I used to watch Hawaii Five-O with my grandparents. Great scenery, good stories and terrific acting kept the show on for 12 seasons. It would probably be profound if I could tell you that the show played into my becoming a travel consultant, but that would be as fictional a story as any of the show’s storylines!
Although I enjoyed the original season, memories of it didn’t cause me to get excited about a remake of the series. I pictured a dated “cop series” that couldn’t compete with the many crime shows now on television. But one night I DVR’ed the show for the heck of it and finally watched it one night. I was hooked. This is definitely not your grandmother’s Hawaii Five-O.
With television’s advanced technology over the years, the scenery is fantastic. The theme music is addictive. The show is current, the stories are compelling, the acting is good and for some reason, I find that I really enjoy the theme song.
As an agent, I’m often asked, “What’s the most popular place to go for vacation?”
Hawaii has always been popular. It’s exotic, beautiful, welcoming, historical, cultural and offers many relaxing and exciting options for visitors. But its popularity has increased because of Hawaii Five-O. Many of the show’s fans aren’t content to sit back and watch the show when they can experience the islands of this state for themselves by cruise ship or plane.
Hawaii is made up of many islands with the five most popular ones visited by tourists being:
* Oahu - home of Honolulu, Waikiki and Pearl Harbor
* Hawaii - also known as “The Big Island”, has black sand beaches and an active volcano
* Kauai - where Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii” was filmed
* Maui – visitors quickly experience why this is The Magic Isle
* Molokai – where Father Damian cared for the residents of the leper colony
Hawaii is a three hour flight from the west coast. Once there, you can island hop with a suggested minimum of three nights in each island you wish to visit if you will be staying in hotels, condos or villas. Or you can board Norwegian Cruise Lines’ (NCL) Pride of America to enjoy five ports without unpacking more than once.
You can also enjoy a more leisurely one way or roundtrip cruise between the west coast and Hawaii on lines such as Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. These range from 11 nights to multiple weeks in length that can also include other ports dotting the Pacific Ocean.
The Hawaii Tourist Board has a terrific website for those wanting to learn more about all that Hawaii offers to tourists and the agents at Connie George Travel Associates are anxious to help make your dreams of a Hawaii vacation come to life.
~ Connie
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 21, 2011
Four Important Tips Keep You From Missing Your Cruise
The anchor’s been raised, the steel band is playing, excitement is high for all of the guests booked on your cruise ship as they get ready for their adventure! Except for you---- you’re stuck in an airport watching your vacation dreams, days off from work and your financial investment go down the drain.
Maybe it was weather that delayed your flight. Perhaps it was a mechanical delay. Or a problem en route to the airport. Who do you get mad at? It was out of your control, right?
No matter the reason, there are things you can do so that any of those delays aren’t much more than frustrations and don’t ruin your vacation.
“Stuff happens.” But with the proper planning, you can keep it from ruining your vacation.
~ Connie
Maybe it was weather that delayed your flight. Perhaps it was a mechanical delay. Or a problem en route to the airport. Who do you get mad at? It was out of your control, right?
No matter the reason, there are things you can do so that any of those delays aren’t much more than frustrations and don’t ruin your vacation.
- Fly to your embarkation port at least one day in advance. If there is a flight delay, it becomes an inconvenience but doesn’t keep you from missing your ship. It makes flying less stressful and has you start your cruise feeling more relaxed.
- Buy travel insurance that includes trip delay. Various policies have different lengths of time qualifying or a travel delay coverage, but they can be invaluable for covering expenses incurred because of a delay or help cover expenses to get you to another airport to connect with your ship at the next port.
- Travel with a passport. Even if you are on a closed loop sailing from the U.S. that qualifies you to travel with a birth certificate instead, opt for a passport. If you have to fly to the first visiting port to meet up with your ship, you will only be able to fly to a U.S. city or territory. Without a passport, you’ll be going home.
- Watch the weather. If a storm is coming to your home or connecting airport area and it could affect your ability to reach your embarkation port, know about it and plan as best as possible. You may be able to fly out earlier or have the airline reschedule through a different connecting city.
“Stuff happens.” But with the proper planning, you can keep it from ruining your vacation.
~ Connie
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Keep That Loving Feeling Going with a Romantic Cruise
Guys, are you a romantic at heart? Or do you need help letting your wife or girlfriend know how special she is to you on the 364 days of the year that aren’t Valentine’s Day?
We’ll get you started with 12 suggestions relating to our favorite romantic setting:
1- Tell her that you want alone time with her…. No jobs, housework, phones, interruption, bills. It’s time to plan a vacation so you two can focus on each other.
2- Surprise her with flowers. You can order them through most cruise lines to have them delivered in the cabin with a note.
4- Order breakfast delivered to the cabin and enjoy it in bed together.
5- Hold hands as you wander around ports and on the ship’s deck.
6- Talk about your joint dreams while watching the sun set from your balcony.
7- Get a table for two for dinner in one of the ship’s specialty restaurants.
8- Get on stage during a karaoke contest so you can sing her favorite romantic song to her.
9- Offer to put sunscreen on her back while lounging by the pool or on a beach.
10- Slow dance together…. with or without music.
11- Tell her you love her and why.
12- Write her a note about how much you’re enjoying just being with her.
What are you waiting for? Visit your local florist or order flowers from a website like http://www.flowers.com/. Put a card in it with a note saying how you love her and want to spend some time alone with her. Then contact Connie George Travel Associates by email or phone (610-532-0989) to plan your romantic cruise vacation!
Guys, if you book your 2011 cruise with us by February 21, WE will even send flowers to her in the cabin from YOU. For FREE! Read details at http://www.cgta.com/Valentines_Day.html. Get in touch now!
~ Connie
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
American History Still Afloat
I’m not a big nautical history buff and, though I have an appreciation for our nation’s history, neither would I be considered a huge American history addict either. But when it comes to beautiful old ocean liners or cruise ships that are wasting away, it pains me that a large chunk of “history” has been rusting in the Delaware River while awaiting a tow to a scrap yard.
As a long time veteran of the travel industry with a particular affection toward cruising, it saddens me each time I pass the SS United States as it’s been slowly rotting away in Philadelphia since her latest owner, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), towed it there in 1996.
She was sold to another cruise line in 1964 and was withdrawn from passenger service in 1969. Over the decades, she has sat through suggestions, rumors and failed plans which included casino, hotel, timeshare, hospital ship and cruise ship. The costs for reviving her were so great that she was scheduled to be scrapped.
I was thrilled to read in today’s Delaware County Daily Times that the SS United States Conservancy has been able to purchase the ship. They have 20 months to work with her redevelopment plans and raise funds for her restoration while she continues to be berthed here at Penn’s Landing. The article peaked my interest and I found a lot of information online about her history. I’ve barely covered her amazing story and encourage you to “google” her for more information.
The future of this ship is not secure, but let’s hope that this amazing historical lady does have a bright future and that she will again be seen in her glory while entertaining the public and providing employment.
~ Connie
Monday, January 24, 2011
This Matchmaker Saves You Money on Dining Out During Your Vacation
Matchmaking is big on the internet. Even if you’re not looking to meet your potential significant other, you’ve likely heard of companies like Match.com and eHarmony. But are you aware that there is a “matchmaker” between restaurants and consumers that can save you money on your dining out bills?
That’s more or less what Restaurant.com bills itself as. They are a marketer for restaurants and can help you reduce your cost for a night out!
The premise is simple. Find a participating restaurant on their website and purchase a $25 gift certificate for $10. Better yet, purchase the certificate during one of their many 60, 70 or even 80% off sales. Unless you’re in a hurry, waiting a day or two could reduce the cost of that “$25 gift certificate” all the way down to $2 which is exactly what I did a few months ago before a trip to Fort Lauderdale! The gift certificates do come with stipulations, but they are reasonable.
On my visit, I knew we were going to The Roasted Pepper, a favorite restaurant of friends of mine whom I was visiting. I went to Restaurant.com, loaded the zip code into their search engine and was very pleased to see that the restaurant of my choice was listed! Because there was an 80% off sale, I could purchase the $25 gift certificate for only $2. The only "catch" was that we had to spend a minimum of $40. No problem. I couldn’t imagine that we wouldn’t spend $40 and, if we really were a few dollars short, we could pick up a little dessert or appetizer for my friends to take home and still come out ahead.
While at it, I decided to check to see if there were certificates for any close-by hotels for clients who were going to stay at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel the night before boarding Celebrity Solstice the following week. I found that there was a $25 gift certificate for the hotel’s Bistro 17 restaurant! Only $2 to save $25 with the only stipulation being that you had to buy at least two entrees. Not a problem since four people were traveling! Needless to say, our client was happy to hear about this unexpected tip!
Check this site out the next time you’ll be visiting a restaurant whether it's during a trip or locally. And while you're enjoying your dinner, toast Connie George Travel Associates, the vacation specialists dedicated to delivering value and service!
~ Connie
That’s more or less what Restaurant.com bills itself as. They are a marketer for restaurants and can help you reduce your cost for a night out!
The premise is simple. Find a participating restaurant on their website and purchase a $25 gift certificate for $10. Better yet, purchase the certificate during one of their many 60, 70 or even 80% off sales. Unless you’re in a hurry, waiting a day or two could reduce the cost of that “$25 gift certificate” all the way down to $2 which is exactly what I did a few months ago before a trip to Fort Lauderdale! The gift certificates do come with stipulations, but they are reasonable.
On my visit, I knew we were going to The Roasted Pepper, a favorite restaurant of friends of mine whom I was visiting. I went to Restaurant.com, loaded the zip code into their search engine and was very pleased to see that the restaurant of my choice was listed! Because there was an 80% off sale, I could purchase the $25 gift certificate for only $2. The only "catch" was that we had to spend a minimum of $40. No problem. I couldn’t imagine that we wouldn’t spend $40 and, if we really were a few dollars short, we could pick up a little dessert or appetizer for my friends to take home and still come out ahead.
While at it, I decided to check to see if there were certificates for any close-by hotels for clients who were going to stay at the Renaissance Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port Hotel the night before boarding Celebrity Solstice the following week. I found that there was a $25 gift certificate for the hotel’s Bistro 17 restaurant! Only $2 to save $25 with the only stipulation being that you had to buy at least two entrees. Not a problem since four people were traveling! Needless to say, our client was happy to hear about this unexpected tip!
Check this site out the next time you’ll be visiting a restaurant whether it's during a trip or locally. And while you're enjoying your dinner, toast Connie George Travel Associates, the vacation specialists dedicated to delivering value and service!
~ Connie
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Ten Commandments & One Suggestion
I sometimes have difficulty getting rid of paper as evidenced by my keeping a copy of “Ten Commandments for Travelers” since, according to the date on the paper, 1982.
Had it been written in calligraphy and framed, it may have made sense to keep it. Instead, this is a narrow paper “stuffer” that we use to put in ticket jackets of clients heading toward exotic (and not so exotic) destinations. Through the years it has moved between desk and file cabinet drawers with the intention of “someday using it again for something.” Today I decided that our blog is a great way to use and share it! For your enjoyment… and perhaps to keep in mind during your travels:
1. Though shalt not expect to find all things precisely as they were at home, for though hast left home to find things different!
2. Though shalt not take anything too seriously for a carefree mind is the cornerstone of a good vacation.
3. Though shalt not let other travelers get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
4. Though shalt not worry, for he that worrieth hath little joy.
5. Though shalt not judge all people of a country by one person with whom though hast had a problem.
6. Blessed are they who can wait and smile for they will enjoy themselves.
7. Though shalt do only somewhat as the natives do.
8. Though shalt carry the American Passport with thee at all times in a safe place, nor shall ye pack it in thy suitcase, for it is said that a man without a Passport is a man without a country.
9. Thou canst be welcome in every land. Treat thy hosts with respect and thou shalt be an honored guest.
10. Bless they travel agent for s/he worketh hard in thy behalf.
Now for the suggestion. “Use it or lose it.” If you have something old in your office or home that you have planned to “use someday” for a very long time, get rid of it. Trash it, recycle it, donate it or repurpose it. I walked that paper to the trashcan and dropped it in. It might only have been a small piece of paper, but sharing the quote and ditching the paper felt good!
