All-Inclusive Vacations

All-Inclusive Vacations in 2009!

A Mystic Travel — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:26:00 +0000

You may think you can’t afford a vacation this year, with the low economy and the rising cost of living.

Well here’s a travel news flash: The cost of a vacation is actually going DOWN in 2009, and one of the best ways to get even more bang for your buck is to go on an all-inclusive vacation.

There were quite a few all inclusive resorts that opened at the end of 2008 and many more due to open in 2009. Such as Secrets Resorts, Dreams Resorts, in Mexico and the Dominican Republic. It is really the way to vacation now a days. With all-inclusive vacations, you’ll get your accommodations, food, drinks and tips —wrapped into one price. Who wouldn’t want that? You don’t have to spend another dime on your vacation unless you want to. For instance, it may cost extra to go sightseeing, zip-lining and much more or just relax at the resort for free and be catered too whenever needed.

The best way to book your all-inclusive vacation is through a travel agent. They have an array of packages to choose from and almost always get the best deals! There is a resort for families, couples and don’t forget when the girls just want to get away and have fun and relax, there is a resort for that to, as well as for the men.
Looking for the perfect wedding experience, well look know further than an all-inclusive resort. They have a wedding coordinator on the grounds at all times and they do all the work and you just show up. What more could you ask for!

As you can see All-Inclusive Resorts have come along way, and it seems like the perfect vacation for such a sluggish economy. Give us a call and we will help you get started on that perfect all-inclusive resort vacation!!

Should You Check or Ship Your Bags?

A Mystic Travel — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 00:49:22 +0000

If you’re like most travelers, you’ve probably never considered shipping your luggage ahead of you instead of carrying it with you on a trip. Sure, over the holidays you might mail a few gifts to your destination instead of having the TSA root through your suitcase and ruin your perfect wrapping job, but otherwise it probably seems more practical, convenient and economical to check your bags with your airline.

But is this still the case? Most major airlines are now charging travelers to check a first or second bag on domestic flights — even as they continue to mishandle luggage in record numbers. (If you thought luggage delays were frustrating before, imagine how you’ll feel if your airline loses a bag that you paid $25 to check!) And if your bag is overweight, be prepared to shell out $50 or more in penalties on top of whatever fees you’re already paying for the privilege of checking that bag.

In light of these changes, shipping your suitcase may suddenly look like a more attractive alternative. While it’s still generally more expensive to ship a suitcase than to check it, the latest airline fees have narrowed the cost differential — and what you gain in convenience and reliability may be worth paying a few extra bucks.

To help you “weigh” your options, we’ve outlined the pros, cons and costs of checking bags versus shipping them. We’ve included information on standard delivery services (such as UPS and FedEx) as well as specialty luggage handlers like Luggage Forward and Luggage Concierge.

One important note: Shipping is generally not an economical option if you’re flying overseas. Most airlines still allow travelers to check two bags for free on international flights, and shipping a bag outside the United States can easily cost as much as your airfare. The information below is geared toward domestic travelers.

Checking Bags
Who: All major airlines

Price: This varies by airline. On domestic flights, most airlines have begun charging passengers to check a single bag. These airlines include American, AirTran, Continental, Delta/Northwest, United, US Airways and Spirit, all of whom charge $15 for the first bag you wish to check. JetBlue and Southwest continue to allow passengers to check one bag free of charge. Beyond that first bag, you’ll have to pay on nearly every airline. On JetBlue, it’s $20, and on AirTran, American, Continental, Delta/Northwest, Spirit and US Airways, you’ll pay $25. United charges $50 for a second bag.

In most cases these fees do not apply to elite fliers, passengers who have paid full fare on a particular route, and travelers flying internationally beyond the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. Check your airline’s Web site for exact terms and conditions.

Pros:

Despite the new fees, checking your bags is usually still the cheapest option for travelers bringing only one or two pieces of luggage.

Checking bags is convenient if you are a last-minute packer, since you don’t need to make advance arrangements for dropping off your bag or having it picked up.

When the system works properly, your luggage departs and arrives at the same time you do, no matter what time or day of the week it is.Cons:

Even if you pay a fee to check a bag, there’s no guarantee that the airline won’t lose or mishandle your luggage.

You’ll have to wait in line to check your bags before your flight, and then wait again at the baggage carousel after you arrive. (Got a stopover? You may even have to do this more than once!)

Schlepping your own bags to and from the airport can be tiring, and it’s less convenient than having a shipping service do all the work for you.

