Value Maximizing with Virtuoso Self-booking
More and more people are self-booking via My Virtuoso Webpag
More and more people are self-booking via My Virtuoso Webpage. I am very proud to be a Virtuoso member and don't mind if you book yourself, but I will be checking in with the hotel directly on your behalf when I am notified you booked referencing me as your agent.. So, please keep the following in mind so I can make and reinforce requests. Thanks to Gmail email scheduling, I will write an email soon after you book and schedule another to arrive around 72 hours prior to your check-in.
Remember, I am not just a Virtuoso Member, I am also a member of other elite programs that often overlap. In some cases I may even switch programs if it lowers price and/or adds value. (Such as increasing odds of an upgrade)
To help me maximize your value, keep the below in mind.
If possible, please let me know the time you expect to arrive and the time you plan to leave. Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability) is a Virtuoso perk. The sooner we get those requests in, the better. If it is for a special occasion, let me know as well. Birthdays, anniversaries, even if it's just your first time in the destination.
Do you want a quiet room, one close to an elevator, a high floor, or a low floor? If you're going to miss your children or your dog, send me a picture, and I'll forward it.
There are two things I'd like to remind you about five-star hotels. First, they are staffed by hospitality professionals. The more opportunities you give them to be hospitable, the better they will do. I am not just a Virtuoso member; I have cultivated many other overlapping special relationships. Luxury travel is just as much a matter of who you know as what you know. I also will CC US sales managers when I make requests. If you are booking a Virtuoso partner, it's likely a high-quality and high-priced option. Generally speaking, the more a five-star hotel is communicated with, the better they will do for you
Sardinia, Italy's Hidden Gem: The Perfect Beach Break to Conclude Your Italian Adventure
Sardinia, the next place (after Puglia) we are all going to be going to next.
icture this: you've traversed the bustling streets of Rome, marveled at the art in Florence, and savored the flavors of Naples. Now, as your Italian sojourn nears its end, there's no better way to wrap it up than with a tranquil beach break in Sardinia. This idyllic island, nestled in the Mediterranean, is a hidden gem that boasts pristine beaches, rugged landscapes, rich history, and a culture all its own. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the enchanting island of Sardinia, and we'll even share how to navigate the only tricky part of your journey – finding the perfect flight schedule back to the USA.
A Glimpse into Sardinia's History
Sardinia's history is a mosaic of civilizations that have left their indelible mark on this island. Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Vandals, Byzantines, and Moors have all contributed to the island's unique cultural tapestry. The remnants of their presence can be explored through ancient Nuragic sites, Roman ruins, and medieval castles, painting vivid stories of a bygone era.
Nature's Masterpiece: Breathtaking Landscapes
Sardinia's landscapes are nothing short of breathtaking. From the rugged cliffs of the Costa Smeralda to the pristine beaches of Chia and the awe-inspiring Gola Su Gorropu, the island offers a diverse array of natural wonders. The emerald waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the untouched forests of Gennargentu National Park, and the towering limestone cliffs will leave you spellbound. Hiking, swimming, and exploring the island's unique geological formations are all essential experiences for any visitor.
A Food Lover's Paradise
Sardinia's cuisine is a mouthwatering blend of Italian and Mediterranean flavors. The island is renowned for its seafood, hearty pasta dishes, and the locally-produced pecorino cheese. Delight in dishes like culurgiones (Sardinian dumplings), malloreddus (Sardinian gnocchi), and porceddu (suckling pig) at local restaurants. Don't forget to pair your meal with the island's delightful wines, such as Cannonau, known for its rich and robust flavor.
Unique Traditions and Festivals
Sardinia's culture is deeply rooted in traditions and folklore. The island hosts a multitude of unique festivals and events throughout the year, providing a glimpse into its vibrant heritage. The Carnival of Mamoiada, renowned for its eerie Mamuthones masks and mysterious rituals, and the Cavalcata Sarda, a colorful celebration featuring traditional Sardinian costumes and equestrian displays, are just a few examples of the rich cultural experiences that await.
Sardinian Hospitality
Sardinians are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality. When you visit the island, you'll experience their genuine friendliness and a strong sense of community that is deeply ingrained in their culture. Locals are more than willing to share their stories and traditions with travelers, making your trip even more memorable.
Exploring Sardinia
To make the most of your visit, consider exploring cities like Cagliari, the capital, known for its historic old town and beautiful Poetto Beach. Alghero is another charming town with Catalan influences, while Olbia serves as the gateway to the famed Costa Smeralda. To truly experience Sardinia's charm, consider renting a car and exploring the island at your own pace.
The Final Frontier: Flight Schedules
As your enchanting journey in Sardinia draws to a close, the only challenge you might face is securing a convenient flight schedule back to the USA. However, it's worth noting that on certain days of the week, it is possible to find flight schedules with only one stop to major airports like Los Angeles (LA), Denver, and San Francisco (SFO). This makes returning home from Sardinia a smooth and convenient experience, allowing you to cherish the memories you've made on this beautiful island.
Conclusion
Sardinia is a destination that offers an intoxicating blend of natural beauty, rich history, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, a food enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authentic experiences, Sardinia has something for everyone. This enchanting island is a hidden gem in the Mediterranean, waiting to be discovered by those who seek adventure and cultural enrichment. So, pack your bags and embark on a journey to Sardinia, a place that promises memories to last a lifetime and a smooth return home, thanks to well-planned flight schedules.
Football fan with a definite win and a second one possible.
An example of saving $8k on airfare with the chance of another big win
I’ve got a client that wants to do a Mekong Cruise and he wants to do the best Mekong Cruise. And that is on Lindblad’s Jahan. That’s the best one, hands down. Then he has some plans in and around Singapore.
He’s also a United 2K and… a Niners fan.
He also thinking that there are fair odds that the 49ers will end up in SFO for the Playoffs on January 28th. He has to be in Seim Reap Cambodia by the 31st. So, that seems like a heck of a gamble, but it’s not why he’s doing it, it’s a possible fringe benefit.
The real benefit is SFO airfare prices to Asia.
Here is the price from Denver about $9105 per person, he isn’t going alone, so that’s $18210.
And here… is the price from SFO $4743 or $9486… for two, close to HALF as much.
He will use miles to fly first class between Denver and SFO, but those tickets are just $677 a person. He’s going to save $8724, but most people would only save $7370.
Does he have to stay the night in SFO? No, but he really should. By doing this with two different tickets he has one contract of carriage Denver to SFO and another one SFO to Saigon. Even if it’s all on United, if he gets delayed out of Denver enough to miss the flight to Asia, he could be looking at a catastrophic problem to still make his cruise, but the 28th, he noted, is the day that the playoffs are. So, Maybe he will save $8K and see his beloved Niners win the playoffs.
Now I have to find a spot where he can watch the Superbowl from in Saigon at the end of the Cruise.
HAHAHA Wild, hunh? It’s good to travel with multiple angles of satisfaction!!
Black Friday
Now folks, I get a TON of marketing offers. Every travel company in the world wants me to give them YOUR contact info. I don’t do that, but I just had a client say she wished she knew about Black Friday Deals and so… This blog goes out to you.
Hotels
Rosewood Elite Exclusive Black Friday & Cyber Monday
This one you need a Rosewood elite agent to take advantage of Like myself. Some of my favorite Rosewoods are their Tuscany, San Miguel de Allende, New York (that one is slipping, but I have an emotional attachment to it) Paris, Santa Fe, BVI and of course, St Barts. Here is a link to all of their properties. Rosewood Property list.
NIZUC Resort & Spa Black Friday Rates
By far my favorite hotel in the Cancun Hotel Zone, by a mile, by 10 miles. I don’t know if this offer also works with Preferred Platinum rates, those you need me to book.
