The Evolution of Cruising

Last Friday on our show we had special guest, Ines Turus, President and CEO of Cruises International to talk about the evolution of cruising. The key points to the conversation were the following:

The new ships that launched in 2010 and are being launched in 2011 especially the mega ships where entertainment, food and cabins have been upgraded from the standard concept of the cruise experience from yesteryear.

• Multiple dining options from buffet to high end
• Freestyle cruising that's not regimented
• Larger cabins and more categories
• Elevated spa services and facilities

When to book?

• Although there are some last minute deals out there it's best to book the moment you know you want to cruise and have set a date. Last minute deals are often for less desirable cabins and for those who are more flexible with dates and destinations.

Should you use a cruise agent or DIY?

• Using a cruise agent can get you better deals, added value and information. Cruise agencies like Cruises International will often have group blocks of cabins that individuals can benefit from. Those benefits include discounted rates, cabin selections and availability that may otherwise be sold out, shipboard credits and other amenities.

How to select a cruise?

• It's best to use a cruise agent if you don't know how to select a cruise. They can ask you the right questions on what you're looking for in a vacation experience and guide you to the ship & destinations rather than destination alone.

During my phone interview with Ines she shared with me that the best kept secret is river cruising. River cruising is a great alternative to contemporary cruising. These ships are smaller and offer different ports of call that the larger ships cannot get to.

Cruises International is hosting the Cruise & Vacation Expo on January 29 & 30. For more information http://www.cruisesinternational.cruiseshipcenters.com/

Ja'Vonne Harley
Host, The Traveling Eye http://www.thetravelingeye.com/

Travelers Ten Commandments

Years ago one of my travelers gave me great information and advice in the form of Travelers Ten Commandments to share with the group. While this is written with group travel in mind it's a good credo for all travelers to live by.

Travelers Ten Commandments

(1) Thou shalt relax…relax…relax…and put thy trust in God and thy Tour Escorts.

(2) Thou shalt not take anything to seriously for a carefree attitude is the beginning of an enjoyable and relaxing vacation.

(3) Thou shalt not worry…he who worrieth hath no pleasure. (Few things are fatal)

(4) Thou shalt spend thy time and money while on this trip according to thine own decision, regardless of what others may or may not do.

(5) Thou shalt not permit other travelers to spoil thy trip for which thou hast paid lots of money to enjoy.

(6) Thou shalt be thankful for the privilege of traveling with this special group of special people…all of whom have left their personal problems, family problems, heath problems, past mistakes, past accomplishments, etcetera, etcetera, etcetera, at home.

(7) Thou shalt appreciate thy roommate and fellow travelers for his/her considerations and courtesies to you throughout this trip.

(8) Thou shalt appreciate thy roommate for not monopolizing the bathroom.

(9) Thou shalt be on time for group activities.

(10) Thou shalt remember we represent our God, our country, our state, our city, our family, our people and ourselves when traveling…as well as when we are home.

Ja'Vonne Harley

Protect our Historical Sites

Last week our show was on Travel Trends for 2011 and while we’re looking at the year ahead we should also look at the years beyond. As I return to some of the same destinations and historical sites over the years, I’m seeing a rapidly changing environment. From carbon emissions to stupid and irresponsible tourists we’re destroying the very things we treasure and marvel. There are some ways you can give back to preserve these historical sites, make sure they’re around for generations to come and protect our planet. Offset your carbon footprints by donating to organizations like Go Zero, Find ways to use less paper like forgoing the printed boarding pass and downloading it to your cell phone, and be mindful of your actions and interactions when you travel and remember one of my favorite quotes…leave only footprints and take only memories when you travel.

Travel Trends for 2011

After reflecting and sharing with you my top ten experiences in 2010 I started looking ahead to 2011. I have decided not to make a resolution rather I've pulled from news stories from the past year and read through my travel subscriptions to see what others had to say about what's to come in 2011. From all the materials I've reviewed and agreed with here's my pick for Travel Trends in 2011.

Destinations:
Old favorites are reemerging like Italy, Spain & Turkey; I chose these destinations because a lot of my clients are asking for them. They actually started asking in 2010 but for travel in 2011. I've also noticed a lot of activity from the tourist boards promoting to the US market. While these destinations have been favorites for the US market for a very long time, I'm noticing even those who've been before want to go again. For Italy, Tuscany is at the top of the list along with the Amalfi Coast and of course the food and wine. This may have to do with the movie Eat, Pray, Love. For Spain, Barcelona is still at the top of the list for its nightlife but Bilbao is getting some attention. I visited Bilbao a couple of years ago and fell in love with the city. It's small, easy to navigate and has a lot of local charm. The only down side is the limited selections of hotels in Bilbao. The plus is the food, shopping and the Guggenheim Museum! Turkey was also one of my favorite experiences for 2010 so if you read my earlier post you'll see what it's being talked about for 2011.

Another trend I'm seeing is small towns. Vacationers are looking for small town charm and local favorites as opposed to big cities.

