Friday, December 22, 2017

Which Caribbean Island is Best for Your Travel Type?

As temperatures drop, the desire for a vacation grows.  Instead of struggling to stay warm, how about escaping to eh tropical Caribbean?  Bur before you begin to plan, consider what type of traveler you are.  The vast array of islands to choose from can be overwhelming but luckily, there is an ideal destination for every type of traveler!  From shopaholics to adrenaline junkies, there is an island perfect for you and your ideal getaway.  Read on to see which Caribbean island you should head off to!

Foodies
Travel to Barbados

With an interesting blend of cultures and talented cooks, Barbados is one of the best destinations for all foodies. Embrace the unique combination of flavors from Africa, Caribbean, West India and Europe. To truly experience the authentic taste of Barbados, go to Oistins Fish Fry on a Friday night. Here, you can experience the mix of a seafood festival and a street party all while sampling the best Bajan Specialty– flying fish, breaded and fried to perfection! Savor the flavors and head over to Barbados for a taste you won't get anywhere else!
Romance
Travel to St. Lucia

Filled with endless tropical beauty, there's no doubt about why St. Lucia is known as one of the best honeymoon and romantic destinations. Picture a dreamy tropical island: beaches fringed by palm trees, lush vegetation, brightly colored parrots, and jagged mountain peaks. St. Lucia delivers all that and more! And when it comes to relaxation, there are plenty of renowned resorts and spas. So whether you choose to relax at the spa or explore the beautiful views, head to St. Lucia for the ideal romantic getaway for every couple!
Family
Travel to the Bahamas

The Bahamas is filled with fun activities for every family. From water sports to horseback riding, there is no such thing as boredom in the Bahamas! To really get the best experience, head over to Atlantis in Nassau– the famous resort that has its own water park, movie theater, aquarium, kids' club and much more. The whole family can roam around and ride all 17 waterslides, including the Mayan Temple, which provides a great view of sharks while sliding down! Make your family's dream vacation come true and go to the Bahamas!
Music
Travel to Jamaica

Fill your ears with the sound of a new culture! Being the birthplace of Bob Marley, there is no denying the incredible music scene of Jamaica. Witness the magic of music in the dance halls of Kingston or attend a sound–system dance party to experience the local mix of reggae, dancehall music and R&B. No matter where you are in Jamaica, you will be pleasantly overwhelmed by the sounds
Adventure
Travel to Aruba

Discover a new definition of adventure in Aruba! If you love water adventures, go kitesurfing or wreck diving. If you love land adventures, explore the ancient caves or rent an ATV to venture around Arikok National Park and end the day by taking a dip in the natural pool. If these aren't adventurous enough for you, get your adrenaline rushing by skydiving! No matter what type of adventure you are looking for, Aruba is the place for you!

Shopaholics
Travel to the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands are a shopper's dream come true! With duty–free shopping, you will save on watches, jewelry and luxury brand items. Shop around and explore the different malls, boutiques, specialty shops, but don't miss out on the craft markets! Here, you can find the most unique handcrafted merchandise, perfect for gifts. Everything you are looking for, from luxury brands to European fashion to local art, is found in the Cayman Islands. Visit the Cayman Islands to shop until you drop!

Culture
Travel to Curacao

Home to forty–two different nationalities, Curacao is a melting pot of culture. This island is full of history, which comes alive in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Willemstad. The colorful architecture and 700–year–old monuments represent the growing multicultural community of Curacao. To really get the feel of the melting pot, attend Carnival and witness the beautiful blend of cultures. Wherever you decide to go in Curacao, you will witness the rich culture and history!
1-800-645-1481
gpastor@dreamvacations.com

Re-posted with permission.


Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Our own Gail Pastor recognized as a Top 25 Travel Agent, Plus other 2017 Honors


Dream Vacations Specialist
Wins Prestigious Award

Hernando resident named a “Top 25 Travel Agent in the U.S.” by Travel Agent magazine

Hernando, Fla. (November 28, 2017) – Dream Vacations Franchise owner and Vacation Specialist Gail Pastor was recently named a “Top 25 All Star” by Travel Agent magazine. 

To be considered, nominees needed 10 or more years’ experience in the travel business, generate at least $1 million in annual sales for their agency and community involvement. Other qualities of those selected include skillful, savvy problem solvers and out-of-the-box thinkers.

“I am so humbled to be included on this prestigious list of the Top 25 Travel Agents in the U.S.,” said Pastor. “I truly love what I do and treat every vacation as if it were my very own. There is no greater feeling than to help make my client’s dream vacations come true and hear their vacation stories when they return home.”

Pastor began her travel career 25 years as one of the first travel agency franchise owners with CruiseOne (now Dream Vacations), and her accolades over the years include being recognized as a Franchisee of the Year and a member of the organization’s Circle of Excellence of Top-Producing Agents. She is active in her community, particularly with children’s organizations, American Cancer Society and her church.

