Alaska Part 1

I finally booked our Alaska Cruise for this summer.   To do so I had to do quite a bit of research on research to learn about the different cruises and ports.   I would like to document and share some of that research.

Land + Cruise vs Cruise Only vs Land Only

The absolute best way to see Alaska is to take a Cruise to visit all the port cities and sites, then travel inland to visit the State Parks and inland cities.  This require at least 11 Days and you really should plan on at least 12-14 Days if you want to get the most out of your vacation.   Land tours can be made pre or post cruise, I like taking a Northbound approach it just feels more natural, but starting in the North and travelling south is also a great option.

If time is a concern, then choose to take a cruise in Alaska.   We chose this because both my daughters, now employed, could not take more than a week off from work.   Cruising Alaska makes was ideal since it can be done in a week a

nd you get to see and do a lot while your hotel move with you.

Land only trips to Alaska can be done, but will require a lot of planning and transportation.  I would not suggest this unless you have a specific goal like fishing or hunting and you have time.  Going from place to place Alaska can be accomplished by rail and plane and the transportation can be an adventure in itself but the thought of waiting at airports packing and unpacking just doesn’t make sense unless you are really opposed to a cruise

Cruise Options

There are many cruises and Cruise Lines sailing in Alaska.   All are great options to choose the right one would require understanding your lifestyle and expectations.  I can help with this and will be able to ask a few key questions that would point us in the right direction to help you choose best cruise and itinerary. 

Alaska Cruises are either round trip or one way (open jaw).   Round trip cruises start and end in the same city, Seattle or Vancouver are the most common but there are cruises from San Francisco and other ports.  These cruises are usually 7 Day and spend about 5 days in destinations and 2 days at sea.  The benefit of these cruises are they end up in the same city and Airfare is easier and usually less expensive.  The downside is that you spend less time visiting Alaska destinations.  

Round Trip cruises from Vancouver travel through the Inside Passage to its first destination this means a smoother ride and some great scenery but airfare to Vancouver can be high and if you are going with a big family this can make a significant difference.  Round trip cruises from Seattle visit many of the same destinations as Vancouver destinations with the addition of Victoria BC.   All Seattle and San Fran cruises will stop at a Canada port, Victoria BC being the most common.  This is done to enable the Cruise ship to sell duty free. 

Open jaw cruises are either Northbound or Southbound.   Northbound cruises usually start in Vancouver and will cruise to either Seward or Whittier both are coastal towns near Anchorage.   Southbound cruises start in Whittier or Seward and end in Vancouver.  These cruises usually visit an additional Destination one on my bucket list is the Hubbard Glacier.

So here is my Favorite itinerary:

Day 1:  Arrive in Vancouver and see the sites.  Stay overnight in Vancouver.  

Day 2:  A little more sightseeing in Vancouver then off to the ship

Day 3: Cruising along the inside passage (Good time for a massage and some well-deserved R&R)

Day 4: Ketchikan – Take a ride on a Seaplane, see Misty Fjords then back to town for some shopping

Day 5: Juneau – Take a boat tour and see Humpback whale. Go to a Salmon Bake

Day 6: Skagway – Take a small gauge train through the White Mountain Pass.  Pet a few puppies.

Day 7: Icy Straits – Helicopter and hike on a Glacier

Day 8: Glacier Bay or Hubbard Bay.  Take in the scenery from my balcony and relax.

Day 9: Seward/Whittier -  Take a Bus to Anchorage, visit the Museum, have a great dinner.

Day 10: Alaska RR to Denali overnight in Denali

Day 11: Denali Park tour

Day 12: Alaska RR to Fairbanks pet more puppies

Day 13: Pan for Gold in Fairbanks

Day 14: Fly home

Do want to go plan a family Vacation but don’t know where to go! (Tips from a seasoned travel parent) Part 2

This is part 2 of my Vacation Advice and will focus on a few of the better family all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico.   All-inclusive vacations are great choices when going away with families and multi-generational groups.   They offer a great way to both relax and have a great time while on vacation. When planning an all-inclusive you have to keep in mind that all the costs are include in the resort costs, that meal, drinks and most entertainment.  What I look for when planning a family vacation is a great pool, good restaurants and other entertainment for the family.

