WHAT IT’S LIKE TO PLAN A GROUP TRIP WITH A TRAVEL ADVISOR

There is nothing better than spending time with the people we love, except seeing the world together. Planning a group trip can be a daunting task. Whether it is a family reunion or a gathering of friends, picking the right location and travel dates is a challenge. And that’s just the beginning! Then you have to communicate with your fellow travelers and keep track of deadlines for payment. It is a lot to handle. That’s why you need a travel agent! Together, you and your travel agent will craft a trip with very little stress and a whole lot of fun!

UNDERSTANDING YOUR GROUP

It all starts with your first meeting. Travel agents who specialize in group travel understand the demands for all group sizes and how to meet them. In the first consultation between you and your travel agent, you will discuss what needs to be in place for your group trip to be a success.

To do this, your agent will ask for important details about the group and your reasons for traveling. Knowing the size of the group, age range of any children, and travel dates are key to making sure your agent can help you find the right destination and accommodations. You will also want to share any additional information such as mobility issues, travel concerns, or restrictions that might affect members of your group. Knowing these details will help your agent research and make the best recommendations.

PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE

Once your agent has options for you, they’ll walk you through them. The choices may seem overwhelming as you look at each resort, destination, or cruise line. What makes each resort unique? Which one has what your group is looking for? That’s why you are working with a travel agent. They are there to explain the details and answer the questions you have. With their help, you will feel confident in your choice! MORE FUN FOR EVERYONE

Your agent will help you get the word out to your guests with emails, flyers, or even a travel night. Travel nights can be small or large, in-person or virtual. During a travel night your agent will educate your guests and get them excited for the proposed trip. It also gives your guests a chance to confirm their spot with your agent.

Group travel can be a blast for all those involved. When you begin your group with a travel agent, you will benefit from the value and peace of mind that only comes when working with a trusted travel professional.

No matter how you choose to travel, CIE Tours is ready to connect you with the stories, people and experiences that make the faraway feel like home. Our local guides will give you the warmest of welcomes, our custom-crafted itineraries will introduce you to this incredible island’s heart and soul – and you’ll love the exclusive experiences that you can only get from the Ireland experts.

Contact your travel agent today to create your dream trip showcasing the best of Ireland.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

3 KEYS TO A STRESS-FREE GIRLS GETAWAY

Some fun. That’s all girls really want! Especially after weeks or months of quarantine, it feels vital to get time away from the kids, partners, and the endless responsibilities of life at home. You want to live your life right, and a girls’ getaway is just what Cyndi Lauper ordered. Below are ways to ensure collaborative, drama-free planning so you and your favorite ladies can enjoy quality time together!

1. SET A SHARED GOAL

When you embark on vacation, you have a goal in mind. It could be letting loose and celebrating a certain milestone. It could be unplugging to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet. It could be sampling as much of the local food and drink as possible.

Before planning specifics, get all the gals on the same page and discuss what each person wants out of the trip. Ask “how much free time do you want to have versus planned activities?” Usually, you and your travel buddies will want a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Sharing these goals will make planning easier because everyone will understand each other’s priorities.

2. PLAN DEMOCRATICALLY

Discussion is helpful but eventually, it needs to lead to decisions. To make sure everyone’s voice and opinions are heard clearly, use a survey tool, like SurveyMonkey, Doodle, a poll in a private Facebook group, or even a shared spreadsheet.

The party doesn’t need to vote on every small decision, but for key factors like which travel dates work for them and which destinations they prefer, voting helps paint a clear picture of your vacation.

3. DIVVY UP THE TO-DO LIST

When the working day is done, some girls just want to de-stress with more planning.

Having one person take the reins on everything might seem like a dream for everyone else, but it could lead to misunderstandings or bitterness later on. There may be others in the group who want to contribute but don’t want to step on any toes. Consider what each traveler is passionate about and ask them to take care of a travel task related to that passion. It could be creating happy hour playlists for the music maven, or researching restaurants, if you have a foodie in your group.

Bringing the ladies together is a special occasion, and in the wake of COVID-19, it will require even more planning and consideration. Reach out to your local travel advisor to better understand when and where you can connect on your next girls’ getaway.

Your Fun Advisor IS HERE FOR YOU:

3 WAYS THAT TRAVEL ADVISORS HELP YOU Travel Smarter

Think about the services you rely on in life: your doctor, your accountant, your hairstylist or barber. Trust is the key to your connection with these professionals. Your health, your financials, and your hair shouldn’t be left to just anyone.

The same is true for your vacation, whether it be a road trip to California Wine Country or a Caribbean cruise. More than ever, your travel advisor will be your guide to traveling smarter through the post-pandemic world.

THEY WORK BEHIND THE SCENES for you.

A travel professional is not earning their commission by hopping on to Travelocity and booking your trip. Much like cutting your own hair, this is something you could do, but what would the result be?

Your travel agent researches the top resorts for your budget. They contact hotels and cruise line representatives to figure out what type of special diets can be accommodated. They coordinate transfers from the airport, so that you aren’t left wondering when and how you are going to make it to your final destination. And they communicate it all to you, so your expectations for your getaway are set well before you take off. THEY HELP YOU GET your time back.

What does it look like to plan travel in a postCOVID world? You’ll need to research when specific destinations are opening to travelers or when specific cruise ships are sailing. Then you’ll spend time figuring out policies and procedures you’ll need to follow based on the regulations set forth by governments and policies by travel companies. That’s before you even start planning the details like where to eat and what landmarks you want to see. Or you could make a call or send an email to your travel agent, and let them advise you on the best course of action with the available information. Think of what else you could do with those hours!

THEY SAVE YOU FROM EYE STRAIN – AND FROM MISSING important details.

This year has seen more travel disruptions than ever before, and with it, an unimaginable number of trip cancellations and postponements. No one wants that to happen, but your travel agent will be able to advocate for you should these stressful situations arise.

Much of the advocating comes from translating the policies and procedures of travel companies and governing bodies for your specific situation. The fine print associated with airline tickets, cruise bookings, and hotel reservations is only going to increase in the wake of the pandemic. Even if you’re an informed and experienced traveler, it will take a very keen eye and an understanding of all of the industry’s changes to navigate the “new normal” for traveling.

Living in the lap of luxury

IS SOMETHING MOST PEOPLE DREAM ABOUT EXPERIENCING. If your finances don’t allow for you to bask in the finer things every day, traveling can be a chance for you and your special someone to treat yourselves. Extraordinary romantic getaways aren’t just about champagne upon arrival and a mint on your pillow. Luxury is the over-the-top experiences, attention to every detail, and fulfilled requests that please every one of your senses.

Where do you go when you’ve already been to the world’s best beaches? Out-of-the-box destinations have the best photo ops and even better memories. From an African safari to your own private villa, going somewhere few of your friends have traveled can be the perfect next chapter to your love story. Your travel advisor can share insider knowledge of private excursions and hidden- gem restaurants to help you avoid being surrounded by tourists.

NEXT-LEVEL Spa Days

One of the most popular ways for couples to relax and unwind is a visit to the spa. Pampering yourselves with a couple’s massage is a great choice, but why not elevate your experience? Nothing is more serene than feeling the ocean breeze and hearing the waves as you enjoy a beachfront massage. Taking a pause from your time together with separate appointments for hair, nail, and skin treatments after your massage will help to build the anticipation for a romantic dinner date.

SAY YES TO Special Requests

Cookie-cutter is not in the luxury vocabulary. Have a drink of choice? Your travel advisor can ensure the resort or destination you choose is equipped and ready to serve you. Do you prefer one type of quality bedding over another? Every attention to detail can be arranged ahead of time to ensure the level of service exceeds your expectations.

NO OCCASION Necessary

Honeymoons and anniversaries are the perfect reasons to enjoy extra time alone. Destination weddings present even more opportunities to make you feel like royalty on the most special day of your lives. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone moment or just enjoying your time together, your travel advisor can arrange for extra amenities, personalized decor, and fully stocked private transfers by land, air, or sea.

escape TOGETHER it all

The Best Awaits at Sandals ® Resorts

At the pinnacle of luxury and romance sits Sandals Resorts — 15 destinations across six Caribbean islands, just for two people in love.

Crafted to be an escape from the world’s worries, each resort features signature inclusions and amenities manifested from lovers’ wildest dreams.

Here, top-tier Love Nest Butler Suites ® , 5-Star Global Gourmet ™ dining, endless pours of premium liquors and Robert Mondavi Twin Oaks ® wines, plus

thrilling land and water sports set the stage for a vacation inspired by your passion.