Travel Blog

Pleasure Tripping..Island Style!!!

Jamaica at Night
Jamaica at Night
  • Modern Bride Names Jamaica as Top Honeymoon Destination

    7/25/20097:16:35 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Island Breeze Travel Agency of Jackson Michigan

    For the 13th consecutive year, Jamaica has been named to Modern Bride’s “The World’s 50 Best Honeymoons” list from the annual survey of Virtuoso travel specialists.

    Jamaica also ranked in the “Top 10 for Affordability,” at number 3, a desirable spot in today’s economy. Jamaica’s listings are published in Modern Bride’s August/September issue, now available on newsstands. The survey represents an expert polling of a panel of 6,000 Virtuoso travel specialists across the U.S. and is designed to help couples select the ideal honeymoon destination.

    Agents recommended destinations based on the following 12 categories: romance, beaches, food and wine, mountains, sexy ambience, adventure, nightlife, affordability, seclusion, culture, snorkeling and diving, and up-and-coming locale.

    For more information on Destination Weddings and Honeymoons, call us at                877-858-8009         or email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com

    At Island Breeze Travel of Michigan, we specialize in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons and would be happy to work with you personally and make your special day the best it possibly can be.


    http://www.island-breeze-travel.com

  • Real Resorts -- THE ROYAL in Cancun Offers Unlimited Golf Greens Fee Packages

    5/10/20099:27:56 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Cancun Golf, Island Breeze Travel Agency of Jackson Michigan, Unlimited Golf Package

    Unlimited Play & Unlimited Fun-in-the-Sun at Cancun’s Only Five Star Diamond Resort

     

    Cancun, MX –Golf till you drop at Real Resorts THE ROYAL in Cancun!  The all-suite, all-inclusive luxury THE ROYAL in Cancun is the destination’s only Five Star Diamond Resort that offers unlimited greens fees for golfers.   The Unlimited Golf Greens Fee Package offers transportation to and from the renowned Cancun Golf Club by Pok Ta Pok, greens fees and golf cart rental for two. 

     

    Located just a few miles from the resort the 18-hole signature golf course is designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and offers a challenging game at every level. Guests participating in THE ROYALin Cancun Unlimited Golf Package will also enjoy a 20% discount on any purchases made at the Pok Ta Pok pro shop and a 15% discount at the courses restaurant/bar.

     

    At THE ROYAL in Cancun guests will enjoy a choice of deluxe guest suite accommodations, all-inclusive gourmet dining, cellar wines, international cocktails and discounts at the resort’s signature holistic SpAZUL, as well as the Logo Shop, and on the rental of a Mini Cooper.

     

    John Hardie, a guest from Ottawa, Canada said, “We chose the Unlimited Golf Green Fees Package at THE ROYAL in Cancun because it is the best of both worlds. We enjoyed unlimited golf every day with transportation to-and-from the golf course, as well as ultra luxury accommodations, gourmet dining and a beachfront location in the heart of Cancun.”

     

    Contact us today for rates and availability at THE ROYAL in Cancun

     

    Mark@island-breeze-travel.com

  • Real Resorts Mexico - Leading the Way in Health and Safety

    5/4/20093:59:49 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Island Breeze Travel Agency of Jackson Michigan, Mexico, Swine Flu

    CANCUN, MX – Real Resorts, a privately owned luxury hotel company in Mexico, is leading the campaign to create a ‘super’ hygienic atmosphere for guests at its resorts in Cancun and the Riviera Maya.  Each of the four Real Resorts is working with local authorities and area hotels to create a ‘sanitary barrier.’  Within this barrier there is intensified and ongoing cleaning with sanitizing products in all hotels, buses, taxis, restaurants, bars, and airports in addition to the other measures already taken by the Mexican government to contain the further spread of the flu virus.   

    In addition, at each of the Real Resort Properties -- THE ROYAL in Cancun, Gran Caribe Real in Cancun, and THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen and Gran Porto Real in Playa del Carmen -- the company has incorporated further precautions to provide a safe environment.  One additional guest service is the placement of sanitizing hand lotion around the hotels for staff and guest use, as well as adding hand sanitizing lotion as a guest room amenity.