Beaches has 3 family resorts, Turks and Caicos, Negril and Ocho Rios.   The resort at Turks and Caicos is by far the most exclusive resort but has the most to offer.

·       22 specialty dining options with everything from Caribbean to Japanese, Italian to French, Seafood to Sushi

·        A Pirates Island themed aqua-playground and water parks featuring nine slides, lazy river, surf simulator, water cannons, cranks and spray features.

·        Elmo and friends in our Caribbean Adventure with Sesame Street®

·        An X-BOX® Play Lounge with plasma screens and the latest games on the market

At their Ocho Rios Resort kids can tee off after 12 with complimentary Golf and at the Negril resort they have a Kids Kamp & Nursery with wide range of supervised activities and an Interactive Teens Program with “Trench Town” Teen’s Center and Teens’ Coordinator to coordinate teen activities.

Live like a rock star family.   The Hard Rock Hotels have 4 All Inclusive family resorts Cancun, Rivera Maya, Vallarta and Punta Cana DR.   

The Hard Rock have come a long way to draw the family vacationers. Each resort features great pools with lazy rivers, beach access, multiple restaurants and lots of music.  

They now have the “Little Big Club” featuring Hello Kitty, Thomas the Tank Engine, Barney Bob the Builder.   At these club the little ones can spend supervised time with their favorite characters.  

The Hard Rock is offering many amenities to families including, child sized robes and slippers for younger kids, baby sitting services starting at six months, 

strollers for toddlers they will even provide diapers and Gerber baby food for the younger tots.  

I want to go on a family Vacation but don’t know where to go! Part 1 (Tips from a seasoned travel parent)

Planning your vacation is both exciting and frustrating.  Where do I want to go? When should I go? Will it be too expensive?  Is it safe? Will my preteen and my teenager have enough to do?  Will I get rest and down time?   These are but a few of the questions that cause a bit of anxiety during the planning process.    I have decided to write a series of blogs to give you some ideas and reduce that anxiety. 

Walt Disney World Florida

Let’s face it, I am a Disney enthusiast.   If you know me, you know this to be a fact.  But you may not know why?  To me it’s all about the quality and entertainment.    When I travel with the family I want the kids to be entertained.   We are not the type of family that can spend every day on a sandy beach sun-bathing and building sand castles.  That may be good for one afternoon, but not for a week-long vacation.  I like to plan my vacations where every day we have a bit of entertainment as well as a bit of downtime.    Disney is great for that and caters to all ages. I like to think that Disney got their ideas for “My Disney Experience” from me or at least from visitors like me who would plan their trips well ahead of time and give it a bit of thought to what they would be doing.  I like to make sure we visit all the parks but also make sure we have R&R time at the Hotel and Pools.  

When you stay at a Disney resort you can be assured that everything is being done to make your experience memorable.   This is what they do and how they train their cast members, yes cast member because every employee from the people in the character suites to the bus drivers are all cast members and are aware that their jobs are to make your vacations a special vacation. 

Where to Go:  WDW Florida

When to Go:  The best times are in the Spring and Fall when the crowds are smaller. My favorite time is between Thanksgiving and Christmas, the parks and hotels are decorated in preparation for the Holidays.   If this is your first visit, I would avoid the peak of the summer.  Once you are familiar with the parks you can navigate better when the parks are more crowded.

Where to Stay:  Definitely on Disney Property.   There are a number of price ranges to choose from.   With younger Kids (under 10) I would stay at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts either the Polynesian or the Contemporary and I really like the Wilderness lodge.  With older kids I would stay at one of the Epcot or Downtown Disney Resorts.   I love Port Orleans and my favorite is the Boardwalk.    For a lower budget the value resorts near the Animal Kingdom and Disney Springs are great, just keep in mind they are a little further from the other parks and therefore a longer bus ride.

If you want to go to Disney give me a call, I have been trained as a Disney Travel agent and can help you with your planning.   The best part is that my services will not add any cost to your trip. 

If you like this don't forget to share, like and comment.   

Why should I go through you and not just book my vacation on line myself?

Why should I go through you and not just book my vacation on line myself?   I get asked this question all the time, I instinctively try to give a cost rationale thinking this is what people want most, the LOWEST price.  I can compete with any price you may get directly on line, but the true value I can deliver goes way beyond price.   I decided to start this year’s blog with the most compelling reasons to book your vacation travel through my agency.

