How's Business These Days? he asked.

I was visiting with a couple of friends a few days ago and we were talking about the economy and how so many of our community's small businesses were closing down. In fact, knowing that I have chosen to work from home one guy suggested, "You might want to consider getting some space in one of the strip malls space out to be cheap right now since there is so much of it."  I replied, "No I can't imagine why would I want to get up early and drive 20  miles to a small store when I can wake up just down the hall from my office?"  He then asked, "By the way, "How's business these days?  Are people still traveling as much as they used to?"

There is no question that the economy has been through some tough times and that has meant tough times for small business owners.  I've seen some businesses that just a year or so ago were bustling and looking at expanding close their doors. I'm sure there will be more. So, in answering the question I replied, "Well, we have certainly seen a change in people's traveling patterns. They have not stopped traveling but they are taking shorter vacations. Two years ago I rarely sold a four or five night cruise. They were all seven days or longer. No we sell quiet a few short cruises."

Money is tight. . . . there is no getting around it. Flying has become one off the major expenses people are struggling with these days. I priced an Eastern Mediterranean for myself. The 15 day cruise was less than the airfare.  However, the solution is not to forget the vacation but rather to adjust it.

If you are used to flying somewhere on vacation, try going on a cruise out of a port that you can drive from. Not purchasing airfare can save you a lot of money and with the money you save, you can upgrade to a balcony from an interior stateroom and have money left over.

In our area, we have sailing out of Galveston alone 4 cruise lines and 5 ships. Royal Caribbean has the Mariner of the Seas, Carnival has both the Carnival Magic and the Carnival Triumph, The Disney Magic and the Crown Princess. Soon Norwegian will add their own ship to the mix in 2014 when it bases a ship out of the Bayport Terminal. Princess will start using the Bayport Termnal in 2013.

Further down the cost ships are sailing from Mobile, Alabama and New Orleans, LA, which are all within driving distance from the Mid-South area. So whether you live in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi or Alabama there a lot of choices.  Many of our clients are using these ports and pocketing the cost they saved by driving instead of flying.

Another great way to save some money on a cruise vacation is to go as a group. Maybe your kid's ball team (Parents and children) could be a group. Everyone belongs to some kind of group that could put together with the help of a Travel Agent a cruise group. I have a group sailing out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida this coming January called The Dancing With The Stars Cruise that will actually feature some of the dancers from the show.

If you don't like cruising, we can, through some our supplier partners put you and your family in a great all-inclusive resort for a lot less than you might think.  So whether its Canada, Costa Rico, Mexico, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or the Virgin Islands we can help you get there.

Don't want to leave the country. You can also have a great vacation in places like Nashville, St. Louis, Atlanta, Branson, Gatlinburg, Las Vegas and any number of other places.  I suggest a week on the San Antonio Riverwalk.

Is the economy down? You bet it is. Does that have to change your vacation plans? Maybe a little, but at Texas Cruise and Travel, we work to find ways for you and your family to have a great vacation while staying within a budget you set.

Give us a call at (713) 385-0080 or drop us an email at: info@texascruiseandtravel.com.  Check out all the possibilities by visiting our website at www.texascruiseandtravel.com.

Then The Unthinkable Happened.

I, like many people, have been following the events surrounding the problems confronting passengers aboard the Carnival Triumph. They had pretty much finished their short cruise and no doubt were already getting excited about being home and sharing their cruise stories with friends and neighbors.

Then the unthinkable happened. There was a fire in the engine room and the ship lost all power. Suddenly things changed. Certainty now turned to uncertainty and for many that produced fear.  No one wanted this to happen. Certainly the passengers did not and neither did the cruise line. But there they are . . . . Stranded at sea!

The best advice I can give them right now is, “go with the flow.” (No pun intended).  Getting angry will not help. In fact, it will only make a bad situation worse. There will be plenty of time for anger when they get home and fortunately they will get home! Right now it's make the best of a bad situation.

Passengers need to do the best they can. Try and take things as they come . . . in stride. I know that toilets not working; foul air and bad odors; food not gourmet; rooms not cool; and other passengers grumpy, some angry and some down-right belligerent. The crew will generally do everything they can to make the inconvenience of the moment bearable. But remember, they are literally in the same boat.