Celebrating the Festive Season in the Caribbean with Belmond
The best hotel in the Mayan Riviera as well as one of the best hotels in the Caribbean still has festive (holiday) space. Definitely call me for these. I’m part of their elite program too and I LOVE these hotels.
Exclusive to Rocco Forte Friends - Black Friday Starts Now
Nice stuff, but just the UK ones. Balmoral is my favorite hotel in Edinburgh and I love the Browns in London. I must say, that if this included Sicily or Italy. I’d be making a bigger deal out of this.
Tour Companies
Collette Vacations.
20% off
Delta Vacations
SKYMILES® MEMBER BLACK FRIDAY OFFER — SAVE UP TO $300
Your clients love the holidays. But did you know, millions of days worth of unused Paid Time Off (PTO) vanish each year like the last slice of pumpkin pie?
That's why this year, we're running a Black Friday offer all November long: 'Tis the Season to Use All Your PTO.
A little nudge from you can make all the difference for them. That’s why we’ve got a little something for you too: When you book your clients with this offer, you can choose between them saving up to $300!
CIE Tours-Black Friday Event
Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Black Friday Sale
Virgin Voyages Black Friday Sale
Quark Expeditions
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Scenic Cruise Lines. It’s combinable with the 2-1 sale!!
Uniworld, also, one of 2 other lines I’ll put up against Scenic for River cruises.
Anakonda
Because the Amazon also has river cruises, and they are AWESOME and the Ecuadorian Amazon is really special.
Airlines
Qatar
Enjoy Business Class fares starting from $3,310 and Economy Class fares starting from $810.*
Demystifying the Hotel Star Rating System
Is that hotel a five star? Who says?
It's essential to note that hotels can rate themselves, and in addition to self-assessments, various reputable organizations, such as AAA, Forbes Travel Guide, Frommer's, and Condé Nast, also assign ratings to hotels. This multi-rating system can sometimes lead to discrepancies and variations in the assigned ratings for the same hotel. Let's explore this aspect in more detail.
Multiple Rating Systems
Hotel Self-Ratings: Many hotels perform self-assessments to assign star ratings to themselves. These self-assessments are often based on their own criteria and standards, and while they can provide valuable insights, they may sometimes be influenced by marketing considerations.
AAA: The American Automobile Association (AAA) is well-known for its Diamond Rating system, which rates hotels and restaurants on a scale of one to five diamonds. AAA's inspections are rigorous, covering a wide range of criteria, including cleanliness, service, and amenities.
Forbes Travel Guide: Forbes Travel Guide employs a star rating system to evaluate luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. Their professional inspectors conduct anonymous visits to assess various aspects of the guest experience, such as service, accommodations, and dining.
Frommer's: Frommer's, a trusted travel guidebook series, also offers its own ratings and reviews of hotels. Their ratings are typically based on their travel experts' experiences and evaluations.
Condé Nast Traveler: Condé Nast Traveler is renowned for its Readers' Choice Awards, where travelers themselves rate and review hotels. The publication also has its own team of editors who offer their assessments.
Variations in Ratings
Because different rating systems use distinct criteria and evaluation methods, it's not uncommon to see variations in the assigned ratings for the same hotel. For example, a hotel might rate itself as a four-star property, while AAA may assign it a three-diamond rating, and Forbes might rate it as a four-star hotel. These variations can stem from differences in the importance placed on specific features or services during the evaluation process.
What to Consider as a Traveler
As a traveler, it's important to be aware of these variations and to consider the source of the ratings when making your decision. To get a comprehensive understanding of a hotel's quality, you can:
Consult Multiple Sources: Look at ratings and reviews from multiple rating organizations, guidebooks, and travel websites to get a well-rounded view of the property.
Read Guest Reviews: Pay attention to guest reviews and feedback, as they offer real-world experiences and insights that can be more valuable than numerical ratings alone.
Consider Your Preferences: Remember that star ratings are general guidelines. Your personal preferences and travel objectives should also play a significant role in your decision-making process.
In conclusion, the presence of multiple rating systems for hotels underscores the importance of being an informed traveler. By researching and considering various sources of information, you can make a more confident choice when booking accommodations on your own. Of course, if you go through me, I do all of the same and additionally draw upon sources that regular folks don’t have. However, these tips should help you pick the best place for your next adventure abroad. Happy Travels!
Elevate Your Travel Experience: Exploring the Charm of Boutique Hotels and two places to find them
I’m so passionate about boutique hotels. Here are some of the things that make a boutique a boutique and where you may find some good ones.
When it comes to travel, I believe in the power of personalized experiences, unique atmospheres, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture. Boutique hotels offer precisely that and much more, and they are my specialty at Counsel Travel. In this article, I'll take you on a journey through the world of boutique hotels, highlighting what makes them so special, and why you should consider them for your next adventure.
The Essence of Boutique Hotels
Boutique hotels are truly a world unto themselves. These intimate, one-of-a-kind accommodations redefine the travel experience by offering a refreshing alternative to the impersonal feel of chain hotels. They typically have fewer than 100 rooms, which creates an intimate setting where every guest feels like a VIP.
Design and Aesthetics
One of the things that sets boutique hotels apart is their meticulous attention to design. These hotels are known for their unique, thoughtfully curated interiors that tell a story, whether it's about the local culture, history, or a specific theme. From historic mansions turned charming inns to contemporary oases in bustling cities, boutique hotels pride themselves on creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and deeply meaningful.
Personalized Service
Boutique hotels take hospitality to the next level with their personalized service. The smaller guest-to-staff ratio means that every guest's needs can be addressed promptly and attentively. Many boutique hotels go above and beyond to make your stay unforgettable, offering services like personalized welcome amenities, concierge assistance, and even arranging unique local experiences.
Culinary Delights
Food plays a central role in the boutique hotel experience. Many of these hotels feature on-site restaurants led by renowned chefs who craft menus that highlight local flavors and ingredients. Dining at these establishments often feels like a culinary journey, with carefully curated wine lists and a focus on creating unforgettable dining experiences.
Immersive Cultural Experiences
Boutique hotels often collaborate with local artisans, artists, and tour operators to give guests a taste of the local culture. From guided tours led by passionate locals to art exhibitions showcasing regional talent, staying at a boutique hotel is an opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the destination.
Unique Locations
Boutique hotels can be found in some of the world's most breathtaking and unusual locations. Whether perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, nestled in a vineyard, or tucked away in a historic neighborhood, these hotels offer a chance to connect with nature or the heart of the city.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices
Many boutique hotels are leaders in sustainability and eco-friendly practices. They take pride in reducing their environmental footprint with initiatives like energy-efficient lighting, recycling programs, and locally sourced goods. Staying in a boutique hotel often means you're contributing to a more sustainable and responsible form of travel.
A Personal Touch
One of the most enchanting aspects of boutique hotels is the personal touch that permeates every aspect of your stay. From handwritten welcome notes to remembering your preferred morning beverage, these small gestures add a layer of warmth and sincerity that's hard to find in larger hotels.
Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World: Your Gateways to Boutique Excellence
For travelers seeking the epitome of boutique hotel experiences, I highly recommend exploring the curated collections of Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). These prestigious associations bring together some of the world's finest boutique hotels, restaurants, and resorts.
When you choose a property from Relais & Châteaux or SLH, you're embarking on a journey to discover the soul of a destination. Relais & Châteaux offers a handpicked selection of properties celebrated for their authenticity, local character, and commitment to exceptional hospitality. SLH boasts over 500 independently owned hotels in more than 90 countries, providing a diverse range of exceptional properties that embody the spirit of boutique hospitality.
