Lately, my customers have been purchasing Disney cruise vacations. There is no other cruise like a Disney cruise! What is so special about a Disney cruise? Gosh! Where do I begin? This is a blog, so I'll try to make it short and sweet.
Disney cruises stop at many different destinations: Bahamas, New England and Canada, the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Alaska, and Europe . There are 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, and 14-night cruises. Also, Disney has created their cruises for ALL AGES. It's not just for children. Adults who want to "relive Disney" will enjoy this cruise. There are adult dining areas, restaurants, lounges/clubs, etc. onboard. There are quiet adult only areas, too. Children will be able to greet and dine with Disney characters. Also, the characters are seen throughout the cruise. Imagine Mickey and Minnie or Donald taking a photograph with your child. The smiles! The smiles!The cruise includes fireworks displays, live shows, deck parties, movies, etc. Some activities are for adults only, families, and kids only. There is an activity/experience for everyone. Oh...I forgot. The spa! Wide World of Sports! Goofy's Sports Deck! Fitness Center!
On a Disney cruise, besides the meals and drinks, soft drinks and ice cream are included in the price; 24- HOUR DINING! Restaurants have names like Goofy's Galley, Pinocchio's Pizza, Pluto's Dog House, Enchanted Garden, Cabanas, and Remy and Palo (adult exclusive).The cabins have ample space and are designed for families. For example, cabins contain split baths and separate sinks. You can stay in an inside (no window), oceanview, room with verandah (balcony), or even a suite. Wow!
For an extraordinary, magical adult only or family experience like no other, contact me to book your Disney cruise. Disney cruises will sail out of Galveston (Houston), Texas in 2012. Book now!
Kimberly Fountain
Disney Specialist
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Beach
Oahu
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
I Love Vacationing in the Caribbean
The Caribbean is the perfect vacation for people who LOVE turquoise blue waters, tropical year-round climate, and unique foods that are specific to a particular Caribbean island. For example, flying fish is significant to Barbados. It is delicious, too! (If you go to Barbados, be sure to have a fried flying fish sandwich.)
Another reason I really like vacationing in the Caribbbean is because of the fun I have with the locals. I always engage in conversation with locals at the resort. They can tell you the best places to dine whether economical or upscale and direct you to economical souvenir shops. Also, the locals enjoy sharing the history of their island with you. Sometimes, I have even had a local hotel worker to escort me and others to local events after they've gotten off of work.
One more reason I like to vacation in the Caribbean is because I enjoy learning about the culture. I always take the "island tour" while on an island. You have an opportunity to see the major attractions, look at various types of homes the locals live in, and shop for island specific goods. I always purchase a piece of art or other good from each Caribbean island that I visit. While in the Dominican Republic (popular for cigars), I watched a local roll cigars. I purchased some cigars for my friends. Also, the DR has some delicious coffee. I purchased the coffee for myself. Grand Cayman is a variety of rum cakes at the Tortuga Rum Cake store. Here I go...puchased some rum cakes. They can be pretty potent (if you know what I mean), too! Grand Cayman is also known for its gem: Caymanite--Got a piece of that--only found on Grand Cayman. On Anguilla, they have good ribs. I ate at a local, family-owned restaurant called Smokey's.Also, while on Anguilla, I had the opportunity to meet a famous sommelier. I excitedly chatted him up about wine.
If you'd like to see photos of my Caribbean island travel, check out my website http://www.sdestinationstravel.com/. Click on My Trips. Also, contact me to book your Caribbean vacation!
Kimberly Fountain
Caribbean Specialist
Splendid Destinations Travel
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Another reason I really like vacationing in the Caribbbean is because of the fun I have with the locals. I always engage in conversation with locals at the resort. They can tell you the best places to dine whether economical or upscale and direct you to economical souvenir shops. Also, the locals enjoy sharing the history of their island with you. Sometimes, I have even had a local hotel worker to escort me and others to local events after they've gotten off of work.
One more reason I like to vacation in the Caribbean is because I enjoy learning about the culture. I always take the "island tour" while on an island. You have an opportunity to see the major attractions, look at various types of homes the locals live in, and shop for island specific goods. I always purchase a piece of art or other good from each Caribbean island that I visit. While in the Dominican Republic (popular for cigars), I watched a local roll cigars. I purchased some cigars for my friends. Also, the DR has some delicious coffee. I purchased the coffee for myself. Grand Cayman is a variety of rum cakes at the Tortuga Rum Cake store. Here I go...puchased some rum cakes. They can be pretty potent (if you know what I mean), too! Grand Cayman is also known for its gem: Caymanite--Got a piece of that--only found on Grand Cayman. On Anguilla, they have good ribs. I ate at a local, family-owned restaurant called Smokey's.Also, while on Anguilla, I had the opportunity to meet a famous sommelier. I excitedly chatted him up about wine.
If you'd like to see photos of my Caribbean island travel, check out my website http://www.sdestinationstravel.com/. Click on My Trips. Also, contact me to book your Caribbean vacation!
