A love for travel . . . .

Many of us love to travel and we even know when that love started. For me, it was my honeymoon but when I really look back, it may have been in Junior High or High School when I would travel with my dad in his semi truck (he is an over the road truck driver). I spent many week long rides in his truck hitting about 20 states just along for the ride, checking out the views and having slug bug contest with my dad!!! At this time, I never knew my love for travel would grow and that these road trips would be the start of it. I always just thought is was quality time with my dad!

When I was done with high school, I went off to college and traveled during that time too. Although I had these other opportunities of travel, I always look back at my honeymoon, which was over 12 years ago, being the most memorable vacation I had ever taken.

Honeymoons are one of my travel planning specialties; I get so excited when a couple calls for a honeymoon! Most likely because of my own honeymoon experience, I remember getting on that plane with my new husband just being the two of us for the next 8 days, doing whatever we wanted (we pretty much laid at the pool or the beach for 8 days). Based on a referral from friends, we stayed at Sandals in Negril, Jamaica.

For those of us who love to travel, we know when that love began! The neat thing about traveling is what you get from it...for some, it is a relaxing week away from it all, sometimes we learn from a new destination or experience, or maybe it is much needed family or couple time and sometimes, it is a get away just to kick back and have fun with friends!

Wherever your travels may take you and whatever you get from it...Enjoy!

Top 5 Reasons Why To Book With A Travel Agent

Often I get asked, "Why would I book with a travel agent when I can do it myself?" or "What is the difference between booking with you verses online?". Both are great questions. My funny answer to this is, "I do not cut my own hair; I leave it up to my stylist. Yes, I could probably cut it myself but it is not worth the risk or will it turn out like I envision it? I want a professional who is trained, to do it."

Top 5 Reasons to use a Travel Agent:

1. Saves You Time: Did you know that over 20% of travelers that book online put over 5 hours into planning? With that statistic, I find myself wondering if they got the full vacation experience they were looking for? We all have busy lives, why not leave it up to the experts to plan your vacation and then, you can enjoy your weekend or free time.

2. Expertise and Knowledge: I understand that it is fun to look at all the vacation options at first, then reality may sink in that you have never been to that certain resort nor have you even heard of it before. Most travel agents have the opportunity to travel through the year learning about the destinations and resorts as well as attending trade shows and training. It is such a great feeling when I can tell a client a personal tip from experience about their vacation plan.

3. Real Person: Often times when calling the mass travel websites you will get an automated answering system, get passed from person to person, or if you have to leave a message that a travel agent calls you back in a timely manner. It is just not that common any more to speak to a actual person without getting transferred around or getting a timely call back. We know what a great feeling it is to get a person on the phone and better yet, they make you feel important and that you're just not another caller. Also, if you should have any problems with your travels then it is all the more important to speak directly to a person. When booking online sometimes it is even hard to find a phone number much less get a real person on the phone.

4. They Think of the Whole Package: A "great" travel agent will start to think about how to make your trip more of an experience for you from the moment you called to discuss your vacation. For most of us, this is so important and it is what makes it not just a transaction. These key points of interaction is where you build that relationship and trust. It makes you proud to have a Travel Agent on your side!! Remember it is not just about the plane ticket you need.

5. Save You Money: Many travel agents do not charge a fee to do the research and even book your vacation. I like to look at it like our knowledge to help plan your vacation is free! What a bonus.

If you are thinking about a vacation, consider using a travel agent, one that is excited and honored to help you plan your experience.

We look forward to working with you!

 

 

Nichole Winter

Travel Specialist/Owner of Destination Vacation

320-241-0355

destinationvacationtravel@gmail.com

Breathtaking Views!

My clients, John and Cheryl enjoyed a 12 day Alaskan Cruise Tour last month. A cruise tour is basically what it sounds like, it allows vacationers to experience land and sea. Their cruise tour started with 5 days seeing the sights of Anchorage, Denali and Talkeetna that included guided tours, lodge stays and some down time to enjoy themselves. For the next 7 days, they enjoyed time at sea on the Radiance of the Seas with Royal Caribbean which included sailing through the Hubbard Glacier, stopping at Juneau, Skagway, Icy Straight Point, Ketchikan and then finally cruising through the Inside Passage.

Before John and Cheryl left, the three of us met to discuss what they wanted to experience on their trip and planned out their excursions. We paid close attention to their options to ensure they would experience as much of Alaska as possible with a wide selection of activities. After looking at all of the options, they had decided on a Salmon Bake, Gold Panning, Whales Galore Tour, Kayaking the Coast and a Wilderness Tour.

Upon their return, I had asked them of all the excursions they'd experienced on their trip which one was their favorite. Just when I thought I knew which excursion was the favorite, they would think of another one and then could not decide between the two. I couldn't have been more happy when they could not decide on their favorite excursion because then I knew they truly loved it all!  I thoroughly enjoyed sitting down with John and Cheryl to hear all about their vacation! I have to admit, it was a tease to me as I do have an itch to go to Alaska myself after seeing their fabulous pictures.