These esteemed collections serve as gateways to top-quality boutique hotels worldwide, sparing you the effort of sifting through endless options. And if you're seeking expert guidance, you can always reach out to me, Jake Odencrantz at Counsel Travel. Boutique hotels are my specialty, and I'm often asked for recommendations worldwide.
Whether you're dreaming of a romantic escape, an adventure in a far-flung locale, or a culinary voyage like no other, boutique hotels offer a truly unique travel experience. With the curated selections of Relais & Châteaux and Small Luxury Hotels of the World, along with my expertise, you have access to a world of boutique hotel charm. These hidden gems are waiting to be discovered, offering a travel experience that is nothing short of extraordinary. So, go ahead, unlock the door to a world of boutique hotel charm on your next adventure.
Making the Most of Spring Break: How Shifting Your Dates Can Save You Big on Family Vacations
How much you can save by shifting your dates by a few days, particularly for families on Spring Break
What a Difference a Few Days Can Make!
This one goes out to all of you who know you'll be hit with the winter blues and be yearning for a tropical escape after several months of snow. In this blog post, we're targeting families, and here's why: families often have the most inflexible schedules, and finding the perfect dates for a spring break vacation can be a bit challenging. We believe that the ideal window for many families in 2024 will be from March 23rd to March 30th. That's a Saturday to Saturday, encompassing the entire spring break without missing too much school and allowing for a day of recovery at home.
Sounds fantastic, right? Well, here's the question we'd like to explore with you: How comfortable are you with your kids missing a few days of school? Because, as it turns out, shifting your travel dates by just a bit can have a substantial impact on the cost of your trip.
In the examples below, we'll highlight the price differences between traveling from March 23rd to March 30th and from March 20th to March 27th. This will illustrate just how much airlines tend to capitalize on specific dates, especially weekends attached to the last week of March.
Denver Travelers' Bonus:
Oh, and if you happen to reside in Denver, you might want to consider the Caribbean. Typically, it's quite challenging to avoid red-eye flights or overnight layovers when heading to the Caribbean. In all the examples below, we've exclusively used prices with day flights available from Denver—no red-eyes, no overnights.
(Note: You might still encounter overnights on the return journey from Hawaii, except with Southwest.)
Denver's Spring Break Savings:
Let's dive into the savings that just a three-day shift can bring for Denver travelers. All the fares mentioned are for economy class.
Mexico:
Cancun (nonstops) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $606.00 each
Los Cabos (nonstops) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $903.00 each
Puerto Vallarta (Nonstops) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $892 each
Bahamas:
Nassau (connecting flight) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $98.50 each(Note: If we compare this to the once-a-week United Nonstop flight to the Bahamas, which operates only on Saturdays,….$1741.90 each.)
Jamaica:
Montego Bay (connecting flight) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $555.00 (Note: Southwest has a flight from March 23rd to March 30th that would save $707.50, but it involves a direct flight with one stop, which actually stops twice. Still, it's a great price.)
Puerto Rico:
San Juan (NONSTOPS!) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $1306.00 (Note: This could be the year for a Caribbean cruise that is actually cool for Coloradans. Most people from Denver are stuck with the western Caribbean. Puerto Rico opens up some cool itineraries.)
Barbados:
Bridgetown (connecting flights) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $936.30 each
The Dominican Republic:
Punta Cana (connecting flights) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $1212.00 each
Hawaii:
Maui (nonstop) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $896.00 each
Maui (connecting flights) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $710 each
Kauai (nonstop) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $2036 each
Kauai (connecting flights) - Savings per person for March 20th-27th over March 23rd-30th: $474.40 each
Multiply the above numbers by the number of family members you have, and you'll discover your potential spring break savings.
Finally, a good deal on Trans Pacific Business Class
The one good deal I’ve found since the pandemic for Transpacific business class (and it’s a doozy)
As many of you already know, one of my major goals this year has been to snag a fantastic deal on a business class airfare for a Pacific crossing. Thanks to some of my clients, I've finally hit the jackpot. However, let me be clear, these fares are for epic-level trips.
I don't want to hit you with the airfare cost right away, as it might still seem a bit steep at first glance. So, I'd like to break it down for you into two sets of prices. The first set comprises the lowest Star Alliance business class fares I could find, with airlines like United, Air New Zealand, ANA, Singapore Airlines, and more. These fares are available from San Francisco until roughly next June, and they come with ideal schedules, including nonstop options:
Tahiti (Papeete) - $4,722 (nonstop)
New Zealand (Auckland) - $7,522 (nonstop)
Singapore - $4,618 (nonstop)
Vietnam (Saigon) - $4,906 (one stop)
Japan (Tokyo) - $6,364 (nonstop)
Hawaii (Honolulu) - $1,096 (nonstop)
Now, brace yourself for the second set of prices. These are for dates when business class seats are in high demand, departing within 28 days, or during peak pricing periods like holidays. In some cases, they tick all these boxes:
Tahiti (Papeete) - $13,931 (nonstop)
New Zealand (Auckland) - $14,946 (nonstop)
Singapore - $11,456 (nonstop)
Vietnam (Saigon) - $10,831 (one stop)
Japan (Tokyo) - $12,860 (nonstop)
Hawaii (Honolulu) - $2,663 (nonstop)
To put this in perspective, the first set totals roughly $29,000 in airfare, while the second set climbs closer to a jaw-dropping $67,000!
But here's the kicker: I've just priced the Star Alliance Circle Pacific Airfare (starting in about 28 days) covering all these incredible destinations from and to San Francisco for just $10,990. Now, here's the pièce de résistance: all those top fares are nonrefundable, and believe it or not, some of the bottom ones are as well! In contrast, the cancellation fee for the Circle Pacific fare is a mere $150.
However, there are some catches you should be aware of. You must be away for at least a week but no longer than six. This deal mainly works from Star Alliance hub cities and requires you to travel in one direction, with no backtracking allowed. You must make at least three stops and stay at each stop for a minimum of 24 hours, but you can't have more than 15 stops. This offer is only valid for this year from LAX, SFO, SEA, and HNL.
This price is one of the few Pacific-crossing fares that hasn't been drastically inflated since the pandemic. I won't sugarcoat it; ticketing this fare can be a real hassle (I happen to be one of the few people I know who can do it), so I do charge more for it. However, for the right person in the right circumstances, it's an astonishingly good deal.
One FYI, if you choose to try to get that without my help, that’s fine, but just remember I warned you on that one. haha!
A taste of authentic Mexico from Denver
Looking for an authentic Mexican experience away from the typical tourist spots? Your quest ends in Tequila, Mexico – a charming town nestled amidst vast agave fields and rich cultural heritage. Often overshadowed by the bustling cities and "Gringo Mexico," Tequila offers a taste of true Mexico without the hassle of long flights or drives. Thanks to a nonstop flight from Denver to Guadalajara, you can be sipping on the finest Tequila within 90 minutes of landing. So, let's embark on an unforgettable journey to this hidden gem that's as delightful as the drink it's named after!
The Allure of True Tequila: Just like champagne originates from Champagne, Tequila is born in its namesake town. This fascinating spirit comes from the blue agave plant, and Tequila is the very heart of its production. Embrace the authenticity as you wander through the picturesque agave fields and experience the time-honored traditions that go into creating this liquid gold.
A Swift Escape: For travelers seeking a quick and convenient getaway, Tequila offers the perfect solution. With a nonstop flight operated by Budget Carrier Volaris to Guadalajara, you'll be savoring the best Tequila has to offer within a short 90-minute drive. Say goodbye to long layovers and embrace the ease of access to this enchanting destination.
Solar De Animas: A True Mexican Retreat: When it comes to accommodation, look no further than Solar De Animas - the epitome of authentic Mexican hospitality. This charming hotel reflects the essence of Tequila's culture and offers a warm and inviting stay. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted with traditional décor and a homely atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of Mexico. Relax in comfortable rooms, unwind by the courtyard, and enjoy the warm hospitality that will make your stay truly memorable.
