Final Thoughts for the Year~ from Teri J. Young, Dream Vacation Designer

Aloha Everyone! I wanted to share one more post here before 2020! One final opportunity for me to say; "Plan Your Vacation with an Expert!" Please... read on, you may find some valid reasons that make sense to you!

1. YOU SHOULD NOT TRUST THE INTERNET ~ unless you are very familiar (been there in the last year or less) with your destination or resort! Pictures are extremely deceiving, and some resorts use old or "false" photos intentionally! I have heard many a sad story from new clients, and it's just so frustrating!

2. PLEASE DO NOT MAKE COST THE PRIORITY ~ now hold on! I fully understand that budget IS important to many. I'm just asking that you not make it the deciding factor! Be very sure that you are getting what you want, or as close to it as the budget allows. Not ALL resort/hotels are created equal! You will never regret spending a few dollars more when the result is the experience you dream about!

3. PLAN IN ADVANCE ~ gone are the days when "last minute" got you a screaming good deal! This almost never happens anymore, and you will actually (19 out of 20 times) pay more! In particular; Disney vacations! With the parks on both coasts more and more crowded all the time! The only way to insure a great experience is with "expert planning"... as much as a year in advance!

4. DON'T TRAVEL ALONE ~ what I mean by that... trust in a Travel Expert! Get to know someone you like and trust! Then you will always have someone looking out for you! A great travel planner only wants the best for you! I for one; do not want your business for THIS trip, I want your business for always! IF you can't trust me, if I am not getting you the best value and experience... you would not come back. I am always "here" for my guests, and they know I plan every trip for them as if it was my own!

Alaska Cruise~ August 2019

This summer it was time for something a bit different. Since traveling in the summer months is not normally what I would do, this was truly a new experience and adventure! I was genuinely excited and looking forward to it!

ALASKA ~ sailing aboard the brand new cruise ship the Norwegian Joy! I left from Sacramento on Saturday morning in late August for Seattle. After an uneventful flight (always grateful for those), we arrived and boarded the Norwegian Cruise Lines' motor coaches for the pier.

I was impressed by the swift and efficient boarding at this pier. It was only about 11:30am, and I was already walking on to this sparkly new vessel! I enjoyed some food and beverage in the buffet before heading to my stateroom. This was also to be a very new experience for me! Not my usual "balcony", this time I thought it was time to get the feel for an "inside" stateroom. Now it's not my first time! But I have not stayed in an inside stateroom for a very long time! The room was small. But it was really nice! Big comfy bed, desk area, plenty of storage in drawers and closets. The bathroom was actually a pleasant surprise! Bigger than I expected. It was just for me after all!

Our first stop was the lovely village of Ketchikan! As it turned out, this was also our only rainy day. But I did not let it dampen my time here! This is a place I would love to revisit one day- in the sunshine! Great history and I did learn so much about the creation and significance of the "totems". Even had the privilege of meeting a very famous man there, who's totems are actually in the Smithsonian! Bet that's a surprise to most!

Our next stop was Juneau, the capital of the state! Now when I left the ship it was raining, and I was kind of bummed. But by the time we reached the pier for the whale watching adventure it was all clear! Had a great time, and besides the whales (which were in abundance) we also got to see the sea lions! What a spectacular time!

After leaving the whales and sea lions, we boarded our coach for the Mendenhall Glacier! This is a destination I have always hoped to see with my own eyes, and it did not disappoint! Although it is melting, and quite a bit more so in the past eight years. It's magnificence can not be denied, and it is still more then 13 miles long!

Our next port was the amazing little town of Skagway! The history here is absolutely outstanding! The center of it all is packed with saloons and shops, and several very good little restaurants! I opted for a tour aboard the famous "trolley car", and was very happy to have chosen this excursion. Our guide was exceptional and had so many great stories to share! It was truly like walking back in time, and I tried to imagine what it might be like to live there! Both then and now!

I think, my most favorite experience of all was the cruise up Tracy Arm Fjord to the Sawyer Glacier. Not as big as Mendenhall. But the landscape and vistas approaching it were breathtaking! Then as we approached the glacier, I remember thinking; "Uh, how are we getting back out?!" You see the waterway is not big, and the NCL Joy... is very large! Man, was I impressed! Our Captain made that big girl perform quite the "ballet", a perfect '360' degree turn, and he did it twice for emphasis! (Show-off!)

