Do you need a vacation like I do ???

Did you ever have one of those bad days, when nothing seems to go right? Well, I had one of those “days” for the 9 days! I won’t bore you with all the gory details, but trust me when I tell you, I could really use a vacation!
Anyone else need a vacation?
This is the deal. There are no deals right now for March or the middle of April. If this is the only time you can travel, then be prepared to pay. Fuel prices are just outrageous, and Easter is too early (so it coincides with college Spring Break), so I don’t have any “bargains”.
We always have the lowest prices, and if it is freezing where you are, or just really need to get away, we will find you a place to go.
So, let me give you the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The good: Anywhere Spirit or Jet Blue flies to/from are still priced really low. All the other airlines match their prices, so if you are lucky enough to live near a city where they fly, we can still get you to the Caribbean or Mexico cheap.
Now is the time to book Cancun and the Mayan Riviera, Cabo, and the always cheap Dominican Republic for April, May, and June. Iberostar is on sale, as well as Barcelo, Riu, and Princess Hotels.
Aruba and Jamaica are also on sale and Aruba is especially cheap if you don’t need an all-inclusive.

The bad: finding nonstop flights, and finding resorts that offer free children. On Thursday this very polite gentlemen told me wanted to take all his 6 of children on holiday. Of course he was looking for a deal that included a reduced price for children since he was paying for all his “kids”. I asked him how old his children were and he said 32, 28, 23, 21, and 18 year old twins! I explained that all of his children were adults, and he started to argue that “they were all still his children”, and the 18 year olds didn’t even drink. While that would be lucky for him, regardless, full price applies!
There are a few hotels that offer a “junior rate” for kids 12-17, but if your kids are 12 or over, you probably have to pay. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, that includes small 13 and 14 year olds as well.
I’ve been doing a trip for one family from Philadelphia since 2001 when their children were 9 and 5. Last year I finally had to ask her when the older child was going to turn 13?

Doesn’t anyone believe in karma other than me?

The ugly: Fuel, fuel, fuel. I only live 6 miles from my office, but it still costs me over $60 a week for gas. The airlines are raising their prices while we speak. Not only are the airlines charging more for seats, they are charging for luggage, and some even charge for water.
I usually tell my clients to wait to book their Summer vacation at the end of March or the beginning of April when the hotels usually offer sales. This year, I recommend booking now. There are less nonstop flights, and I am afraid if you wait for the sale, you’ll end up missing out.

Also on the ugly list: my poor clients that work at Bear Stearns. My military clients who have to postpone their vacation since they are still deployed in Iraq.
I’m also going to include on the “ugly” list the unreasonable requests I received in the last 10 days:

“I see you have a special for the Grand Princess from May 1-June 30th. Can I go on March 20th for the same price?”

“ I would like to book the $399 special to Puerto Plata from Miami, but I would prefer to leave from Wichita, Kansas. Is it the same price?”

“I am going by myself, why do I have to pay more? I am not going to use both beds”.

“Can you get me upgraded at the resort? I haven’t had a vacation in 10 years and I would really like a suite.”

“How come I am paying more for my trip this year than last year?”

“I know you said the price is $1299 per person, but if you will take $900 and guarantee a king bed, I’ll buy it right now”.

“You sound so nice. Do you want to come with me on my trip?”

“I read on-line that children stay free. Do they have to pay for their air?”

“I know it says that Holiday travel is more expensive, but what if I leave December 26th instead of Christmas day?”

I answer all questions that you are willing to ask. I just may not have the answer you want to hear.
Maybe after I take my vacation I will come back refreshed and less blunt…but I doubt it.