A Taste of Mexico's Hidden Charm: Tequila may not be as well-known as its more popular counterparts, but that's part of its allure. Here, you'll find a genuine Mexican experience, untouched by mass tourism. Stroll through cobblestone streets, engage with friendly locals, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture that thrives away from the beaten path.
Beyond Tequila: Explore the Surrounding Treasures: Tequila may be the crown jewel of this region, but the surrounding areas offer even more adventures. Venture out to Guadalajara, a city rich in history and teeming with cultural wonders. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the nearby ancient ruins and mystical pyramids, a testament to Mexico's captivating past.
Conclusion: If your heart yearns for an authentic Mexican experience that's both delightful and unique, Tequila is the answer. With its charming town center, agave-dotted landscapes, and the true essence of Mexico, this hidden gem promises an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the ease of access from Denver, and let Tequila work its magic as you indulge in its world-famous spirit and vibrant culture. So, pack your bags, book your stay at Solar De Animas, and embark on a journey that's sure to leave you with cherished memories of an authentic Mexican escape. Salud!
A new insight on predicting flight prices (possibly)
You know, it's funny how business travel and leisure travel seem to follow different patterns. Typically, for us Americans, Spring travel starts booking right after Thanksgiving and goes into overdrive after Christmas. Then, Summer travel bookings start shortly after Christmas and peak around spring break and Easter. Memorial day kicks off the holiday travel season, which goes into overdrive around the 4th of July, and then things tend to calm down until Thanksgiving. It's not until a few days after New Year's that things start getting crazy again. I mean, think about it, how often do you finish one vacation and already start dreaming about the next one?
Back in the day, I worked at two travel agencies where I could take a leave of absence from the middle of July all the way to the first week of January if I wanted to (ah, the good old times).
Now, let me tell you about this interesting experience I had. I've been keeping an eye on New Zealand over the holidays because some of my high-end clients are interested in it. The business class tickets have been averaging about $12k each, and those are the cheaper ones from SFO. My clients from Denver and New York are looking at even higher prices!
Air New Zealand is the main carrier, and they are part of the Star Alliance, with United Airlines as their USA partner. After the 4th of July, United experienced a surge in bookings, and that brought down the cost of flights operated by Air New Zealand by about $1500 per ticket. Then, about 8 or 9 days later (depending on how you look at it), Matariki, the Maori New Year, hit in NZ, and Air NZ experienced another booking surge, which dropped the prices of United-operated flights by another $1500. Since then, the prices have stabilized, and business class isn't really booking as much as usual, probably because it's just outrageously expensive. I remember when $10k used to be the cost around Christmas if you waited within 50 days. Crazy, well, remember that before this holiday time, tickets were closer to $12K each. I also want to point out that not every major holiday will do this. I also tried this with Bastille Day and the Fourth of July with Air France, but I didn’t see it there. That’s not surprising as this flight only operates in the summer and the booking horizon for the next high season is too far off. If there are any programming geeks out there who love databases, call me. I have something I’d like to try.
Anyhow.
You may have seen those articles online claiming to have simple tricks for getting cheap tickets, like booking on Tuesdays or using specific websites. But let me tell you, deciding when to book a plane ticket is like gambling at a casino with a sports team. You might have all the facts and make better decisions than most, but in the end, you're up against the house.
For airline tickets, the "house" is the airlines themselves. They use extremely advanced and complex methods to make sure you spend as much money as possible. After all, airlines are businesses, not charities, and they operate in a highly unpredictable and challenging industry.
When I try to guess when a person should buy a ticket, I consider these questions:
"How full are the flights in question already?"
"What are the advance ticket rules for the airlines in this market for these city pairs?"
"Is it weekend travel?"
"Is this a high period of travel?"
"How many seats on aircraft are competing on this route?"
"When is the next major holiday in the USA?"
And now, "When is the next major holiday in the country in question?"
By considering these factors, I can make a more informed recommendation for booking flights. It's all about understanding the nuances of the airline industry and finding the best deals for our clients. Even then, it’s always a gamble. Unlike Vegas, in the airline industry, the house does not always win. While there is a lot you can do to make a guess in each case, there is no one single answer or simple way to always get the best price at the best time for the best plane ticket.
People matter more than their money.
As a firm believer in the value of travel, my foremost commitment is to prioritize the needs of every traveler I assist. What matters most is ensuring the best possible experience for my clients. Hence, my fee structure may appear unconventional, as I tailor it to the specific circumstances with an unwavering focus on putting clients' interests at the forefront. In the past couple months I’ve had fifteen different possible trips to NZ and Australia. Four of them are going, so while this is about a case where people are going but I didn’t make any $, that is still better than the remaining 11 that, so far, aren’t going. As for the other three that are going and I am making some $ from that, I thank you extra.
Recently, I encountered a challenging situation while arranging travel plans, particularly for destinations in Australia and New Zealand. Both countries hold a special place in my heart, and I empathize with clients seeking to explore these captivating lands. A particular case involved mature clients eager to embark on a New Zealand journey next year. In our consultation, they wanted late summer or early fall, which would typically be a suitable period. My dedicated focus on these regions during the holidays informed my judgment. Surprisingly, this year presents a unique scenario, as some highly desirable locations, such as the Farm at Cape Kidnappers, MataKauri, and HuKa Lodge, still have availability over the busiest time of the year but regular ol tours are booked to the gills in the shoulder season.
However, my efforts to secure regular small group tours for February and March revealed an unexpected hurdle; nearly all options were already fully booked. This unforeseen circumstance led me to explore alternative avenues. Ultimately, the best solution was large tour company, albeit one that operates exclusively with consumers, thereby bypassing any potential commission for my services. Despite the missed commission opportunity, I firmly believe that the best course of action was to prioritize the clients' interests and provide them with an honest and beneficial option.
This commitment to acting as a travel counselor distinguishes my approach from that of a traditional travel agent. While travel agents often represent airlines, hotels, cruise lines, and tour companies, earning commissions for promoting their offerings, my dedication lies solely with the client. My aim is to deliver unbiased advice, devoid of any preference for higher-paying commissions. As the travel landscape has evolved with complexities, such as resort fees, package pricing, budget carriers, and vacation rentals, I recognize the value of the travel counselor's role in guiding clients towards well-informed decisions and avoiding potential pitfalls due to insufficient understanding of the fine print. I have worked as a travel agent for coming up on 30 years and I’m better than most, but first, I’m a travel counselor.
Ultimately, my goal is to enrich the travel experiences of my clients, irrespective of whether it entails charging a consulting fee instead of relying on commissions. This approach aligns with my genuine desire to facilitate meaningful and enjoyable journeys for those I serve.
In summary, my commitment as a travel counselor is to deliver exceptional service that prioritizes your interests and ensures an unforgettable and seamless travel experience. I look forward to collaborating with you on your upcoming travel adventures.
Post Vacation Blues
Post-vacation blues, also known as post-travel depression or post-holiday syndrome, refers to a temporary emotional state that some people experience after returning from a vacation or a period of travel. It is characterized by feelings of sadness, fatigue, lack of motivation, and a sense of longing for the vacation experience. Adjusting back to the routine and responsibilities of daily life can be challenging, leading to a dip in mood and overall well-being.
If you're dealing with post-vacation blues, here are some steps you can take to help alleviate them:
Give yourself time: Understand that it's natural to feel a bit down after an enjoyable break. Give yourself permission to experience these emotions without judgment. Recognize that it's a temporary phase that will pass with time.