Kimberly Fountain
Caribbean Specialist
Splendid Destinations Travel
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Monday, March 7, 2011
Family Vacation Travel Planning
One of my niches is planning vacation travel for families. I plan vacations that stay within your family's budget, include fun and educational experiences, recommend hotels/resorts that include meals and activities, arrange travel with the least travel time, etc. As a former elementary teacher, I have a special interest in making recommendations to families with young children. For example, if your family is interested in vacationing at a Disney theme park, I inquire about your childrens' favorite characters and recommend "character dining" experiences. Interest in animals? I may recommend accommodations in Walt Disney World's Animal Kingdom Lodge, savana room. Families that stay here get "up close and personal" with animals from their balcony or window. Also, you can go on an African safari on the resort grounds. If your family is interested in a water themed park at an international destination, I may recommend going to the Bahamas and staying at The Atlantis. The Aquaventure Water Park is fun for all ages. Your family can experience an international destination, indulge in water adventures (e.g., swim with the dolphins at Dolphin Cay), attend Kids' Camp, etc.
I have acquired travel agent certification as a Disney Specialist, cruise specialist for Disney Cruise Lines, and Master Family Specialist--Grand Cayman Island. Many Caribbean island destinations are providing more activities for children of all ages. For example, Turks and Caicos islands has Beaches Turks and Caicos. It is an all-inclusive resort. I recommend lodging in the Italian Village. Also, the resort offers many activities for teens and tweens: an XBOX360 Game Garage, DJ lessons at the Scratch DJ Academy, and a teen nightclub called Liquids at Beaches. Family travel planning is exciting and very rewarding to this former teacher!
Contact me for your family vacation travel planning needs!
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
(832) 598-1762
I have acquired travel agent certification as a Disney Specialist, cruise specialist for Disney Cruise Lines, and Master Family Specialist--Grand Cayman Island. Many Caribbean island destinations are providing more activities for children of all ages. For example, Turks and Caicos islands has Beaches Turks and Caicos. It is an all-inclusive resort. I recommend lodging in the Italian Village. Also, the resort offers many activities for teens and tweens: an XBOX360 Game Garage, DJ lessons at the Scratch DJ Academy, and a teen nightclub called Liquids at Beaches. Family travel planning is exciting and very rewarding to this former teacher!
Contact me for your family vacation travel planning needs!
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
(832) 598-1762
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Information Documents
Recently, I developed a few forms to decrease the number of informational emails that I send to my clients. I have created a document that states my booking process, a honeymoon questionnaire, and a vacation interest form. Also, I'm creating some informational brochures.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Honeymoon Destination: Bora Bora
As a honeymoon specialist, I recommend various destinations to brides and grooms. Many clients prefer tropical island destinations. Tahiti and Bora Bora are my top recommendations, if the destinations are within my clients' honeymoon budget. Bora Bora is the most exotic island in the Pacific. It is located 143 miles northwest of Tahiti. You can fly to Papeete, Tahiti and take an interisland flight, helicopter, or ferry to Bora Bora. The island's mountainous interior is surround by a lagoon. Bora Bora is a perfect destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and hiking, too! Catch some rays on their white sand beaches! Other activities include lagoon exploration, kayaking, jet skiing, 4 x 4 safari, deep sea fishing, jetboat tours, fine dining, and shopping. You cannot leave Bora Bora without a Tahitian pearl.
Bora Bora has some of the most picturesque accommodations: overwater bungalows. I posted a few hotel/resort recommendations for Bora Bora on Twitter a few weeks ago (i.e., Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Hilton Bora Bora). Some accommodations have bungalows that are "over the water." The bungalows have a thatched roof and are built on stilts. Some bungalow amenities include a glass coffee table. You will be able to see colorful schools of fish. Bungalows have modern amenities like a DVD player and a television. Some bungalows have kitchens. Don't want to leave your cozy, romantic bungalow for breakfast? You can have your breakfast "canoed" to you. Breakfast is brought to your bungalow by Tahitian hotel staff on a canoe. (Travel agent Lori Danner mentioned the canoe breakfast in her blog: http://crownkingtravel.wordpress.com.) Here is a sample honeymoon package: flight to Papeete, Tahiti, one night stay on Tahiti, interisland flight to Bora Bora, welcome flower lei upon arrival, accommodations on Bora Bora, ground transfers, and all taxes included. I can customize your honeymoon package by adding a private dinner on the beach, breakfast and dinner daily, daytime or sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, and more! A honeymoon is one of the most memorable times in your life. Why not enjoy it on Bora Bora!
