2014 Group Vacations Are On The Move!

2014 Group Vacations are confirmed and ready for takeoff! Cancun, Aruba, and New Orleans (Essence Music Festival) are on lock. Contact Destinations Reached today to book your group vacation and to take advantage of great payment plans and savings.




Photo Credit: actiontravelnow.com

Island All-Inclusive Villas: Giving All-Inclusive Resorts a Run For Their Money

Photo Credit: homebunch.com

This villa property is nothing less than remarkable!  And it can be yours for the same rate of an all-inclusive resort. Private villas are all the rave when it comes to enjoying luxury and enhancing one's travel experience. These villas offer spacious surroundings, dynamic views, exclusive property use, personal chefs and maids/butlers, posh furnishings, and ambiance destined to place you and yours in the life of the rich and famous!  And before you ask.  Yes, it's affordable and it's within economical means.  So why not step up your travel game and try the life of luxury...It's a well deserved life!  This setting, among many others, is perfect for family vacations/reunions, destination weddings, corporate trips, and much more.  To reserve your villa and to learn more, contact us directly.  Your dream vacation awaits!

Winter 2013 Ski Vacations...Let the Lifts Broaden Your Horizons!

Photo Credit: specialtyvacations.com

Book today to take advantage of terrific savings on exclusive ski packages to some of the best ski lodges across the country. We are offering up to $300.00 in savings. Act now...the lifts await! Contact us for details. 

Cyber Monday Travel Deals In Full Effect!



Photo Courtesy: denverpost.com

Cyber Monday is in full effect!!!  Today only, we are waiving service fees and offering up to 30% off Expedia.com travel deals as well as a number of international hotels and resorts.  Give the gift of travel and lifetime memories.  Contact us for details and to book your reservation today.

Deadline: 12/02/2013; 9:00 p.m. (EST)
Travel Dates: Now - 02/20/2014



Happy Thanksgiving From Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services

I would like to wish all of my valued clients a safe and 

wonderful Thanksgiving.  Your business and commitment 

to our agency is greatly appreciated and valued.  We hope 

that you enjoy this holiday with your family and friends, and 

we look forward to continuing to serve and customizing quality 

vacations for you and yours.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Warm Regards,

Loren J. Adams, President, CTA/DS

Travel Diva: Jennifer Johnson (Orange County, CA)

Photo Courtesy of: Jennifer Johnson

Featured Travel Diva: Jennifer Johnson

 

Featured Travel Diva Destination: Orange County, CA

 

Jennifer Johnson, Coca Cola’s Human Resources (HR) Business Manager, never ceases to amaze me when it comes to balancing work and her personal life.  Oh, where does she get the energy!?!  I guess when you got it…you just got it!  Johnson often finds herself on the road or in flight managing HR affairs in efforts to escalate her career as well as promote the Coca Cola brand.  

 

Read our latest Travel Diva Q&A on how Johnson enjoyed the benefits of her company conference, while incorporating personal time to explore the O.C.!

 

1. Destination: Orange County, California

 

2. Reason for Travel: Business

 

3. Number of Travel Days: Seven (7) days

4. Estimated Flight/Driving Time: Approx. one (1) hour flying or five (5) hours driving (from Las Vegas, NV)

 

5. First Impression: The airport (John Wayne Airport) and the immediate surroundings are beautiful!  The weather is great, and the air is clean and ascetic.

 

6. Featured Hotel: Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

 

7. Cultural Experience: After the business conference, we went to Disneyland Park and spent time in the spa. The area golf courses are very pretty.  We hit the course at the resort. We also visited a few beaches, including Laguna Beach.

 

8. Favorite Attraction(s): My favorite attraction was Downtown Disneyland and the beach.  Downtown Disneyland is free and has all the adult attractions that Downtown Disney World (Orlando) has to offer.  Similar to Orlando, it offers shopping, dining, pubs, etc.

 

9. Best Dining Experience: Tutto Fresco - fine Italian dining

10. What/who encouraged you to travel to Orange County?  I was attending a conference in the area (downtown Irvine) and decided to explore the area.  I would recommend Orange County/Irvine to anyone who prefers a slow paced, relaxing vacation or business destination.  Its location to Disneyland Park is highly recommended for families.

 

Jennifer, thank you for sharing your West Coast experience with us and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

Laguna Beach

Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort and Spa

Downtown Disneyland

                                   Photos Courtesy of: ocproperties.com and journeymasters.com

A Love For Inspiring Future Female Travel Leaders!

Photo Credit: www.mbahighway.com

It's all worth it and within a days work! Recently, I received an e-mail from a young lady who is eager to leave her media job and strongly consider a new career move into the travel industry. Upon receiving the e-mail, I asked myself should I tell her a bunch of fluff that may lead her in the wrong direction or be honest in preparing her for what the industry really has to offer. Well, I decided to go with the golden rule of honesty in hopes that it will encourage and guide her on the right path: one that's chosen just for her.  I'm so blessed and grateful that God has chosen me to be an inspiration not only for young adults interested in the travel industry, but especially for young, female travel warriors!  

