Weekly Travel Specials

Hi Everyone,

• Disney has extended its Buy Four, Get Three Free Offer. You must book by January 24 to take advantage of this. Includes park tickets and is good for most weeks during 2009
• If you are thinking of visiting Disney in January, they are offering rooms at their Value Resorts as low as $49 per night
• Universal is getting into the act. They are offering a Buy Three, Get Two Free for most dates through December, 2009. Unfortunately, this offer isn't good for Presidents' Weekend or Spring Break.
• Latest offer I've received from Vegas is from the Luxor: Room rates as low at $50 per night through January.

Travel Tips:
If you are traveling out of the country, be careful you don't run up a big bill for your cell phone. Even if you never make a call, if it is turned on, you could incur roaming charges or special fees. Since some of the cruise ships are now using transponders to allow you to access your cell, it is important to check with your company to make sure you won't have a large bill at the end of your trip.

Special for bloggers of Fuller Travel: You may remember that last week I told you that we are entering "wave" season for cruises. There are a multitude of specials to choose from. Book your 2009 cruise in January of this year through Fuller Travel Service, Inc. and take $50 off the cost of your stateroom. This offer good for one stateroom per customer. Expires 1/31/09

Have a great week! Happy New Year!
Lynn

Weekly Travel Specials

Hi Everyone,
Sick of snow yet? Here are some wonderful warm weather deals:

• Apple Vacations is offering a 3 nt. all inclusive stayin Cancun with air from Detroit for as low as $399
• Celebrity Cruise Line is advertising a balcony stateroom for a seven night Eastern Caribbean cruise on February 8 for $899
• Disney has extended their Buy Four, Get Three offer through January 24. If you purchase a four night package, they will give you three additional nights, including park tickets. Valid for most weeks through spring.
  

If you are a skier and love the snow, fly Delta through Salt Lake City to Crested Butte, CO and get your lift tickets for free. Must book by Dec. 30 and travel before Mar. 30.

Other news: I am seeing hotel rooms on the strip in Las Vegas for as little as $49 per night (specific dates.)

January begins what the cruise lines call "wave season". The month of January is a particularly good time for spring and summer cruises with very good pricing.

FYI: If you are looking for a good website to keep track of air prices from a particular city, check out airfarewatchdog.com. They do a great job of updating airfare and also answering all types of travel questions. They are also a bit entertaining.

Don't forget Fuller Travel Service's group trips:

March 14-15 Chicago Girlfriend Getaway $200 includes bus, hotel, dinner, and breakfast
April 23 Ireland: Deposit Now!
October 25 Danube River Cruise: Deposit Now!
We have locked in 2008 pricing for both the European trips.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Lynn

Travel Specials and News, December 15

Hi Everyone,
Are you still trying to figure out those last minute gifts? Why not give the gift of travel? I have had several people either purchase a trip for a family member or contribute on someone's behalf to the cost of one of our group trips.
Another great gift may be luggage. Do you remember when that used to be a traditional graduation gift? If you haven't purchased luggage in a few years and are trying to stay below the 50 lb. limit for checked luggage, you might be better off with a new suitcase. The older pieces of luggage can account for up to one third of your weight allowance. New ultra light materials are helping you save your luggage allowance. Luggage companies have also responded to TSA rules about laptops and are producing hinged laptop bags that lay flat so that you don't have to take your laptop out of the bag.

Disney

Disney: In a previous blog I mentioned Disney's buy 4, get 3 deal. According to Mousesavers, Disney has rolled out a few other specials this week as well:

• Room only discount. For select weeks this winter and early spring, you can stay in one of Disney's value resorts for as little as $49 per night.
• 25% off Platinum Package. This premium package includes accommodations at a deluxe resort, three meals and two snacks per day, unlimited recreation and tours, a spa treatment, seats at Cirque du Soleil, a fireworks cruise and more. Must book by February 15.
• Disney's Cruise Line has discontinued their fuel supplements. Those of you planning a 3 night Disney Cruise will be able to take your children 12 and under free when accompanied by two full paying adults.

Cruise Lines

The cruise lines are offering deeply discounted sailings almost too numerous to mention. I have seen 7 day cruises for January as low as $399 per person.

Fuller Travel Service, Inc. Group Travel

Girlfriend Getaway Date Change!! We have changed the date of our Chicago Girlfriend Getaway to March 14-15. Cost is $200 per person and includes bus, hotel, dinner, and breakfast. $50 deposit holds your seat! Call now.

Ireland, April 23, 2009 Danube River Cruise, October 25, 2009

Have a great week!

Lynn

Travel Specials, December 8

Fuller Travel:
Ireland, April 23
Danube River Cruise, October 25
Girlfriend Getaway to Chicago, January 10. Deadline for reserving this trip: December 10.

Our Spartans are going to the Capital One Bowl in Orlando! This bowl game will be played on January 1 at 1:00pm in Orlando. Tickets are on sale now.

I just returned from Orlando. We hadn't driven in years but the lower gas prices were a welcome relief. Gas was as low as $1.41 per gallon this week off I65.