Knowledge and Experience:  Before joining Cruise Planners I had traveled all over the world for business and pleasure.  I have planned many multi-generational family trips.   I know what it is like to travel with young kids, to travel with family members medical concerns, to travel with elderly with mobility limitations and yes even to travel with 55 high school concert band members and their musical instruments to another hemisphere.   I know what it takes to plan travel.  Since joining Cruise Planners, I have supplemented my personal experiences with extensive vendor and destination training I will use this knowledge and experience to help guide your vacation decisions in a way that provides you with the best vacation possible for you and your family.  

Personalized:  It’s more than just booking a flight and a hotel, it’s about creating a customized and personal itinerary for you.   Getting to and from the airports, setting up tours and things to do while you are on vacation and making sure your special needs and requests are handled.    You only go on vacation once or twice a year why not make it the best!

When you deal with me, you will feel confident that I am putting everything into assuring it’s the right vacation for you and your family.   I want to keep your business, so the best way for me to do that is to do everything in my power to make sure you have a great vacation.    I am not looking for one time client to push a special deal to get a commission bonus, I am looking to develop a long term relationship and repeat business. 

I got your back:  Life happens and changes are inevitable.   This is where I can very helpful.  I am your single point of contact for changes.    When it comes to change I may also be able to come up with solutions you may not be able to work out on your own.  Travel vendors are much more likely to bend a little more for a travel agency than for an individual client.  As a member of Cruise Planners and our affiliation with American Express we have a lot of clout in the industry and I will use that clout for you.  

Better Value:  I hope I have convinced you that the value I can bring you is much more than price, but the best part is it will not cost you more booking your vacation through me, and there are many cases it may cost you less.  I will have access to all the deals you can get online and I will have access to exclusive deal only  I can get.  I will compare the various offers and show you how they deliver value.   You may be able to do this online but you have a day job. It takes many hours of research and analysis to do the job right, I know because it is what I do every day.     In the end you will feel confident that you got the absolute best value for your vacation.

Please keep me in mind as you plan your next family or group Vacation.

Ben Costa  

973-798-2493

www.costaventure.com

Cruising the Legendary Rivers of Europe

Legendary Rivers of Europe

a blog by Ben Costa

The rivers of Europe have served as boundaries, avenues of transportation and sources of sustenance. Many European rivers have been celebrated in song and prose and have a played a major role in both commerce and history.   In early civilization they provided a means of food and trade.   During conflicts they were used as boundaries as well as invasion and conquer.  During the renaissance they carried trade and knowledge.  As a result many of Europe’s most important cities are located on one of these rivers.  There you will also find most Europe’s culture and history attractions.   These rivers include the Seine in France, the Rhine in Germany, the Rhone in France and Spain, and the Danube in central and Eastern Europe.   What better way to visit Europe than to travel these rivers.   

The Long Boats

River cruising in Europe has exploded since the emergence of the River long boat. 

• The long boats range between 250 and 350 feet in length.  
• Widths and heights are restricted to enable them to travel throughout Europe where they must travel in locks and under bridges.   
• River boats are small when compared to ocean cruise ships, most of the modern longboats will comfortably fit about 150 Passengers compared to a large cruise ship which can hold up to 5000 passengers. 

  These boats have been designed for comfort and luxury.

• Most staterooms have verandas with floor to ceiling glass.  They do this because you are there to see the country
• Staterooms are between 200 and 300 square feet 
• Most have multiple restaurants and dining options and offer both locally inspired gourmet cuisines and exotic meals 
• Many boats have Spas and fitness rooms, whirlpools and some are now being built with swimming pools.     
• They have wifi and most will have an interactive TV / information center in each room.   You will also have access to your cell phones since you are travelling on the interior of the country

The Itineraries

There are hundreds of itineraries to choose from to fulfill whatever bucket list desire you may have.

