Monday, November 1, 2010

Selecting a Cruise Vacation (or Resort/Tour)

When people ask what I do for living (Vacation Travel Planner) one the first questions they nearly always ask is.  "What is the best Cruise Line?"  and depending on what you are looking for in vacation, you may substitute Resort or Tour Company for Cruise Line in this question.

And I always reply, buying a Vacation is bit like purchasing a new car. What is the best car on the market for you, is dependent on your needs/wants and budget.  And just as cars come in wide range of choices, Sub-compact, Compact, Mid-size, Sedan, Cross-over, SUV, two-door, four-door, hatch-back, well you get the idea.

So it is with Cruise Lines, there are cruises designed to suit virtually every interest and personal preference. Most cruise lines start with sharing the following common characteristics. While on the ship, you will be supplied with accommodation, transportation, meals, entertainment and actives. How each cruise line delivers these items, is what makes them different and unique.

The first thing that you want to think about is, who is going to be joining you (if any) on the vacation.
Will it be a family vacation with small children, teenage children, grown children, grandchildren?
Will it be a multi-generation gathering?
Ttraveling with a group of friends or people you know who share a common interest?
Or maybe you are you just looking for a romantic vacation for two?

Next I suggest setting a budget, this will serve as a guide for the rest of the process.

When do you want to travel?

Which areas/regions/cities to you wish to visit?

How long to you want to travel for?

What level of service are you looking for?

How important is the quality or variety of meals/entertainment/actives and how would you rank them?

Which actives/tours/sights (if any) are you looking for?

Armed with this information, your travel planning partner and you will be well on your way to locating that "BEST" Cruise Line for you.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Welcome to my BLOG

Hello

My name is Jack Marsh, and for the last 15 years I have been a full time Vacation Travel Planner.

Now you ask what is the difference between a VTP and a regular Travel Agent or a Travel Agent Like Web Site (eg. Expedia, Orbitz)?

First the the similarities, we both both book Cruises, Tours, Hotels & Resorts.

The main difference is that, rather than you just telling me where and when you want to go to, as many Travel Agents and all Web Sites do. I will work with you to, determine your best choice for a Cruise/Tour/Resort based on your wants/needs/interests.  And my services for you does not stop there. I will also be more than pleased to share my ideas and and suggestions on places to dine, things to see and actives to participate in at your destination of choice. And of course, base those suggestions on your preferences and needs.

If this is a service that you think that you might want to take advantage of. 

Please e-mail me at

marsh_jack@yahoo.com

Jack Marsh
Owner
Marsh's Vacation Store