Hi Everyone!
My travels this time have taken me to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! This past week was filled with all the "magic" that I think Disney could have possibly put in one week!
I started by checking in to Disney's Yacht Club Resort near Epcot. What can I say; the service is amazing, the rooms are beautifully "themed", the restaurants are excellent! They truly make it feel like you are returning "home" each and every time you walk through the doors!
On my very first evening I participated in "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party"! An exclusive and separate ticketed event at the Magic Kingdom! From the lighting of Cinderella's Castle, to the special fireworks, and the parade (one of Disney's very best!). I instantly felt relaxed and happy, and any problems I had when I arrived were lifted from my mind!
From the VIP opening of ToonTown and private tour... by Mickey himself! To the private dinner at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The inspirational speakers at our conference, to the "splash" of Splash Mountain! Disney's attention to service, to the details, is with out a doubt what separates your time at a Disney Park and Resort! Taking you from your stressed and troubled life to a happy and magical place that makes it so easy to forget... or better yet to remember!
Disney's "magic" is no trick. The details and thought put into everything they touch is purposeful and intended. The end result... priceless!
There is no better time then right now to be a part of it. Just my opinion....
Happy Thanksgiving!
Owner- Teri J. Young
With warmest aloha...
Monday, November 23, 2009
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Hawaii Calls... the experience, not just the trip!
Aloha~
I have once again just returned from my beautiful O'ahu! The past eights days were exciting, emotional, memorable, and very special.
October is breast cancer awareness month. As one of the "Master O'ahu Destination Specialists" I was on the island to support and experience the special events of 'Travel Pink, Travel O'ahu". I personally participated in a private "Chef's Table" experience at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. I swam with wild dolphins, with the folks from Wildside Adventures. I visited Pearl Harbor, Scofield Barracks, and Fort Shafter, seeing and hearing them in ways most have never before with "Home of the Brave" Tours! I shopped at the markets in China Town and then watched the most amazing Chef Chai prepare these foods especially for us! But with out a doubt, the most emotional and important time of all; was aboard the Kahala Kai, with Kahu Kauila Clark, receiving the most amazing blessing of all!
As a Certified Travel Consultant, and Hawaii Destination Specialist, I urge each one of you to think about, and ask yourself the question; ..."Have I ever really experienced the true spirit, the essence of Hawaii?" Unless you have traveled there for years, or possibly participated in one or more of the above mentioned special experiences... your answer would have to be no. I just try so hard to explain this to people who call my office each day! Sadly in this tough economy very often the experience takes a back seat to the price!
In the coming months I hope more of you will think about traveling to Hawaii, or returning there! I want mostly to try and share the true spirit of Hawaii, the real meaning and intention of the Aloha Spirit! I know many of you feel like "you have been there and done that"?! But at least consider that there is so much more.
I have returned to the Mainland, like it or not! But look forward to hopefully sharing this... my aloha, with you! A hui hou... (until we meet again), One Travel Professionals Thoughts
I have once again just returned from my beautiful O'ahu! The past eights days were exciting, emotional, memorable, and very special.
October is breast cancer awareness month. As one of the "Master O'ahu Destination Specialists" I was on the island to support and experience the special events of 'Travel Pink, Travel O'ahu". I personally participated in a private "Chef's Table" experience at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki. I swam with wild dolphins, with the folks from Wildside Adventures. I visited Pearl Harbor, Scofield Barracks, and Fort Shafter, seeing and hearing them in ways most have never before with "Home of the Brave" Tours! I shopped at the markets in China Town and then watched the most amazing Chef Chai prepare these foods especially for us! But with out a doubt, the most emotional and important time of all; was aboard the Kahala Kai, with Kahu Kauila Clark, receiving the most amazing blessing of all!
As a Certified Travel Consultant, and Hawaii Destination Specialist, I urge each one of you to think about, and ask yourself the question; ..."Have I ever really experienced the true spirit, the essence of Hawaii?" Unless you have traveled there for years, or possibly participated in one or more of the above mentioned special experiences... your answer would have to be no. I just try so hard to explain this to people who call my office each day! Sadly in this tough economy very often the experience takes a back seat to the price!
In the coming months I hope more of you will think about traveling to Hawaii, or returning there! I want mostly to try and share the true spirit of Hawaii, the real meaning and intention of the Aloha Spirit! I know many of you feel like "you have been there and done that"?! But at least consider that there is so much more.