Young Lady's Email Letter:

Hi Loren!

I wanted to see if I might be able to wrack your brain for a moment.  I have been doing a lot of research on travel industry jobs, which led me to your website.  As someone young who has turned a love for travel into a career, I'd love to get your thoughts and opinions!

I caught the travel bug early through trips with my family, but as I got older it has become increasingly hard to find travel partners.  For a couple years, I tried to organize trips to Europe with friends, and everyone was interested...until it came time to buy tickets or commit and then everyone was too busy or didn't have enough money.  Finally, I said [forget] it and in Oct of last year, I booked an impromptu trip to Barcelona and Paris for two weeks.  It turned out to be the most incredible trip of my life.  I had been to Europe several times before, but never alone....never stayed in hostels....had never been forced to figure out my way around a city or take public transportation on my own.  I feel like I grew so much in those two weeks, I gained so much confidence in myself -- it was incredibly empowering.  Nine months after that I took a second solo trip to Berlin, and am now planning my 3rd to Thailand in April.  I think travel is one of the most educational things a young person can do, and it makes me sad when I see people who haven't experienced it (and probably will never).

I am 26 years old and currently working in digital media -- producing and project managing branded entertainment (web series and Internet videos all sponsored by brands).  A bit of a jack of all trades, I have a solid basis for video production, working with brands, writing, social media, and more.  I like it, but I am eager for change.  I've been at the company for three (3) years and have had difficulty moving up because our company has been in acquisition and every 6 months or so I move to a different department with a new boss.  Sometimes I dream about quitting my job and just going and teaching English in SE Asia or something, but I think I may need more of a career than that--although the idea of living somewhere different for a period in my life is very appealing.  I'm good at everything I set my mind to, and am very hard-working, ambitious, and passionate.

I love travel so much and would love to share that passion with others.  I'm curious to know what sorts of career options exist within the travel industry.  Is there any background or training required?  Are there any career paths that might benefit from the type of experience I currently have?  I am sure you are super busy, and totally no worries if you don't have time to respond.  But any advice you have would be much appreciated.

Hope to hear from you!

My Reply

Hello!

It is an absolute pleasure to meet your acquaintance.  I'm so glad that your Internet search led you to my website so we can exchange thoughts regarding the travel industry and how my experience can assist in planning your future.  Where to begin...its been such a journey.  Let's start with background. I majored in English with a concentration in Print Journalism.  I learned in undergrad that journalism doesn't really make much money, but I had such a passion for writing that I proceeded anyway.  Once I graduated, I took a job as a Technical Writer for the federal government.  Note: Remember this for later as I explain why I'm still there.  While working for the government, I still could not give up on looking for a job in journalism so I started interning at a local news station.  It was great experience, but it was too much to handle while working full-time as a technical writer...from 10 p.m. - 6 a.m. (graveyard shift!).  I eventually let it go and I have been working as a technical writer for nine years now.  The good part about it is it has afforded me the opportunity to maintain my travel business and maintain a solid nine to five.  Take into consideration, I am a wife and mother so it's not just me I'm thinking about.  If it was different and I was single and didn't have any children, this would be a totally different story.  But, I'm so blessed to have them in my life!

Moving towards the development of Destinations Reached Travel Consulting and Services.  I had a great full-time job with great pay and benefits, but I ALWAYS wanted to be an entrepreneur.  I also wanted to obtain my masters degree.  So many of friends went to graduate school right after undergrad.  But I didn't know what I wanted to study. I didn't want to just study anything just to say I have a masters.  After taking some time to evaluate how I was doing in my career and discovering what I truly have a passion for, I confirmed that I have a gift for business consulting and I am always traveling.  So, I decided to take the first step and go to travel school.  Yeah, I could've Googled travel terms and joined a pyramid scam.  But not me.  I wanted to educate myself so I can build my own empire.  Make a long story short, I first completed travel school and obtained my Destination Specialist (DS) certification. Then, I studied and obtained my Certified Travel Associate (CTA) certification.  And finally, I went to graduate school and obtained my Master of Business Administration (MBA) Degree in Hospitality and Tourism.  I provide you with this all of this background not to beep my own horn, but I stress the importance of educating yourself on the subject and to learn/absorb as much knowledge as you can on the industry. 

The travel industry is extremely broad.  There's a number of travel careers out there.  As for agents, you can work directly for an agency, as an independent contractor, or even start your own agency like I did. There are travel agency web designers.  There are vendors, travel journalists, bloggers...the list goes on.  I recently took a leap of faith and left the federal government to take on my agency full-time.  I truly enjoy traveling, conducting inspections, networking, generating sales, and much more!