If your bags are overweight or you’re checking more than two items, you could pay dearly in airline penalties — making shipping a more economical option. Standard Delivery Services
Who: FedEx, UPS, DHL, the United States Postal Service and other all-purpose shipping companiesPrice: The cost varies widely based on the size and weight of your bag, the distance it needs to travel, and the speed of service that you select. To send a 40-pound suitcase from New York to San Francisco in five days, UPS quoted us a fee of $48.91. Want it there in three days? The price skyrockets to $119.Raise the weight of the bag to 60 pounds, and UPS charges $65.13 for five-day delivery — which could be less than the penalties you’ll pay for exceeding your airline’s weight limit. (Most airlines charge fees for any bags exceeding 50 pounds.)

Pros:

These services are quite reliable and will generally give you a tracking number so that you can keep tabs on the whereabouts of your bag.

They’re less expensive than specialized luggage services, and (as in the example above) could be more economical than checking a bag with your airline under certain circumstances.

Shipping your bags ahead of time allows you to skip check-in lines and waiting around at baggage claim.Cons:

UPS, FedEx and the like do not offer as much personal service as the smaller luggage shipping companies.

You may need to drop your bag off at a designated shipping location or arrange for a special pickup several days before your trip.

Service may only be available on business days.

In most cases, shipping your bags will be pricier than checking them on your airline. Luggage Shipping Companies
Who: Luggage Forward, Luggage Concierge, Luggage Free, Luggage Club, Sports Express and many othersPrice: To send a 40-pound bag between New York and San Francisco, the lowest price we found on Luggage Forward was $94 each way (for delivery within four to seven days). Luggage Free, which charges per pound, gave us a quote of $66 for five-day delivery of a 40-pound bag, plus a fuel charge that varies by market and a standard pickup fee of $40.Pros:

Because these companies are fairly small, you’ll get a lot of personal attention. If your itinerary changes, an agent will handle all the details of rerouting your luggage.

These companies are experienced at dealing with luggage in all shapes and sizes, including skis, surf boards, golf clubs, bicycles and monster-sized bags.

The luggage shipping services generally guarantee that your bags will arrive on time and unscathed — which is more than you can expect from an airline!

As with the standard shipping companies, using these luggage shipping companies will allow you to bypass check-in lines and baggage carousels. Instead, your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel when you arrive.Cons:

Personalized service comes at a price. These companies will almost always be your most expensive option.

Like the standard delivery companies, these agencies typically do not deliver on weekends (though some Saturday services may be available).

You’ll need to plan ahead enough to pack early and arrange for a pickup time before you leave for your trip.

5 Things to consider before Cruising

A Mystic Travel — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:15:08 +0000

Cruising can be an exciting and affordable vacation option. Of course, it’s important to find the right cruise at the right price for your getaway. Remember, there are more than 160 ships in the fleets of the 24 major cruise lines and thousands of itineraries worldwide.

Here’s what to consider when selecting your cruise.

1.Style of ship and cruise line
Cruise lines have their own distinct personalities and ships that reflect them. The size of a ship really does matter. Large ship cruise lines Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International provide a party atmosphere with glitz and high energy. Small ship operators like Silversea Cruises and Seabourn focus on quiet luxury and a more refined experience.

2.Where to go
Cruise ships can take you almost anywhere, from the Caribbean or Europe to Asia or Antarctica. When you’ve found a trip you love, go over the schedule carefully. If traveling internationally make sure you have valid passports, visas, and any required immunizations. If you need to fly to your cruise port make sure you allow enough time to get to the ship. Ideally you should try to get to the port at least a day in advance; this added buffer allows you to start off your hard-earned cruise vacation with less stress.

3.When to go
The holidays, spring break and summer are high season which usually means higher prices. The shoulder seasons of mid-fall and early spring offer great cruise deals, and may be even more appealing than high season. An Alaska, European or Caribbean cruise in May or September, when the kids are in school, means there should be fewer people in port. Just before and after shoulder season, cruise lines move their ships from one home port to another in a strategic fleet movement that’s called “repositioning.” Of course, those ships don’t move around empty; instead, what you get is a “repositioning cruise” (or “repo cruise”) — a unique, one-way itinerary that is available only once a year. Repositioning cruises are often highly discounted meaning they are a great value.
Lastly, some of the cheapest cruises come during the Caribbean’s hurricane season, particularly in September and October. The price can come at a cost though — your itinerary may be changed and your cruise could be shortened or prolonged.