I have returned to the Mainland, like it or not! But look forward to hopefully sharing this... my aloha, with you! A hui hou... (until we meet again), One Travel Professionals Thoughts
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
He Who Hesitates... Will Pay More!
Hi Everyone!
Wow it's almost the end of August, summer is almost over already! Seems like I was just getting ready to sail aboard the Pride of America... geez, it's been two months!
This time of year is always very exciting in the travel industry. It's when we start seeing the rates, specials, and promotions for the next year! Which brings me to this month's title for this blog... "He who hesitates, will pay more!" It does not really surprise me, but in fact reinforces what I have been telling my clients now for months! If you have the time and money, right now and until the end of this year... you should be leaving for your next vacation!
Because of this down economy, many companies who have never before wanted to, or needed to have "sales", are having them! Perfect example; all destinations Disney, are on sale, and the values have never been so huge! In the past this type of action has just never been "necessary"! But even Disney was forced to recognize these issues! The other flaming example... cruises!!! OMG people, if you have ever cruised, or have been thinking about it... go now! Rates for right now, and until about December 15th are insane! The cruise lines are practically "giving away" staterooms! Call me if you don't believe... it will make you think twice, I promise you that!
On the not as positive side however... the airlines! For the most part they still do not get it! While everyone else is making things happen, by lowering rates, and adding value? The airlines are still charging ridiculous rates, and it's hurting us all! My favorite place in the entire world... Hawaii! Is in fact suffering... because there is no way to get there really unless you fly! Once you get there, the hotels and resorts all have amazing pricing! Hey airlines... WAKE UP!
Just some thoughts from this Professional Travel Consultant!
Wow it's almost the end of August, summer is almost over already! Seems like I was just getting ready to sail aboard the Pride of America... geez, it's been two months!
This time of year is always very exciting in the travel industry. It's when we start seeing the rates, specials, and promotions for the next year! Which brings me to this month's title for this blog... "He who hesitates, will pay more!" It does not really surprise me, but in fact reinforces what I have been telling my clients now for months! If you have the time and money, right now and until the end of this year... you should be leaving for your next vacation!
Because of this down economy, many companies who have never before wanted to, or needed to have "sales", are having them! Perfect example; all destinations Disney, are on sale, and the values have never been so huge! In the past this type of action has just never been "necessary"! But even Disney was forced to recognize these issues! The other flaming example... cruises!!! OMG people, if you have ever cruised, or have been thinking about it... go now! Rates for right now, and until about December 15th are insane! The cruise lines are practically "giving away" staterooms! Call me if you don't believe... it will make you think twice, I promise you that!
On the not as positive side however... the airlines! For the most part they still do not get it! While everyone else is making things happen, by lowering rates, and adding value? The airlines are still charging ridiculous rates, and it's hurting us all! My favorite place in the entire world... Hawaii! Is in fact suffering... because there is no way to get there really unless you fly! Once you get there, the hotels and resorts all have amazing pricing! Hey airlines... WAKE UP!
Just some thoughts from this Professional Travel Consultant!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
If You Are Searching For a Really Good Reason...
Aloha Everyone~
I know that in today's economy we all feel the need to "justify" every dollar spent! When on that rare occasion we find it may be possible to treat ourselves, we are extra careful about where and with whom it is spent! Maybe it's only one professional's opinion; but I feel I have the answer to both issues!
To me the first one is easy! You should always, always find an experienced travel professional, that you work well with... and use their services for all of your travel needs! Find someone you trust, who knows you, and what your preferences or special needs are for travel. Work with them, and do not be afraid to ask questions! If you think you have found something for less... ask them about it! A good, honest, and experienced travel consultant will not have a problem answering any of your questions!
This brings me to the second half of today's topic... a great reason to make that investment in a vacation! I totally understand that conundrum, and feel I have a great answer for you! This October, you and your family, on the Island of Oahu! As some of you may know, October is "breast cancer awareness month". Every major city in the the United States will have a walk or run for "the cure". This year October18th, will be the day for that event in the city of Honolulu.
In honor of this event, and all of our sisters, mothers, and friends we are having our own special event known as..."Travel Pink, Travel Oahu"! From October 14th through the 22nd, the Oahu Visitors Bureau, and the Oahu Destination Specialists have some pretty exciting stuff going on! Working together with local activity companies and some of the Waikiki hotels, we have some exclusive activities and packages just for you!
