios. Your credit card has been charged 3 times instead of just once. You get to the airport and they can't find your reservation.  You arrive at the resort, it's overbooked and the resort informs you they are putting you at a different resort of their choice. Your run of the house 'ocean view' room actually looks at the parking lot with overflowing dumpsters. If you've used a travel professional...great news! One call to us and we take care of everything while you sit on the beach sipping a pina colada. Booked yourself online? Sorry, Charlie.  You now get to spend your precious vacation time on the phone desperate to find a real person to assist you!

Our 'Escape Artists"

5.  Trust!  That one word goes a long way at our agency. We aren't just in the travel business. We're in the long-term relationship business. We don't want to be some anonymous website or person behind the curtain. Nope, we're real people, real voices and we want to get to know you, your family, and what's important to you. We want your vacation to be the vacation of your dreams because we want you to come back again and again! 

We all want the same thing, the best that money can buy. We'll never fault you for that! Just keep in mind that travel is no different than any other purchase...you get what you pay for and that oftentimes a cheap resort comes with a cheap and disappointing vacation experience. At Midwest Travel Service we promise to work hard, ask the questions, and make the recommendations that will result in the best vacation experience for you, at the best price available! After all, you work hard for the money...and you deserve it! 

Until next time,

Black Friday Weekend Sale!

Who else is looking forward to Thanksgiving tomorrow? I know I am! Although turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie don't make my list of favorite foods (yuck!), I still love this holiday. It's so much fun to see extended family and kick off the holiday season. I can't wait!

Before heading out for the long weekend I wanted to share details about the upcoming Black Friday sale with all of you. Trust me, you won't want to miss it (anyone a fan of the Caribbean, Mexico, Orlando, Hawaii or Las Vegas?!). This weekend you can browse some of the BEST travel deals of the season from the comfort of your own home... No getting out of bed ridiculously early for the 'doorbuster' deals, circling the lots repeatedly in search of an open parking space or waiting in the check-out lines.

The sale begins here at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 24 (Thanksgiving) and will continue until the offers expire on Monday, November 28. Happy Thanksgiving to you all, and Happy Shopping too!

Everything For Less Event!

Happy Cinco De Mayo everyone! Doesn't all of the online buzz make you want to hop on a plane and head to Mexico for an authentic celebration? I can taste the Margaritas now! :)

 

Today is a perfect opportunity to tell you about the Everything For Less event going on with Funjet Vacations. When you use the exclusive promo code 'ALLONSALE' you will get bonus savings off of already reduced-priced vacation packages!

Curious to browse for yourself? You can check out the special hotel offers in Mexico and book it right here. I should also mention that other destinations are featured as well including Hawaii, Europe and the Caribbean, so if you're not a big Mexico traveler there's something for you too!

There's just one more thing I have to mention in today's post: *Happy Birthday to Maria, one of the owners of Midwest Travel Service!* You are such an extraordinary and inspiring woman and deserve to have the best year yet!

Let's Talk Repositioning Cruises

If you, like me, love to cruise and feel a cruise ship is a destination in and of itself, this time of year is the perfect time to take advantage of some great repositioning options. Many cruise lines move their ships to various parts of the world depending on the season. Rather than sail their ships without passengers to a new home port (say from the Caribbean to Alaska), these one-way sailings are oftentimes offered at a considerably lower rate.

Repositioning cruises not only offer cost savings and unique ports of call, they also allow for more 'sea days' which results in an incredibly relaxing vacation (compared to the port-intensive itineraries). Because the cruise has more days at sea they will usually feature themes that incorporate different subjects and on-board activities including wine tastings, enhanced entertainment and guest speakers. The downside to a repositioning cruise is although the cost is generally lower, the additional days on the ship can result in a higher bar and casino bill than you would typically experience. The other added cost is sometimes higher airfare, as you usually have to purchase two one-way tickets. 

Two of my favorite repositioning cruises offered this spring are the 11-night Transatlantic sailing from Miami to Barcelona aboard the Norwegian Epic, and the 12-night Hawaiian sailing from Honolulu to Vancouver aboard the Carnival Spirit.  

Let's talk Epic!  NCL was the first cruise line to introduce the concept of Freestyle Cruising, a vacation where you are free to do whatever, whenever. What better way to experience this concept than on an 11-night Transatlantic crossing?! The Epic is NCL's largest and most innovative ship to date with over 20 bars and lounges (including the only true ice bar at sea), more than 20 different dining options, an aqua park, a bowling alley, and some of the best entertainment at sea - Blue Man Group, Legends in Concert, Second City Comedy, Cirque Dreams and Dinner and more. Who needs Vegas, right?!  

SVEDKA Ice Bar

Spa Suite

Spice H20 Daytime

Cirque

You want Spirit?  Carnival Cruise Lines promises 'Fun for All - All for Fun!' The past several years Carnival has worked very hard to lose the 'party ship' image and I believe they have accomplished just that. Whatever you consider to be fun is what you can do aboard a Carnival Fun ship. Carnival Spirit was the first of the Spirit class ships and the first to introduce the two-level promenade. Who wouldn't be 'wowed' by an Atrium that spans eleven decks! And the fact that 80% of the staterooms have ocean views and private balconies make her the perfect ship to experience Hawaii on a 12-night repositioning cruise. While sailing, be dazzled by the most brilliant colors ever created, play in one of the largest casinos at sea, celebrate a special occasion with dinner in the Nouveau Supper Club and enjoy a different Las Vegas style show every night of your cruise!  You'll need a vacation following this vacation considering there is so much to experience on the Carnival Spirit.

Carnival Spirit

Atrium

Premium Balcony Stateroom

Louis X1V Casino

I think you get the idea... When it comes to repositioning cruises there are many to choose from, so make sure the cruise you choose fits your needs. If you'd like to view pricing for the NCL and Carnival repositioning cruises, take a peek at our latest 'Snooze You Lose' here. With our help you can select the perfect repositioning cruise option for you! Bon Voyage!