4.Pick a stateroom
Consider your itinerary when reserving a stateroom. If you can afford to splurge, a balcony stateroom provides you a private space to relax and get away from the crowded decks. Still, not all cruises are ideal for balconies. A trans-Atlantic crossing doesn’t make a lot of sense for a balcony since the ship is at sea for days and the weather is often cold or too windy to enjoy the space. On the other hand, the appeal of a balcony on an Alaska, Caribbean, European or South American cruise offers amazing scenery that should not be missed. Smaller inside staterooms are adequate for budget-minded cruisers who seem more likely to spend most of their time utilizing the ship’s public spaces. A great cabin can make or break your cruise. If you’re on a romantic getaway don’t assume you’ll get a bed for two. Check with the cruise line to make sure you reserve a stateroom that offers a queen or king bed option, not fixed twins or pull-down pullman beds.
Lastly, study the ship’s deck plan. Passengers with disabilities might want to book near elevators. Watch out for staterooms with obstructed views — usually the lifeboat deck and those with close proximity to noisy areas like lounges, discos, theaters, pool areas, room service and steward service areas. Staterooms midship on lower decks are best for those prone to seasickness.

5.Getting the best price
Cruise lines offer travelers a host of discounts, so consider every source when looking for a deal. Also, if you’ve previously cruised with a cruise line you may be in for a repeat cruiser discount.The majority of cruises are booked by travel agents. Many cruisers prefer to use a local travel agent, so when you talk to an agent, ask about last minute specials and if they are holding any group space on various cruises. But keep in mind for popular itineraries the best prices are often booked months in advance.
Lastly, watch your spending once onboard. Cruise lines do not make the bulk of their profits from the actual cruise fare — they make it from onboard spending options like bar tabs, spa services, shore excursions, and boutique purchases.

If you follow these five things, you should be able to board the cruise ship without a care in the world

Bon voyage!

What a great way to spend a special event!

A Mystic Travel — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:50:21 +0000

Run out of ideas for a Magical Wedding that none of your friends have had, let a lone gone to.
Or a Family Reunion, that will never be forgotten.
Well try this out for size…

“The Aloha State”

Presents American Safari Cruises

Discover Hawaii’s Old Traditions in a Unique New Way
As Hawaii celebrates its 50th anniversary of statehood – and
American Safari Cruises celebrates its own 10th anniversary -
join us for a unique yacht adventure in America’s very own tropical isles.

What a wonderful opportunity to have this entire yacht for a family reunion or wedding!!!!

American Safari Cruises becomes the first cruise line to offer unstructured inter-island yacht cruising in Hawaii, where the next “port” may not be a port at all. Instead, it may be a passage rich with wildlife, a secluded sandy beach or a quiet cove where guests explore their surroundings on the shore or in the water.

On the eight-day, seven-night Hawaii cruises the 36-guest Safari Explorer sails one-way between Kailua-Kona on the Big Island and Kahului on Maui. Guests see and experience the islands from a different perspective than at a high-end resort or on a large cruise ship. This is a new way to see the islands; places you can only explore by yacht. Among the included shore excursions is a helicopter tour over the Big Island’s Volcanoes National Park, a visit to colorful Lahaina on Maui to hike the nearby lush environment, meeting intriguing locals along the way, and night cruising along the Big Island where Kilauea’s lava sometimes flows spectacularly into the sea.

The Safari Explorer provides elegant accommodations in a casual atmosphere. There is an overall spa influence with complimentary massages from an onboard masseuse, yoga classes, sauna, and on-deck whirlpool spa and exercise equipment. The Safari Explorer features a wine library for special tastings. The main salon has a large-screen TV/DVD and video library. A variety of 18 staterooms are available. All feature TV/DVD players, a windowed door or view window, and private baths, some with Jacuzzi tubs. NEW Commodore Suites feature a separated sitting area and a sliding glass door overlooking a small balcony.

When is the best time to book this wonderful vacation? NOW, So call today
toll free 800-268-8986 at All-Inclusive Vacations.

What are you waiting for let’s get started on this inclusive active Hawaiian Islands 8 day / 7 night exclusive yacht adventure.

American Safari Cruising yachts can be booked by the cabin or as a full-yacht charter. Family reunions, 50th wedding anniversaries, milestone birthdays and other significant events are extremely popular due to the private nature of the yacht experience and the closeness to wildlife.