From learning to surf with an expert, to gourmet cooking (and eating), to swimming with dolphins, or hiking through a rain forest! During that week (and many of them for the entire month), you will receive absolutely exclusive activities, with special pricing, that includes a donation to the Susan G. Komen, "Race for the Cure", from that vendor! I have personally participated in almost all of these great experiences, and plan to do it again this year too!
So if you have been looking for a great reason, excuse, or validation for spending some of your hard earned money on a vacation?! What could be safer, more fun, or a better reason?! Working with an experienced travel professional! Having fun in the sun, on the beach, or in the waters of Hawaii, while helping one of the most important causes today in our world... finding a cure for breast cancer!
Please consider these thoughts... from this Travel Professional!! Contact DreamCatcher today at 916-927-0445, for more information about "Travel Pink, Travel Oahu"!
I know that in today's economy we all feel the need to "justify" every dollar spent! When on that rare occasion we find it may be possible to treat ourselves, we are extra careful about where and with whom it is spent! Maybe it's only one professional's opinion; but I feel I have the answer to both issues!
To me the first one is easy! You should always, always find an experienced travel professional, that you work well with... and use their services for all of your travel needs! Find someone you trust, who knows you, and what your preferences or special needs are for travel. Work with them, and do not be afraid to ask questions! If you think you have found something for less... ask them about it! A good, honest, and experienced travel consultant will not have a problem answering any of your questions!
This brings me to the second half of today's topic... a great reason to make that investment in a vacation! I totally understand that conundrum, and feel I have a great answer for you! This October, you and your family, on the Island of Oahu! As some of you may know, October is "breast cancer awareness month". Every major city in the the United States will have a walk or run for "the cure". This year October18th, will be the day for that event in the city of Honolulu.
In honor of this event, and all of our sisters, mothers, and friends we are having our own special event known as..."Travel Pink, Travel Oahu"! From October 14th through the 22nd, the Oahu Visitors Bureau, and the Oahu Destination Specialists have some pretty exciting stuff going on! Working together with local activity companies and some of the Waikiki hotels, we have some exclusive activities and packages just for you!
From learning to surf with an expert, to gourmet cooking (and eating), to swimming with dolphins, or hiking through a rain forest! During that week (and many of them for the entire month), you will receive absolutely exclusive activities, with special pricing, that includes a donation to the Susan G. Komen, "Race for the Cure", from that vendor! I have personally participated in almost all of these great experiences, and plan to do it again this year too!
So if you have been looking for a great reason, excuse, or validation for spending some of your hard earned money on a vacation?! What could be safer, more fun, or a better reason?! Working with an experienced travel professional! Having fun in the sun, on the beach, or in the waters of Hawaii, while helping one of the most important causes today in our world... finding a cure for breast cancer!
Please consider these thoughts... from this Travel Professional!! Contact DreamCatcher today at 916-927-0445, for more information about "Travel Pink, Travel Oahu"!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Thinking About A Cruise?
Aloha!
I have just returned from a glorious nine days in Hawaii! It's just the "medicine" for our stressful lives today!
I arrived in Honolulu, and took a transfer van to the "all new" Outrigger Reef on the Beach! This hotel is truly, once again, worthy of it's spectacular location on Waikiki Beach! Anyone who has not visited Waikiki lately, or this hotel in the past six months, should give it a try. Outrigger has done something very special here, and you will experience "aloha" once again at the Reef!
On Saturday morning I took a taxi to the magnificent "Pride of America"! My check-in at the pier went smoothly, and I was accepting a cold glass of "bubbly" before I knew it! Norwegian Cruise Line has in fact changed cruising forever! I for one... am very glad they did!
This ship is genuinely your "home" for the next week! With shops, restaurants, lounges, and entertainment galore! A beautiful Mandara Spa and gym (for staying ahead of those pounds!). Oh... they have the traditional dining rooms too! But with the specialty restaurants, and so many to choose from... why not?! The staff aboard this ship is awesome! Attentive, happy, caring, and the hardest working people I have ever met! I had a balcony stateroom, and would never want anything less!