Airlines:
Major airlines have already implemented a fare increase for domestic and international flights. With concern of rising fuel costs, limited inventory and the need for profit don't expect to see heavy discounts across the board. In my search for airfares for groups to the Caribbean & Europe I'm noticing significant increases over 2010 for the same destinations. For example from the US to Aruba over the same period last year is $100 - $400 more.

Fees:
Don't expect them to go away. I also don't expect to too many new ones. The government is looking into the matter of taxing fees as revenue and with the exception of pay toilets and overhead bins what's left, oh wait Spirit Airlines IS charging for overhead bins. LOL

Travel Currency (I learned this phrase from Travel & Leisure)
While the concept and knowledge of this is not new to me, the term is. If I'm late on this please excuse me. Airlines, hotels, car rental companies, credit card companies, etc. are all weighing in. These are points, bonuses and loyalty programs but it's not just for your the program you're a member of. You could literally earn and use points for added value on your vacation or travels. They're not just for upgrades anymore.

Group Coupon Programs
Last year I became a member of Groupon, Social Living and KGBdeals and have taken advantage of some fabulous deals in my home town of Chicago. I've also used them when I've traveled home to DC. These are great to use when you travel, especially for spa services and restaurants.

Overall, I am finding that Americans are more confident in traveling and are loosening the purse strings. The corporate contracts that were canceled or put on hold for me in 2009 & 2010 are planning for incentive trips in 2011 and promotional tours & festivals are showing early interest.
I hope you too look to travel in 2011! But before you do, check baggage fees as part of your fare comparison, take an assessment of your travel programs and loyalties for extra benefits, clip coupons and visit a small town to rub elbows with the locals, you'll find them more engaging.

Listen to www.thetravelingeye.com Friday, January 7, 2011 from 11am - Noon Central time for more information.

"Remember the world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page" St. Augustine
Ja'Vonne Harley
Host, The Traveling Eye, www.thetravelingeye.com
Owner, Advantage International, LLC www.advantage-intl.com

Ja'Vonne's Top 10 for 2010

Wow, I cannot believe that 2010 has come and gone. Each new year brings about reflection and resolution. While I'm still working on my resolution, I have reflected and want to share with you the 10 things I remembered and well just thought were significant in my travel experience in the past year!

1. My most unique experience was the Fish Spa in Macau. You submerge your feet in pools and tiny "Garra Rufa or Doctor Fish" eat the dead skin from your feet. Exhilarating, weird and sensational!


2. Best food experience was also in Macau. They have a fantastic blend of Portuguese, Angolan and Chinese all put together creating Macanese cuisine. Drunken Sauna Prawns, the largest prawn I've ever seen, African chicken, Portuguese egg tarts, Chinese dumplings and great Portuguese wines, what more can I say?


3. Finally experiencing a Huka or Hooka, along a narrow street in Istanbul, Turkey. I felt old world, exotic and mysterious. I'm not a smoker but I just had to try it. The water pipe with flavored tabacco. I went for strawberry.


4. My best shopping experience was in Turkey. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul was overwhelming and fascinating. I got a beautiful marquisite and silver ring that I get loads of compliments on. But that's not all. The scarves, the jewelry, the shoes, the clothes...And, I'm not a shopper.


5. I was most surprised by the excellent Turkish wines and chocolates! My favorites were the dark chocolate covered almonds. Almond inside with a candy coating and finished with powdered dark chocolate, ummmm.


6. I was most disappointed by the carry-on baggage fee from Spirit Airlines. Now, I'm not so bent out of shape over checked baggage fees but this was ridiculous!


7. The new TSA pat down. My first "new" TSA pat down was not so bad. Everything was explained to me and the agent was gentle. She did a thorough but gentle job. The most recent one on Christmas eve on my journey home for the holidays was quite aggressive and now I can see what the fuss is about. This agent explained everything but I received what I can only describe as a couple of karate chops to the crotch. She did not have to be that rough. I guess it depends on who you have and I think she was not happy about having to do her job as she stated "I'm too old for this".


8. Abraham Lincoln Museum and Library in Springfield, IL. I was surprised and impressed by this museum. I learned much more about Abraham Lincoln than I had ever known. The museum is state of the art with holographic images and a wealth of information. The must see is the CNN room, where they do a televised CNN report and coverage of the candidates from the presidential election of 1860.


9. Road Trip to Cleveland Ohio! I know, who'd a thunk it? I got on a roller coaster for the first time in nearly 20 years! I ate duck fat fries actually called Animal Style Frites on the menu at the Greenhouse Tavern. It was Iron Chef Michael Symon's favorite on Best Thing I Ever Ate "Fried Food" episode and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They have the dog slippers from Parliaments Atomic Dog!


10. Due to a flight delay it took me 10 hours to fly from Chicago to New York. I really don't need to elaborate on this. Enough said!

Well there you have it. Ja'Vonne's top 10 for 2010! Here's to a bright new year and more wonderful travel experiences in 2011!

Ja'Vonne Harley
Co-Host, The Traveling Eye http://www.thetravelingeye.com/
Owner, Advantage International http://www.advantage-intl.com/