Now I have been to Alaska- but this was  (I will admit) my first cruise! Norwegian Cruise Lines did a fabulous job! I was very well fed (too much so), the stops were really memorable, and the on-board entertainment~ outstanding!

My only negative comment would be, one that reinforces something I have told my own guests for years! That is; if your budget allows for at least an ocean view, if not a balcony~ do it! Although I was very comfortable in my inside room, the absence of "day-light" was a problem more than once. You must rely on a "wake-up call", as your cell phone becomes completely useless! One morning I woke-up thinking it was about 8:00am, and it was 10:40am! I had missed two presentations I had wanted to see, and was not happy!

As a "Dream Vacation Designer", and someone who tries always to experience things for myself. This is a vacation I would encourage everyone to take at least once! The season for Alaska is very short though, only May through September! So planning early is extra important for the very best promotions, pricing, and value!

Hope to hear from you real soon for your Alaska planning!

The Day Our Lives Changed Forever...

Happy Summertime Everyone!

It's a very special day today! On this day in 1955 (July 17th), Walt Disney introduced the world to Disneyland! I realize not everyone is a fan! (Though that is one I will never understand!) But stay with me on this one, it's not what you might think!

I began to think about all the exceptional moments, the memories, and experiences that in fact shaped my life! When I was very young Disneyland was for me like everyone else. The one place, that one special vacation that every kid begged to go on! But as I grew up and matured, for me that did not change much! It was in my blood, I was hooked, I was and still am the #DisneyGirl.

Then I began to think about something that sort of "blew my mind"! What if~ what if there never was a Walt Disney? We never received that special "gift of magic"? My mind began to race. I tried to envision Southern California with NO Disneyland? Think about it... no one would even know where Anaheim is, or would even have a reason to know about it!

There is an entire generation (two now actually), that do not know life with out Disneyland and Walt Disney World! But at the same time; those youngest do not have a clue really who Walt Disney was, and how these amazing parks even came to be. It was then that I wondered; would Walt understand, would he approve?

There have been significant changes on both coasts over the years. But none as dramatic as in the past 20 years for sure. As someone who has been very closely connected now to Disney (my business had a contract directly with Disney until a few years ago), I have seen huge changes especially in "upper level" management. Then also seeing icons in the world that was Walt's, including Walt himself pass away. Some of you may be familiar with the infamous "Old Men", the imagineers that worked side-by-side with Walt. In the past few years we lost the last of these very special men; Mr. Marty Sklar, and Mr. Xavier 'X' Atencio. My heart sank, especially when Mr. Sklar passed away. I had the great privilege of meeting this legend! I used to always say; "The day that Marty Sklar passes, I fear for the future of Disney." He was the "anchor", he was a reminder daily to all the "newbies" at Disney of what Walt's dream was, and kept them true to that dream. I hate to say that I think I may have been right.

Don't get me wrong! Disneyland, Walt Disney World... I don't think they are going anywhere! But are they still something Walt would be proud of today? I can't help but wonder. With the opening of Star Wars; Galaxy's Edge, with alcohol in Disneyland? (I know VERY controversial subject!) But this is one of those topics that I would give anything to have five minutes to talk with Walt Disney- or even Marty Sklar! Then there is the recent "behavioral" changes in the guests! OMG~ I know Walt is turning in his grave! Guests at his park would have never~ ever behaved so horribly! WHY... why do people think it's okay~ it's just people today?

I know there will always be~ and we must always have change. Most of the changes at the parks have been great! But some scare me, worry me, because of the direction they are pointed. I completely believe; Disneyland, and all things Disney, are a treasure! Not just a national treasure. But a true gift that we all love and share. For that reason I think we should all protect it, respect it, and keep it in our hearts. Never forget why and how it came to life, and all the generations that have enjoyed it and made it a part of their lives.

Yes... I truly am a Disney Girl, and I am very proud of it! It is my hope and prayer that it will always mean as much to future generations!

One of my favorite quotes from Walt Disney;

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."

What Makes an Expert...

My post today is about... what makes an expert, and who should you contact for advice? With so many resources available today, it's no wonder people end up with "information overload"!