• Are you a wine enthusiast?   how about a cruise through the Bordeaux wine regions of France,  visit the wineries and sample your favorite wines
• History buff? how about a cruise from Normandy to Paris
• How about a cruise through Holland during the tulip season
• Are you interested in art and music, how about a cruise through Vienna on the Danube

• Are you a castle enthusiast – well how about a cruise on the Rhine through Germany or Luxemburg or Nuremberg on the Main

•  Or my favorite how about a Christmas time cruise on the Rhine and see all the festivities and  great decorations

Shore Excursions. 
It’s not just about being on the boat.   Every day you will visit a new city

•   Since these boats travel right to your destinations, all you have to do is get off the boat and you are at your destination.   You choose your pace and see what you want

• Take a tour in small group excursions with a local expert tour guide to facilitate and tell you about the local scenes
• Dive into the local culture with some of their exclusive tours. Make goulash in Budapest go to a Beer and bratwurst tasting in Nuremburg or indulge in Belgium waffle and chocolate in Antwerp
• Had too much gourmet food last night, most ships offer bikes that you can ride, so you can explore the region on two wheels while taking in the local culture and burning off a few calories.

Bottom Line

When you first look at the price of a river cruise you may come away thinking that this is an expensive way to see Europe but you need to consider what you get for that price and what you will find will surprise you.

• River cruises prices include all your meals.  Their restaurants are higher end.   Since they travel inland they can get fresh food locally which enhances your experience
• On Ama Waterways wine, beer and non-alcoholic drinks are included with your meals
• Most shore excursions are free, they will offer some exclusive experiences such as the wine tasting and cooking outing that will be extra but these would be your choice. 

So let’s take a look at the numbers:  For a10 Day Package Cat C Veranda Stateroom on an Ama Longboat traveling from Paris to Normandy with 3 Days post cruise in Paris The cost with Ama’s current Promotion is $3898PP which is ~ $390 per day.

Let’s break that down

Prices per day per person	Land Vacation	River Cruise
Hotel (4 Star) (~$300 Per Night)	$150 - $200	Included
Meals (Breakfast $20, Lunch $30 Dinner with Wine ~$75)	$125 - $150	Included
Snacks, water …	$30	Included
Transportation (Train, Car Rentals …)	$60	Included
Day Tours	$50 -$75	Included
Evening Entertainment	$50 -$75	Included
Transfers	$20	Included
Time Spent Traveling Between Cities packing unpacking waiting for trains, checking into hotels	Priceless time and aggravation	Relax and enjoy every part of the journey
Total	$485-$610	$389

 So now you can see why river cruises have become so popular.   The offer not only offer you a more pleasant and relaxing experience but do so for a lower price.   

If you want to book a river cruise or would like more information please visit my website or contact me via email.

CruisePlanners - Ben Costa

Top 5 reasons why I love vacations

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5. Get away from work: We all need downtime.  From my own experience I have seen expectations and workloads increase while at the same time support from management has gone done.   This leads to longer days and frustration when you don't see progress.   Getting away helps you focus and recharge your batteries.  Besides when you are sitting at the dinner table with your Grand-kids are you going to tell them about the time you met a tough timeline or about the time you went ziplining in new Zealand? 

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4. Meet new people : Whether it he couple from North Dakota you met by the pool, the waiter from India on the cruise or the Bartender from Brooklyn working at a swim up poolbar in DR, people always have a story to tell.   Its not hard to get them to tell you about themselves all you have to do is ask and listen.   I find this fascinating and have met some interesting folk this way.



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3. Visit new places: This may be obvious, but vacations and traveling are explorations.    They fulfill our need to seek out and experience something new.   The things I remember most about my trips are usually the new places and new experiences.  Seeing the southern cross from a sheep farm in Australia,  standing on a week old lava tube in Hawaii,  riding a dune buggy in Cozumel, steering a pirate ship in St. Thomas and my favorite was snorkeling on a deserted beach in Hawaii with sea turtles.   






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 2. Connecting with the Family:

We spend more time at work than we do with our kids and they grow up so quick.  Being on vacation together gives us the time to give them 100% of us without the distractions of work.  I always try to plan 2 trips each year just to spend time with the family.   One of the reasons I love Disney is that my whole family loves to go to there we feel at home and look forward to it.


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1. Celebrate:   We all have much to be thankful for but do we celebrate what we have.   I like to think of my family vacation as a celebration for all the hard work the Kids put into their schoolwork and for the all the hard work my wife and I put into our work all year long.    I am thankful for the health of my family and for those that are with us and thankful we had the time with those that are now gone.  



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