Try to keep in mind that the cruise line is trying to resolve issues with the ship and the problems that passengers are facing both on board the ship and will face when it does arrive in port. I can assure you that the ships engineers are working as hard as they can to restore electrical power and that passenger discomforts are minimized. Just keep in mind that without power nothing works . . . no cooking, no A/C; and no flushing toilets. Add to these a whole host of other things that we have become accustomed to always being there that we didn't even notice them until they are gone. Sounds like there might be some life lessons in all this.

The ship staff is also trying to get all the legal and paper work done on behalf of the passengers for when they do arrive in port. For example, if the ship had actually gone to Progresso, Mexico as first announced 900 passengers would not be able to immediately leave the country because they were not traveling with a passport. They would face additional scrutiny at the airport. 

When the ship arrives it must be cleared by Homeland Security and the passengers will still have to clear immigration and customs. Those that drove to Galveston then have to be bused from Houston Airports to Galveston to pick-up their cars. Those who flew in from faraway places would have to deal with rescheduling flights and that cost.

Carnival may give these passengers both a new cruise and full fare refund and arrange many of these details but I can promise you that most passengers will face some additional costs.  Under the rules of portage the cruise line is exempt from many of the things for which people might think they should be liable. 

I started to spend some space talking about how to make the best of a miserable situation. You know, “What to do when the toilets don’t work?”  Here’s a hint . . . try and book you cabin as high up on the ship as you can.

Instead I want to one more time say to anyone and everyone who plans to travel and especially if you plan to cross an international boarder . . . .

GET A PASSPORT!  Everyone has a birth certificate and everyone will eventually have a death certificate but for everything between these two certificates you need a passport. Whether it’ by plane, train, ship automobile or even foot if you cross an international boarder make sure you have your passport in your pocket. (It will not hurt to have a credit card that is not maxed out as well.)

GET TRIP INSURANCE!  You may never face anything as severe as the folks aboard the Carnival Triumph have this week but you might miss a flight, get sick and have to return home early or even miss the boat. Trip insurance will not remove the physical discomfort but it will help alleviate the fiscal pain.

I do have a third piece of advice. Don’t let this incident keep you from experience just how wonderful a cruise vacation can be.   Keep in mind that these four and five night cruises are just introductory cruises. They are designed to introduce the first time cruiser to what a cruise vacation is like. It is too bad that for many first time cruisers aboard the Carnival Triumph their great cruise experience turned so badly. Believe me this is the exception not the rule. I have been cruising since I was a child and I have never been on a cruise that had these kinds of problems. I must confess that I was on one where we couldn’t raise the anchor and our 7 night cruise turned into an 8 night cruise.

Seriously folks; to be alive is to be at risk. I must tell you that having your cruise vacation ruined by an event like that we’ve been hearing about this week is pretty minuscule. Don’t be afraid to book a cruise. In fact, book yours today and plan to enjoy today. Chances just got better that yours will be a flawless vacation.

Check out our Dancing With The Stars Cruise on Holland America cruise set for next January. 

Now Is The Time To Book Your 2013 Vacation!

Well, here it is the end of 2012 and you didn't get that much needed vacation in.  Oh, your intentions were good but for some reason it just didn't happen. Well, I'm not here to brow-beat you for that. No, indeed. I am here to show you a way to get it done in 2013.

I remember when I was a kid my mother would fly to England every year to visit her family. Now you need to understand that we were not wealthy folks. In fact we were pretty much on the low end of the socio-economic scale. But somehow she always managed to get that trip in.

I mention that for several reasons. First, lack of money is not a reason for not taking a great vacation it is an excuse. I have reflected on how my mom was able to make that trip happen every year and the first thing I realized was that this annual trip was a priority for her. It was an important experience to which she looked forward with eager expectation.

Vacations are important to you well being. They are a time of refreshment and rejuvenation. A time to relax and to simply be a family.  You will never take that intended vacation until you make it a priority. This annual trip was so important to my Mom that she would take on a variety of odd jobs to cobble together the cost. So, do like my Mom. Decide early where and when you are going to take that vacation and begin immediately finding a way to fund it. Mark it on you calendar.

Select your vacation date a protect it against any and all intruders.  In selecting a date be sure and make it as far out as you can. This will allow time to accumulate the needed funds to pay for the trip. I really believe that the vacation should be pretty much already covered financially before you leave to enjoy it. You will enjoy it more knowing that you know going home to a lot of new debt.

Deciding on the kind of vacation you want to take may not be as easy as ABC but it is important. The when of your trip will also inform the kind of trip you take.Still, the choices are almost endless.  Everything from close to home cruises to all-inclusive resorts on exotic islands. Visit a travel consultant for a whole range of ideas.  As you make your selections let your imagination run free but always keep you household budget in mind. You'll not want to spend more than you can really afford.

Book your trip early. That way you are invested in the trip and will be more likely to follow through. Besides, contrary to popular opinion the best prices are available early not late in the season.

Finally, develop a plan for paying for your vacation. If you have done well with your finances you might be one of the fortunate few who can just "write a check" and you're all set. However, most families will probably need to come up with a funding plan. This is especially true if a vacation has not been an annual part of your family budget.

I remember I used to keep a 5 gallon water bottle by the front door and every day when I came home from the office I'd drop all my pocket change in it.  A full jar of miscellaneous coins adds up to about $1500.  That may not work as well in this day of debit cards but you can come up with your own unique approach.  The point is, come up with a plan for saving the money you need to pay for the vacation.  I like the idea of a vacation savings account.

If you can't discipline yourself with a savings account make monthly payments on you vacation. Just calculate the amount need to be paid in full by the final payment date.  That way it is thoroughly incorporated into you family budget.

Don't miss out on having a vacation this year. Most cruise and resort vacations are more affordable than you think. You really do need to sit down with a Travel Consultant and check out your options. You probably have more choices than you realize.

Westcave Cellers

Whenever I am in the Texas Hill Country I try to visit some of the local attractions. More and more that means one of the local Wineries.   This week I found myself at a fairly new winery - just a couple of years old. Now the vineyard has been there for some time producing grapes for other winemakers in the area but Westcave Cellars just started bottling their own wines just a couple of years ago.

Located is just 30 minutes from Austin and right in the middle of some of the great Hill Country attractions such as the Westcave Preserve, Hamilton Pool Park and the Reimer's Ranch. It is also within driving distance of Fredericksburg and Johnson State Park. 

 

Allan and Margaret Fetty

This small estate winery produces several good wines including a Petite Syrah and Viognier. However, it was their red (they do have a white as well) Merlot that in my judgement is as good as any you will find in the Hill Country. Nestled just off Hamilton Pool Road you will there is plenty of room to enjoy a glass of very good wine in the shade of some of the huge oak trees. You will also find that unlike most of these Hill Country Wineries you can actually take you glass of wine and stroll through the vines of the vineyard or just enjoy a wine and cheese paring in the beautiful grove of oaks.

 

The first stop you'll want to make is the tasting room where you are just apt to be greeted by owners Allan and Margaret Fetty. It is there that you'll have the opportunity to try their wines and hear their story. I found this couple to be most personable and a joy with which to visit. Once you've made your selection you are pretty much free to explore the place. In addition there is a monthly pig roasting and live music event that can really make for an enjoyable evening.

Be sure and check their calendar for dates and times and plan your trip accordingly. As you know I am a big fan of Driftwood Winery just south of Dripping Springs. It is just really hard to beat the view that Driftwood provides. But when it comes to wine quality my Westcave Cabernet was as good as any I have had in the Hill Country. The ability to wander through the vineyards is another real plus. But I think relaxing in the shade of the wonderful oak grove with good company and a good wine makes Westcave just the place to be.

When you stop in tell them that the folks of Texas Cruise and Travel suggested they'd enjoy a Westcave experience. That and $8 will get you a tasting.

Location and Hours
25711 Hamilton Pool Road, Round Mountain, TX 78663
Mon. & Fri. - Sat. 11am - 6pm | Sun. 12pm - 6pm | Tues - Thurs. By Appointment Only

Mike’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain

Ordinarily I’d be telling you about some wonderfully exotic resort or secluded getaway where you can let your mind run free and your spirit be refreshed.  However, today I want to do something a little different. I want to share with you a little place we discovered in our own back yard.  It’s not a tourist spot nor a “just gotta see” place. It’s just a small business in our community that offers something very special to its customers.