Now for me, this was a "business trip". I have to tell you, I can't think of a better place, or way to "do" business! The Pride of America is the only cruise ship registered to the United States. That makes doing business on board... a tax write off! The meeting space on this ship is amazing! The staff was absolutely spectacular! If any of you have a group, or just want to create one? This would be the best of all worlds! All the equipment and space you need. Then when your meetings are done... instant resort!
Right now today, even in this economy... and maybe because of it! Now is the time for a vacation like this one! The rates are crazy low, and will not be this low ever again! The value of this experience, when compared to the actual cost... priceless! Whether you have been to Hawaii, or thinking about it? This is a great way to do it! Plus for those who are able, and I highly recommend it, the packages for before or after your cruise, really completes your time in Hawaii!
When value and experience... AND price are all this good at the same time? What are you waiting for, contact me today and let's talk about it? This vacation... is how you really can be "taken care of"...
Just a few of my thoughts... from a Travel Professional!
I have just returned from a glorious nine days in Hawaii! It's just the "medicine" for our stressful lives today!
I arrived in Honolulu, and took a transfer van to the "all new" Outrigger Reef on the Beach! This hotel is truly, once again, worthy of it's spectacular location on Waikiki Beach! Anyone who has not visited Waikiki lately, or this hotel in the past six months, should give it a try. Outrigger has done something very special here, and you will experience "aloha" once again at the Reef!
On Saturday morning I took a taxi to the magnificent "Pride of America"! My check-in at the pier went smoothly, and I was accepting a cold glass of "bubbly" before I knew it! Norwegian Cruise Line has in fact changed cruising forever! I for one... am very glad they did!
This ship is genuinely your "home" for the next week! With shops, restaurants, lounges, and entertainment galore! A beautiful Mandara Spa and gym (for staying ahead of those pounds!). Oh... they have the traditional dining rooms too! But with the specialty restaurants, and so many to choose from... why not?! The staff aboard this ship is awesome! Attentive, happy, caring, and the hardest working people I have ever met! I had a balcony stateroom, and would never want anything less!
Now for me, this was a "business trip". I have to tell you, I can't think of a better place, or way to "do" business! The Pride of America is the only cruise ship registered to the United States. That makes doing business on board... a tax write off! The meeting space on this ship is amazing! The staff was absolutely spectacular! If any of you have a group, or just want to create one? This would be the best of all worlds! All the equipment and space you need. Then when your meetings are done... instant resort!
Right now today, even in this economy... and maybe because of it! Now is the time for a vacation like this one! The rates are crazy low, and will not be this low ever again! The value of this experience, when compared to the actual cost... priceless! Whether you have been to Hawaii, or thinking about it? This is a great way to do it! Plus for those who are able, and I highly recommend it, the packages for before or after your cruise, really completes your time in Hawaii!
When value and experience... AND price are all this good at the same time? What are you waiting for, contact me today and let's talk about it? This vacation... is how you really can be "taken care of"...
Just a few of my thoughts... from a Travel Professional!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
The Beautiful and Under Appreciated... O'ahu!
Aloha!
The Island of O'ahu... home of the state capital of Hawaii, and to one of the most popular, and visited resort areas on this planet... Waikiki! Waikiki is in fact a "resort area", located on the beach by the same name, in the city of Honolulu. Just a short geography lesson, as the subject is a misunderstanding I hear every day!
At the end of April I visited again the beautiful island of O'ahu, for further education, and to extend my own personal experiences! On this visit my home away from home was the completely incredible, jaw droppingly gorgeous... Kahala Resort and Spa!
No where that I have visited (in a very long time) have I had the privalege of this level of personal service! Not only is this amazing place on the most picturesque beach anywhere! If the large, impeccablely decorated rooms don't blow you away? The playful, graceful, and always entertaining "dolphins"... will! The dining ocean front at "Plumeria", or the fine dining at world reknown "Hoku's"
will leave you with absolutley not one reason to ever leave! Not to mention the spa experience here! Needless to say... I could go on all day!
But I also wanted to share the things I did on this trip, as too many times this incredible place is referred to as "just a big city"! Besides some of the most notable beaches in the world; Waikiki, Lanikai, and Kailua. The beauty of the North Shore and Kaneohe Bay, should simply not be missed! The dining... is a blog, all by itself! But what about the famous night life? Do you know what is there today for you to expereince? Live theater, a world acclaimed illusionist, several of the best "luau" in Hawaii! How about some of the most amazing museums you will ever view!