“Gail is always our biggest champion and is a mentor to other agents, including her daughter and business partner Cheri. Together, they have become a mother/daughter powerhouse and exemplify the key traits of what we look for in a travel agent and as a person. That is integrity, passion, creativity and ingenuity,” said Debbie Fiorino, Senior Vice President of Dream Vacations.

As part of World Travel Holdings, one of the nation’s top travel retail networks, Dream Vacations offers consumers the lowest possible pricing on cruise and land vacations through its relationships with every major cruise line and many tour operators.

For more information or to book a dream vacation with Pastor, please call (800) 645-1481 or visit www.DreamVacations.com/GPastor.

About Dream Vacations
Dream Vacations is part of World Travel Holdings, the world’s largest cruise agency and award-winning leisure travel company. As an experiential brand, Dream Vacations is the only travel franchise opportunity to have a name that speaks to the variety of vacation experiences its franchisees sell. With unrivaled buying power, franchisees can provide competitive prices and exclusive offers when selling memorable vacation experiences such as cruises, resort stays and land tours.


Go here to view the newspaper article in our local paper.

Go here to view the original post by Travel Agent Central.


OTHER RECENT AWARDS

At our Dream Vacations conference in October 2017, we were thrilled to be honored in the following categories:

Circle of Excellence (4th year)
- An elite program that recognizes agents for top sales achievement

Top Groups Producer
- Awarded based on achieving the most group sales out of any other Dream Vacations / CruiseOne agent.

Top 5 Producers with these suppliers:

  • Royal Caribbean
  • Oceania
  • Viking Ocean Cruises
  • Shore Excursions Group
25 Years of Service
- Gail was recognized as one of only four Dream Vacations franchises to be with the company 25 years (from the beginning).


Thank you to all of our wonderful customers for your loyalty to our agency. It is our pleasure helping you plan your dream vacations!  We look forward to helping you for years to come.

Not yet a client with us?  Let us help you plan your next vacation!  In addition to crafting trips, we organize individual vacations, family vacations, cruises, river cruises, escorted land trip and Disney vacations.  

1-800-645-1481 
gpastor@dreamvacations.com 







Tuesday, October 3, 2017

"October is National Plan a Cruise Month"


Having trouble deciding where to plan your next vacation? Why not book a cruise and visit multiple destinations in a single trip without having to unpack and pack your belongings more than once. Call us today to help you decide on the best destinations and ports right for you. 

What better time to plan a cruise than National Plan a Cruise Month!!





Sunday, August 6, 2017

5 Reasons Why Cruise Vacations Are Better Than Resort Stays



If you're thinking about your next escape, you may be wondering whether cruise vacations or resort stays are the best option. Though both vacations have something to offer avid travelers, cruises tend to be the most versatile, inclusive, and exciting. Let's take a look at some of the main reasons why cruise vacations rule over resort stays:

Island Princess at Sea

1. Quality at Your Fingertips

Resorts offer activities and experiences to guests, but there's no level of quality and attention quite like that on a premier cruise line. When you go on a cruise vacation, you have so much more than unique shore excursions to look forward to — on board, you'll find top-quality Broadway-style shows, musical performances, and casino gaming. In addition to the onboard entertainment, there are also spas, art auctions, poolside activities, and plenty of opportunities to learn. As for the cuisine, a wide array of world-class, internationall-inspired dining options awaits you, including chocolate tastings from famed chocolatier Norman Love. You'll be surrounded by friendly staff who go that extra mile for you.



2. Something Fun for Everyone

Most cruise vacations involve activities for voyagers of every age — from babies and teens, to teens and adults. Whether you want to bring your family abroad for their best family cruise vacation yet, spend time with a best friend or loved one, or just treat yourself to a getaway cruise, you'll find activities that are guaranteed to inspire. If you're bringing a family, your children can safely play games and water sports while you try your hand at golf, relax in a spa, or dance the night away. Together, you can make any cruise vacation truly yours.

Mayan Ruins, Belize

3. An Ocean View

One especially great thing about cruise vacations is that you can enjoy a breathtaking ocean view. After a fun-filled day, cruises offer you the option to lay out on deck and stargaze like you never have before. Take in the illuminated swirl of the cosmos while your cruise ship peacefully glides along the sea. There's no other experience like it.

Caribbean

4. Excursions and Adventures

When you're cruising, you can take time to hop off your cruise ship on immersive shore excursions, which allow you to explore select ports. If you want to experience a variety of places, cultures, and cuisines, choose a cruise. Why not cruise to South America and see the amazing Iguazú Falls, or famous Machu Picchu — one of the most important UNESCO sites in Latin America? There are endless opportunities for adventure while on a cruise.

