Follow the Leader? ….NOT!

May 7, 2012

Tours, Tours and More Tours

Picture your perfect vacation experience.  Everything goes smoothly from the transfers to your first hotel, checking in, luggage handling, and then finding your way around town to sights and restaurants. Now, how do you make sure that scenario plays out?

Starting with the hours of planning and research before you go on your trip, and then add language barriers and the mission to achieve the perfect vacation becomes daunting.  Once you get to your first destination and want to move to a new location there is the task of figuring out how to get there (plane, train, bus?) and do it all over again.  This ideal vacation does not involve waiting in lines, getting lost, or wasting precious vacation time.

How do you insure your vacation will be perfectly planned and hassle free?  The answer is that you go on a tour.

Many people do not even consider escorted tours as a vacation option.  Instead they feel that they will have a superior experience traveling independently.  They imagine following a tour leader like a pack animal or being stuck on a bus for endless hours with fellow travelers either snoring or talking too loudly. Some see tours as lacking in sophistication or adventure. On the contrary, today’s tour offerings are fine tuned to achieve the perfect balance between planned and unplanned time, and to make the most of every vacation minute by providing special access to the sights so less time is spent waiting in lines.

Tour offerings continue to develop so that these days there are tours available for all types of travelers and their diverse requirements of what makes a successful vacation experience.   Toss away your pre-conceived notions of what a tour is like if you have not had the opportunity to participate in a tour yourself.

Currently tourists have a vast array of tours to suit many different interests and lifestyles.  There are tours focusing on food and wine, culture, nature, adventure, photography and so much more.  There are tours geared toward families, young adults, and all other demographic groups.  There are also tours that proceed with almost breakneck speed and those that enable the travelers to sleep in and take it slow.

Tours are more flexible than ever before.  Whether you want to have all of your time planned out or hardly any advance planning there is a tour for you.

The advantages of a tour versus independent travel are many. One of the most valuable benefits is traveling with the tour leader.  These experts have a vast knowledge of the area, share local stories, have insider information, and cultural insights which enable them to create memorable and meaningful experiences that would be hard to replicate while traveling independently.  On one trip I was on the tour company brought us to a castle where we had a private tour of the property by the owner/resident.  He was an authentic Count whose family had resided in the castle for hundreds of years!  Unique opportunities are not typically accessible to independent travelers but are common in the tour industry.

Typically, there is a great value in joining a tour versus traveling independently.  Tour operators negotiate bulk pricing at the hotel properties, sightseeing attractions, transportation sources, meals and other services. The result from this volume purchasing is that they can offer all these components bundled together to the traveler for an exceptional value and often far less than going it alone.

Purchasing a package or tour involves bundling many components of travel into one price so you know in advance most of the costs.  Budgeting for your vacation is therefore more precise which leads to peace of mind.

Since your trip is organized and planned by professionals and a representative of the tour company is available there will be assistance if an unforeseen problem or emergency does occur.

There are hundreds of reputable tour companies that cater to all different clienteles and cover the globe.  You can count on your travel agent to help you find the right company for your perfect vacation.

Some of the larger and well known tour companies are Trafalgar, Tauck, Globus, Abercrombie & Kent, Adventures by Disney, and many (many!) more.

All tour companies’ products are available through Wislar Travel.  Contact us to plan your perfect vacation.

609-902-8611 or info@wislartravel.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted inGo Somewhere with the Kids!,Go Somewhere with the Whole Gang!
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Cruise Ships?

April 24, 2012

A cruise ship is a ship used for passengers persuing recreation and leisure. In most cases the passage itself and the onboard facilities, attractions, activities and amusement options are all part of the cruise experience.

The characteristic that all cruises share regardless of itinerary, vessel, passengers or crew is that your transportation and lodging are one in the same. To get from one destination to another there is no packing or unpacking.

Every continent can be visited onboard a cruise, expedition, ferry or recreational ship, including the most exotic, remote and distant places.

A number of vessels managed by companies and organizations unrelated to the cruise industry have been redesigned or adapted to offer cruise services to passengers looking for unconventional experiences. These include mine sweepers, barges, ice breakers and many others.

Many different types of vessels and ships are now designed to provide cruise and excursion services in seas and oceans, as well as rivers and lakes.

COMMON CRUISE SHIPS

The most mainstream and popular types of cruise ships (sometimes called mass market cruises) are promoted by the companies as floating resorts designed and outfitted to suit the needs of the majority of cruise passengers. These vessels have a capacity for 500 – 4,000 passengers, and include all sorts of standard resort features such as restaurants, bars, nightclubs, shopping, theatres, galleries, libraries, casinos, gyms, salons, spas, swimming pools and other sport facilities. It is now possible to find water parks, rock climbing walls, ice skating rinks, carousels, bowling alleys and other amusements onboard. Each line does have it’s own distinct personality and appeal. For instance, Norwegian Cruise Line promotes “Freestyle” cruising to appeal to those travelers who do not want be tied down to dining in the same place at the same time or having to wear formal attire.