Had it been written in calligraphy and framed, it may have made sense to keep it. Instead, this is a narrow paper “stuffer” that we use to put in ticket jackets of clients heading toward exotic (and not so exotic) destinations. Through the years it has moved between desk and file cabinet drawers with the intention of “someday using it again for something.” Today I decided that our blog is a great way to use and share it! For your enjoyment… and perhaps to keep in mind during your travels:
Ten Commandments for Travelers
1. Though shalt not expect to find all things precisely as they were at home, for though hast left home to find things different!
2. Though shalt not take anything too seriously for a carefree mind is the cornerstone of a good vacation.
3. Though shalt not let other travelers get on thy nerves, for thou art paying good money to enjoy thyself.
4. Though shalt not worry, for he that worrieth hath little joy.
5. Though shalt not judge all people of a country by one person with whom though hast had a problem.
6. Blessed are they who can wait and smile for they will enjoy themselves.
7. Though shalt do only somewhat as the natives do.
8. Though shalt carry the American Passport with thee at all times in a safe place, nor shall ye pack it in thy suitcase, for it is said that a man without a Passport is a man without a country.
9. Thou canst be welcome in every land. Treat thy hosts with respect and thou shalt be an honored guest.
10. Bless they travel agent for s/he worketh hard in thy behalf.
Now for the suggestion. “Use it or lose it.” If you have something old in your office or home that you have planned to “use someday” for a very long time, get rid of it. Trash it, recycle it, donate it or repurpose it. I walked that paper to the trashcan and dropped it in. It might only have been a small piece of paper, but sharing the quote and ditching the paper felt good!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Bring Home the Memories Contest - Win a Free Digital Camcorder!
What is the best part of a vacation? The expectations beforehand? The actual experiences of the trip itself? Or is it the memories afterward? Whether it’s a family vacation, group trip, honeymoon or a girls’ getaway, it’s the memories that take that short time into the future. We enjoy photos, journals, videos and souvenirs to help keep those memories with us.
Entering the contest is easy! You’ll receive one entry for every travel tip you submit to us via this blog, our Facebook page or Twitter.
Contest rules:
* Contest is open to anyone 18 years of age or over. Participants must reside in the U.S. and have a U.S. address to which prizes can be mailed.
* Entry is by submitting a travel tip. Travel tips can pertain (but are not limited) to cruising, flying, hotel/resort stays, safety, traveling with children, traveling with a disability or safety. Tips must be valid suggestions (i.e. no “Tie your laces after you put your sneakers on.”)
* You cannot submit the same tip more than once.
* Maximum of 10 tips per week (9/20-26/10, 9/27-10/4/10) per person, per home.
* Entrants agree to their tips possibly being included in future literature from Connie George Travel Associates.
* 3 Ways to enter:
- Twitter- Tweet your tip using the hashtag #CGTAELP
- Facebook- Visit us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/cgta.travel and “comment” on the wall post about the contest with your tip
- Blog- “Comment” back below on this blog with your tip
The winners will be selected between October 5-10, 2010 by award-winning Frommers.com travel columnist and accessible travel guru, Candy Harrington.
Winners will have 48 hours to respond with contact information that includes a U.S. postal address. If there’s no response within 48 hours, a replacement winner will be drawn.
Grand prize is a digital camcorder. Win a Vivitar DVR 910. This great recorder will allow you to take still shots and videos to share with family and friends. Includes software which will even enable you to upload movies for YouTube! Additional prizes will also be provided.
Winners will have 48 hours to respond with contact information that includes a U.S. postal address. If there’s no response within 48 hours, a replacement winner will be drawn.
Grand prize is a digital camcorder. Win a Vivitar DVR 910. This great recorder will allow you to take still shots and videos to share with family and friends. Includes software which will even enable you to upload movies for YouTube! Additional prizes will also be provided.
Interested in a girls getaway cruise?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)