Vacation Spotlight

SMILE! It is National Plan a Cruise Month! Lifelong Memories in the Making

October is, and always has been, one of my favorite months of the year. Growing up in Western New York may be one of the reasons for it. When I was young, October was the time for the weather to start to cool down, the leaves to turn, the apples to be picked, and the decorations to come out for Halloween. While all those things still thrill me, they don’t exactly fit with Florida living, so I just have to make do with the cinnamon brooms at Publix—and vacation planning.

As the co-owner and marketing director of a traditional storefront travel agency, I have cruise representatives calling and emailing me daily to get their promotions in front of our clients. And what I like to do is weigh them out, find what’s best for you. If you’re looking for an Alaskan cruise next year, maybe you’re checking out Princess Cruises vs. Holland America Line. If you want to take a transatlantic crossing, you may be looking at Cunard or Norwegian Cruise Line. European Cruise with the grandkids? Look at Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean International. Want to get away from all the children? Oceania or Viking may be the best fit for you. And for some of my favorites, if you’re into visiting the destinations only the greatest Explorers have seen, you may want Hurtigruten, Silversea Expedition, or Scenic Expeditions.

Wherever you want to go, if you’re even thinking of going on a cruise over the next two years, October is certainly a time to book your dream itinerary.

Need more reasons than money savings and great perks? Just think about what’s around the corner. With October really being the kickoff of the busiest time of year for most of us – Holiday Season! – it’s the perfect time to start planning those family vacations. There really is no better gift to give than the gift of memories made and experiences had on a family vacation. You can make a very minimal deposit (sometimes only $99) and start planning a trip for one to two years in advance. Gift the deposit to your family and loved ones for the holidays—or better yet, gift the whole cruise. Whatever’s in your budget, October is certainly the time to start planning your dream cruise.

Not sure where to start? We have a team of dedicated and experienced travel advisors at Roseborough Travel Agency. Each advisor has areas they specialize in and there’s an advisor for every request. We would love to help take the stress of travel planning away so you can enjoy baking apple pie and decorating for the holidays while we do the vacation planning for you.

Amanda Vallone is the co-owner of Roseborough Travel Agency in DeLand. She is passionate about helping people experience the world around them. She was awarded and or recognized for the 40 under 40, President’s Excellence in Business, Future Leaders in Travel, Best Travel Advisor, and Best of the Best awards over the last 10 years.