Vacations – Necessity or Luxury?

I believe I am correct on this topic.

Vacations are a NECESSITY.

With the pace and stress in our society today, they are a necessity.  I understand the cost may have become a luxury in your budget, but nonetheless, you need a vacation. You need time “off” to unplug.  Yes, I said it “unplug” for a while. Stop and smell the roses.  Enjoy your family, friends, meet new people, read a book, take photos of nature,  maybe even have a meaningful conversation – without a phone beeping or buzzing! Almost all business coaches, speakers, personal developement specialists conclude that taking time off actually is needed for increased performance.

Many reports indicate that is is actually healthy. What is wrong with “disconnecting” from your routine to have fun? Don’t feel guilty, you deserve it. It is not just part of life, a good resting vacation should become a focal point in your life. It’s not a bad goal to have in 2010.

As you start inserting dates in your new 2010 calender, be bold, take the time to block the time out – now.  Then take the time with your loved one or traveling companion and figure out where you are going to go and what you may wan to do or see. It doesn’t matter if it is an upstate getaway to a friends cabin, exploring Europe or Alaska on a cruise, a beach chair on an island, having someone serving you poolside (nice), walking a beach at sunset.  Just start visualizing yourself somewhere, give yourself a goal, and do what you need to do so you can look back at the end of 2010 with vivid memories and the feeling that ” I am glad I did it!”

We are fortunate to interact with people taking great vacations. I hear many of them say…”We were looking at our pictures from our last trip, and decided it has been too long. We need to go again.” Are you ready to getaway?”

I wish you the best vacation ever this coming year.

Sincerely, Matt Cervone

Chief Escape Officer

Just Cruises & Vacations

P.S. Of course, our Escape Artists can help make the planning process fun and affordable. Just click the Get To Know Us Tab on top

Escape Artists Travel Tips

Hello – I was reviewing some tips included in the travel documents for a group trip going to Mexico that one of our Escape Artists had prepared…I thought they were excellent, so I thought I would share them with you. There are many more, so I will be sure to share them with you more often.  If you have any that you would like me to post, please comment below or send me an email.  Matt.

1. Bring $1 bills for tipping maids, bellman, and bartenders as getting change in U.S. dollars for larger bills may be difficult there. The tips are included at most all-inclusive resorts but you tend to get outstanding service for the duration of your vacation when you give the wait staff and bartenders extra tips early on and throughout your stay.

2. Bring a photocopy of your passport (and keep it separate from your

passport) in the unfortunate event your passport is lost or stolen.

3. If you are worried about Montezuma’s Revenge, eat yogurt every day for a week before you go and while on vacation. The cultures and enzymes strengthen the digestive system. Taking 2 Pepto-Bismol tablets each morning can also help ward off stomach problems.

4. Reapply sunscreen often! — It doesn’t work if you just put sunscreen on in the morning. You need to reapply every few hours especially if you go into the water. For those who live in the north, the sun is a lot stronger in Mexico.

5. Hydrate throughout the day! — If you spend all day in the sun, and partake in a few adult beverages at night, you need to get some water into your system. And the ice in piña coladas counts.

6. Don’t fall for the timeshare talk. When most people go on vacation, they want to spend every minute of it doing something that’s enjoyable, rather than sitting in a room and having someone trying to sell them a timeshare property. Remember, nothing is for free.

7. You will receive a form to fill out before you can enter Mexico that is your temporary visa. It will get stamped when you go through customs. Stash this away with your passport in a safe place, as you will need it in order to exit the country!

8. If you like to read, bring plenty of magazines and books. Sure, you can buy them at the hotel gift shop, but they’ll be triple the price. And if you finish your book early on in the trip, check to see if your hotel has a book exchange where you can trade your book for one that someone else has already finished.

Enjoy Your Escape!

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

What is a Gourmet Inclusive Vacation?

It’s not all about the cuisine. It’s about the experience.  That’s what the travel bug is…adventure and experiences.

So what is this Gourmet Inclusive Vacation? Quite frankly, the ultimate in All-Inclusive vacationing.

The experience starts the moment you walk in the resort. The Staff  greet you with a smile, a refreshing towel and a welcome cocktail. A nice touch. The overall atmosphere of the resorts exudes a relaxed, yet upscale environment. The decor is indicative of this. The landscaping reminds you of a tropical garden. The multiple pools ands swim up bars are along the white sand beaches, which feature beach beds. Nice. You are pampered with remarkable services and amenities such as beach butlers, concierge, turn-down, 24-hour room service. The bars serve premium beverages, gourmet appetizers and cuisine. The bartenders quickly learn your favorite drink. It’s ready for you the next time you return. The spa is simply “amazing,” making you feel like a new person.  No more stress.

The cuisine is spectacular. It is also been described as “Exquisite”and “Decadent.”

You get the picture ?

Gourmet is not stuffy. It is simply a new description of exceptional  hospitality.

In my opinion, it’s the way travel should be.

See you on the Beach!

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations