Building Holiday Memories

As recently published in The Rockford Squire

More Experiences = More Memories

Tired of trying to figure out gifts for people that have enough, or don’t need anything? How about replacing things with experiences? We may not remember that new pair of boots we received for Christmas, but we will always remember that family trip we took. Can’t go during the holidays? Gift the trip and it gives twice. Once when the recipient opens the surprise, you can package it very creatively for extra fun, and again when they actually take the trip. Does your family live all over the place and find it hard to get together? Does everyone have different interests? Set up a group travel experience. A cruise is a good idea because they understand that people like different things and cater to all ages. Use a travel agent to take care of all the details so one family member is not burdened with getting Uncle Tony on-board. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about a special family cruise.

Soak up the Sun              

Trade your snow shovel for a snorkel! Cruise the Caribbean where there’s a port of call to meet any and all of your travel desires. Sail on a pirate ship in Barbados, unwind with a beachfront massage in Honduras or snorkel among a rainbow of fish in the Bahamas. Who needs the glisten of tinsel when you can enjoy the sparkle of the sun on the Caribbean Sea?

“Sail-ebrate” the Season

Worried about missing out on your favorite traditions while onboard? Special themed events and entertainment on board cruises throughout the holiday season means Santa will make a stop to deliver gifts and champagne glasses clink at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Don’t forget to pack your ugly holiday sweater for themed parties!

Indulgent Holiday Feasts

Can’t imagine your Thanksgiving without turkey but tired of spending your holidays preparing meals? Let onboard chefs create your favorite holiday meals with all the fixin’s and desserts to dazzle every sweet tooth. All you have to do is indulge – no clean up required!

Get Together and Get Excited

Cruising is a stress-free holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Forget having to entertain your relatives. No matter their age or interest, the entire family will be entertained with live music, production shows, kids’ clubs and onboard activities.

Days at sea are never boring

Slide down a multi-story waterslide or float high in a sky-diving simulator. There’s so much to do on board new ships, you’ll almost want every day to be a day at sea! Zip lining, ropes courses and aqua cycling – it’s all happening onboard. Wine blending, cooking classes with the chef and craft beer tastings take food and beverage demonstrations to a new level. Of course, you can always choose to relax by the pool or at the spa.

Using a professional also helps to reduce any stress over how to do it. 

Planning handled. Your Travel Agent will work with you, so everyone’s interests and preferences are taken into consideration without you having to take on extra planning.

Customization. Customize your itinerary to include private shore excursions, these regularly get the most thumbs up when it comes to memory making.

No reservation or payment headaches. Instead of the group coordinator collecting details and helping make reservations, answer questions, and coordinate payments, travel agents can set up a group webpage to direct family members to, to register for the cruise, answer any questions and handle individual payments from travelers.

About the author, Lori Visser is a local award-winning Travel Agent, she can be reached at 616-263-1777 or [email protected] www.GlobeSpinnerTravel.com