Reflect on your experiences: Take some time to reflect on the positive aspects of your vacation. Reminisce about the enjoyable moments, the people you met, and the places you visited. This reflection can help you appreciate the experiences you had and keep the positive memories alive.
Gradually ease back into routine: Instead of diving headfirst into a hectic schedule, try to ease back into your routine gradually. Allow yourself a few days to adjust before taking on major tasks or responsibilities. Prioritize essential tasks and give yourself space to readjust at your own pace.
Maintain self-care practices: Ensure you're taking care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and engage in regular exercise. Physical activity can help boost your mood by releasing endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones.
Plan something to look forward to: Combat the post-vacation blues by planning something enjoyable for the near future. It could be a weekend getaway, a day trip to a local attraction, or simply scheduling activities you enjoy. Having something to look forward to can help shift your focus and keep your spirits up.
Stay connected with loved ones: Share your vacation experiences with family and friends. Engage in conversations about your trip, show them photos, and relive the memories together. Social support can provide comfort and a sense of connection during the transition back to daily life.
Incorporate elements of vacation into your routine: Find ways to integrate small elements of your vacation into your everyday life. It could be as simple as preparing a meal inspired by a dish you enjoyed while traveling or creating a photo album or scrapbook to preserve your memories. These small reminders can help keep the vacation spirit alive.
Set new goals and challenges: Use the post-vacation period as an opportunity for personal growth. Set new goals or challenges that align with your interests and aspirations. It could be learning a new skill, starting a creative project, or pursuing a hobby. Engaging in meaningful activities can bring a sense of purpose and excitement to your routine.
Remember, the post-vacation blues are typically temporary, and with time and self-care, you'll gradually readjust to your normal routine. If your feelings of sadness persist or significantly impact your daily functioning, it's advisable to seek support from a mental health professional.
Strikes in Europe and American Travel
I had ChatGPT write an article about strikes in Europe. Let me find some wood to knock on before I say this. So far, the industrial actions of the winter and the spring of 22/23 seem to have backed off for summer. I have lost count of how many strike-induced travel issues I’ve had to help clients navigate. Hopefully the upheaval is over and European travel entities will go back to having labor actions once every year or two instead of once every month or two.
Big sigh of relief from over here.
From ChatGPT
Labor strikes and other labor actions are common in the European labor market and have played a significant role in shaping workers' rights and labor conditions across the continent. These actions are organized by trade unions and workers' associations to express dissatisfaction with working conditions, wages, benefits, and other labor-related issues. Here's an overview of strikes and other labor actions in the European labor market:
Strikes: Strikes involve workers collectively refusing to work for a specified period to exert pressure on employers or authorities to address their grievances. They can be categorized into several types:
a. General Strikes: These involve workers across multiple industries and sectors going on strike simultaneously. General strikes aim to demonstrate the collective power of the workforce and put pressure on governments or policymakers to address broader societal or economic issues.
b. Sectoral Strikes: These strikes are specific to a particular industry or sector, such as transportation, healthcare, education, or public services. Workers in these sectors unite to address industry-specific grievances or negotiate sector-specific labor agreements.
c. Localized Strikes: These strikes occur within a specific company or workplace and typically address grievances related to that particular organization. They may be triggered by issues like unfair labor practices, contract negotiations, or unsafe working conditions.Demonstrations and Protests: Apart from strikes, workers and labor unions also organize demonstrations and protests to raise awareness of labor-related issues and advocate for better working conditions. These actions often involve rallies, marches, and public gatherings aimed at attracting attention from the public, media, and policymakers.
Work Stoppages and Go-Slows: In addition to strikes, workers may employ tactics like work stoppages or go-slows. Work stoppages involve temporary pauses in work to highlight specific concerns or grievances. Go-slows refer to intentionally slowing down work output or adhering strictly to work rules and regulations to disrupt normal operations and exert pressure on employers.
Solidarity Actions: In the European labor market, solidarity actions are common, wherein workers from one industry or sector support and join the strikes or actions of workers from another industry. This demonstrates unity among workers and their commitment to improving labor conditions collectively.
Legal Framework: Each European country has its own legal framework governing labor actions, including strikes. These frameworks define the legality of strikes, notice requirements, protection for workers participating in strikes, and restrictions on essential services to ensure public safety and welfare.
Impact and Outcomes: Strikes and other labor actions can have significant impacts on both workers and employers. They can disrupt business operations, affect production, and cause economic losses. However, they also serve as a powerful tool for workers to negotiate better wages, improved working conditions, and stronger labor rights. Successful strikes have led to the establishment of labor laws, collective bargaining agreements, and social reforms that benefit workers across Europe.
It's important to note that specific labor actions, their frequency, and their outcomes can vary widely across European countries, reflecting the unique labor relations and legal systems of each nation.
The price of conspicuous travel
High cost of European Travel this year
I asked ChatGpt about why Europe was so expensive this summer. While I don’t disagree with any of the below, but part of it, perhaps the largest part, must be just greed.
One Example, London. I have some clients headed a little off the beaten path in the Amboise Valley, the Channel Islands, Somerset. They begin in Paris and end in London. I’ll make an example in London (but this is just as true in Paris)
The best hotel in Bath was running 330 GBP a night, a decent hotel with a good location, 120GBP a night. The best hotels in London were in the 2000GBP a night and a decent hotel with a good location? 350GBP a night.
In Ultra popular Mykonos I have clients going and a two bedroom villa at the one resort with a private beach was over 8000 Euro a night. In out of the way Corfu, I have a villa that’s nicer, has closer access to 4 beaches and a whole week is almost 8000 per night.
And to just hammer this in, in places with lots of great deals, the airfare is brutal (Asia, Africa, Australia, I’m looking at you!)
Chatgpt:
The cost of travel to Europe this summer may be higher than usual due to several factors:
High demand: With the easing of travel restrictions and the rollout of vaccines, there is a surge in demand for travel to Europe. As a result, airlines and hotels are charging higher prices to capitalize on this demand.
Limited capacity: Many airlines have reduced their capacity due to the pandemic, leading to fewer available seats and higher prices for the remaining seats.
Supply chain disruptions: The pandemic has caused disruptions in global supply chains, resulting in higher prices for things like fuel, which can drive up the cost of travel.
Government regulations: Some countries in Europe have implemented entry restrictions and requirements, such as mandatory quarantine or negative COVID-19 test results, which can increase the cost of travel.
Dynamic pricing: Airlines and hotels often use dynamic pricing, which means that prices can fluctuate based on demand, availability, and other factors.
All these factors combined can result in higher prices for travel to Europe this summer. However, it's worth noting that prices may vary depending on the destination, time of travel, and other factors, so it's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices from different airlines and travel providers.
The Gamble of Buying Plane tickets
This kind of thing comes up enough that I may make it into a serial.
If you know me, or read my blog much, you know that I often liken buying plane tickets to other forms of gambling.
I’ve got clients that rock, and they rock because they love to share travel with not only their kids, but also their grandkids. Anybody who does this rocks in my book and they go double because they do it in business class. That’s right, these folks, most years if they can, buy a lucky number 13, international business class tickets. In the summer of 2022 they decided to go to Slovenia by flying into Vienna and had a budget of $4k a ticket. They were well in advance, but had to go on Weekends the last week in May through June, because.. Well, kids and school. Trying to coordinate the schedules of one household is tough, that’s 3 times as hard and for 4? Yikes! This is another way the awesomeness of the entire family stands out. You really have to love travel and travel as a family to do this.
The other restrictions for the $4k a ticket is that they wanted to have one stop, in Europe (no USA connections because that’s smart when it’s possible) . There are no nonstop flights to Vienna, but in the summer, from Denver, there are seven to nine (depending on the day of the week) nonstops to Europe that puts over 250 to well over 300 seats to give us options. What is more, is that most of those aircraft have close to 50 business class seats. If we add in the flights operated directly to Vienna from other spots in the USA, we get to add another 5 flights, bringing us up to nearly 500 one stop business class seats to vienna one way or another.