Las Vegas
Several of the hotels on the strip are offering specials. Here are a couple of those:

Signature at the MGM is offering a $169 room rate with a $100 resort credit

Bellagio has deluxe rooms through January for $129 a night, Sunday through Thursday

Disney

If you are thinking of a Disney vacation, you must book by December 20 to take advantage of Disney's Buy Four, Get Three Promotion. This promo will still be good for those of you on spring break the week of March 27, but you must book by December 20.

Cruise News

The cruise lines, one by one, are dropping those fuel supplements that were instituted last year.

Disney is also the latest cruise line to drop their fuel supplements for new bookings. If you've already booked a cruise and paid a fuel supplement, you may be eligible for an onboard credit.
Carnival is sponsoring a one day sale this Thursday with reduced rates, stateroom savings, and best available upgrades. 3 day sailings from $179, 5 day from $279.
If you can cruise in January, Celebrity has a 5 night Western Caribbean out of Miami for $379, ocean view!
Costa is advertising a 7 night Western Caribbean oceanview room on their January 4 sailing from $399!

All Inclusives
Tired of the snow already?
Riu All-Inclusive Resorts are offering great prices to get away from winter this January.

Also, Secrets and Dreams, luxury all-inclusives, are offering up to 50% off and up to $200 resort credit depending on the dates if booked by January 31. Travel must take place before the end of June, 2009. Four night minimum.

Miscellaneous

The National Museum of American History in Washington, DC just reopened after a lengthy renovation. Also, the new visitor's center for the US Capitol has opened its doors. It is reportedly spectacular. Should make life much easier for those wanting to visit the Capitol building.

Have a great week!

Lynn

Vacation Specials

Hi Everyone,
I hope you had a great Thanksgiving. This is short and sweet as I am in Cocoa Beach enjoying the sunshine.
Lynn

Fuller Travel Trips:
January 10-11 Girlfriend Getaway to Chicago. Call now!
April 23 -May 3 Ireland-deposit now.
October 25-Nov. 3 Danube River Cruise-deposit now.

Travel Specials Week of November 23

Hi Everyone,
As I write this it is 75 degrees here in Orlando. Weather is beautiful and the crowds are not very heavy-a great combination.

Our Girlfriend Getaway to Chicago, scheduled for January 10-11, is beginning to fill up. We still have a few spots. Join us for a great time.

Here are a few specials I've found this week:
Universal Studios in Orlando is launching a new ride: Rip, Ride, RockIt Roller Coaster. It's a multi media coaster. You pick the music and they videotape your entire experience. Universal has rolled out several specials. If you book a vacation package at Universal, it comes with early park admission so that you can get some of those really popular attractions out of the way before the rest of the world arrives.

Want to go to Disney but can't afford Disney resorts? The Radisson Orlando has a "Staycation" for $79 a night with a $30 food and beverage credit.

Dreams, one of the luxury all-inclusives, has just opened 5 new resorts in the Caribbean. Stay at any of these resorts through January for $139 per person per night, 3 night minimum.

Vegas is rolling out several hotel specials for January that are too numerous to mention in this blog. If you're interested in Vegas, give me a call.

Princess Cruises still has their balcony bonanza special. Purchase an oceanview cabin on select cruises including some to Alaska, the Mediterranean, and the Caribbean and receive an upgrade to a balcony stateroom.

Tips for Holiday Travel:

1. Avoid December 23, 26 and Jan. 2.
2. If at all possible, fly on the holiday.
3. Check out alternate airports.
4. Vacation packages are sometimes cost efficient during holiday periods
5. Last minute fares won't happen this year. Book now.

Have a great week!

Lynn

Travel Specials, Week of November 16

Keep in mind:
Fuller Travel Service Tours: January 10-11: Girlfriend Getaway to Chicago, register now!
April 23, 2009: Best of Ireland, 10 day tour, deposit now to lock in 2008 pricing.
October 25, 2009: Danube Discover: Vienna to Nuremberg River Cruise, only a few cabins remain.

Disney's Buy 4, Get 3 Promotion is one of the best they have had in a long time. Purchase a four night Disney package and they will give you three additional nights including tickets! Travel before the March 29 and get a $200 Disney gift card as well.
By the way, although this won't save you any money, it is interesting: Disney is teaming with Verizon to enhance the guest experience. You will be able to get up to the minute special activity info on your cell phone. You'll be able to locate shows, restaurants, get real-time attraction availability, locations of Disney characters, etc.
Disney is also adding 3D theatres to their cruise ships begining next month.

If you have ever thought of an escorted tour and plan to take your children, check out Adventures by Disney. They provided a number of different itineraries, foreign and domestic, and plan activities for all ages. Disney understands how to travel with children. This is an awesome program.

If you are thinking of flying over spring break, start looking at your airfares. I saw a big increase in those Michigan to Florida fares for that time period just this week.

Royal Caribbean: If you are active or retired military and book through November, you will receive up to $200 off the price of your cruise and this offer can be extended to friends up to 2 additional staterooms.

