Still Alive

So sorry for the delay of blog entries. As you are probably aware, Thanksgiving was last week, and the woes of life took over the office, and also my "blogging time." But for those of you who were worried, I am indeed still alive. Tracee and Lori are alive and kicking as well. :)

I hope Thanksgiving treated you all as well as it treated me. I was able to avoid any extra pound-age, and even helped make the delicious meal! Christmas is right around the corner though, so we aren't out of the woods yet! I wish a Happy Holiday season to everyone.

Last minute Christmas trips have been a constant this week. Europe, cruises, the Caribbean, you name it, we have been booking it! New Years will surely bring on some last minute travel arrangements too. If you are in need of a small reminder to plan your "resolution trip," here it is! Start 2013 off right, and travel the world.

These last two weeks have been very interesting for me. While Tracee and Lori were away, I manned the office by myself, with the help of our independent agents. Teamwork at it's best! The week was a success, however, and I managed to keep the office from exploding or even catching fire at all! No one became stranded on an island, and everything flew by very smoothly.

For the first time in the almost five years that I have lived in Fayetteville, I traveled to the square for the Night of Lights. Beautiful! And so fun! Pictures are a must have if you get the chance to visit. And don't forget about the carriage rides, pony rides, and even CAMAL rides that you can partake in! So romantic! Here's a little taste of the magic:

That's all for now!

Keep calm, and travel on.

Surprises

This week is going to be interesting.

Tracee is having fun in the sand in Jamaica this week, and Lori is out of the office as well. To the rescue are Tina and Judy (our outside agents) to step in and help out this week. After all, no one likes to be alone. We navigated through a potential disaster yesterday, nabbed a couple of new clients, and ended on a successful note! We may have found the new dream team.

Last week was a win for Kristin. I booked my most luxurious Honeymoon yet, and this week I'm even working on a new honeymoon to Bora Bora! Starting off this week with some excitement!

This cold weather has everyone in a shock. The office was 54 degrees yesterday morning! I was shivering for the first hour while the heater worked its little engine heart out to heat up the room. But now we are toasty and warm. :)

Also, the snack machine was re-stocked this week. Glory, glory.

Keep calm, and travel on. 

Gulp

Are you a wine-o? Are you also a cruise lover? Then get excited!

"Royal Caribbean Allows Guests to Bring Aboard Their Own Wine"

By Tom Stieghorst

 

"Royal Caribbean International has changed a long-standing policy that prevented guests from bringing their own alcoholic beverages on a cruise.

The new policy allows for two 750-milliliter bottles of wine per cabin. The wine can be consumed in a guest cabin or on a balcony without charge. If the wine is consumed in a public space, there will be a $25 corkage fee.

The policy requires that the wine bottles must retain the original manufacturer’s seals and exhibit no signs of tampering.

If a guest brings more than two bottles, the additional bottles will be secured by ship personnel and returned just prior to the end of the cruise, Royal Caribbean said.

Previously, passengers were not allowed to bring any sort of beverage on the cruise, and alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day were not returned to guests.

By way of explaining the change, Royal Caribbean said it recognized that "vacationers may have a particular bottle of wine or champagne that they would like bring on board to commemorate a special day or event while on their cruise.""

I think we can all rejoice that the election is over! No more campaigning, no more rants. I hope everyone got out to the polls yesterday and voted. I know I did! Go America!

No matter who we voted for, we all made a difference.
And for those having an urge to suddenly leave the states, make sure to give me a call for your travel arrangements!

Keep calm, and travel on. 

 

Bittersweet

While I am super stoked that Lori get's to have an awesome vacation, it is bittersweet not having her in the office with us everyday. It get's so quiet with just Tracee and myself.

Probably part of a passive aggressive torture plot to make Tracee and myself die of envy, Lori has been sending warm and loving emails of beach-y scenery and dessert tables to makes your eyes melt.

Do you feel our pain?

Lori returns next week, so make sure to call her for all the new GIVC details about Karisma  Resorts in the Riviera Maya. And of course, for all the wild stories that I'm sure she will bring back with her.

I'll make sure to update you as more pictures are sent our way. Tracee and I, however, are one picture away from packing up our suitcases and joining her ourselves! If only the election wasn't in 4 days. Perhaps after? A post-voting treat? I think we all deserve a beachfront villa for exercising our American rights, am I right?