    “We consistently make cleanliness, hygiene and guest health our top priority whether or not there is public attention to these issues,” said Fernando Garcia, General Director, Real Resorts.  “During this period of heightened awareness we will continue our diligence and increase as many practical measures as possible to help prevent the spread of any illness through human contact.  Of course, we understand that during this initial timeframe there may be some guests who prefer to postpone their trip and that is why we are offering them an opportunity to rebook their holiday for a later date,” added Garcia.

    Real Resorts is offering guests booked for travel now through May 10th the choice of rebooking their travel for any future date through December 23, 2009, honoring the same rate of their original booking.  Or guests booked through May 10th may also elect to cancel their stay without a penalty.

    “We are encouraged by yesterday’s report in the Los Angeles Times that indicates that as the strain of flu impacting Mexico and the U.S. runs its course, it appears to be a more mild strain of influenza than originally anticipated,” adds Garcia.  If this report proves to be accurate, we are assured that visitors will soon be returning to Mexico to enjoy their summer holidays with confidence of having a healthy and fun vacation.”

    Real Resorts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide further information as developments occur in the coming weeks.  For additional updates Real Resorts provides an online Safety Information web page at www.RealResorts.com/safetyupdate.

  • Deal Available on St. John - US Virgin Islands

    4/5/20098:19:10 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Island Breeze Travel Agency of Jackson Michigan

    Future Vacations is offering a $300.00 Air credit, The 4th night free, a $50.00 Dining Coupon, and $50.00 in Attraction coupons for a minimum 4 night stay at The Westin St. John Resort.

    Booking window is March 15th through october 15th 2009 - Travel from April 15th through October 31, 2009.

    Nestled amid the emerald green hillside of idyllic St. John, overlooking beautiful Great Cruz Bay, you will find a luxury resort offering the world-class experience Westin is famous for. In addition to 285 fabulous guest rooms, the resort offers an inviting 1/4-acre freshwater swimming pool, fitness center and health spa, six lighted tennis courts, water sports, Westin Kids Club program, playground, three restaurants, deli/snack bar, 24-hour room service, three lounges and seasonal entertainment. Nearby you will discover a national park with scenic hiking trails.

    The Westin offers 4 restaraunts:

    Coccoloba Grill and Bar - Fine dining featuring fresh Caribbean seafood specialties daily. Dinner only
    Beach Cafe and Bar - Featuring a breakfast buffet, and a la carte dinner menu with entertainment and themed nights.
    Snorkels Bar and B-B-Q - Barbecue specialties and island drinks. Serves lunch daily.
    Mango Deli - Deli sandwiches, box lunches and specialty gourmet items ready for the beach.

    3 bars are also available on site. 

    Contact us today for more details. 877-858-8009

  • Why Use A Travel Agent

    4/5/20098:02:53 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Island Breeze Travel, Island Breeze Travel Agency of Jackson Michigan

    Industry and consumer trends are shaping the way travel agents do their business today.

     

    So, perhaps a good question to start with, would be how is the travel industry changing?

     

    Today agents, as well as their clients, have many more travel products and destinations to choose from. That makes it difficult for consumers to evaluate all the choices, prices, destinations, and levels of quality.

     

    In fact, there is an enormous number of new travel companies and new product offerings on the market. The choices are overwhelming and somewhat confusing to agents (let alone consumers!).

     

    In addition, segment and affinity marketing is finding it’s way into the travel industry with products increasingly targeting smaller groups of people with similar lifestyles, interests, and demographics (for example, theme cruises).

     

    How has the travel consumer evolved?

     

    Travelers today are more knowledgeable when they walk into a travel agency. The Internet gives them access to vast destination and travel information at a click.

      

    What we are seeing, is that clients are now too busy to handle all the dozens of details to ensure a relaxing and exciting vacation. They are more inclined towards packaged travel that takes the small details out of their hands.

      

    Something to keep in mind is that the commission a travel agent makes, is built into the rate, whether you use a travel agent or not and often times, the travel agent can negotiate or find a cheaper rate because of their knowledge base and the relashionships the agent has established with vacation tour providers.  

     

    By using a travel agent, you will free up the time you would have had to use to find your own rate. It’s the old adage - time is money. Today, we have so many things and people competing for our time.

    More often than not, your time is worth more to you spent doing other things and not spending time researching vacation deals on the internet. 

     

    Busier lifestyles also mean that vacationers often wait until the last minute to book their trips. Unless you are constantly reviewing available deals, airline news, maintaining relationships with suppliers like a travel agent does, it would be impossible to be sure that you are getting the best value for your money.

     

    As customer service continues to erode in some sectors of the travel industry, it’s important to choose a travel agent that has a focus on providing you with excellent advice combined with service and products that can give you the features and security that adds value to your vacation.

     

    A good travel agent will take the time and do the homework, researching to find the best value for your hard earned dollars. The pre-arranged travel you purchase needs to offer you a hassle-free vacation. (you deserve that!!)

     

    We also have found that today’s travelers do not want an agent who just provides them with facts. They want advice and counseling.

     

    Going a step further, having an agent that can provide insider information on a destination who can provide you with customized recommendations for your dream vacation is so much better than an agent who is simply an order taker.

     

    It’s also a good idea to get to know your agent, ask them questions and evaluate their interest in finding a great deal for you.

     

    At Island Breeze Travel, we are committed to providing you with accurate information, outstanding service doorstep to doorstep, and being that person that you can count on to help you sort through all the confusion and help you plan the nice, relaxing vacation that you deserve. 

     

    We are committed to being a source of knowledge for you. We also dedicate our free moments to education, training, and keeping on top of the latest travel trends. 

     

    We want you to think of us as more of a consultant and advisor, rather than as a salesperson.

     

    We will work with you on a personal, one on one basis throughout the planning process all the way through your welcome home to make sure you get exactly what you want. Again, it’s your money - you deserve to have a vacation that will meet your needs and wants. 

     

    Something else to consider - If you decide to use a internet travel source such as Travelocity or vacations to go, you will most likely not talk to the same agent twice. 

     

    If something goes wrong, or you need something changed, you can expect to be placed on hold and or go through several people explaining your situation over and over again with less and less understanding or concern for your problem with every change of operators.  

     

    When you choose to make travel arrangements with Island Breeze Travel, you will have the peace of mind in knowing any situations that may arise will be handled by one person, with one phone call. In addition, you can be assured your issue will be a top priority and we will not stop until your issue is resolved to your satisfaction.   

  • Our Approach to Customer Service

    2/21/20093:23:18 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Island Breeze Travel

    Back when my wife and I were using a travel agent, we didn't get much in terms of customer service.

     

    Although she was a nice lady, her idea of providing us with research was to hand us a brochure and say "pick a place".

     

    When we started our travel agency, we wanted to be different.

     

    We take personalized, hands on approach with our customers by listing available vacation deals on our website but past that, our customers contact us directly and we tailor their vacation to meet their needs and take care of the details through every step of the vacation process.

     

    In addition, when someone makes travel reservations with us, they get my personal cell phone number in case they have concerns or questions. Knowing that you have an agent that will act as your advocate is much better than wondering what to do and who to turn to if you have questions.

     

    In case problems arise, we make ourselves available with one phone call or email and act as your advocate. More like a traditional travel agency but enhanced with personalized service.

    In this new age of connectivity, you can even text your questions to me. We are also available on Facebook and Twitter.

     

    I take a multi step approach to researching a destination for a client.

     

    ·     After receiving my client’s expectations, I research available deals in that area.

    ·     Then, I review several different available forum areas and evaluate recent reviews from travelers who have visited the property because its just not very relaxing if you have to listen to the sound of jackhammers or deal with a resorts black mold issues during your vacation.

    ·     Once a good match is found, I research available discounts and promotions related to the resorts that are available.

    ·     Then, I lookup prices and availability in a 3 step method. I look at the requested dates, and the dates about midway between the requested dates, and last minute. This method is a good indicator on the resorts pricing strategy.

    ·     Then I research area attractions and other items that may be of interest while you are on location.

    ·     I also research available ground transportation options.

     

    Contact us today toll free at  877-858-8009  or email us at info@island-breeze-travel.com and let us plan the vacation of your dreams.

  • Apple Vacations Agent Academy - Semester Three

    1/25/200912:32:45 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    I just completed Apple Vacations Semester 3. This course focused on the destinations Apple Vacations offers and highlighted the RIU Hotels and Resorts  chain, and the Cancun / Riviera Maya areas of Mexico. The RIU chain offers fantastic service in the Cancun area combined with artfully designed landscaping and an all inclusive package. Contact me at mark@island-breeze-travel.com if you would like more information on RIU Resort offerings.