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Dear Joyce,
Still not convinced that a traditional travel agency
can beat the internet giants? Well, I just got back
from Hawaii and was amazed to see a major seller of
online travel taking over different activity kiosks in
resorts. I spoke with front desk personnel as
well as resort activity desk personnel to get their
take on the push for mega travel agencies to provide
all aspects of travel to vacationers and was quite
surprised to learn that the quality of activities has
greatly diminished. I was told that the large
companies work with the tour operators that give
them the best discounts. Which is a shame, when
traveling is supposed to be about the experience.
Let's face it,
when you're looking for a sunset cruise or helicopter
ride, the reputable companies are all within a
competitive price range. The tours the resorts
are now pushing have changed because of these
travel behemoths, so I highly caution you to do a bit
of research if you are working with these companies.
Chances are you will find independent tour
operators that will provide you with a better
experience.
More recently,
the New York Post conducted
a test that pitted the online mega travel sites
against five traditional travel agencies. The criteria
being examined was performance and pricing. Every
single traditional travel agency beat the mega online
sites, both on performance and price. The benefits of
using a travel professional are numerous - expertise,
personalized travel arrangements, guidance,
relationship with your preferred travel professional,
time saved in planning a trip, and value. We look
forward to helping you plan your next Incredible
Journey!
| Welcome to Kauai |
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Did
you know that Kauai was the only island in all of
Hawaii that King Kamehameha did not conquer? It was
given to him, by King Kaumualii. Maybe that is why
there is such a warm spirit of "Aloha" that greats
you every day on the island of Kauai - the Hawaiian
island that everyone dreams of. Aloha and
welcome to the most exotic of all the islands. Kauai
is by far my favorite island. The lush tropical north
shore is where you will find cloud covered mountains,
laced with waterfalls that fade seamlessly into the
near perfect white sand beaches that stretch for
miles. The beauty of the north shore is a vision that
will be etched in your mind for eternity. The sunny
south shore boasts a warm arid climate that seldom
experiences rain.
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| Now's the Time to..... |
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- Reserve space for
the upcoming holidays, book now before it is too
late
- Finalize plans for
Disney's 50th celebration before space is
gone
- Start making
reservations for Alaskan cruises, summer of
2006
- Reserve a cruise
on the Paul Gauguin as 2006 is the final year this
ship sails French Polynesia
- Begin reserving
beach front homes for summer of 2006
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| Travel Insurance |
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Peace
of Mind - Experienced travelers know that even the
best planned vacations can be affected by the
unexpected, placing their financial vacation
investment at risk. Travel delays, lost baggage, and
unexpected illness or injury can not only ruin
vacation plans, they can also cost a lot of extra
dollars. That's why we encourage clients to invest
in the purchase of travel protection, or travel
insurance, as it is commonly called. Such coverage
protects their vacation investment and provides the
peace of mind travelers deserve.
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| Ask Endora |
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Dear Endora,
My wife and I are in search of
the perfect Mai Tai. Where was the first Mai Tai
concocted in Hawaii?
Clay from Austin
Clay Darling,
This delightfully refreshing cocktail was concocted
at the fabulous "Pink Palace of the Pacific," also
known as the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. And it is here
that you will find the "best" Mai Tai in Hawaii.
Cheers,
Endora
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| Featured Property - Royal Hawaiian Hotel |
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Built in 1927 by Matson Navigation Company to
accommodate luxury-cruise
passengers, the Royal Hawaiian has been a charming
symbol of grandeur for over
sixty years. The legendary "Pink Palace
of the
Pacific," was built on the spot
where Queen Kaahumanu had her summer palace and is
the landmark hotel on Waikiki
Beach. With its coral colored façade and serene
gardens, the special ambiance of
old Hawaii and gracious island hospitality can still
be found here. Opening
right onto the sands of Waikiki Beach, paradise has
been perfected at The Royal
Hawaiian, with its unforgettable view of Diamond
Head from its coveted position
on the world's most famous beach. My favorite rooms
are located in the historic
wing of the property. Here you will find canopy
beds, pink bathrobes, pink
towels and a pink phone; you feel as if you have
been transported back in time
to the Hawaii of yesteryear. The Ocean front towers
boasts sweeping views of
legendary Waikiki Beach and Diamond Head.
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|
Weddings Tahitian Style |
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It's
really no wonder why Tahiti, after beating out all
the other destinations in the world, has been
awarded the Sexiest Romance and Honeymoon
destination year after year. The remoteness of these
fabled islands, the sweet intoxicating smell of the
fragrant Tiare floating through the air, luxurious
accommodations on all islands, and the French flair
for epicurean delights as well as their "Joie de
livre," undoubtedly put these romantic isles in a
league all alone.
Find out more....
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