First time cruisers on Royal Caribbean: Book between November 24-30 and receive up to $100 off your stateroom.

Celebrity is offering special pricing on last minute sailings. For instance, if you are available on 12/7/08, oceanview cabins are available for a 7 night Eastern Caribbean cruise for $649. If your are familiar with Celebrity, you'll know what a great bargain this is.

Carnival Cruise Lines: Past passenger sale this week! 3 & 4 day sailings as low as $179. 7 day sailings as low as $429

Thinking about attending the Presidential Inauguration? So are about 2 million other people. Hotels are full or filling, charging premium prices or mandating a certain length of stay. If you just can't stay away, consider staying outside DC and using public transportation.

Travel Specials, Week of November 9

Travel Specials

Spartan Fans: Dare we hope? I've been looking at airfare, hotels, and cars in the event we do get to go South for New Year's. Depending on when you want to go, airfare may be a bit pricey as are the rental cars at this time of the year. The good news is that hotel rooms are plentiful in Orlando. If MSU goes to the Capital One Bowl and you go to that site for tickets, check out the little note in the corner of the ticket page that tells you that the west side of the stadium is Big Ten Country.

The cruise lines continue to publish some outrageous sales. Remember these prices were good when I wrote this. They can be discontinued at any time. Here are a few:

Carnival has some specials on their Christmas sailings which are usually quite pricey. I'm seeing packages for as little as $269 plus taxes and fees. Last minute cruises for Thanksgiving are as low as $149 plus taxes and fees.

Princess continues their balcony promotion. Buy an oceanview cabin and receive an upgrade to a balcony. Subject to availability.

Royal Caribbean has a sale on November 11 (Veteran's Day): Example: 5 night Western Caribbean leaving yet this month: Inside: $219 plus fees.

Celebrity Century sails on the 24th of December for a 5 night cruise and inside cabins are as low as $599.

Holland America has a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise starting at $499 on specific dates.

The Royal Hideaway Playacar is giving up to $500 per couple air credit when booking through January 26, 2009.

Even Disney is having a sale. Buy a 4 night/4 day package, get a 7 night/7 day package. If you travel between January 4 and March 29 you will also get a $200 Disney gift card.
This package must be booked by December 20, 2008.

Don't miss these Fuller Travel trips:

Girlfriend Getaway: Chicago, January 10-11. Trip includes bus, hotel, dinner, breakfast. $200 per person based on double occupancy. Maximum 45 participants.

Ireland: April 23, 2009. We still have seats for this 10 day trip. Call for pricing and availability.

Danube River Cruise: October 25, 2009. Unpack once and see Vienna, Krems, Melk, Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremburg. Only a few cabins left.

If you don't see anything that interests you, give me a call. I have access to a great deal of pricing.

Lynn

Travel Specials:

Carnival Cruise Lines is celebrating their Past Guest Appreciation Week. Select sailings begin at $219 plus a stateroom upgrade. Must book by 12/31/08.
Carnival also has some senior specials this week beginning at $149.
By the way, Carnival is going to be stepping up their departures from the Port of Baltimore. Baltimore is an easy one hour flight from Detroit.
Princess Cruise Line has several weekly specials. This is a prime time to book for 2009.
Note: Those of you who have spring break a week early this year will find very competitive fares.

Have you discovered the Riviera Nayarit? It is located about 10 miles north of the Puerto Vallarta Airport and at the heart of Banderas Bay. Great golf, great beaches, great pricing.

Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas has a winter special that allows you to save up to 30%. It is a 4 day/3nt package from $449. If you book an air-inclusive package, you may get up to $500 in rebates. Conditions apply. This is a world class resort.

Disney tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are on sale now.

Disney has a great special for its Disney cruisers. Anyone sailing on a Disney 4 or 7 day cruise this winter will have the opportunity to book a second 3 day cruise for only $99 per person. Call me for details.

Clients who visit one of Disney's theme parks on their birthday in 2009 can get in free. Already have a multi-day pass? Disney will give you an alternative treat. Must register in advance.


Note: All of these special were accurate when this blog posted. They are all subject to change or termination.

Baltimore Travel

I just returned from the Home Based Travel Agent Show in Baltimore where I learned about some great travel deals. Call me if you think you might be cruising this spring.

Some tips regarding Baltimore:

Supershuttle from the airport: Good option. It's about a 20 minute ride from the airport to the Inner Harbor.

The Inner Harbor is a great tourist area with an abundance of restaurants and stores. Camden Yards, Home of the Baltimore Orioles, is within walking distance as is the football stadium for the Baltimore Ravens.

The Baltimore Convention Center is also very close.

In the past month I've stayed in two different hotels near the Inner Harbor: The Marriott Courtyard Inner Harbor and the Marriott Residence Inn. Both hotels are convenient to the Inner Harbor area and both are very nice. My preference would be the Residence Inn. Breakfast is included each morning and during the week an evening manager's social is included. This easily replaced dinner!