Travel Tragedies - How to deal with the unexpected

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Connie Cornelius

It’s the traveler’s worst nightmare…and no one likes to think that it could happen to them, but I’ve seen my share of travel tragedies during my tenure as a Tour Manager. Here are some tips for avoiding or dealing with just a couple of possible travel tragedies that could happen to you.

Lost Passport

• When you discover a lost or stolen passport, act immediately! If you think you lost it, ask someone who is calm and collected help you search your room and belonging with you.
• If it is still missing, contact the local police and your embassy. You will need to apply for an emergency passport at the embassy, which will only be valid for a limited time, but will get you back home.
• Once you are back in the US, you will have to apply for a new passport.

My best advice is to pack a photocopy of your birth certificate or passport before you leave. It will save you time and money should the worst happen. If you are going on an extended trip, you might consider putting together an “emergency passport kit”, containing everything you would need for getting an emergency passport:

1. Passport application form DS-1, print out one from the State Department website
2. Three passport photos (some embassies only require two)
3. A photo ID such as a driver’s license
4. Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a copy of your birth certificate, social security card or Certificate of Naturalization)
5. Copy of your airline ticket, booking confirmation or itinerary
6. Phone number of the embassy or consulate for the countries you will be visiting (available from the Department of State)

Injury or Illness

While the quality of healthcare is improving worldwide, it can be harrowing to locate a doctor or hospital in a foreign country. Of course the more rural the area, the more challenging and risky obtaining healthcare can be. Should you have to deal with an illness or injury while traveling, keep these suggestions in mind:

• Contact a health care provider as soon as possible. If you are at a hotel with a non-emergency injury or illness, contact the front desk or concierge and ask for medical care. They may be able to arrange for a doctor to come to the hotel.
• For greater emergencies requiring hospital care, take a cab to the nearest facility. To locate a hospital, you can call the local emergency number or a good guidebook should have this information.
• If you run out of vital medications while traveling, call you family doctor and they will be able to call in a prescription to a local pharmacy. Be sure to get the pharmacy location before contacting your doctor.

Preparation is very important if you are traveling with children, have an existing medical condition, or are taking part in a potential dangerous activity (think rafting, rock climbing or horseback riding). Here are more tips on how to be prepared:

1. Always pack the following information and keep it with you:

• Phone numbers for your doctor (office and home)
• Insurance company contact information
• Embassy contact information
• Contact information for a relative at home, especially if you are traveling alone!

2. If you are traveling domestically, get a list of in-network hospitals and doctor at your destination. You can find this online at your insurance company's website.

3. For travel abroad, you can get a list of medical services at your destination's Consulate . You can also find a list of doctors and hospitals abroad on the U.S. State Department's website.

4. Be aware of any disease risks in the destination that you are traveling to and get the proper immunizations before you leave.

And finally, if you are camping or staying in a remote area, pack a first-aid kit. Also, give a copy of your itinerary to someone at home. Should something happen to you and you are unable to call for medical help, you need someone to know where to find you.

If you think like a Boy Scout and are always prepared, then you reduce the risk that a tragedy will ruin your trip!

Categories: Current Events  |  General Interest  |  Travel Health & Safety
Tags: safety  |  cruise  |  health  |  illness  |  injury  |  passport  |  travel  |  vacation

Nothing says romance like the South Pacific

Posted on February 8, 2012 by Connie Cornelius

Bali Hai may call you, any night, any day,
In your heart, you’ll hear it call you: Come away…come away

Nothing says romance like the South Pacific! Everyone knows that February is the month for romance. St. Valentine’s Day has been celebrated by lovers and would-be lovers for centuries. For me, nothing says romance like the South Pacific. Names like Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea bring to mind images of secluded white sand beaches, sparkling water, exotic flowers and swaying palm trees.

Several years ago, I was lucky enough to visit the Society Islands of French Polynesia on the m/s Paul Gauguin… and it is still my favorite ship having been named “Best for Couples”, “Best for a Second Honeymoon”, and “Best South Pacific Itineraries”! The all-inclusive fare covers all the extras that are sold separately on other cruise lines, from wine with dinner to soft drinks, bottled water and hot beverages served throughout the ship.

Since the Paul Gauguin was specifically designed to sail the shallow seas of Tahiti & French Polynesia, you can visit ports that larger ships can’t reach. The ship provides an extension of the informal, relaxing environment of the island, coupled with five-star service, comfort and luxury. And you’ll be able to take full advantage of the irresistible waters. Dive into the blue and come face to face with a colorful parade of marine life.

So whether you want to love the one you’re with – or love yourself – a trip to the South Pacific is the perfect setting for celebrating life in the slow lane. From the jagged green-clad peaks to the impossibly blue lagoons, Tahiti is all that you think it can be.

Give me a call at Affinity Group Tours to learn about special savings of 50% off the cruise fares plus FREE airfare from Los Angeles! Happy Valentine’s Day!

Categories: Cruise Ships  |  Current Events  |  General Interest
Tags: incentive  |  beach  |  cruise  |  Cruise Ships  |  island  |  loyalty  |  nature  |  travel  |  vacation  |  yachts

How private clubs can increase member loyalty

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Connie Cornelius

Is your club membership on the slide – or do you have a waiting list?

Private clubs are feeling the pressure. Recruiting and retaining members for golf clubs, country clubs, exclusive health clubs and other private clubs has been a major challenge in the last few years. The recessionary economy hasn’t helped, but changing demographics and expectations have changed as well.

Have you looked over your list of benefits recently?

Private clubs are all about social ties. Clubs are, by their very nature, collections of people who share similar interests and backgrounds. So expand your offering of group activities to include leisure activities your members would otherwise do on their own.

One strategy that club managers can employ to turn around club retention is to offer group travel programs. Alumni associations have been using travel programs for years to lubricate the gears of social interaction. The result is increased loyalty and stronger relationships among the members as well as with club management.

Loyalty is the #1 goal of all private clubs.

Loyalty increases exponentially as members move up the satisfaction ladder. Highly satisfied members use the club more, make membership referrals and of course, provide financial support. Satisfaction is the direct result of specific experiences that members have with a product or service. Clubs need to drive more members to this peak level.

Country clubs in particular must allow members to maintain and expand social networks that are important across all kinds of activities and interests. Providing a premium golf course and tennis court isn’t enough now days.

The country club provides the backdrop and anchor for the lifestyle choices that define the values and aspirations. Leisure travel is a major aspiration of club membership ~ in fact, the more exotic the trip, the larger the bragging rights!

They may be satisfied with the club, but are they really delighted with the club?

Changing member expectations requires private clubs to be attuned as never before.

How many members value their membership to the point that they are steadfastly loyal and promote the benefits of membership to their friends and associates?

Take action to not just meet, but exceed those expectations by offering an experience that separates you from the many recreational and entertainment options available to members.

Categories: Cruise Ships  |  Culinary Tourism  |  General Interest  |  Golf Vacations  |  Incentive Travel  |  River Cruising
Tags: incentive  |  adventure  |  Americans  |  country club  |  cruise  |  loyalty  |  River cruise  |  vacation  |  yachts

What's the difference between cruise ships?

Posted on January 23, 2012 by Connie Cornelius

Just like any other kind of lodging, cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, from basic no-frills accommodations to luxurious yachts. I find it easier to discuss cruising when you think of them in five main categories.

1. Mainstream- These are the mega-size cruise ships, perfect for families and cruisers who look forward to the activities on board. Cruisers can choose from a wide range of cabin sizes, and the amenities improve as the cabin rate increases. Special rates lure consumers as low as $60/person per day for the inside cabins on the bottom deck. Examples include Carnival, Disney, Norwegian, Princess, and Royal Caribbean.
   
   
2. Premium – Premium cruise lines generally cater to an older, more discerning passenger, seeking personal service, gourmet cuisine and larger staterooms. Ship sizes are larger and this category also includes the tall-mast sailing vessels such as the Clipper and Windstar lines. The lowest rates will start at $150/person per day. Azamara, Celebrity, Cunard, and Oceania are examples of this cruise ship category.
   
   
3. Luxury – These ships tend to be much smaller and they sail the most diverse itineraries. Naturally, these ships feature high-end dining where the wine is included with dinner, butler service, and amenities of a five-star hotel. Cruise rates will start at $400/person per day, and then the sky is the limit! Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, and Silversea are all luxury cruise lines.