Iguazú Falls
5. A Variety of Experiences
Imagine visiting a different country every day. On a cruise, you can visit various islands, cities, and entire countries in a week or two at sea. When you cruise the Caribbean, you can visit ArubaBonaireGrenada, and Bahamas all within 10 days. Or, on a South America cruise, visit exotic Rio de Janeiro, explore rainforests in Limon, Costa Rica and enjoy spectacular wine tastings in Santiago, Chile.
Cruise vacations are meaningful experiences that will leave you with a lifetime of memories. When you cruise the open sea, exploring ports of call and taking in new cultural experiences with Princess Cruises, there's no question that you'll come back new.

Grenada, the "Isle of Spice"



Friday, May 12, 2017

New Zealand & Australia


Have you ever wanted to explore the South Pacific?  No better time than now to plan your trip to Australia and New Zealand.  And what better way to travel than to take a cruise. 

Come cruise with us!

Adventure, wildlife, architecture, spectacular scenery, vineyards and so much more. 

AUSTRALIA
An adventure wonderland that no one can resist.  At Wild Life Sydney you can get up close to koalas, walk amongst the red kangaroos, and go eye-to-eye with Rex – one of the world’s biggest crocodile.  Or visit one of the many other zoos the area has to offer.  Take an eco-tour through the Blue Mountains National Park where you are able to interact with the wildlife of Australia and take in breathtaking views at Wentworth Falls and Eaglehawk Lookouts. 


NEW ZEALAND
Home to scenic coastlines and penguin colonies.  If you take a tour through Dunedin be sure to check out Larnach Castel and its 5 spectacular gardens.  Don’t forget about the penguins at the Penguin Place.  Where you will learn about the life and ecology of the Yellow Eyed Penguin. 


 Check out the lava formations and seal-covered beaches in Wellington.  Or take a stroll through the charming city.  The lookout at Mount Victoria was used twice as a location in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

The Art Deco architecture of Napier is a must see.  As well as the many vineyard and wineries the area has to offer.  And if that wasn’t enough to get you interested, Napier also has the most comprehensive collection of marine life in the country.


If scenery is what you are looking for, explore the seaside town of Picton with its pristine water.   Wine aficionados are in for a treat with a tour through the Marlborough region, home to New Zealand’s most famous wines. 

You too can experience New Zealand on TWO Cruise & Crop Cruises....click on the photos to find out more information about each cruise.





Tuesday, January 17, 2017

Who are the Scrappy Chics?

We realize that when you are looking at our list of cruises you many not know all of our hosts.  We have so many talented Cruise & Crop hosts and teachers.  Today we will be meeting Vania King & Karen Morrow - host of the Scrappy Chics Cruise & Crop, 9/17/17.

Vania & Karen sailed on their first Cruise & Crop cruise in 2012 with Scraporium (of Lutz, FL).  They liked it so much they decided to host their own Cruise & Crop in 2016.  And now they have another cruise planned for later this year.

Here are a few photos of the girls, their crafting friends and a few projects they have taught in the past.

2016 Cruise & Crop cruisers





Projects for the 2017 cruise will be kept a secret.  But these photos give you an idea of what you could expect.

There is only ONE crafter's spot left on their 2017 Cruise & Crop.  Who's gonna get it??

Enjoy the colors of fall while you tour New England & Canada.









Saturday, January 14, 2017

Fantastic new Kits from a Cruise & Crop host

I was excited to see the new kits being offered by Everything Scrapbook & Stamps (Lake Worth, FL).  Michelle McCosh, owner of ESS, taught on one Cruise & Crop cruise in 2012.  She has followed with hosting & teaching on 3 others (2014, 2015 & 2016).  I had the privilege of cruising with her in 2014 and I LOVED it!  She is so talented and loves to share her talents in her own way.  She'll keep you laughing and make you glad you know her.  Don't miss the chance to cruise with her in 2017 onboard the Allure of the Seas!

Back to these cute kits....this month's Snowflake Kit starts off super cute and bundled in a dollie.  Nice touch!  The Snowflake Kit is their first installment in their memory keeping series.



Here is how Michelle describes the kits:
This is not your Grandmother’s Scrapbook, this is not a planner, this is not a calendar, it is none of those things and yet it is all of these things  – it is a way for Millennial’s, Gen X and Baby Boomers to take some time to record your memories, write down your inner thoughts and plan dreams for your future.  This book is for you.

If you are interested in buying this kit you can find it at:  http://everythingmixedmedia.com/shop/planners/the-snowflake-kit-january-2017/


If you'd like to sign up to cruise with Michelle so that she can share her talents with YOU, visit Cruise & Crop's website by clicking here.

EASTERN CARIBBEAN
Sailing from Ft. Lauderdale and visiting St. Maarten, Puerto Rico & Labadee
July 9 - 16, 2017
On Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Classes being offered:
Gelli Plate Monoprinting
Art Journaling
Planner Girl
Mixed Media

Group rates expire soon so don't miss out - BOOK TODAY!