Examples: Carnival (The Fun Ships), Celebrity (Modern Luxury), Norwegian (Freestyle), Royal Caribbean (Active), Princess, Holland America (Traditional)

MEGA CRUISE SHIPS

Cruise companies have answered the increasing world demand for these types of services with the design and building of cruise ships able to accommodate more than 3,000 persons. These Mega Ships keep offering more and more options in accommodations and amenities.
Examples: Allure & Oasis of the Seas by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Epic & Breakaway (2013), Carnival Dream, Fantasy & Magic

SMALL CRUISE SHIPS

The smaller cruise ships may resemble yachts more than cruise ships and range upward in size from hosting just a handful of people to medium-sized classic cruise ships with a capacity up to several hundred passengers. These smaller ships offer more intimate and relaxing experiences than the larger mass-market vessels. Typically the “space ratio” is generous meaning that the amount of space onboard per passenger is greater on smaller ships. Smaller ships tend to venture to less familiar destinations, are designed to provide specific services (such as ecotourism, culture or history cruises) , or can be the only way to navigate through certain waters, small inlets, ports or archipelagos that would not support larger vessels. The smaller ships usually provide the same or increased level of comfort and the amenities as that of mainstream cruise vessels.

OCEAN CRUISE SHIP 

A type of ship built to more exacting standards than the typical vessels, with significantly more solid designs and resistant structures to withstand the unforgiving conditions of ocean voyages.

Example: Queen Mary

LUXURY CRUISE SHIP

Motor or sail powered cruise ships equipped with the most sophisticated and technologically advanced nautical systems, high standard features and luxurious comforts to meet the special demands of an exclusive clientele looking for comfort on longer itineraries and to the more exotic destinations around the world. Luxury cruise ships typically have a higher percentage of balconies, fine bed linens,  true gourmet food, and other upscale appointments, a higher crew to guest ratio, and an increase in personal service and attention to detail. Increasingly, luxury ships are all-inclusive or include more than the mass market ships.

Examples: Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Crystal, Seadream, Silversea, Windstar

ADVENTURE CRUISE SHIP (crosses over with Expedition)

Cruise ships designed and equipped to allow visits to remote, exotic or difficult destinations, most commonly out-of-the-way or inaccessible to larger vessels. Marketed to a very specific sector of clientele, adventure cruise ships are far smaller than mainstream vessels and generally equipped with luxury features. These ships usually travel with experts in fields related to the destination being visited such as naturalists, archeologists, historians, zoologist and marine biologist to name just a few.

Example: Abercrombie & Kent, TuiTai, American Safari Company, The Boat Company, InnerSea

EXPEDITION CRUISES SHIP

Specially designed ships, or ships that have been adapted from research or icebreaker vessels. These are operated by specialized companies to offer their customers an exclusive experience in remote destinations and waterways, such as the Arctic and Antarctic regions or coastal areas in ecological and biosphere reserves. Typically include inflatable motor boats and even helicopters for expedition trips and shore landings.

Examples: Lindblad/National Geographic, Quark, Polar Cruises

RIVER CRUISE SHIP

River cruises is the fastest growing segment of the industry. Usually smaller than seagoing cruise ships and sporting a capacity of no more than a few hundred cruisers, these vessels are designed to plot a course through rivers and inland waterways. They range from ultra high-tech voyages to nostalgic trips on paddleboats, barges or ships. They can be found on most major rivers in the world such as the Danube, Amazon, Nile, Rhine, Siene, Volga, Mississippi, Yangtse, and many more.

Examples: Uniworld, Viking River Cruises, Avalon, AMA Waterways, Pandaw Cruises

www.wislartravel.com can plan any type of cruise vacation for your family.

 

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Small Ship Cruises with Kids

April 24, 2012

One way in which cruises have expanded their offerings is to interest travelers who cringe at the idea of boarding a floating condo complex.   Smaller ships are increasingly plentiful, and in addition to giving passengers more of a personal experience, smaller sized ships are able to get into little harbors and inlets.  That means that more destinations can be accessed.  Unlike the over commercialized cruise ports where thousands of travelers could be visiting on any given day the smaller ports simply have less visitors and therefore are less likely to have annoying crowds.

Whereas large ships have a fixed itinerary, the smaller ships have the freedom to change their cruise plan if an opportunity comes up to see or do something really cool. If a captain hears that as mother and baby polar bear are playing on an iceberg in a nearby inlet-voila-they can change course and go check it out!

Evening entertainment is not shows or hanging at the kids club but rather watching a re-cap of the day, gazing at stars, playing cards or board games, and doing puzzles. 

Small ship cruises aren’t usually low priced but their cost is often comparable with big ship cruises when everything is factored in. For instance, on the large ships the shore trips are almost always extra.  If you are a family of 5 that can easily be $500 per day or more for a full day excursion.

One of the most popular destinations for small ship cruising is the Galapagos.  Your family will see giant sea turtles; marvel at blue-footed boobies and other birds; and snorkel close to sea lions and manta rays.  Marine iguanas will meander past and countless seabirds will fly overhead.

Other destinations for small ship cruising include Alaska, the Nile, Europe’s Rivers and Canals, the Sea of  Cortez, the Amazon River, Southeast Asia, the Greek Islands and more.

Examples of SMALL SHIP Cruise Lines 
Seabourn $$$$ - Silversea $$$$- Swan Hellenic $$$$- Tauck $$$- Windstar$$$-American Safari$$$ - Lindblad$$$ - Oceania $$$- Orient Lines $$$- Princess$$ -Saga Holiday$$ -SeaDream Yacht Club$$$- Fred.Olsen$$ - Grand Circle$$ -  Azamara$$$ - Hapag-Lloyd$$$ -Paul Gaugin$$$$ - Regent Seven Seas $$$

 

 

 

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The First Time

April 20, 2012

So you’re taking the family on your clan’s first cruise?  You are skeptical?  You have always thought cruising might not be for you?

Ask yourself:

  • On this first cruise does your family want to explore ports, see new sights, experience new things or primarily enjoy all of amenities offered onboard?
  • Do you want a casino, nightlife, shows?  Kids Club? Or something more sedate such as an evening playing cards or reading?
  • Do the children want to meet other kids?  Are they “joiners”? Or just spend time as a family?
  • Does your family think its fun to dress up?  Or would your kids rather be in jeans?
  • Do you want to eat at a large table with another family or families or by yourselves?
  • Do you prefer a set dining time and place with the same waiter?  Or would you prefer to eat when and where you feel like?
  • Multiple dining options or is just one okay?

Crystal Luxury Cruises

Your answers will help you avoid making an expensive mistake and guide you towards a great vacation.

Wislar Travel can help you sort through all this stuff and guide you toward what you want, and more importantly, what you do not want on your first cruise.  Chose wisely and we are sure you will choose to cruise again and again.

Wislar Travel 609-902-8611

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Romance in Wine Country

April 19, 2012

For some people the idea of romance involves strolling along empty,  soft, white sand beaches,   cuddling in front of fireplaces, or walking hand-in-hand through streets in far off city or village.  If your idea of the ultimate romantic setting involves magnificent wine and food then California’s Napa Valley is your place to escape with your sweetie!  The views aren’t bad either.

An endless assortment of wineries, terrific restaurants, and artisanal everything, make Napa the ultimate foodie & oenophiles escape.  It’s hard not to feel starry-eyed among the rolling hills and fragrant vines of wine country.

 Many of the wineries allow you to drop in during their published hours.   Others require an appointment which is usually just a phone call ahead.  Be sure to make reservations in advance especially during the busy seasons or your Travel Agent will be happy to do that for you.

Oh, the food!  You can pick up a picnic and have lunch somewhere where the vista seems like a dream.  A baguette, pate, delicious cheese and a bottle of world-class Cabernet will do, -thank you very much.

Of course if you prefer to be served the only challenge will be to choose which restaurant.  One superb facility after another is available.  Even the world famous French laundry is located there.  Good luck with that reservation!

Lodging ranges from simple, to intimate boutique hotels, to over the top luxury establishments.  The world class Auberge du Soleil is splurge worthy.  On their website they claim “Here, life’s earthly pleasures are celebrated in the serenity of an intimate hillside setting that has captivated guests for 30 years.”  I say, go ahead, captivate me, I am ready.

For a comfy, clean room at a rate that won’t cause any buyers remorse try the Hilton Garden Inn in Napa.  Better yet, check out your Hilton Honors account balance and perhaps you can stay for free?

If you would like to relax after all that sipping then you can book a couples massage at one of the many spas throughout the valley.

Hot air balloon rides, kayaking, cycling, golf and hiking are just a few of the other activities available.

Contact Wislar Travel at 609-902-8611 or  info@wislartravel.com top plan your wine country vacation.

 

Posted inGo Somewhere with your Sweetie!
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