Recently I read an article in a valid, popular and very respected publication! (That many travelers read for researching their own vacations.) Now someone was allowed to publish an article advising travelers what they should "do" while in Hawaii! Okay~ except the next line really got me angry... "I have been to Hawaii five times now!" WHAT??? She had been to Hawaii five times; not this year, not in the past two years! Just five times... period!

I found this disrespectful and completely unworthy of further consideration! Why would this respected publication allow, promote even, the words of someone who has only visited Hawaii five times? As a Master Hawaii Specialist (Certified by the Hawaii Visitors Bureau) I go to the islands four-five times a YEAR. I do not believe anyone has the right to advise visitors what to see or do with so little experience! I honor my certification and continued education with regular visits to the Islands. It's the only way to stay in touch and current with everything, and all that is going on in Hawaii today!

If you are planning a visit to Hawaii wouldn't you want advice from an expert, someone who visits often and regularly? Reading different sources these days is after all what people do in planning their vacations. Most of the time I would hope people would read publications like this one. But this person was no "expert" and should not have been validated by being published!

Your vacation is important! But not only to you! I have been planning every detail of my guests' vacations for a very long time. I have earned their trust and continue to do so. If you are willing to seek out the "expertise" of someone on a particular destination, make sure they are worthy of your time and money!

Things you should ask; how long have you been in business? Have you been there, and when was the last time? Allow the Travel Advisor some time. But I can assure you; all of the people I talk with feel my passion and expertise within minutes! You will know... just do not ever assume!

But my final thought/recommendation; never hesitate to contact a Travel Advisor, there is a reason why we are still here! Most of the time you pay no additional fees, and you will always get the best "deals", often saving money, and always saving time! Go ahead and do your research, and get an idea of your destination and what you want to do. But then seek out the expertise of a true travel expert!

Travel in 2019... Where Will Your Dreams Take You?

Welcome to my first post of this new year~ 2019!

As a vacation travel specialist, and lover of all things Disney, as well as, Hawaiian girl living on the Mainland... well, I could talk with you ALL day about them both! They are my passions and you will not get a better more thought-out experience then if you plan those vacations with me!

But in this world today, and after more than 25 years in this travel business, I know my guests also want to try amazing and new experiences too! My point is clear, and I do not emphasize it enough... I plan vacations!

One of my favorites, and one I have sent many of my clients to visit... Tahiti! The photo above is from an over-water bungalow on the stunning island of Bora Bora! I have always said this is the perfect destination for a honeymoon or anniversary, and I know my guests have all agreed!

I believe one of the very best ways to experience the Islands of French Polynesia (especially for the first time) is on board this lovely vessel... The Paul Gauguin! I was fortunate enough to be on board this luxury small ship myself, and there is simply nothing like it! I now have clients who are "regulars", and we plan their return to paradise as soon as they get home!

From the South Pacific to the Caribbean; still very popular is Jamaica! This past year my guests have opted for "land based" vacations. So many people do go to the Caribbean, but most often by ship. This is still a great way to get a "sampling" of this vast region. But to truly experience the very different cultures and history, there is nothing better than a week or so on just one island! (It is the same thing I share with my Hawaii guests!) My very favorite resorts in this area are for sure the "all-inclusive". They are a great value, the service levels are outstanding, and they are incredibly relaxing because you never have to think about "what that just cost"!

Just an easy 7 or so hours from the eastern United States... Europe! I have sent so many guests to Europe these past few years in particular! Many people do not know; I myself lived in Switzerland for five months, and return as often as possible! One of my favorite places (photo above) in northern Italy is Lake Como! This place is simply breath-taking, and home to several exceptional resorts! My favorite is of course the Villa d' Este! Famous for the pool which is completely "in the lake". (In the photo above.)

My message for this post; whether your dream vacation is Italy, Great Britain, French Polynesia or a return to the Islands of Hawaii... I plan vacations! Today's traveler wants it all, and some still think the best way to get it, is to do it yourself. Your vacation time is tremendously valuable. Your time when at home is greatly limited! Let an expert do the planning, research, and take care of all the details that will make your vacation a memorable experience! Listen I have no problem with my clients "getting started", gathering ideas, even getting a feel for the general costs. But when you are ready to start the actual planning... use the services of a great Travel Advisor! (That would be me!)