You're young.  Live your life, travel, and enjoy the freedom!  Learn about different cultures and places around the world.  Continue with your job while taking on an internship position with a local agency.  I will tell you though.  Money does not come easy in this industry.  Agent commissions are limited and the Internet is our biggest competitor.  So, it's tough.  But if you have a real passion for it, stick with it and give it your all....one step at a time.  I do it every day and just hold faith that my clients continue to believe in me and will continue to spread the word.  So far, it's working just fine.  So, would I suggest you quit your job and go directly into the industry just yet?  I would say not just yet.  Keep your job, travel some more, learn the industry a little better, and see what the future has in store for you over the next couple of years. 

Feel free to stay in contact.  I'm so glad to hear that you have a passion for travel and are interested in the industry.  I welcome you and I wish you the very best!

P.S - While it's on my mind. Considering your background, you should start a travel blog with an incorporated travel web series. Use your branding skills and develop a brand of your own.  Just a suggestion.  Best of luck!

Travel Diva: Nikki Savage (Europe)

Featured Travel Diva: Nikki Savage
 

Featured Travel Diva Destination: Europe (Barcelona, Spain; Florence, Italy; and Athens, Greece)

 

Nikki Savage does nothing less than doing it BIG!  Whether it is her wardrobe, enjoying the night on the town, or simply enjoying life to the fullest, Savage makes it a point never to take life for granted.  So when it came time to planning her cruise vacation, it only made sense for her to Turn Up! in Europe.  Read our latest Travel Diva Q&A about how Savage took sail across European seas and took on new unique cultures and exotic scenery!

 

1. Destination: Europe (Barcelona, Spain; Florence, Italy; and Athens, Greece)

 

2. Reason for Travel: Leisure

 

3. Number of Travel Days: Nine (9) days

 

4. Estimated Flight Time: Approx. ten (10) hours (from BWI)

 

5. First Impression: Awesome!  Each city has an interesting culture that makes it unique. 

 

6. Featured Hotel: Athens Center Square (ACS) Hotel, a Marriott affiliate

 

7. Cultural Experience: It was excellent!  I sampled wonderful fresh seafood in France and superb Thai cuisine in Barcelona. Barcelona has the best gelato!

 

8. Favored Attraction(s): Each country has so much to do from diverse shopping, extraordinary food, genuine people, and a number of historical sites.  You must schedule enough time to soak it all in!

 

9. Best Dining Experience:  Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas Italian restaurant, Portofino's.  Some of the cafes in Villafranche-sur-Mer, France have some of the best seafood pasta ever!

 

Nikki, thank you for sharing your European experience and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

 

 Photos Courtesy of: Nikki Savage

 

 

Give the Gift of Experience This Holiday Season!

This holiday season, give the gift of experience; not objects.  Travel offers phenomenal life experiences that outweigh another sweater and cotton slippers.  Why not present your loved ones with an opportunity to whisk away to their desired destination, and take in all that it has to offer from culture, environmental beauty, to new found discoveries!  Destinations Reached gift certificates are offered in any increment ($25.00 - $1,000,00).  Our gift certificates make the best gifts and they will fill your loved ones with much joy this holiday season...Seasons Greetings! 

We Servin' Cajun, Bruh! NOLA's Great Cajun and Southern Cuisine Restaurants

Photo Credit: neworleansonline.com

Headed to NOLA? Well, you haven't truly been unless you have experienced some good ole' fashion Cajun food classics done right! Check out these highly 

acclaimed New Orleans local restaurants 

that are sure to make your mouth smile!

Photo Credit: Nola.com

Alchafalaya

Booty's

Cochon

Irene's Cuisine

Mimi's in the Marigny

Sassafras

The Praline Connection

Domenica

Essence Music Festival 2014 (July 3-8, 2014) Packages On the Rise!

Essence Music Festival 2014 is in full preparation and packages are going fast!  Take it to the NOLA and see some of the greatest acts in the world, from R&B, Jazz, and Gospel. We have customized packages (air, hotel, and festival tickets) just for you and your travel partners. Contact us to reserve your Essence Music Festival experience today!

Say What!!! Las Vegas Is Showing Off With Incredible Deals This Fall

Photo Credit: expedia.com

Say What!!!  Las Vegas is showing off for sure.  Stay three (3) nights, Save 33%, and the third night FREE!!! Participating resorts include Bally's, Planet Hollywood, The Quad, Rio, Caesars, Flamingo, Harrah's, and Paris. Don't let this pass you by. This is a Travel Agent exclusive. Inbox 
for details/reservations. Book by 11/29; Travel now - 12/26.

Italian Villas - Upgrade Your Lodging Possibilities!