Bora Bora has some of the most picturesque accommodations: overwater bungalows. I posted a few hotel/resort recommendations for Bora Bora on Twitter a few weeks ago (i.e., Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, Le Meridien Bora Bora, Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana, Hilton Bora Bora). Some accommodations have bungalows that are "over the water." The bungalows have a thatched roof and are built on stilts. Some bungalow amenities include a glass coffee table. You will be able to see colorful schools of fish. Bungalows have modern amenities like a DVD player and a television. Some bungalows have kitchens. Don't want to leave your cozy, romantic bungalow for breakfast? You can have your breakfast "canoed" to you. Breakfast is brought to your bungalow by Tahitian hotel staff on a canoe. (Travel agent Lori Danner mentioned the canoe breakfast in her blog: http://crownkingtravel.wordpress.com.) Here is a sample honeymoon package: flight to Papeete, Tahiti, one night stay on Tahiti, interisland flight to Bora Bora, welcome flower lei upon arrival, accommodations on Bora Bora, ground transfers, and all taxes included. I can customize your honeymoon package by adding a private dinner on the beach, breakfast and dinner daily, daytime or sunset cruise aboard a catamaran, and more! A honeymoon is one of the most memorable times in your life. Why not enjoy it on Bora Bora!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Your Caribbean Travel Specialist
Traveling to the Caribbean...interesting history, tropical climate, exotic plants and animals, great cuisine, lively music, turquoise waters, calm or busy nightlife--the Caribbean has it all! I have vacationed on the Caribbean islands of Anguilla, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bequia, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Honduras, Jamaica, St. Barths, St. Lucia, St. Maarten/St. Martin, and St. Vincent. In addition, I have taken professional courses and received "destination specialist" certifications for the Islands of the Bahamas, Bermuda, Cayman Islands (including Master Specialist-Family Travel), and the Dominican Republic. Not only vacationing in the Caribbean, but attending travel trade shows, destination trips, and participating in webinars has helped enhance my knowledge of the Caribbean. Also, I have attended live destination seminars for Aruba, Barbados, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Each time I visited a Caribbean island, I seem to always want to go back. I have visited St. Lucia and Grand Cayman twice.
When booking Caribbean destinations for my clients I rely on my own experience, other travel agents' reviews, and customer hotel reviews to recommend to my clients. There is so much information available and I find it. When recommending hotels/resorts, I want to meet my clients' needs and make sure that they are in a safe environment that meets their budget. Sometimes, I contact the destination's tourism bureau or destination sales manager to inquire about specials or other client incentives. Also, my business relationship with marketing personnel on Twitter and Facebook are a great asset. Sometimes, tweeters provide links to coupons which I extend to my clients. When you are traveling, every discount, including 10% off helps. The most important benefits that I provide to my clients who book with me are personalized travel customer service, accuracy of travel documents, and stress-free itineraries.
If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Caribbean Travel Specialist
When booking Caribbean destinations for my clients I rely on my own experience, other travel agents' reviews, and customer hotel reviews to recommend to my clients. There is so much information available and I find it. When recommending hotels/resorts, I want to meet my clients' needs and make sure that they are in a safe environment that meets their budget. Sometimes, I contact the destination's tourism bureau or destination sales manager to inquire about specials or other client incentives. Also, my business relationship with marketing personnel on Twitter and Facebook are a great asset. Sometimes, tweeters provide links to coupons which I extend to my clients. When you are traveling, every discount, including 10% off helps. The most important benefits that I provide to my clients who book with me are personalized travel customer service, accuracy of travel documents, and stress-free itineraries.
If you are considering traveling to the Caribbean, please feel free to send me an email or call me so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
Caribbean Travel Specialist
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Hotel Derek (Houston) Review
Hotel Derek is located near the Galleria area in Houston, TX. You can walk to the Galleria, Starbucks, LePeep Restaurant, Sullivan's Steakhouse, and other stores and restaurants. There are 314 rooms that include suites and business studio rooms. The hotel itself is "boutique chic" with trendy decor and furnishings. My room was located on the 12th floor on the "Westheimer Road side." The street is sooo busy. The noise sounded like I was in a New York hotel in Times Square. I think the hotel could have done a better job at sound-proofing the room. Nevertheless, the king bedroom has ample space, a desk, clock/radio/IPod docking station, windows with a handle for you to roll-up the shades, long sofa attached to the wall of the windows, mini-bar (key accessible), and snack center. The bed was very comfortable with at least 4 pillows. The plug outlets are not accessible if you'd like to charge your cell phone. I had to plug my cell phone into the outlet located near the desk.
The bar, "Vino," is a contemporary bar with fine liquors and creative drink choices. I ordered food at Vino. The chicken ravioli was delicious! Good homemade pasta! I didn't explore any other aspects of the hotel.
Dining: The hotel restaurant is called Valentino. Vino is located in Valentino. Parking: If you have a vehicle, it MUST be valeted. There is no self-parking. Parking is $9.00 and overnight parking is $19.00.
I would recommend this hotel for the ages 20-30. Be sure to request a room on the opposite side of Westheimer Road, if you are a light sleeper or just want a quiet room.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
The bar, "Vino," is a contemporary bar with fine liquors and creative drink choices. I ordered food at Vino. The chicken ravioli was delicious! Good homemade pasta! I didn't explore any other aspects of the hotel.
Dining: The hotel restaurant is called Valentino. Vino is located in Valentino. Parking: If you have a vehicle, it MUST be valeted. There is no self-parking. Parking is $9.00 and overnight parking is $19.00.
I would recommend this hotel for the ages 20-30. Be sure to request a room on the opposite side of Westheimer Road, if you are a light sleeper or just want a quiet room.
Kimberly Fountain
kimberly@sdestinationstravel.com
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