 

A Cruise Tour is a perfect way of experiencing Alaska . . .  

A destination wedding to the fullest . . .

 

These photos truly say it all  . . .

love

beauty

beach

commitment

connection

passion

 

 

 

 

From the moment I met Jeremiah and Amanda I knew they had something special.

 After looking at many resorts they selected the Elcellence Playa Mujeres just north of Cancun it is a beautiful adults only resort.  This resort offers many fine dining options, romantic suites, and beautiful pools. The two of them and 16 of their friends and family headed down this last April.

 Not only did we arrange a beach ceremony, and a reception their guests enjoyed a full day adventure excursion snorkeling and zip lining. 

I knew from meeting with them the the ceremony was very important , and by having Jeremiah's father marry them made it so memorable and special.  

I am excited for the two of them to be returning to this resort to enjoy it and look back at their wonderful memories once again!

 

I wish the two of you nothing less than happiness and love each day in your married life together.  Thank you for allowing Destination Vacation be apart of your special day!

2 Year Celebration!

We love to Celebrate our years in business and right now we are celebrating 2 Awesome years!!

Thank you for all  your support and referrals. Where I have gone, what I have learned and who I have met in the past 2 years is amazing. I love visiting new and old places it helps when planning your vacations. Training is so important in this business and keeping up to date on new resorts, remodeling, activities for you to enjoy and so much more.  One of my favorites is when I hear ohh " name" gave me your information, approximately 85% of my business is referrals. Thank you so much for that, your referral never goes unnoticed.

This time of the year we are in full swing of planning tropical getaways and last minute fall trips. This winter St. Lucia, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic are hot destinations. We have more direct flights into the Dominican Republic, and the flight times have been improving for St. Lucia.
Travelers are not forgetting Mexico it is always a great value for your dollar and no matter where you go they are always adding and updating.

Do not forget that we offer affordable down payments and groups of 10 or more receive a discount.
If you are thinking of a vacation this winter, contact us for your planning our expertise and knowledge will guide you to the best resort for your travel dreams! We look forward to working with you.

Call 320-241-0355 or email destinationvacationtravel@gmail.com and ask for Nichole

Do not forget to "LIKE" Destination Vacation on Facebook for additional tips promotions.

Where does the summer go?

Do you ever ask yourself why the summer months fly by but those winter months seem like they can take forever?  I feel like evey summer goes faster,  I hope you are enjoying yours. August is just about here and many of you will start to think about your winter vacation. Where to this winter? Is it something new or the same? I cannot wait to hear. 

Maybe you want to sneak in a fall vacation it is a beautiful time of the year!

Disney World has extend their FREE DINING Program it offers you and your family huge savings on your Magical Vacation!

Enjoy meals included for every night of your visit!
Now through September 29, 2012, buy a non-discounted Magic Your Way Package for 6 nights and 7 days at select Disney Moderate Resorts at the Walt Disney World Resort for arrivals most nights Sept. 30 – Oct. 4, Oct. 19 – Nov. 1, Nov. 9-15, Nov. 23-29 and Dec. 10-13.

                                                 

This above picture is my daughter and nieces meeting Rapunzel and Flynn Rider. I thought this trip would be only magical for the little ones however I loved every minuted of this Vacation. The twinkle in these three girls eyes when they would meet a princess was priceless. I should really mention that they waited in line for almost 2 hours to meet them, what a little girl will do for a princess?

Please call Destination Vacation to help plan your families next Magical Vacation!

Soon we will be Celebrating our 2 year Anniversary of Destination Vacation stay tune for some fun! We love celebrating and sharing it with you.

Wedding in Paradise!

I truly enjoyed being apart of Abe and Jenn's journey to Marriage! I have known Abe since grade school and I remember telling him once he started dating Jenn to hang on to her!  So when he finally proposed I was SUPER excited when Jenn told me that they are having a Destination Wedding!

After listening to what they wanted for their wedding I knew Couples Tower Isle is the place for them! The two of them and 17 guests enjoying a week in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Couples Tower Isle is a beautiful, romantic adults only resort. They selected the grassy gardens for their ceremony which had a beautiful backdrop of the ocean.

Upon their return may favorite story was when Jenn was scheduled to meet Abe at a certain time in the lobby to get ready for the wedding. That morning Abe and all the guys went deep sea fishing needless to say right when they were to head back in they caught a Marlin. Bringing in a Marlin is not a easy task, 45 minutes later the Marlin was in the boat and back and the resort Jenn was getting a little nervous.  With every love story there is a happy ending, with the help of guys that can get ready fast the wedding ceremony was perfect

and on time.

Congratulations to the two of you, I wish you a lifetime of happiness!

Destination Vacation has almost 13 years in the Wedding Planning business and over 5 in travel planning, if you are considering a Destination Wedding we would love to meet with you and help you decide if it is right for you!

It is very important to find a professional to help you with you wedding, this is one of the most important days of your life. Destination Vacation is a two time award winner, for providing exceptional wedding services from the Central Minnesota Wedding Association.

Please read our reviews from past clients:

http://www.idoido.org/users/destination-vacation