Photo Credit: villas-tuscany.de

Thinking about planning a girlfriends getaway, a honeymoon, or simply an exotic vacation to Italy?  How about a private villa in Puglia, including wine and attraction tours. Reserve your villa today with rates as low as $200.00 per person, per day. Inbox to start planning your Italian adventure today! 

The Gulf Awaits You! - New Orleans, Biloxi, and Florida

 

Visit the Gulf - Biloxi, New Orleans, and Clearwater (Tampa) - for some last minute beach fun, live blues sets, and some good ole' cajun food, bruh! Packages start at $500/pp (air, hotel, and car) from BWI. Inbox today to reserve your stay...availability going fast!

Photo Credits: sirata.com; appszoom.com; mightysweet.com

Travel Diva: Tara Lance (Tokyo and Yokohoma, Japan)

Featured Travel Diva: Tara Lance

Featured Travel Diva Destination(s): Japan (Tokyo and Yokohoma)

Not only did a friend’s desire to travel to Japan inspire Tara Lance, a medical coordinator, to tag along to learn more about spreading Jehovah’s word and love, she also discovered new found beauty in the exotic Asian country and developed great friendships along the way!  Read this Q&A about how this Travel Diva took great heights to enhance her spirituality and create unforgettable memories.

1. Destination: Tokyo and Yokohoma, Japan

2. Reason for Travel: An International Jehovah’s Witness convention

3. Number of Travel Days: 18 

4. Estimated Flight Time: 10 ½ hours (from Los Angeles)

5. First Impression: Japan is extremely clean!  It (Tokyo) is similar to New York City, but it is less expensive.

6. Featured Hotel: Shinagawa Prince Hotel.  The hotel was absolutely beautiful! It has many accommodations such as an on-site bowling alley, a mall, and a large eatery.  And the staff was very friendly!

7. Cultural Experience: Japanese people are very shy.  The public transportation system (trains) is very quiet and everyone stays to themselves.  But despite their quiet demeanor, Japanese are very fashionable!

8. Favored Attractions: I love Tokyo’s SKYTREE! (observation deck and restaurant).  The new, beautiful building offers great views of the entire city.  The Japanese gardens were stunning and the Edo Tokyo Museum has become a favorite.  The museum holds a great amount of history and beauty! 

9. Best Dining Experience: The fish markets have the best sushi!

10. What/who encouraged you to travel to Japan? A friend encouraged me to come along with her.  I am so glad I made the decision to go.  Now, I have new friends that I look forward to visiting again.  I miss it (Japan) so much!

Tara, thank you for sharing your Japanese experience and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

 Photos Courtesy of: Tara Lance

Japanese Garden Tour

Jehovah's Witness convention friends

Excellent sushi! 

Tokyo's SKYTREE

Inside the Japanese gardens

Shopping in Ginza

Disney Family Vacations 2014...Where Dreams Come True!

Photo Credit: familyvacationcritic.com

Enjoy 2014 by creating magical memories where dreams come true!  Take advantage of early savings on Disney vacation packages. Packages start at just $75.00 per person, including dining options and theme park tickets.  Let me customize your unforgettable getaway by presenting the many accommodations Disney has to offer - for all ages!  Contact me today.

Thompson LES Calls Veteran's Day Travelers for a Real Hip Time!

Queen Room Category; Photo Credit: thompsonhotels.com

   

Living Room; Photo Credit: jetsetter.com

Destinations Reached offers another exclusive deal at the trendy and hipster Thompson LES (Thompson Hotels) for $299.00/per night - a $70.00 savings from the online price! In addition to this incredible rate, guests will receive a $25 credit to one of the local restaurants: Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya (on-site - incredible sushi and BBQ short ribs!), Epstein's Bar (awesome bar food, beer and a local favorite), Links (awesome polish sausage and more franks!), or the famous NYC deli, Katz (they serve the best Salami breakfast sandwich there is!)

Make NYC and Thompson LES your Veteran's Day getaway destination!  Contact me for details and learn more about this excellent property by reading our Thompson LES blog review.

Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya - Superb sushi and BBQ short ribs!

NYC Veteran's Day Weekend Promotions Customized Just For YOU! 70 Park Hotel (a Kimpton brand hotel)

Photo Credit: 70parkave.com

Okay, so maybe you didn't get Columbus Day off. But, Veteran's Day is definitely a go! Hit the road and head to NYC for a beautiful Fall getaway. Take advantage of this exclusive package offered only to Destinations Reached clients: 70 Park Hotel (a Kimpton boutique hotel) for $309.00/a night (a $65 savings from online) including a $25 bar credit or a $25.00 subway credit.  Email (info@destinationsreached.net) for details and to reserve your stay.

Photo Credit: kimptonhotels.com

We Deserve To Travel, