You Get What You Pay For

Recently a friend of mine asked for help in finding hotel rooms for a first time visit to Switzerland.   I recommended she contact a travel agent who I knew was originally from Switzerland and would be a wealth of information.

The agent recommended several hotels and booked them rooms.   When I asked her about the experience of working with the travel agent she was very complimentary of his knowledge but said “You know he was charging me more than the rate available on the internet.”

I would have expected to pay a little more when working with a travel agent then trying to do the bookings on my own.  The time saved alone would be worth it to me.  Working directly with people is expensive.  It’s why almost every business in the US has automated phone systems.  I’m all for  keeping costs down but sometimes I just want to talk to a company representative rather than search the website’s FAQ section or spend time pressing phone buttons and still not getting the info I need.

So what’s it worth to you to take advantage of someone’s expertise?  Travel is one of those areas where I think  it’s worth it to pay a little more to get the piece of mind to know that you’re not going to be sleeping on a cot in a non air conditioned hotel in the worst section of an unfamiliar city.   I can read all I want online, however, talking to an expert travel agent who’s been there/done that helps me to know that the money I’m spending on a vacation is going to be worth it.

As an example, my husband vacationed in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico last winter.   I did some online research and did all my own bookings.  Had I consulted with an experienced travel agent we would have known that it’s almost impossible to get out of the airport without being hassled to take a timeshare tour.  We would have known what the peso to dollar conversion rate should have been.  We would have known not to take the whale watching tour and we would have had recommendations for restaurants.  For all of that I would have gladly paid a premium for someone’s expertise.

It IS What you Know!

Today I arrived in Indianapolis to attend my first Association of Bridal Consultants Annual Fall Conference.  My seat mate on the plane was a very nice man who is an education consultant to school districts throughout the US who have more students that are failing then are passing.  His career includes 22 years as a classroom teacher and he told me that he stills reads and studies constantly.  “Every good teacher ” he told me “is always learning.”  After observing in the classrooms, he works out a plan that is specific to each district, then he guides the team of teachers and administrators through the implementation process for his action plan.  In one of his districts the 7th graders went from having the lowest math scores in the district to among the highest.

As we were getting off the plane I realized that our work processes are very similar.  Granted, I’m not raising the education level of our nation’s youth, however, guiding clients through the process of planning their wedding is truly a milestone in their lives.  After a consultation with my clients I put my education and 25+ years of experience to work.  An action plan is formulated which is then implemented by guiding my clients and their family and friends through the process.

I still get a thrill when I learn something new.  That will never get old.  I’m looking forward to taking advantage of all this conference has to offer and to participating in other conferences, classes, and networking opportunities as they become available throughout my career as an event planner.  The more I can bring to the table for my clients, the better!!

Is it Better in the Bahamas?

I have been a Certified Sandals Specialist since 2005, however, I had never actually been to a Sandals property.  When the offer came to update my certification at the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort I jumped at the chance.  Three days in the Caribbean at an all-inclusive resort; no cell phone, no computer.  I couldn’t wait to go!

My previous vacation trips to the Bahamas had been “OK” experiences so I was prepared for this trip to be just OK as well.  Having been a traveler when I had a corporate job and having been on my share of vacations I know not to get too excited before I reach my destination as you never know what you’re going to find at a place you’ve never been.

Let me tell you why this trip to Sandals Royal Bahamian was more than just OK and why I’ll be renewing my Sandals certification at a different resort each year!

After a 45 minute flight from Miami I arrived at the airport in Nassau (HINT:  You’ll need a passport.  Allow plenty of time to apply for a new one or to update the one you already have).  I went through Immigration (the flight attendants will give you a form) then found the Sandals desk on the baggage claim level (HINT:  keep the page they give you in a safe place – there’s a safe in your room – you’ll need it when you leave).  At the desk I was greeted by 3 (count them 3) Sandals representatives who told me where to go to wait for the shuttle that would take me to the resort.  A group gathered to wait for the shuttle which arrived as promised; we got on, waited a few minutes for stragglers, then off we went.  The driver was like a tour guide along the way showing us places of interest during the 15 minute drive.  They drive on the opposite side in the Bahamas so don’t freak out!

When we got to the resort we were greeted by a bell captain who took our names and indicted where each of us should go for registration (there might be a colored dot on your luggage tag to help with that process).  Once on site you don’t touch your luggage – it will be brought to your room once it’s ready.  (HINT:  Bring a carry on with your bathing suits, hats, and suntan products <3 oz or smaller> or get them out of your suitcase before you go to registration – if you’re room is not ready they have places to get changed so you can relax while you’re waiting).  A lovely woman offering a glasses of champagne or rum punch came around seconds later.  About the same time

Your butler can arrange a romantic dinner on your private balcony!

we arrived a Rolls Royce pulled up with newlyweds who were smiling from ear to ear!  The Mercedes and its well dressed driver were just sitting there waiting to run to the airport. (HINT:  The Rolls Royce and Mercedes are available to Butler Service level guests.  While expensive – this level of service comes with lots of perks including your own private butler, dinners at Gordon’s on the Pier, and 24 hour room service).