$4k to Europe, for good flights, in the summer, is about as low as it gets. It will get a bit lower, but not much. (Usually) They want to fly together because at least half the point is that they go as a family. So they will need ¼ to ½ of a business class cabin for the use of their family. The smaller flights within Europe are of course, also a factor, but Airlines like to fill seats when it comes to transatlantic flights, especially in business class, so this is a more minor issue. A ¼ of a business class cabin at a lowest price on the ‘fare ladder’ is tough, half is really, really tough.
So this year, they want to go to Chile over winter break. It’s the double whammy down there of the holidays and being summer. A big part of Chilean Patagonia is only really accessible in the summer much like Alaska in the USA. (and summer in Patagonia is AMAZING)
Like $4k a person in European Summer, $5k to Argentina and Chile in their summer, for decent flights,even over the holidays is difficult, but far from impossible.
But it’s the 13 all on the same flights where this goes from “far from impossible” to “pretty close to impossible” and this is compared to via one stop in the summer to Vienna which is merely “difficult”.
Stipulation here is that they fly an American Carrier, for Santiago Chile, that leaves 1 United flight, 1 Delta and 2 operated by American Airlines. That’s 4. Even if we add in the flights from Foreign LaTam and include Mexico city, that number only goes up to 8. What is more, is that these flights have smaller business class cabins. This means we have only about 60 possible seats to work with here. If we add in the LaTam flights, that goes up to about 180 seats. In the comparison. Airline tickets are set by supply and demand, our supply of Ideal options to Chile is about 20% of what it is to Europe.
Then the real rub, all in the same cabin. For Europe, we had flights where we only had to get the lowest price on roughly 25% of the cabin. For Chile, we would be filling at least 45% to over 80% of the cabins…. At the lowest price. This is a complete guess, but I would think that for an airline to offer its lowest price for half of its inventory, we’d have to have a nearly empty aircraft at 45-30 days out. I suspect that if it was nearly empty at that point, the airline would likely look at cutting flights over cutting prices.
In both cases we had the lowest price, for a good schedule at a top time of year ($4k and $5k, respectively). For just 2 people, I’d put this as likely, especially with booking ahead of time and watching things carefully. At 4 people, this gets again, merely difficult, but for 13? Now we are talking nearly impossible.
Be that as it may be, I’m still recommending that these Folks don’t get these tickets now, and that’s because Delta and United may be considering pulling flights or perhaps have a fuel, airport or other matter resolved by a yearly contract still “up in the air”.
Look at this.
First we have AA, they have a flight from Dallas and one from Miami. AAis deeply entrenched in Central and South America. For AA, you need “I” seats for their cheapest Biz Class, “R” seats aren’t too bad and by the time we are left to “J” seats, we are set at at least $10k a ticket.
This is looking a little holiday tough, but it’s clear they are still flying.
Then we have United and Delta. For United, their lowest fares are in P and Z, respectively and Delta is Z and I. Both Airlines have a much higher starting price also. In theory, an AA ticket in business class could bottom out below $3k, where UA and DL are going to be a minimum of around $5.5k, but at the top end, they are all around the $10-11K mark. (Conversely, Europe in the summer can conceivably bottom out at around $2.5K, but can also conceivably get as high as over $18k per seat, and this also illustrated what more inventory can mean for pricing)
But, while AA is offering a normal sort of range of tickets. United and Delta are limited to just ridiculously high inventory (J in both cases) . Which to me says…. These airlines aren’t sure if they are going yet. While AA has 2 flights, that’s actually only about 30 seats in total, while the Delta and the United flights are larger, and each have 30. So, for these folks, for what they want. 2/3rds of the options haven’t even been released yet. As competitive as this market is during Christmas, I wouldn’t buy personally until those airlines fully opened availability.
Sad to say, but this may not be the year for a trip to Patagonia in the holidays. Boo! I hate that answer. I also should say that I don’t know everything and these clients go to Chile fairly often. Maybe they have seen prices drop or have some insight i don’t have. Gosh, I sure hope so. Chile is one of the 3 places in the world that I could sincerely move to and be happy. I really love it there and that’s an amazing time of year
How to pick out an Antartic Expedition
How to evaluate an Antarctica cruise. I’m not going to get into what is nicest or the most luxurious. Most of the Antarctica ships are pretty nice, but we aren’t going to antarctica for luxury are we? The mediterranean and Caribbean aren’t going anywhere, save luxury, entertainment, etc for cruises like this. You are going to Antarctica to see, and understand, antarctica.
First, only 100 people are allowed from any one ship onto Antarctic soil at any given time, ergo, the more over 100 people on the ship you have, the less you are going to be able to get on. Look for itineraries that get you deep into the Antarctic and for that you need a specific kind of ship.
The Design, to get deep into Antarctica, you are only allowed to go if you are on a ship that has at least some icebreaking capability. You are likely looking for an Ulstein X-bow, like the Lindblad Endurance, Aurora Expeditions or an Icebreaker like Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot. I think those ships set the standard.
The staff… An Antarctic expedition is a foray into the natural world and in this day and age, one on conservation as our polar regions melt. You need highly trained and capable staff. Ones that can read the weather conditions and make the most of your limited time on the Antarctic. You also want people that can not only keep you safe, but also educate you on this fascinating place.
I think that Lindblad, with its National Geographic partnership and its new ship, the Endurance. Is my first choice. I think that for the price, Aurora Expeditions really delivers incredibly well, they may not quite be the best, but for the price. WOW. Then Ponant, if you just need the fancy and are on the Commandant Charcot which is a full-fledged icebreaker.
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I’d like to invite you to learn more about Antarctica. This is a sales thing for sure, but they will give you the benchmark that you should judge any trip by there. Lindblad has a webinar and tell them I sent you. My rep says they will be picking agents for their next fam partially based on their turnout and I would freaking love to add a 6th continent to my personal list.
My Travel Marketing Dilemma
I love the travel industry, I truly do, and like any beloved relationship this means an acceptance of its shortcomings. One of the parts of the business I find most unpalatable is the marketing and this is why I send out so little of it myself.
This has a downside because while I almost never verbalize such things, often, when people call or email I have thoughts like like:
“You want a river cruise? Why didn’t you let me know last month when one of the best lines was doing it’s 50th anniversary sale and had the best deals I’ve ever seen?”
“Safari? Why didn’t you call me last week when my favorite line of Safari lodges was offering an every fourth night free which could’ve saved you $15k over the three spots in Africa you just asked about.
Or,”you want to fly business class to Europe? Why didn’t you call me yesterday when booking 90 days out would’ve saved you $600?
And then I start thinking I should be blasting out every travel deal that comes across my desk, but only briefly. It’s the whole world and if I did that, my clients would have to spend hours every day looking through the needle in the haystack of that particular deal they actually want. Travel companies definitely want me to do that and if they could, they’d take me out of it and just blast you with information that all amounts to “buy this” and while there would be some things in there you would want, most of it, you wouldn’t. Not that it isn’t mostly all pretty good, it’s just so much of it.
This is why I take pains to isolate my client information away from traditional databases. Most of the most popular travel agent based CRMS have built into them powerful data harvesting tools. Those tools meant to go back to airlines, cruiselines, hotels and tour operators so they can be blasted with marketing materials in all forms.
I’ve never taken part in this, frankly, when I went to a seminar about the amount of information that can be learned about a person from just the information required for your average international travel I was horrified. Your income, your expenditures and how to really dial in marketing pinpointed right at you, personally. In the information age, this has found a bold frontier often making us wonder if our computers and cellphones are telepathically eavesdropping on us.
