PJM December Newsletter

G OING PLACES : O UR H OLIDAY N EWSLETTER DECEMBER 2011

What’s Inside:   

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! The holidays are almost here - can you believe it? We absolutely love the holiday season...there is so much for which to be thankful. Regardless of how you celebrate, the universal themes of love and family are definitely present in everyone we talk to these days!

As you travel to your loved ones this season, remember to be safe. If you’re flying, arrive at the airport early to pass through security- everything is going to take a little longer due to the rush of the season.

We wish to personally thank you for your business and support this past year.

Whether you used us as your travel agent or not, please feel free to contact us in the coming months for all your travel needs.

As always, we wish you a warm and happy holiday season surrounded by the ones you love.

– we’re always here to help you get where you need to be.

Happy Travels!

Paul and Janis



Happy Holidays!

Our Agency Specialty MythBusters: Common misconceptions about Travel Agents Featured Resort: Club Med Sandpiper Bay, FL

CONTACT US TODAY!

Paul and Janis, Travel Specialists PJM Travel Phone: 419-350-0818 or 330-668-2789 Website: www.pjmtravel.com

GOING PLACES: A HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER

PJM’S

SPECIALTY

We specialize in (but are not limited to) resort and cruise travel throughout The United States, Mexico, and The Caribbean. We have always enjoyed traveling and several of our destinations have been within these three regions. Our decision to specialize in them was not difficult. From east to west we have visited over half the states in our country; many of them several times (we just came back from a 29th anniversary trip to Las Vegas). We have seen the Riviera Maya, Cancun, Cozumel, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico. We began making trips to the Caribbean about 5 years ago, most recently touring Punta Cana resorts in October.

To name a favorite destination would be difficult, but some of our fondest memories surround family trips to Disney, the adventure we created touring the San Francisco Bay Area, or the times we have spent traveling in Mexico.

We love to make adventures out of all of our trips by going off the beaten path to discover the real fiber of the destination we have chosen. In Puerto Vallarta we marched in a parade with the local residents celebrating The Feast of the Virgin Guadalupe. We also found a man with a replica of the African Queen steam boat who took us on a tour of the jungle channels. In San Francisco we toured HaightAshbury to find the homes of Janis Joplin, The Grateful Dead, Manson and more. We then came upon a Vietnamese neighborhood and tasted their authentic cuisine at a local gathering spot….delicious!!

To expand on our knowledge we continuously participate in training that is offered by the travel companies we work with and the regions we promote. Our certifications include those received from The Mexico Tourism Board, The Cozumel Promotion Board, Royal Caribbean, Cancun Tourism Institute, Sandals, SeaWorld, Carnival, Disney, Luxevo, and more.

We offer packages that meet the desires and expectations of couples, families, and groups (including destination weddings). With our website (pjmtravel.com) you can access information and book your own travel to anywhere in the world. However, we will charge you nothing extra to rely on our vast resources and expertise, and do the planning for you. We truly enjoy sharing our experiences and searching for new destinations where you can create yours!!

MYTHBUSTERS: COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT TRAVEL AGENTS Ever since the internet came out, a lot of people have been booking their own travel through sites like Expedia, Orbitz, Hotels.com, and Priceline. When we ask people why the book through these sites, often times their answer is “Well, it’s cheaper...and I can do it myself...so why shouldn’t I?” We’ve compiled the top 5 misconceptions associated with using a Travel Agent. See if you’ve ever thought this way...and learn how I can help you with your next vacation!

Myth #1: Travel Agents cost money FALSE! Travel agents are paid by the suppliers we choose to book with. So, the traveler is not paying more to use a travel agent!

Myth #2: It’s easier to book it myself Not necessarily. Sorting through hours of online research, sites and facts can get pretty confusing. Also, do you know exactly where to go to get all of your ticketing information, or register your booking with the resort you chose for extra amenities? Travel agents know which sites are most reputable online, as well as have special incentives through suppliers to get you extra amenities for your stay. It’s our job to know where to get you the most value for your budget.

Myth #3: I can get it cheaper online Is it really? Have you checked all of the hidden fees associated with your booking on Orbitz?

Your travel agent will be able to tell you up front what everything will cost and compare it to what you’re looking at online. Also, did you know that in most cases your agent can price match using our suppliers, PLUS possibly get you extras that booking on your own can’t?

GOING PLACES: A HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER

Myth #4: All travel agents are the same Wrong! A good travel agent tends to specialize and have taken the time to be an expert! Travel agents usually choose one type of travel. It doesn’t mean they can’t book all your travel needs, but we’re not all the same. We also take time to accredit ourselves with trainings and certifications related to our specialty or to travel as a whole. Ask your travel agent how they are continuing their education. A good travel agent knows that there is always something to learn.

RESORT INFORMATION: The entire resort is divided between seven 2story buildings equipped with elevators.

Rooms are newly renovated, with spacious accommodations whether you’re traveling with just the two of you, or with the kids in tow.

Sandpiper Bay’s completely renovated Club Rooms offer guests a spacious bedroom with a private terrace and a large bathroom with bath.

Myth #5: Travel agents can only book hotel and airfare Not true at all! Travel agents can book any type of travel you need. From all-inclusive resort packages, to weekends getaways, cruises, corporate travel and everything in between.

FEATURED RESORT: CLUB MED SANDPIPER BAY

FLORIDA The US’ Only All-Inclusive Resort Club Med Sandpiper Bay is whatever you want it to be: a village to hang out and make friends, a sports center to improve your game, or a haven where you can escape from everyday life. After all, it’s your vacation – make of it what you want!

These rooms also feature a large walk-in closet and a crib option. A perfect choice for those looking for an upscale room after enjoying the many amenities and services of the resort.

With enough space for everyone, families will feel right at home in their newly renovated Family Club Rooms offering individual terraces and a large bathroom. These rooms feature a large walk-in closet and a crib option. The resort also offers Deluxe, Deluxe Family, and Club Rooms to meet all your needs.

GOING PLACES: A HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER

Christmas has always been our favorite time of the year. We love to decorate our home, go to holiday concerts, share our favorite dishes and treats with family, friends, and neighbors, ............................................

& EXCURSIONS:

ACTIVITIES

The Sandpiper Bay resort offers a number of exciting excursions for individuals, couples and families.

Enjoy the St Lucie river on a sunset cruises or tear across the water on jet skis. Discover famous nearby attractions such as Orlando and its theme parks or the bright lights of Miami.

Florida has so much to offer!

On the property, you can enjoy a sunset or river cruise, a dolphin tour, wave runner activities, kayaking, boat and water activity rentals, paint ball, and all kinds of fishing trips. Throw in an amazing round of golf as well as a variety of fitness and yoga activities you’ve got a day well spent!

and celebrate once again the birth of our Savior and Redeemer. It is our hope that you are filled with the true meaning of the Christmas holiday. However you celebrate, enjoy the fervor of the season and the joy of family and friends.

Happy Holidays, Paul & Janis PJM Travel

Off resort, you can quickly travel to Orlando for Universal Studios fun (home to the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter) or the world-famous Walt Disney World. You can even coordinate transportation to and from the resort, so you’ll never have to worry about a car rental.

South Florida also offers numerous excursions.

From a safari tour, to air boating, and a Harley – Davidson motorcycle tour, there is definitely something for everyone in the surrounding area.

GOING PLACES: A HOLIDAY NEWSLETTER

Butter Cookie Recipe Ingredients     

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup butter 1/2 cup white sugar 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Directions 1. Cream the butter until light.

Gradually add the sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and almond extract.

2. Gradually blend in the flour.

Cover and chill dough for at least 1 hour.

3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

4. Roll dough out on a lightly floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into desired shapes, using lightly floured cookie cutters. Place cookies on ungreased cookie sheets.

5. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 8 to 12 minutes or until golden. Remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Decorate as desired.

HOLIDAY FUN: Try this fun & quick cookie recipe! Try it with some Eggnog or hot chocolate for a fun holiday treat.