All-Inclusive Vacations
An all-inclusive vacation is a package that includes flights, airport transfers in destination, hotel room, all meals and drinks. All-inclusive destinations are mostly in Mexico and the Caribbean and the flights and hotel are packaged by tour operators to provide cheaper prices than doing flights and hotel separately. There are some destinations where tour operators can offer nonstop flights from Calgary but be aware, the tour operator retains the right to change the flight schedule and sometimes this can result in a touch down at another city or even a plane change. The typical all-inclusive package is a convenient and cost effective way to take a beach vacation.
It seems simple and it should be – but there are a few things you need to be aware of before you go ahead and press that BOOK button.
SUNWING / SIGNATURE VACATIONS
TRANSAT HOLIDAYS
AIR CANADA VACATIONS
WESTJET VACATIONS
SUNQUEST VACATIONS
TOP TEN TIPS FOR BOOKING AN
ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATION
Book the best quality hotel that you can – remember 4 star in Canada is very different to 4 star in Mexico.
Check the transfer time from airport to hotel. Some hotels can be as much as a two-hour drive from the airport. Remember that during the transfer your bus will be dropping people off at other hotels.
Many of the large all-inclusive resort hotels have different areas or levels within the same hotel. The package you are booking may not entitle you to all the privileges that you expect. Remember to check what is included in your package especially the dining options and access to adjoining sections of the hotel property.
Is this a family resort or an adult only resort? If you are travelling as a couple, you may prefer to check adult only resorts especially during school holidays. However, if you are travelling with children you want to be sure that the hotel offers proper facilities for the ages of your children. You should ensure that the children’s groups are divided up according to their age.
When booking an adult resort make sure that you are comfortable with the tone of the resort. Clothing optional resorts and certain games at the pool will make some couples uncomfortable.
Advance seat selection is something that attracts an additional charge by most tour companies. If you are travelling with children the check in agent will endeavor to seat you all together but that is no guarantee. Advance seat selection even at a fee is recommended.
Do be aware that bedding types are on request only unless described in the category of the room. For example, a king room will have a king bed but a run of the house room for a couple may have a king bed or two doubles.
The actual location of your room cannot be confirmed prior to arrival so if you are travelling with friends or family in another room be aware that you might not be next door to each other or even in the same building. Some upmarket hotels in Mexico will offer a check in facility with a room number confirmation but this is rare.
Many of the resorts are extremely large and the location of your room may require the use of a golf cart to get to the beach. Make sure you check the general location of the category of room you are booking. The more expensive room categories will be those closest to the beach.
Over peak season try to book early and take advantage of any Early Booking Bonus offers. If you are travelling off season you are probably OK to leave it more last minute but bear in mind you may not always get the hotel or flight options that you would prefer.
AND FIVE TOP TIPS FOR PEACE OF MIND
1. Names on tickets MUST match the names on passports – you could be denied boarding.
2. Passports must have at least six months’ validity after your anticipated return date.
3. Children travelling alone or without both parents will require special documents.
4. Previous convictions may prevent entry into the USA or other countries. Legal advice should be taken.
5. ALWAYS make sure you have adequate travel insurance. You don’t want to end up having to have your family raise money for you because you had an accident outside of Canada and could not afford the medical expenses.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE – THAT’S WHAT WE DO!
Extended vacations – spend a month in Europe in a condo or hotel. Our extended stay vacations include flights from Calgary and price out from around $2500 per person with all taxes included – destinations include Spain, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Australia and Thailand.
African safari – We are African experts and can customise a unique experience in the game parks of Southern Africa at exclusive prices as we deal directly with our wholesaler in Cape Town.
South Pacific – our agents have been to Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia. Whether you want a guided tour, self-drive or a customised vacation – we can make it happen.
Cruises - whether ocean or river our consultants are Certified Cruise Specialists. They can help find the right cruise for your needs.
South and Central America – tour Guatemala, cruise the Galapagos, visit Machu Picchu, zip-line in Costa Rica. We have done it! You can too!
Europe – do it the way YOU want to. Maybe a guided tour? Perhaps you are an independent traveler and you would like us to customise your itinerary with trains, planes and automobiles and of course somewhere to lay your head at the end of the day! Our wholesalers offer a range of hotels from luxury to historic to small guesthouses.
It seems simple and it should be – but there are a few things you need to be aware of before you go ahead and press that BOOK button.
SUNWING / SIGNATURE VACATIONS
TRANSAT HOLIDAYS
AIR CANADA VACATIONS
WESTJET VACATIONS
SUNQUEST VACATIONS
TOP TEN TIPS FOR BOOKING AN
ALL-INCLUSIVE VACATION
Book the best quality hotel that you can – remember 4 star in Canada is very different to 4 star in Mexico.
Check the transfer time from airport to hotel. Some hotels can be as much as a two-hour drive from the airport. Remember that during the transfer your bus will be dropping people off at other hotels.
Many of the large all-inclusive resort hotels have different areas or levels within the same hotel. The package you are booking may not entitle you to all the privileges that you expect. Remember to check what is included in your package especially the dining options and access to adjoining sections of the hotel property.
Is this a family resort or an adult only resort? If you are travelling as a couple, you may prefer to check adult only resorts especially during school holidays. However, if you are travelling with children you want to be sure that the hotel offers proper facilities for the ages of your children. You should ensure that the children’s groups are divided up according to their age.
When booking an adult resort make sure that you are comfortable with the tone of the resort. Clothing optional resorts and certain games at the pool will make some couples uncomfortable.
Advance seat selection is something that attracts an additional charge by most tour companies. If you are travelling with children the check in agent will endeavor to seat you all together but that is no guarantee. Advance seat selection even at a fee is recommended.
Do be aware that bedding types are on request only unless described in the category of the room. For example, a king room will have a king bed but a run of the house room for a couple may have a king bed or two doubles.
The actual location of your room cannot be confirmed prior to arrival so if you are travelling with friends or family in another room be aware that you might not be next door to each other or even in the same building. Some upmarket hotels in Mexico will offer a check in facility with a room number confirmation but this is rare.
Many of the resorts are extremely large and the location of your room may require the use of a golf cart to get to the beach. Make sure you check the general location of the category of room you are booking. The more expensive room categories will be those closest to the beach.
Over peak season try to book early and take advantage of any Early Booking Bonus offers. If you are travelling off season you are probably OK to leave it more last minute but bear in mind you may not always get the hotel or flight options that you would prefer.
AND FIVE TOP TIPS FOR PEACE OF MIND
1. Names on tickets MUST match the names on passports – you could be denied boarding.
2. Passports must have at least six months’ validity after your anticipated return date.
3. Children travelling alone or without both parents will require special documents.
4. Previous convictions may prevent entry into the USA or other countries. Legal advice should be taken.
5. ALWAYS make sure you have adequate travel insurance. You don’t want to end up having to have your family raise money for you because you had an accident outside of Canada and could not afford the medical expenses.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE – THAT’S WHAT WE DO!
Extended vacations – spend a month in Europe in a condo or hotel. Our extended stay vacations include flights from Calgary and price out from around $2500 per person with all taxes included – destinations include Spain, Portugal, Malta, Greece, Croatia, Australia and Thailand.
African safari – We are African experts and can customise a unique experience in the game parks of Southern Africa at exclusive prices as we deal directly with our wholesaler in Cape Town.
South Pacific – our agents have been to Fiji, Tahiti, Cook Islands, New Zealand and Australia. Whether you want a guided tour, self-drive or a customised vacation – we can make it happen.
Cruises - whether ocean or river our consultants are Certified Cruise Specialists. They can help find the right cruise for your needs.
South and Central America – tour Guatemala, cruise the Galapagos, visit Machu Picchu, zip-line in Costa Rica. We have done it! You can too!
Europe – do it the way YOU want to. Maybe a guided tour? Perhaps you are an independent traveler and you would like us to customise your itinerary with trains, planes and automobiles and of course somewhere to lay your head at the end of the day! Our wholesalers offer a range of hotels from luxury to historic to small guesthouses.
The Travel Lady Agency is not your regular travel agency. We don’t book air only and we don’t book all-inclusive packages to Mexico and the Caribbean. Our expertise is in tailor made journeys, worldwide cruising and guided tours to some of the most interesting and exotic locations in the world.
However – we want to help! So here are some tips garnered from our experienced team of senior travel consultants to help you make the right choices.
These Tips are intended to be a rough guide only. Always check the terms when you book travel.
However – we want to help! So here are some tips garnered from our experienced team of senior travel consultants to help you make the right choices.
These Tips are intended to be a rough guide only. Always check the terms when you book travel.
Visit us at www.thetravellady.ca
or call us at 403 277 6884
We are located in the Bonavista Mall, 755 Lake Bonavista Drive SE, Calgary AB, T2J 0N3
Watch The Travel Lady on Global TV every Tuesday morning at 8.20 am.
or call us at 403 277 6884
We are located in the Bonavista Mall, 755 Lake Bonavista Drive SE, Calgary AB, T2J 0N3
Watch The Travel Lady on Global TV every Tuesday morning at 8.20 am.
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