So, not only do I keep my client database off in a heavily encrypted format that wasn’t ever met for the travel industry (I do have a tool that securely translates into flight booking info) I also never share client info except as necessary to make bookings or if a client asks me too. I do hope that a new CRM/booking engine will come out that is actually useful and doesn’t have these data backdoors. It would make mylife a lot easier. I often think I should get some investors and develop one. I think that the internal databases at companies like Expedia have solved these problems and that bringing that down to the level of an individual agent is coming.
All of this is to say. How do I bring my clients what they want, when it will be at the highest value? I don’t know. I’m fantastic at ‘client qualification” but somebody has to reach out to me first for that and a good portion of the time, they are late.
I may put out a survey looking at how you are inspired to travel. How the nontravel professional gets dialed into different destinations is kind of a mystery to me. I sign up for trainings, get inundated with marketing and the basics of my job means researching these things continually. I feel like if I knew what was making people want to travel, I could maybe, just maybe actually send them some selected offers on things they actually want when they are at the greatest value.
If you read this, thanks, this is just me complaining about a situation I often find myself at odds with. I hope the next time you reach out to me with something you want to do, it will be just as an amazing deal, that is just perfect, comes out.
The Return of Last Minute Travel?
When I first started in the travel business in the 90’s there were still a fair amount of ‘last-minute’ deals people could find. I remember looking at a ticket for a weekend trip for months, finding it too expensive and then having the fare drop to a quarter of what it had been a few days before prior. I made the trip. It was fun. That was a tactic for years. If a trip was optional and the airfare was too dang high, check again at 22, 15 and 8 days prior to see if it dipped. Often it would go up, but sometimes down and sometimes down a lot. Then, that tactic stopped working and for many years after that, last minute became synonymous with expensive. at least with airlines. While there have always been exceptions and the occasional last minute deal, by and large, up until the Covid 19 pandemic, this was the case.
During the Pandemic I saw a trend of AMAZING deals followed by mounting prices to the point that they seemed like extortion. Now… it seems like the reverse is often true. Where we start with extortionate pricing and then, sometimes, it winnows down to some decent pricing. I wrote about this in terms of Spring break awhile back and if we take Cabo for Spring break as an example. Back that Saturday to Saturday was a whopping $1400+ in economy during the THICK of spring break and… it still is. However, midweek departures have dropped considerably and if we look out to the last weekend of February we are down to $420! Which is close to a traditionally ‘normal’ price for a nonstop flight to Los Cabos in the Spring. For it being close to Spring break, that’s actually on the cheap side (historically).
That’s just one example where I had notes to refer back to. Now, I’ve made more, because I’m curious to see how this pans out over this year.
It’s going to be interesting to pay attention to the summertime transcon flights (especially this summer to Europe) and then at some point to Asia and Oceania (where prices are REALLY inflated for flights especially). We’ve had a lot of really, really high fares and now I’m seeing in the Spring, some dips. Same with Hotels. I saw some of the highest prices in Mexico I’ve ever seen last fall and I just looked a bit this week and found some deals. I priced one of the best All Inclusives in Los Cabos (Le Blanc) for a good $2500 less for a week than it was back in November. My wife has friends and family back in the Midwest who want a visit and a few weeks ago, prices through March were a steady $250-$300 a ticket at least to not only Milwaukee, but even Chicago, and yesterday at 22 days prior, I ticketed O’hare for $150.
I think that the reason may be because of the recovery continuing from the Pandemic. You see, the Trend I noticed with Air NZ is a trend I noticed a lot as travel started to take off, but was still shaky. Ticket prices started high and then rather than cutting ticket prices, the airlines cut flights. I think that the reason the airlines were able to do this was because they also weren’t carrying much cargo and this played a part in all of the ‘supply chain’ issues we are still climbing out of. I think that now that airlines are starting to take cargo obligations on again they are starting to be forced to drop ticket prices sometimes. I don’t know when, I don’t have the cargo manifests, I sure wish I did.
Similar with the hotels. Staffing was (and is) such a problem that many resorts and hotels were not going up to capacity quite purposefully. Many took on more than they should have and their reputations suffered for it (especially in the luxury market) then their sales pick up where they could and had to hire. Now that their staff have started to grow, they’ve also started becoming more aggressive in pricing to fill room nights. Not predictably, not yet.
I think if you have very set and rigid dates, you may be stuck because if you are stuck flying at prime time for something you have your heart stuck on, it will have to be in advance. Grand Velas, the best family All-inclusive in Los Cabos, has been largely sold out for spring break for weeks now.
But… if you are flexible about where you want to go within say.. Half a dozen places and when… start checking some dates that work for you at least twice a month and you may get very happily surprised.
And, also a really good time to keep your options refundable and flexible, don’t get locked in, especially if something seems high. Then, make a point of rechecking things every few weeks before you go. You could be surprised.
Is a private tour guide worth the price?
Is that private guide worth the price? Probably.
I’m having this come up for a client who asked me the question “is a private tour guide worth it,” And more specifically, in this case, “Is it worth paying top dollar for, what should be, a top quality tour guide?”
Travel is an interesting thing to purchase and has a component that is akin to gambling. This is first true with flights, hotels and even many train tickets, where given availability, moment to moment governs price. (as well as other things, but that’s another blog) We have all seen this. You book a plane ticket for $1000 on year, the next year you come back and it’s$2000. You book a swanky hotel for $800 a night and six months later it’s $400 a night, and so on.
Guiding is largely not like this. Prices tend to move much more slowly and guides tend to have set rates, raising them only as they have to. However, there is still a gambling aspect to this, and this is what I want to unpack.
First, how can it work out? A friendly and knowledgeable local can bring a travel experience up in value perhaps more than anything else. I mean that, whether it's for a few hours or even a few weeks. Insider tips and privileged access are a thing.
Knowledge can bring so much to an experience. That can be historical knowledge such as why this statue is important, or what this mark is (bullet, really?) or whatever. It can be practical such as “We can see the whole museum in the least amount of time if we go this way,” or “This is the best place for coffee when you get off the boat.” Or “Don’t bother with those guys, they just want to sell you some cheap made in China knockoffs, I can take you to the real thing if you are interested. “ At the very least, even a halfway decent guide will make you feel at ease and will make the most of your time.
Sometimes, it goes way beyond that!
Maybe you go into the Sydney Opera house and maybe, just maybe, you get out onto the stage with somebody that belts out a few notes and lets you call out to the back row with the place empty. Maybe your food tour in the Amalfi ends with some chilled limoncello and maybe it ends with some Lemoncello somebody’s grandmother made last year with the sfusato lemons she grows in her backyard and painstakingly peels with no pith at all. Maybe you do a trip down the Philosopher’s path in Gion, Japan and maybe you do it and get to see it from that one temple that largely doesn’t allow tourists, but has one local they let do it because his uncle is the “Shike” of the temple. These things can never be adverstised. Sometimes, they are rehearsing on the stage in Sydney. Sometimes Grandma isn’t giving up any more of her ‘special” limoncello and sometimes the temple has folks meditating and you can’t go in. However, all of these are real examples.
But how can it go bad?
First, every once in a while, you get a guide that just isn’t good. People like me sniff these kind out soon. I will show up to most places already pretty well-informed and I probably studied up before I got to the destination anyway. Maybe I read a novel, maybe I looked at website, maybe I watched a youtube video. Regardless, I’m going to most places already knowing a fair amount and doing my best to know more. I’m the guy that stands at the front of the line or in the front of the van/car and peppers the guide with question after question. Good guides love this and I love it more. Bad guides hate it and I hate it more. Usually, (but not always) you can control this by going through a quality outfit and with a licensed guide (if that country has them).