Who's in?

I have some even better news. It's only 2 hours away from the weekend! TGIF! Get those party heels ready, ladies. And gentlemen, make sure you're prepared to carry us when our feet get tired. Those heels are a full-time job! A lady has to rest!

I'm sure all of you are ready for some puppy love as well. 

Blind your eyes from the upcoming cuteness if needed:

3....

2....

1....

 They live the ultimate life of dog luxury. But really, who can resist that brown eyed girl? Not me!
 At least I'm never lonely. :)

 I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend.

Keep calm, and travel on. 

So long, Farewell

Lori leaves tonight for Tulsa, and is off to the Riviera Maya first thing in the morning for the GIVC Awards, and of course, a short vacation. We will miss her while she is gone, but we shall also be mildly jealous. I mean, can you blame us?

The newly wed Davidson's returned from their honeymoon in Cabo San Lucas last week. They gave rave reviews of the RIU Santa Fe, and couldn't have been happier about their stay. Which obviously makes me one happy agent! One honeymoon down, millions to go!

Tracee also leaves for a break soon. She heads for Jamaica in November to learn all about the new Sandals Wedding program. I'm stuck here in Fayetteville for the foreseeable future, but, I guess there could be worse places, right?

Judy and Tina, our outside agents, have been very busy these past months. Don't forget about utilizing the skills of professionals for your next vacation. The advice and guidance of experts can make all the difference in the world. Trust me when I say that staying at the wrong hotel, or eating at the wrong restaurant, can easily ruin a once of a life time trip!

Charles and Prue are handsome/fabulous pumpkins this year for Halloween. Charles is more photogenic, so I snapped this picture over the weekend when he was trying on his costume. While Prudence adores her new wardrobe, Charles sadly prefers to remain Au-natural. This same pumpkin hat was found on the floor promptly after this picture was taken; another victim of Charles' wrath. Charles 1, Halloween 0.

Well travelers, that is all I have to report for now.

Keep calm, and travel on. 
 

Through the Looking Glass

Price is everything...or is it? Take a look at this article for an eye opening view of the Travel Agent's mind-set.

Friday is almost here! Tomorrow, Destinations will be rockin' our Razorback apparel and celebrating with a Gusano's complementary pizza lunch from Airways Freight. Aren't our lives just hard? Please pity us, and forgive us of our incessant whining.

Halloween parties commence this weekend. Do you have a killer costume picked out and ready to go? This girl is going as "Sailor Mars" from my childhood days. Probably couldn't be more excited.

My children (four legged) have their very first vet appointment today. I'm one nervous momma. :/ What do I do if they aren't 100% perfect and healthy?! Someone hand me the brown paper bag now...breathe...

Keep calm, and travel on.

Hilarious.

Another exciting day here at Destinations.

Europe is on the brain today! Already two new clients have called to start planning their trips overseas this morning.

I, personally, have taken on two new honeymoons this past week. :) Congrats to all the future newlyweds out there.

Charles managed to lock himself in the upstairs bathroom yesterday. Apparently he got bored during his stay in the lavatory, and decided to eat everything in sight. I am now out two toothbrushes, a toilet bowl cleaner, a hair brush, and the toilet paper roll-holder-thing. I give fair warning now, while bloodhounds might be incredibly cute and smart, I advise you to go for the less-intelligent dogs. (They don't get too bored when locking themselves in small areas). Prue, of course, was sitting patiently on the couch when I arrived home, with no household victims to speak of.

Speaking of the animals, I need to call the vet. Have you all taken your critters to have a check-up lately?


How many horses can you fit into one stall? heehee.

Look at those cuties. How can I not love my life? Say hello to Rhubio, Charlie, and Buddy. :) They are my part-time job, number 2.

Keep calm, and travel on.

Morning Schmorning

It looks like it's 8 p.m. outside. Such a gross, cloudy, rainy day. But, at least it's the beginning of the weekend.

Last night was the awards ceremony for the Best of the Best of NWA, where Destinations was awarded the title "Best Travel Agency!" We greatly appreciate the recognition, and feel grateful for your unending support!

Kentucky makes its way to Fayetteville tonight to face off against the Hogs. Make sure to wear your Razorback Red tomorrow, and to call them Hogs! We have to stay supportive of our boys, y'all!

My first clients leave for their vacation Monday morning. I'm excited to hear how everything goes, and hopefully there are no hiccups!

Are you all prepared for Halloween? I just got done ordering my ridiculous black wig. This is most definitely the best time of the year. So many holidays just crammed packed into 4 glorious months.

The Newsletter will be out next week. Keep an eye on your inbox. ;)

Keep calm, and travel on!

The Gimp

I hope no one is aboard the MSC Orchestra cruising in Europe.

Why? Because all of the 2,723 are being treated for meningitis after an outbreak has reached its decks. While not all passengers have fallen ill, treatment is being administered for precautionary purposes. You can read more here.

Our MLT Rep Kim, and and a representative from Melia Resorts stopped by this morning. We had lots of laughs and stories to tell. Make sure to call today to book your Christmas or Spring Break vacation!

Today I am limping around the office. I fell off a horse yesterday while riding. My hip very much hates me right now. If you have the extra time, or energy, send healing vibes this way, please. :)

Biofreeze, Asprin, and ice are my best friends right now.

Yesterday I had my first in-office meeting with a client. We discussed a Royal Caribbean Cruise and a trip to Universal Studios. This family is super pumped about their July vacation, as am I!

I hope everyone is enjoying this fall weather. I know I am.


Keep calm, and travel on.

I'm baaaack.

It's been such wonderful week, hasn't it? Bookings left and right, and the weather is finally feeling like fall!

It's all sweaters and scarves here at Destinations, and honestly, I couldn't be happier. My heart belongs to Autumn. Mmmm. :)

The Spring breakers are officially rolling in. Lori is working on a rather large group for a Razorback Athletic team. I'll let you guess which sport! Can anyone say "Viva la Mexico!"

I'm personally working on a family cruise at the moment, and finalized a honeymoon last week!

I'm gonna mix up the animal posting for today. Don't tell Charles and Prue though, I don't know how they would handle it.

Meet Rhubio:

He belongs to a friend of mine, but I get the honor of training him. He's obnoxious, but aren't all the animals in my life that way? I'm destined to have difficult creatures in my life forever. At least he's totes adorbs. Haha. (Totally adorable, for those of us now up on the hip lingo of the kiddos).

There are so many cruise options, my goodness. How anyone can choose just ONE is crazy! And so many different choices even within the same cruise line! I have a lot to try and memorize.

Oye vey.

Keep calm, and travel on. 

Whoops

I apologize for my absence. I have been very busy this week!

As most of you know, Tracee and I traveled to Minneapolis this past weekend to attend the MLT University and Trade Show. It was a blast! Tracee and I both partook in 6 classes a day, whew, for 3 whole days. We even got to attend some great "after parties" on Sunday. Vegas Resorts and the Hard Rock threw some pretty ballin' parties. There was even a Chippendale! Lot's of whistles going on at that party!

We returned on Monday to an exhausted Lori. She had the office to herself on Friday and Monday, and it was apparently a handful. Y'all are keeping us busy, and we love it!

I booked a wonderful honeymoon to Cabo San Lucas today. This lovely couple will be traveling to the RIU Santa Fe next month, and they couldn't be more excited. And I couldn't be more grateful to them for giving the opportunity to plan their trip! I'm so excited to see all the pictures when they return.

I'm becoming such a travel professional.  Go me.

Spring breakers are starting to roll in. So make sure to not be the last-minute planner! Flights book fast, and resorts are hard to find come March! Let us plan your perfect break from school.

Say "hello" to Prue Bear. It's a little fuzzy, but it was early morning! So my camera was apparently not awake yet. :)

She's so pretty.

Keep calm, and travel on. 

P.S. This is the cutest, sweetest thing ever:

In California, a tiger gave birth to 3 tiger cubs. Due to a difficult pregnancy, the cubs were born prematurely and due to their small size, they died shortly after the birth. After recovering, the mother tiger suddenly started to lose health, although physically she was fine. Veterinarians believed that the loss of her litter had caused depression. Since tigers are endangered, every effort was ma

de to secure her health. So they decided to put cubs from another tiger, hoping that it would improve her condition. Unfortunately it turned out that it is impossible to obtain tiger cubs of the right age for a grieving mother.

Zoologists wrapped piglets up in tiger-print cloth, and presented them to the mother tiger. She now loves these piglets and treats them like her own. And needless to mention, her health is back on track.

Anniversary

Yesterday was the anniversary of my first three months here at Destinations!
I know you're applauding on the the other side of the screen right now, so "thank you, thank you, thank you!" :)

Princess has a new ship underway. Check out some sneak peeks here. It looks like she's going to be a real beauty. You could be one of her first passengers! Just give us a call.

I'm definitely gaining more confidence in the travel world. Friends are asking me about booking trips, and call-in questions are no longer a hassle. Bring it on, world!

I have pizza and pooches waiting at home for me for my lunch break today. I cannot wait! Those excited faces get me every time. And who can resist reheated pizza? We all know it's better the day after.

Minneapolis is this weekend. Tracee and I head out on Friday, and the office will be closed early due to our departure. I'm pretty excited, for two reasons. 1.) I've never been to Minnesota. 2.) I'm pumped to be all professional in my expert classes. I was pretty awesome in doing the whole college thing, so I'm glad that I'm not out of practice.

Feeling down?

 Enjoy!

Keep calm, and travel on. 

Gloomy

Charles says "Hello." :)

This drizzle today is making it very hard to stay motivated. This is perfect nap weather, and I think my inner child is trying very hard to take over. Why can't we embrace the concept of siestas?! I need a good mid-morning snooze. How about you?

Lori is out of the office today. It is so quiet with just Tracee and myself. So make sure to come on by and give us some company.

Speaking of, Tracee has just started on a new Hawaii honeymoon today! A lovely couple is getting ready to take the next step, and a beautiful honeymoon is the best way to start that journey through life together. So exciting to be a part of this wonderful experience!

Do we have any families traveling to Magic Kingdom in the near future? This might be refreshing news for some of age parents: Disney's Magic Kingdom is going to start selling beer and wine! Don't let the kiddos stress you out, just take a sip and relax when dining at the local french restaurant.

Keep calm, and travel on.

Fancy

The Destinations girls headed out to the grad opening of the new Chancellor Hotel in Fayetteville last night. the place was packed with North West Arkansas' most notable people. I felt pretty important. The tour was great and the rooms were so wonderful! Such a great spin on a modern look, with some classic trimmings.

Make sure and head that way they next time you're looking for a night out on the town! It's right off the square for some great convenience.

I hope all your Hog fans show your support tomorrow. Win or lose, our boys work hard. They have had a very rough year, and need our ongoing support more now than ever! Airways and Destinations will be tailgating before the game, and you can bet your bottom dollar that we will be callin' those hogs!

Charles LOVES the water.

So regal. :)

Check your emails now for the new eNewsletter! We've already gotten responses back about the featured cruise sailings, and compliments galore! We want to thank you so much for your unwavering support.

Keep calm, and travel on. 

End of the World?

100 days left until the end of the world. December 12th looms upon us. So, book your trip before it's too late! Take in all the sites that you can before that dreary day rolls upon us.

That is, if you think the Mayan's are really on to something.
Otherwise, just book because vacations are pretty much awesome, and you deserve one!

I was out of the office yesterday. Finally broke down and went to the doctor. One shot, and three prescriptions later, it appears that I will indeed survive. It was, although, apparently busy while I was away. A large number of calls and walk-in appointments kept Tracee and Lori on their toes!

Business is a boomin'.

The new iPhone 5 came out today. Are you all super pumped?! I'll have to wait another year for an upgrade, but I'm sure many Apple enthusiasts are jumping at the bit to get off work and pick up their new gadget! Don't be afraid to stop by the office and let us ladies play with your new phone!

The Destinations girls are only a week and a half away from traveling to Minneapolis MN for the yearly MTL University and trade show. We will be spending the weekend in expert destination classes, and networking with hundreds of tour and cruise operators. So make sure to check in before the end of the month for all the latest travel news! We keep ourselves informed and up-to-date as best as possible to suit our client's needs, so feel free to ask about all of our great experiences!

And don't worry, you know I'll blog my little heart out about it.

It's been real. ;)

Keep calm, travel on. 

Monday. Gross.

I AM A VACATION PLANNING MACHINE. Well, I actually only booked one trip. But let me tell you, it was magical.

So, now that I'm a veteran, I'm well on my way to making millions...right?

I am currently working on the September issue of the Vacation Therapy eNewsletter, so be checking your inbox this Friday for the newest issue!

I was hoping that by Monday Lori and I would be fully recovered. Lori seems to have taken the weekend to her advantage, and her sickness is barely noticeable. I, on the other hand, am only heading further downhill. I don't think any amount of vitamins and drugs can save me now. C'mon immune system, don't fail me now!

Luckily, Tracee has seemed to keep our germs far enough away to avoid the office plague.

I am so happy fall is here. Scarves, jackets, boots are the majority of my closet. Thank heavens for the changing of the seasons.

 Keep calm, travel on.

Under the Weather

This morning Pandora radio decided to remind me of my secret love of Dolly Parton. Her angel's voice gets me everytime!

This week Lori and I have been plagued with allergies and sickness. The office has been filled with sneezing, sore throats, and weak voices. Luckily, we seem to be steadily recovering and should be at full strength come Monday.

Why can't every work week be only 4 days? I say we call for a referendum.

TGIF, right? I think the best feeling in the world are the last 5 minutes of every Friday work day. Such a relaxing/anxious/wonderful feeling. I'm looking forward to that this evening.

I have to take the late lunch today. I'm debating on whether or not to chow down on my Styrofoam cup to hold me over. Breakfast this morning was limited. Send good thoughts my way. I'm pretty cranky when I'm hungry. So maybe send good thoughts to Tracee and Lori who have to deal with me till I eat as well.

The office is really bustling today. Lori and Tracee both have their chairs full with clients, and the phones are ringing off the hook! Vacation planning at it's finest! What a wonderful way to head into the weekend. Tracee just booked a gorgeous destination wedding at Sandals Royal Bahamian, and Lori has started today on a perfect honeymoon. Love is in the air, y'all!

There was a lighting issue earlier. Luckily, our wonderful co-worker Kevin came to help with the flickering light above my desk. Then, there was an incident with a shattering light bulb. That was a nice wake-up this morning! We spent a fair amount of time glass-proofing the office with the shop-vac. Teamwork at its finest!

I hope it stops raining for the day. I have an obnoxious Oldenburg who has a scheduled ride for today. Rain rain, go away! Come back on Monday. :)

Keep calm, travel on. 

Say It Ain't So

Oh no. I was spoiled by my relaxing weekend, and am now finding hard to readjust working life. Oh, the trials and tribulations of the working girl.

I just read an article about the decline of voice-mail due to the rise of texting (thank goodness). However, the comments left by readers at the bottom of the article, I find offensive. Many claim that modern day cell phones and text messaging are causing people of my generation to be less able to communicate in person, and cause bad grammar. I, however, love grammar and have absolutely no problem talking to people face to face. Y'all should take a gander at this article. Don't be scared to express your own opinion in the comment section of the article. ;)

Back to sunny days here in Arkansas. I'm sure glad we got that rain, but I'm happy to see the sun again!

Getting some calls today about Mexico and the Caribbean. Don't forget to book your holiday vacation. It's never too late! A Christmas cruise sure does sound good, right? Man, it's going to be hard to send all these people on these fabulous trips knowing that I can't go with them!

Note to self: learn how to fit into suitcase.

Y'all would take me, right? I'm a blast, I promise!

For future reference, I want to be stolen on my wedding day. Maybe I should move to Romania, who's with me? These weddings sound like a total blast. Perhaps I can help a soon-to-be-bride plan an inspirational "kidnapping" for her upcoming nuptials? If you're a brave bride to be, let me know. We could have some serious fun! I can hear the wedding bell now!

My cricket friend from last week appears to have moved on. Hopefully he is not making little cricket babies in my desk. My week would definitely be ruined.

Now, I know what you have all been waiting for. I call this one: Big Dog, Little Bed.

 

Charles hijacked Prue's little dog bed, and positioned himself like so. Adorable, I know. His daily acts of cuteness make up for his unforgivable howling.

Keep calm, travel on.

 

Hump Day

I'm pretty stoked for my first 3-day weekend as a working girl. Time to sleep in like the professional I am. Well, except for that little mishap where I decided to graciously agree to drive back home to Missouri this weekend to help my parents move in to their new abode. Perhaps Monday's schedule will provide for extra sleep time. I wish the same for you, as well, fellow Earth dwellers.

I'm sure you ladies will understand when I say this, but I am mighty proud of my "business" attire for today. And may I say, I am rockin' it. I don't think any girl can go wrong with a nicely fitted pencil skirt, a flow-y blouse, a cardigan, and some killer heels. So, fellow office gals, embrace your business fashion and rock out with those two-piece suits and blazers! Time to show the boys how it's done!

School has started up once again. What a lovely time of year. Must say though, it is very strange for me. I have friends who are still working on their undergrads, or who decided to pursue a Masters, and it is eye-opening to receive texts and phone calls about textbooks, lectures, and homework. I feel so left-out! I never thought I would say this, but, I miss school! GASP. Let's try to keep that between you and me, okay? Even my own mother is back in school. Such a surreal experience to be graduated and moving on from the education process. 16 years of my life spent in school preparing for this moment, and now it's finally here! The real world has welcomed me with open arms, however. And thank goodness, I'm so grateful for that.

...there is a cricket under my desk...

Is everyone pumped for the first Razorback game? I was just given the 411 on how season tickets, tail gating, and parking works. My reaction? "WOW." As a student, you pay $1 per game, and just have to move your car from campus the night before any home game. Attending just ONE game as a non-student cost upwards of $150! That's dedication right there, people. Considering most games are sold out. Razorback nation, y'all!

Want to read a funny, travel related, story? This made me crack up. Carnival Cruises is being sued...wait for it...over a hairy chest contest! Check this out. Pretty far out there, right? Poor Carnival. I lament for hairy chests everywhere. Such travesty.

Our wonderful clients, Slade and Holly, have returned from a wonderful get-away in Punta Cana. They have also just become the new cover photo for Destinations facebook! Go and take a look at the lovely couple, and their beach romance. I'm a big enough person to admit that I'm a little jealous.

Okay...a lot jealous.

Also, this cricket is still creeping me out.  He's like a little cricket ninja.


Keep calm, travel on. 









 

Wish It Were Sunday...

Well kids, looks like that rain dance really worked! See? Team effort really does win in the end.

However, the rain is now interfering with my riding schedule. I have a pretty little Oldenburg that needs to be ridden, and this rain is not coinciding well with those plans. Even my lesson is rescheduled to Wednesday due to rain, and a drenched arena. We get your point, Isaac.

The phone has been ringing off the hook this morning at Destinations. I have been kept pretty busy. In my spare time I'm reading the latest travel magazines for this month. Learnin' learnin' learnin'.

I feel pretty bad for the boyfriend. He flies out Thursday night to spend a 5 day vacation with his college buddies in Panama City, FL. Too bad his fun times are probably going to spent indoors watching T.V. Poor kids. David is leaving me alone with the attack dogs, and a full house to clean. Have I mentioned that the garbage disposal is broken and our landlord (who is also our neighbor) is out of town? Life is swell.

Speaking of flights:

If any of you are being affected, flight wise, by Hurricane Isaac, and are a traveling with Delta, and happen to need a change in flight time, make sure to call us here at 479-582-1900, to see if your flight qualifies for a flight change. Delta is being very understanding and generous in trying to alleviate the ailments of Hurricane Isaac on flyers this week. Yay, Delta!

My father, a Norwegian decedent, and lengthy man of 6'8,"  might not be too happy about the recent trends of airlines these days. "Luxury" airlines such as JetBlue and WestJEt are taking on the every-growing trend of reducing the already snug leg room among the coach class members of their flights, all in the name of profits. Check out this article from CNN to learn more about these reductions. I know my father will have to start considering business and first class from now on...how about you?


Fun story: When Prue and Charles were first introduced, they were mortal enemies. Well...I suppose I should say that it was a love/hate relationship. In the sense that Prue hated Charles, while Charles vied for daily attention. However, about 6 months into their relationship, they finally began to get along. This moment was captured around that time, and is forever proof that they can indeed get along. Take a peek at this adorable case of "puppy love!"

"Awwwww."
I know, right? Too much cute for one household to bare.


In case you all were wondering, Snooki had her baby yesterday (err, this morning). Let's all give a big welcome to little Lorenzo! (I'm just a fountain of valuable information, I know.)

Keep calm, travel on.