4. Expedition – Adventure-seeking travelers are drawn to itineraries and destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos. Amenities and accommodations (with corresponding prices) range from basic to luxurious. Abercrombie & Kent are famous for their luxury adventure travel programs. A few other companies include Cruceros Australis, Lindblad Expeditions, and Quark.

5. River Ships – This burgeoning category is quickly becoming the preferred way to cruise for those who want to visit several countries, but not have to change hotels. Designed to navigate shallow rivers, the average river ship will hold about 200 passengers. There are itineraries on every great river in the world, including the Amazon, Nile, Yangtze, Mississippi, and a plethora of European waterways. Rates start at $300/person per day and usually include all the shore excursions, airport transfers and wine with dinner. Examples: AMAWaterways, Avalon, Uniworld, Viking River Cruises.

Keep in mind that rates can swing dramatically depending on the season…and that the advertised cost of a cruise is only part of the expense. Cruise rates rarely include airfare, airport transfers, shore excursions, gratuities, cocktails or beer, wine and soda. Plus Mainstream cruise lines also have an extra fee to dine in specialty restaurants.

Categories: Cruise Ships  |  General Interest  |  Incentive Travel  |  River Cruising
Tags: adventure  |  Americans  |  cruise  |  Cruise Ships  |  reward  |  River cruise  |  vacation  |  yachts

Making time for time off

Posted on January 5, 2012 by Connie Cornelius

Do you realize that Americans get less vacation, but still don’t use all of it? While Europeans lead the world in vacationing, workers are given an average of 25-30 days/year, the average US employee did not use two of their earned 14 days of vacation. The reason: 22% of respondents to the survey said they believed they could not afford vacation, but 20% blamed it on “lack of planning”.

Most vacationers find it difficult to disconnect from work, making it even more important to carefully plan an unencumbered get-away. I find that unless I commit to a trip months in advance, then precious vacation time gets postponed, and finally disappears in the future of “someday”.

Time is our friend, but only if we use it. Taking a day off is not a luxury, but a valuable set of hours that have been earned through hard work. Vacations are meant to give you the times of your life, days filled with unexpected pleasures. I urge you to protect your gift of time by giving some serious thought to how you want to spend your free days.

We have a big world to enjoy, explore and experience:

• The charm of the familiar in North America
• Cultural rhythms of Latin American and the Caribbean
• The mystery of Asia and the Pacific Rim
• Savannas and sand in Africa and the middle east
• Europe’s continental flair and fashion

What places are calling you? Resolve to use your vacation days and let me help you plan the time of your life this year.

My New Year wish for you is that you make time for time off!

Categories: Current Events  |  General Interest
Tags: adventure  |  Americans  |  cruise  |  reward  |  River cruise  |  vacation

10 Reasons to hold your event on an awesome ship instead of another resort

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Connie Cornelius

Smart meeting planners know that they can save 20-40% when using a “floating” venue versus a hotel. Premium ships, yachts and specialty ships are perfect for motivating and inspiring your client…and still stay within budget. Here are ten valid reasons to choose a ship for your next group event:

1. Control over your budget. All-inclusive pricing gives you better control over costs. In addition to lodging all of the following are included in the base price: meals, meeting space, basic AV, recreational activities, fitness center and evening entertainment. Theaters and lounges already have sound, light and projection systems and the built-in décor saves you considerable time and money.
2. Provide the WOW! You can host receptions, meetings and presentations in exciting on-board venues, such as breakouts in an observation lounge with wrap-around sea views; a general session in an elegant Broadway-style theater; or host a welcome reception “country club-style” on the top deck.
3. Luxurious staterooms that rival the finest hotel accommodations. Today’s staterooms feature flat-screen TVs, European-style bedding, private verandas, and upgraded amenities. Plus the variety of cabin categories enables you to provide enhanced services to multiple tiers of executives. 
4. State-of-the-art A/V facilities. Dedicated conference and meeting space is always complimentary and comes with state-of-art audio/visual equipment included. Everything you need to run an incredible presentation is there: LCD projectors, DVD players, wireless microphone, multiple wall-mounted screens, professional stage lighting and sound boards.
5. Clients stay connected. High-tech features can be found throughout the ship, not just at the new internet cafés, but Wi-Fi hot spots in lounges as well as staterooms. Advanced roaming networks also allow attendees to use their cell phones while at sea.
6. No menus to plan. Award-winning dining offers unforgettable culinary experiences with ample menu choices, unlimited servings and multiple restaurant options. You can host your group in the main dining room or choose from unique specialty dining venues. There are always casual eateries throughout the ships for breaks and free time.
7. Long/short, large/small, domestic/exotic. There are as many types of ships and itineraries as there are hotels: Luxury ships, premium ships, mainstream ships, tall-mast ships, river ships, expedition ships, and yachts. You can find 3- or 4-night itineraries sailing out of domestic ports or choose exciting exotic destinations for some real pizzazz!
8. The ultimate in privacy. A secure ship environment protects company privacy and reduces risk. Nothing offers more privacy than meeting on a yacht in the middle of the ocean! The self-contained environment not only assures attendance to functions, but the captive audience fosters relationship-building and camaraderie. 
9. Do more with less. The average per person cost for a premium cruise is $150-$200 per person, per day (double occupancy) or $300-$400 single, while the average cost for a sales meeting held at a resort is $500/person, per day.
10. International Destinations. An added bonus is that you can offer an international program, but pay in US dollars without the risk of currency fluctuations! Think outside the resort box and consider moving your meeting to the water.

Affinity Group Tours specializes in helping planners find floating venues for their events and meetings. Contact Connie Cornelius at 888.561.8976

Categories: Cruise Ships  |  Incentive Travel  |  Meetings & events
Tags: corporate  |  incentive  |  adventure  |  cruise  |  Expedition cruise  |  meetings  |  reward  |  River cruise  |  sales

Rewarding employees as important as ever!

Posted on December 19, 2011 by Connie Cornelius

Who doesn’t like to be rewarded for success? Companies across all industries are finding that it can cost more NOT to have an incentive program than to invest in the carrot that motivates and engages the sales staff.

Incentive rewards help sustain and maintain the strong bonds between the firm and the employees. Well-designed incentive programs can also act as a marketing tool to excite participants about the work required to reach the goal. In addition, an incentive program helps promote the company internally by demonstrating how the firm values recognition and gratitude.

Rewards are part of the cost of doing business. But finding a program that successfully motivates the workers and makes economic sense for the employer is a balancing act. From the company standpoint, the improved performance resulting from the incentive must outweigh the cost. But from the participants’ standpoint, the incentive program must be meaningful as well as motivational.

Sales reps and employees are sophisticated consumers and not easily swayed by dangling prizes in front of them. In order to be truly motivational and create the desired result, the top choice of rewards is overwhelmingly “Leisure Travel”. It is not just offering an excursion that they couldn’t or wouldn’t normally do on their own, but it’s about providing an environment where both management and participants can bond and develop a mutual respect.

Here are just three suggestions for rewards that are both engaging and enriching:

• Antarctic Expedition
• Voyage into the Amazon Rainforest
• Norwegian Fjords & North Cape

Choosing an exotic destination does not have to be cost-prohibitive. Expedition vessels and tall-mast sailing ships can be exciting and memorable without costing more than an average resort in Hawaii. Affinity Group Tours provides a comparative analysis of resorts stays versus specialty cruises.

Rewarding employees and sales representatives with travel incentives is as important as ever. In fact, it might be wise to implement a program now – even though we are not in a robust economy, knowing that when the economic upswing begins, it will be harder to retain restless employees.

Categories: General Interest  |  Incentive Travel  |  Meetings & events
Tags: corporate  |  incentive  |  adventure  |  Amazon River  |  cruise  |  Expedition cruise  |  jungle  |  reward  |  River cruise  |  sales

The Amazing Amazon

Posted on December 12, 2011 by Connie Cornelius

I’ve done it twice. And there are a world of reasons to go again. Traveling deep into rainforest at the headwaters of the Amazon River is an experience of a lifetime!

This mighty river begins at the confluence of the Ucayali and Maranon, not far from Iquitos, Peru. But the trip isn’t not just about the moving on the water and seeing the wildlife. The native guides and crew aboard the very comfortable river ship really make the difference. There is no substitute for a great local guide… and these young men are not only personable but amazing naturalists who can spot a sloth or howler monkey from afar.

Some of my favorite memories include seeing pink dolphins; being blessed by the local Shaman; planting a teakwood tree in the Pacaya-Samiria Reserve; fishing for piranha... and eating piranha!

There is a greater selection of sailing vessels than ever before – from rustic ships such as Amazon River Expeditions and Amazon Voyages to the truly luxurious, including Aqua Expeditions and International Expeditions 

The daily excursion on skiffs – usually once before breakfast and then again in the evening – provided an intimate experience with the rainforest wildlife, one that I will remember for the rest of my life. I encourage you to travel on this remarkable river. You will be immersed in the heart of the wilderness and developed a deeper appreciation for nature’s intricate web of life. I did.

Connie Cornelius
Affinity Group Tours

Categories: Cruise Ships  |  Cultural Travel  |  General Interest  |  River Cruising
Tags: adventure  |  Amazon River  |  cruise  |  cruising  |  Expedition cruise  |  jungle  |  River cruise  |  wildlife

Single Supplements - The Ultimate in Sales Prevention

Posted on November 4, 2011 by Connie Cornelius

Traveling solo is beset with extra charges that couples don’t encounter, the greatest being the “single supplement” where singles have to pay for two beds when they only want one. Cruise ships claim they need to be compensated for the losses incurred when they receive only half of the revenue potential of a stateroom. The additional charges can range from 10% to 100% of the standard rate, which means single travelers pay twice the rate as couples!

Avoiding the single supplement is easy, providing you are willing to share a room with a stranger. Some tour operators and cruise lines offer a roommate finding service and there are firms that cater exclusively to single travelers. But singles only groups often include games, speed dating events, and social gatherings, so if you are more interested in engaging with the destination than the other passengers, here are some options:

• The Norwegian Epic provides “studio cabins” specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler. The studio complex consists of 128 staterooms on two decks opening to a private Studio Lounge for exclusive use by the singles in the studios.
• Avalon Waterways waives the single fee on select departures close to the sailing date (Nov/Dec 2011); while Uniworld Boutique River Cruise has waived single supplements on select departures for 2012.
• Silversea’s new solo traveler fares are among the most generous, now only 10%-25% above the double occupancy rate.
• Viking River Cruises has ships with single cabins: Primadonna (8 single cabins), Prestige (6 single cabins) and the Legend (5 single cabins). There are also single cabins on their ships in Russia and Cambodia.

My best advice is to be the first in line for the few departures where single supplements are waived (usually during shoulder season). Or wait until the last minute when companies are desperate to fill staterooms with any warm body, single or otherwise!

Happy traveling!

Categories: Cruise Ships  |  General Interest  |  River Cruising
Tags: cruise  |  cruising  |  events  |  incentive  |  lodging  |  single cabin  |  single supplement  |  tips

Meeting industry welcomes cruising options

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Connie Cornelius

Say goodbye to stagnant meetings! Today, planners are discovering that cruise ships are great venues for memorable and cost-effective meetings, incentives or group events. Here’s why:

• Modern cruise ships are built with cutting-edge audio visual equipment. You’ll find multi-media production technology, from the lounges to the theaters!
• Cell phone coverage and wireless accessibility on ships allow corporate groups to stay connected during their meeting on the water.
• Entertainment is complimentary! No need to budget for transfer costs, pricey entertainers, costly décor and outrageous ticket prices just to get a splashy show!
• Numerous dining options give attendees the freedom to dine on their own, or you can buy-out specialty restaurants for a group dining event. Planners love the time and cost savings!
• Cruise lines have expanded their itineraries to include more 3-, 4-, and 5-night sailings. And the ability to charter small ships provides a unique private venue at your command - for the same cost as a flashy resort!
• Ships are listening to the needs of corporate groups and incentive programs, including dedicated conference facilities as well as flexible lounge and dining venues which can be used for private groups.

While hotels and resorts continue to pile on the fees and extra charges, planners are finding that the cruise industry is welcoming corporate groups. And the attendees are ecstatic about the change. Who wouldn’t want to attend a meeting with changing scenery, a variety of fun activities, outstanding culinary experiences, and top-notch entertainment?

Categories: General Interest  |  Meetings & events
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