Caribbean Tips from Beth

Today is a very exciting day for all of us। It is the first day of my blog and your first day of truly understanding how to make the most of your Caribbean Vacation. If you really want the inside scoop on booking your vacation, this is a must read. Each week, I will give you vacation tips, answer your questions, and separate the facts from fiction. I have been in the business for almost 20 years. I have been to the places we sell, researched the ones I missed or refused to go to, and most importantly, always have your best interests at heart. I may not tell you what you want to hear, but I will tell you what you need to know! This blog will save you both time and money, so take a few minutes and enjoy. Beth


Just a little bit about me। I have been working at vacmart for over 11 years (with a 3 year break when I thought I knew it all). I love my job. As much as you are going to love your vacation, that is how much I love working here (believe me it is not for the money, even though I get paid very well).

We all love working here। It is like a family, and we don’t always agree on everything all the time, but we all respect one another and work together really well.

Now, the important stuff. Vacations should be really enjoyable. You are paying a lot (or even a little) of money for a trip, and you want it to go well. We are here to make sure that happens. Here are today’s special hints about things I hear every दय:
“I want something nice and cheap”। There is no such thing. You get what you pay for. If you pay $500 for an all-inclusive with air from NY, you will get a clean room, food that is good not great, activities that are fun but not thrilling. We will not sell a hotel that we have not personally seen, but your expectations have to be reasonable. There is always a reason one hotel charges more than another hotel.

“I’ll go anywhere at anytime”। I hear that all the time and then I say, “OK, how about Jamaica?” and then you say, “except Jamaica”। We find a place and I pick the date and then you say, “except that weekend I have a wedding in Florida”. You get the hint. The more information you give us, the better it is. We love helping you find a vacation that fits your specific needs, so have a budget in mind and let us know what it is you expect from your vacation. Do you want a health club? Golf? Children’s program? We want you to have a great trip, but we cannot read your minds!

“I found it cheaper somewhere else”। I doubt it. It happens about once a year that we cannot match or beat any of our competitor’s prices. If in fact you do see a price too good to be true, it probably is in fact not true. There is always a catch. We offer the lowest prices by keeping our costs down and volume up. We also include trip cancellation insurance. We will match almost any price from anyone (using the same air and hotel), but you have to be careful of taxes, service fees and other charges.

“What is the weather going to be like?” We are not mind readers, nor are we meteorologists, but we can give you some hints। Low season is from April until the middle of December. It is sometimes referred to as “rainy season”, but I prefer to call it low season. The prices are better, but it is hot and humid in the Caribbean during those months, so you can expect it to be warm and probably a little humid. During Hurricane Season (June to December) it is more likely to rain, but we never know for sure. Even the weather people don’t seem to know for sure. Typically, August and September are the rainiest months, but honestly, your guess is as good as mine. If by some horrible chance you book and pay for a trip and the planes don’t fly for weather issues, you get a credit for future travel or your money back (depending on insurance). During “high season” (December 15th- through Easter) the weather is beautiful- less rain, less humidity, but more money.

“Can I get an oceanfront room?” You can if you pay for it। That is the only way we can promise you that. Anyone who guarantees you something you haven’t paid for not being completely honest. We can always make special requests for you. The nicer you are, the harder we try. We can request bed type (double or king), smoking preference, and location of room. Rooms are assigned by the hotel when you get there. Even if we make the requests, we do not know if they honor them until you go. I have found personally that by bringing a box of chocolate or being extremely nice (something that does not come easy for me) brings the best results. If you are traveling for a special occasion, let us know. Some hotels offer complimentary features for special occasions.

“If I wait until the last minute will the prices go down?” Once again, no way to really predict the future। However, we work with some charter companies and hotels that do offer some last minute deals, but they are never available during holidays or when kids are out of school. If you have to go on vacation during school vacation times, please book early. The price will probably not drop, and if it does, it is unlikely to be available during the specific days you want to travel. If you are just looking for a deal and you are truly flexible, you can wait. I never do though, because I do not like to take a chance.

“How come it is so expensive? I paid so much less 3 years ago”। I paid less 3 years ago too….Not just for travel, for clothes, for gas, for my electric bill. Having said that, there are ways for you to pay less. It is not as expensive to fly during the week, during off season. Ask us which airlines and hotels are offering sales.

“Is that the best price you can offer?” Yes। I know that if you were buying a car or a house, the price is negotiable. The price we offer is the bottom line price. However, it does not hurt to ask if there are any promotions that apply, or if you have a large group, if we can work something out. Let us know if you are a repeat client or saw a “coupon” for a discount. Sometimes we can get you a lower price if you change the date by one day or agree to take a different flight.

“Do I really need the trip insurance?” If you didn’t have it, you would surely need it। We pay for almost all of it and it gives you peace of mind.

“I read a bad review about that resort are you sure it is nice?” The internet is a wonderful thing, but also can be dangerous and confusing. People can write anything they want about anything, so do your research. When I read reviews about hotels, I disregard the best ones and the worst ones. I will be honest with you though. I would rather lose a sale than to send you to a place that you don’t like. If you do not want to spend the money but still want the quality you are accustomed to, I might recommend going for less nights or waiting until I know there is a sale.

That’s all you get from me today। I hope I didn’t offend anyone who may have asked any of these questions. I am never offended when I hear them asked. My goal is to make you happy so that you tell your friends and co-workers about our company. I want you to have a great vacation and I don’t want you to overpay or be disappointed in any aspect of your trip. No matter how much or how little you pay, you deserve a great vacation and an honest and trustworthy agency to help you.

Like always for some of the best deals around and a rock solid lowest price guarantee, check out vacmart for the best cancun all inclusive deals and caribbean packages.

Until next time,

Beth