While at the airport I was VERY fortunate to meet Kay – a Sandals booking agent based in Miami.  She couldn’t have been nicer and gave me a complete run down of the property before we arrived.  I followed her like a puppy!

She took me to lunch while we waited for our rooms to be ready (check in is usually at 3:00pm and we arrived at about 12:30pm).  She asked me where I’d like to eat as there are several choices.  I chose the Cassanova Buffet Restaurant over the Bella Napoli Pizzeria (where you can make your own pizza and eat it overlooking the beach) or the Royal Cafe (where you can get salads or grilled items).  Cassanova offered a wide variety of foods including a made to order pasta station and lots of fresh fruit.  Wait staff brings your beverages.

The 4 poster bed is very comfortable - turn down service includes his and her bathrobes

After lunch we went back to registration and our rooms were ready! As we walked over to The Windsor Building (vs The Manor Building or The Villas)  Kay started to explain to me about all the different types of rooms.  While I can’t tell you all of them (I’ll hook you up with her when you’re ready to book!) I can tell you that you want a Concierge level or higher room.  Concierge rooms come with a full bar (at no extra charge) and beautiful views.  My junior suite on the 5th floor was very spacious with a soaking tub in the bathroom, separate seating area, armoire with TV (most channels are based out of Miami) and great views of the pool and the ocean.  We were left on our own until our first group meeting at dinner in the Crystal Room later that evening.  Since I had a 6:00am flight out of Newark I was tired (and full) and took a nap!

We were a diverse group of ABC members from NJ, TN, LA, IN, FL and 3

Everyone who attended the training was a member of the ABC.

wedding planners from the Bahamas.  A nicer group of people you’ll never meet.  Dinner was delicious – the menu had been chosen for us and it did not disappoint.  Crab claws, shrimp, conch and oysters for an appetizer; steak and lobster tail for dinner; and bananas foster for dessert.  Wine service was continuous and I understand the Goombay Smash was a refreshing drink.  Our wait staff was very attentive and we could see that the dining room was full of happy couples.  (HINT:  Long pants and collared shirts are required for the men in some restaurants.  Ladies are expected to dress accordingly.   Always bring a sweater or shawl – the AC does get cranked up at times).

The next day started with breakfast back at Cassanova’s before our training session.  A fresh omelet/eggs to order station AND a French toast station along with the standards.  I was thrilled to find bagels (along with a toaster) and lox – one of my breakfast favorites to go along with my egg white and spinach omelet!

After training we took  a walking tour of the venue.

Main pool view from an oceanview room

While the Royal Bahamian Resort is a large property it doesn’t take long to walk to anywhere you need to go.  The gardens are lush and the main pool is huge with a swim up bar.  Comfortable lounge chairs are available as are  beach sized towels.  Some of the activities that are included: tennis, volleyball, a gym,  snorkeling, day time scuba diving, kayaks, Hobie Cat or Sunfish sailing, and aquatrykes.  The beach has recently been made larger (in response to guest input) and also has lounge chairs and umbrellas.

From the pier you can take a shuttle boat to Sandals Cay a private island that offers beaches on either side of the island, a restaurant (open several evenings for dining), and a zen garden and spa.

Speaking of food – there are 10 different places to eat at the resort including an authentic English Pub and Kimonos – a sushi and tepanyaki style Asian restaurant.

Listen to the ocean as you enjoy a his & her message on the pier.

Still need to ease the stress of your wedding away?  Try any of many services offered at the on-site Red Lane spa including free use of their steam room and spa pool.

Dinner for our group that evening was served out on the patio overlooking the ocean.  Again the menu was chosen for us but I’m not complaining!  Zucchini risotto with seared scallop, green salad with crumbled cheese and caramelized walnuts, champagne sorbet, rack of lamb and red snapper for the main course ending with fruited pound cake & wedding cake!

Check out and return to the airport was as stress free as my arrival (HINT: Put your suitcases in the hall the night before you leave if you have an early morning flight to avoid the 5:00am knock at the door).  My bag and the shuttle were waiting for me when I got to the entrance and it was an easy ride back to the airport for check in.  You’ll go through Immigrations again and then US customs before you leave the Bahamas so you don’t have to go through customs when you get home.

While on site I was surprised to see couples of all ages.  While there were many shiny new wedding rings there were also couples of varying ages such as a couple from Spain celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with friends from England.

Destination weddings at a Sandals (or Beaches, or Royal Plantation, or Grand Pineapple) resort are available as are decor packages courtesy of their new partnership with Martha Stewart.

If you’re interested in booking your honeymoon at any Sandals resort you can do so on your own through the ATB website or call me!  I’ll ask you some questions and then hook you up with Kay who knows pretty much everything there is to know about every resort that Sandals offers (there are 12 Sandals resorts on 4 different islands and that doesn’t include the 3 other brands).  If you’re the parents of the bride or groom don’t you think you deserve a vacation after all the wedding hoopla is over??  Or how about a girls trip – there are BFF trips  or I can help you plan your own! (HINT: You need to be 18 or older to stay at any Sandals property.  The Beaches resorts  are for families with children)

Having been to the Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort for a very short time I can still truly say – “It IS better in the Bahamas!”