However in my blogs, I also want people to know about the spirit of these islands. The culture, the history, the power of this "healing place". There really is... a spirit of aloha. So much more to see, smell, touch, and taste! The people of Hawaii are the "experience" you should go there for today. No where else on Earth will you recieve such welcome and sharing. Their willingness to "talk story", and tell of special moments in their lives!
This is just the beginning I hope of more of my own sharing of the experience you could have in Hawaii too!
The Island of O'ahu... home of the state capital of Hawaii, and to one of the most popular, and visited resort areas on this planet... Waikiki! Waikiki is in fact a "resort area", located on the beach by the same name, in the city of Honolulu. Just a short geography lesson, as the subject is a misunderstanding I hear every day!
At the end of April I visited again the beautiful island of O'ahu, for further education, and to extend my own personal experiences! On this visit my home away from home was the completely incredible, jaw droppingly gorgeous... Kahala Resort and Spa!
No where that I have visited (in a very long time) have I had the privalege of this level of personal service! Not only is this amazing place on the most picturesque beach anywhere! If the large, impeccablely decorated rooms don't blow you away? The playful, graceful, and always entertaining "dolphins"... will! The dining ocean front at "Plumeria", or the fine dining at world reknown "Hoku's"
will leave you with absolutley not one reason to ever leave! Not to mention the spa experience here! Needless to say... I could go on all day!
But I also wanted to share the things I did on this trip, as too many times this incredible place is referred to as "just a big city"! Besides some of the most notable beaches in the world; Waikiki, Lanikai, and Kailua. The beauty of the North Shore and Kaneohe Bay, should simply not be missed! The dining... is a blog, all by itself! But what about the famous night life? Do you know what is there today for you to expereince? Live theater, a world acclaimed illusionist, several of the best "luau" in Hawaii! How about some of the most amazing museums you will ever view!
However in my blogs, I also want people to know about the spirit of these islands. The culture, the history, the power of this "healing place". There really is... a spirit of aloha. So much more to see, smell, touch, and taste! The people of Hawaii are the "experience" you should go there for today. No where else on Earth will you recieve such welcome and sharing. Their willingness to "talk story", and tell of special moments in their lives!
This is just the beginning I hope of more of my own sharing of the experience you could have in Hawaii too!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Today's Traveler...
Gone are the days when bragging about "how nice", "how luxurious", your vacation was last week? NO... I don't think so!
Come on people... get with the program! Do you want to just be like everyone else... cheap?! Think about it; does this actually sound good... "I got my vacation for only $750.oo/PP!" WHO CARES! Did you mention to everyone that your room was "old, worn out, and three blocks from the beach"? I doubt it!
Think for just a moment about this scenario;..."Wow, you should have been there! Valet opened the door to the car, and welcomed me with a beautiful flower lei! When we got to our room, nothing but that beautiful blue ocean! What an amazing time! Not one minute wasted... we let our Travel Professional guide us on everything from dining to adventures! AND... it did not cost us any more then last year, when it took me forty hours to research all the plans!"
Today's traveler understands cost is important, but the "experience" is all that counts! To truly get the most out of your valuable vacation time, you can't afford to leave one thing to chance! You do not have to... trust in a Professional! Instead of "shopping for price", why not consider shopping for an "expert"! It's time much better spent, then trying to risk it all on your own!
This is one Professional's experienced opinion!
Come on people... get with the program! Do you want to just be like everyone else... cheap?! Think about it; does this actually sound good... "I got my vacation for only $750.oo/PP!" WHO CARES! Did you mention to everyone that your room was "old, worn out, and three blocks from the beach"? I doubt it!
Think for just a moment about this scenario;..."Wow, you should have been there! Valet opened the door to the car, and welcomed me with a beautiful flower lei! When we got to our room, nothing but that beautiful blue ocean! What an amazing time! Not one minute wasted... we let our Travel Professional guide us on everything from dining to adventures! AND... it did not cost us any more then last year, when it took me forty hours to research all the plans!"
Today's traveler understands cost is important, but the "experience" is all that counts! To truly get the most out of your valuable vacation time, you can't afford to leave one thing to chance! You do not have to... trust in a Professional! Instead of "shopping for price", why not consider shopping for an "expert"! It's time much better spent, then trying to risk it all on your own!
This is one Professional's experienced opinion!
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