Today I want to fill you in on one of Southeast Texas’ hidden gems that I’m betting most of the natives don’t even know about yet. But here it is, tucked away in our own back yard. Located on Port Neches Avenue in the heart of old town Port Neches, Texas is a little ice cream parlor that will take you back in time.  Mike’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain will delight people of all ages. Indeed the last time I was here the place was packed with people ages 10 to 70 years.

I mention this place because I know that I for one am always looking for somewhere to take our out of town guests that is not just another run-of-the-mill place and not part of some touristy mall like shopping area.  The “Old Fashioned Soda Fountain” is a one of a kind venue that will help make the visit a remembered one.  In fact, Mike’s is so “old fashioned” that they do not take credit or debit cards . . . only cash and checks are accepted as payment. However, on my first visit because I was not aware of the “cash only” policy Mike offered to take my I.O.U. and let me pay next time I came in.  Now when was the last time a merchant let you do that.
The Soda Fountain  will especially appeal to those who grew up in the “Happy Days” atmosphere of the 50’s and 60’s.  Mike’s place is exactly as advertised . . . an old fashioned soda fountain. Mike Lisotta, creator and owner, has done an absolutely fabulous job of recreating this wonderfully nostalgic venue. The store is filled with memorabilia from that era. There is even jut box that plays period music.

Not only is the ambiance great but Mike serves only the best Texas ice cream . . . yep, that’s right . . . all you’ll get here is the wonderful taste of Blue Bell Ice Cream.  Whether you select a malt made on an old fashioned malt machine or a great Banana Spit (I opted for the Banana Split) you’re going to be glad you stopped by to say hello.

So, if you’re visiting us you can pretty well rest assured that somewhere along the way were headed to Mike’s Old fashioned Soda Shop and some Blue Bell Ice Cream.

What Would Be Your Dream Vaction?

Like John Lennon, I am a dreamer and I'm betting that I'm not the only one . . . I'm betting you're a dreamer too.  It really is a big wide wonderful world that we live in and I for one want to experience as much of it as I can. But I don't just want to see it in my dreams. I want my dreams to become my reality. I think you feel the same way.

Over the years many of my travel dreams have come true. I've seen the Great Southland (Australia) with its magnificent beaches, wonderful cities, awe inspiring scenery and its wonderfully refreshing people. I've stood on the Athenian Acropolis and pondered the ages past; I 've walked the streets of the ancient city of Ephesus and relieved the ministry of the great Apostle Paul; I've overlooked Jerusalem and contemplated the life of Christ; I've climbed the Mayan Pyramids and stood in the temples of Luxor and at the foot of the Egyptian Pyramids. I have enjoyed the amenities of cruising the seas and the all-inclusive resorts. From Fiji to Jamaica I have been to the islands.

I could almost say with Johnny Cash:

"I've been everywhere, man.

I've been everywhere, man.

Crossed the desert's bare, man.

I've breathed the Mountain air, man. 

Of travel I've had my share, man.

I've been everywhere."

No, I have not been anywhere near everywhere. The truth is with all the places I've been there are still plenty of places I'd like to experience.

For me, each and every one of these trips began as a dream and dreams don't just come true. You have to make them come true. Had you asked me as a young man if I'd have traveled the world the way I have I'd have said, "You gotta be kidding me!"  I could never afford to do anything like that. And yet I did and so can you.

 So, where would you go if you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? Be sure and share your dream vacation in the comments section below. I'd love to hear about your dream vacation.

Because of my on experience over a lifetime of traveling I believe your dream vacation can come true. It can come true but it will not come true unless you take some steps to make it happen. To that end I encourage you to find and use a travel consultant in whom you have confidence. Don't have one then we will be happy to help. You can visit our website at Texas Cruise and Travel or contact us via email. Regardless, find a Travel Consultant you trust and build a good working relationship with them. They will do you good.

Once you have selected a consultant share with them your dream vacation and work with them to plan it. These folks know travel and they can help you in ways you cannot begin to imagine. So whether its a cruise or a journey to a far away place; whether its an all-inclusive getaway or a trip back in time your travel consultant can show you how to make it happen.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard folks say,"If money were no object I would go to . . . . (you fill in the blank). Or, they would say, "I'd love to go to (again you fill in the blank) if it were not so expensive, or so far away, or so something or other.

If finances are an issue, start planning for the cost now. I suggest establishing a dedicated "vacation fund" at your local bank or credit union. Put money in that account regularly on a predetermined schedule. The amount deposited isn't as important as the regularity of deposits. We did this years ago and still use it today for all our travel. Once its up and running you'll be surprised how quickly you can cover the cost of just about any trip.

"You, you may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one I hope some day you'll join us." So, why don't you stop dreaming and start experiencing this wonderful world in which we live.  

River Cruise or Ocean Cruise . . . Which Should I Choose?

River Cruise or Ocean Cruise . . . Which Should I Choose?  Well, it depends on what you are looking for doesn't it. They both visit interesting places and they both provide great food. So what is the difference besides on is on an ocean going ship and the other is aboard a river cruising boat.


Freedom of the Seas

 Today’s ocean-going cruise ship has it all: rock-climbing walls, water parks, ice skating, up to 20 different dining venues for your enjoyment (virtually all at an added cost), accommodations that range from small and basic to large and opulent.  An ocean cruise more like a Vegas-style vacation than a cruise. In fact when I started selling ocean cruises one of our selling points was that almost everything was included in the fare price. Over time something has happened to the all-inclusive nature of an ocean cruise, namely it has all but disappeared.  

I must say that there are a few small high end cruise lines that are experimenting with going back to being all-inclusive but at a high price. However, generally you can expect to be "nickeled and dimed" to death on an ocean cruise. You will have the choice of many dining options but for most of them you will pay an extra charge from $15 to $50 per person. Shore excursions are plentiful but only at an added fee. To be honest when someone tells me they can get a seven night cruise for $499 per person I just smile. You see I know that that $499 seven night cruise is actually going to cost the about $900 or more per person by the time the nickle and dimming is done.

On an Ocean cruise you will find yourself queuing up for just about everything. After all you are sailing with up to 4,000 of your closest non-friends. Most cruise ships are crowded and rushed unless you ferret out some hide-a-way where you can get some respite from the crowds.

Now don't misunderstand me. I love ocean cruises and I have been on plenty of them with a wide range of cruise lines from Carnival to Cunard and any number of those in between. I intend to experience many more before I am done. They offer a great product but you need to understand how it all operates. Ocean cruising is not as inexpensive as their fare prices might lead one to believe nor or they the luxury vacation they once were.

Additionally an ocean cruise will take you places a river cruise cannot. You'll not find any Caribbean islands on a river cruise itinerary. There is something about going down to sea on a ship. The open sea holds a wonderful fascination for us. I know that I love standing on the bow with the sea air blowing in my face. I suggest that if you are under 40 and have never cruised that you start with an ocean cruise and that you do so on one of the cruise lines that offer the Vegas style vacation (Royal Caribbean, Carnival or Norwegian). This is the one group that will probably enjoy an ocean cruise the most.

However, if you are one of those people who prefer a more intimate experience with a hundred or so co-passengers; who don't want to be nickeled and dimed to death; who want the "included" to mean 5-star luxury, world class cuisine; who want every room to have  a view; and free shore excursionsenjoy meeting new people.  River cruises on the other hand are pretty much the opposite of an Ocean cruise


Viking Neptune

 Cruise lines like Viking, Avalon, and Uniworld on average offer boats that only accommodates 130 or so guests and quest rooms are well appointed with every conceivable amenity.  As we said above, the food is world class with much of it prepared al carte at the time you order. Wine, beer, soda and bottled water are all complimentary. You will find that small-group sightseeing excursions are also included in every port. All of this facilitates your having a cruise experience that will produce a lifetime of memories not only of the places you have seen but the people that you have met.

So back to my original question, "River Cruise or Ocean Cruise . . . Which Should I Choose?"  As you can see the answer to that question begs the answer to another question of equal if not greater importance and that is, "What kind of cruise experience do I want and which one of these will come nearest to giving me that experience?"

By the way, you don't have to travel half way around the world for a great River Cruise. You can get a great River Cruise vacation right here in the USA. American Cruise Lines probably has a great river cruise within driving distance of your home.

Have you been on a river cruise? Why not share your experience with others? Done both a river cruise and an ocean cruise? Which did you enjoy the most? Why? Tell me what you think.