Sometimes flights go badly even when you are flying on the most expensive tickets. I will take that in stride. Sometimes even the most expensive hotels fall behind in quality and I am much less lenient on this but a bad guide is perhaps the worst thing. I once heard about a guide who got lost in the Medina of Marrakech. I understand where that is, but you are a GUIDE I was livid. I’ve blackballed (personally) that company ever since.
The other thing is that sometimes the guide can be good, but the personal aspect is off. Most guides are knowledgeable and personable. They do a good job and tailoring your experience to you, but even the best have bad days and chemistry is chemistry. Outside of a few African Safari Guides (which is some HIGH LEVEL guiding) the finest guide I ever had was in the Azorean Islands. He knew everything and seemed to KNOW EVERYBODY on Sao Miguel. Everywhere we went, there was a secret something just for us. I loved him, he was the epitome of a Latin Gentleman. He was the best guide on the island and when a certain famous foodie did a special on the Azores. The chemistry wasn’t there, they didn’t get along and that famous guy (when he was alive) wouldn't give the glowing review that I do. Chemistry is chemistry.
I’d say, that at least 9 times out of 10, if you pay more for the better guidance, that will prove to be a high value item. That the guide will take a good experience and change it into something you will remember for the rest of your life. Being who I am, with a voracious appetite for knowledge and travel related knowledge, I’m a soft target for this. I’m also the guy that will read every plaque in a museum and studies for my vacations. However, even if you are just looking for a better, smoother, more efficient experience. Still worth it most of the time. Time abroad is precious and making the most of it, only makes sense.
However for almost everything in Travel, there is a gamble to it. There are bad experiences even with the best guides. I will say this. At a guess, for every time I’ve gotten a complaint about a guide, I’ve had probably 5 stories much to the reverse. Like, a person going back and getting the same guide, or sending a friend to that destination and saying you’ve got to get HIM to show you the markets of Barcelona and teach you to cook real paella. Sometimes, people become friends and book the same guides year after year…. Well, that last one is mostly just Africa, but still. The point is that usually, a high-priced and valued guide IS worth the money.
Exploiting the strength of USD for the American Traveler
This started when I noticed how expensive some things were, especially over spring break. I also was noticing a number of great prices, here and there and I started looking as how to lay them out. The answer here is EXCHANGE rates.
Frankly, I have been floored at some prices I’ve seen and exchange rate seems to be playing pretty hard here.
I’d like to share here.
Here are some numbers I priced now and October of 2020, this is the amount that $1000.00 USD works out to in Local Currency. I give some examples of why, I think, this leads to great deals.
The first column is the currency.
The Second column how much of that local currency $1000.00 USD is equal to (or was on 20th of October)
The Third column is how much of that currency $1000.00 USD would have purchased 2 years ago.
The last column expressed this change as a discount. This is something from 2 years ago, but frankly the dollar was still fairly strong 2 years ago. What is a 29% savings in Japan now is 46% savings compared to Japan at the worst exchange rate (for American tourists). The South African rand may only be 9% less now, but it’s 50% less when it’s exchange rate was most extreme. Argentina… is nearly 60% less than it was 10 years ago (when I was there, btw)
Mexico and Brazil are two countries that actually gained strength against the dollar and below the image. I have more below the image and at the bottom, some quick examples of what led me to do this. It’s good, because in places like Thailand and Vietnam, the exchange rate was already amazing and while it’s better now, there is still better value in South East Asia than nearly anywhere else.
I also checked what the amount would have been at the worst time (for the traveler) in the past 10 years, but I had to do the math myself there, so those figures are less reliable. Which is why I didn’t post those. I do mention those below.
Some standouts and examples… With the two most startling ones at the top of the list and they are two of my favorite countries.
Argentina
October 2020 USD$1000.00 was ARG$82,500
Today USD$1000.00 is ARG$159,000 This is at least part of the reason that the Four Seasons New York is running $1200USD for the beginning of winter and the Four Seasons in Buenos aires is running $816USD per night for the beginning of summer. Both dates are of course, in November, but Southern Hemisphere y’all! I had a look at my favorite boutique in the Palermo district. $209 a night!!! That is officially the lowest price I’ve ever seen. With the exchange rate being nearly half of what it was and more than half of what it was when I went there on my honeymoon. It’s not surprising!
Japan
October 2020 USD$1000.00 would’ve brought in JPY ¥105500
Today USD 10000 = JPY ¥148800! Folks that is 29% lower rate and that is 46% lower than the exchange rate in October of 2012! This means that the Green Japan rail pass (that’s the good one) is only $472 for two weeks.
I can tell you that I have seemnthat pass be nearly twice that price in the past! Tokyo is still Tokyo the Four Seasons is just $662, which is a bargain (also that’s the older one at Otemachi, the new Marunochi is more) For Bargain hunters (like me last time I was there and couldn’t get an agent rate) The Hotel Sunroute Plaza near Shinjuku with super easy airport access. $92 a night for a single! WOW! For what they are, both of those are sensational rates!
Here are some things I researched that led me to look at the currencies on a bigger scale.
First of all, One of the reasons Mexico is higher because it is one of the few countries that has a better (for Mexico, bad for tourists) exchange rate now than 2 year ago when $1000 bought you 21177 pesos compared to now when it buys you 19992 Peso. So, that’s part of the mystery on why Mexico is pricing higher now. I also noticed this higher pricing with Luxury hotels all over which have to pay more for good service and in certain destinations aimed at leisure travelers.
What really triggered me to notice that some places are very well priced, was looking in Asia and in Argentina. (some examples at the bottom)
The Euro is 16% lower October 2020 and is nearly 30% lower than it was in May of 2014.
The Pound is 12% lower than 2 years ago and 32% lower than it was at its highest (To USD)
Australian Dollar 11%now and 40% to its highest exchange rate about 10 years ago and NZD! 15% lower than 2 years ago and 37% lower than its worst exchange rate (at about the same time the dollar was doing poorly for Australian exchanges).
The South African (Safari?) is about 8% lower than 2 years ago, but fully 51% lower than it’s highest point.
Since I did South Africa. Kenya is 8% lower than 2 years ago and 38% lower than it got in 2013.
Botswana is 14% lower than 2 years ago and 42% lower than it was at it’s highest 10 years ago.
Also in South America, while the Chilean Peso is 16% lower than it was 2 years ago (and nearly half what it was at it’s lowest point) the Brazilian Real is like Mexico and actually has improved against the dollar to the tune of 6%. I also forgot to look at Peru and Ecuador… shoot. Oh well, next time.
Asia was really good and the exchange rate has always been awesome for Westerners.
The Thai baht is 18% lower, the Vietnamese Dong is 5% lower, the Indian rupee is 10% lower, the Nepalese rupee is 11% lower, the Indonesia Rupiah is 5 % lower and not much movement on Malaysian Ringitts. To give some reference there, one of my favorite hotels is Vietnam is the Anantara Quy Nohn is running $500 a night for an OceanFront Villa the Anantara Dhighu in the Maldives (not much movement there also) is running $1325 s night for one of their villas. And where I stayed on my last trip (again, no agent rates) the decent Au Lac Charner was $65 a night and that included the afternoon tea on the roof. Bangkok, remember the rate at the Four Seasons in New York and Buenos Aires? $448 a night y’all! And frankly, that may be the best FS of the ones I’ve mentioned here and that’s the truth. There are number of places in Bangkok that are around $100 a night that I would’t mind at all. The Six Senses in Samui, $347 a night. Compare that to the Six Senses in Ibiza $763 a night. And guys, it is WAY nicer in late November in the Gulf of Thailand than it is in the Mediterranean!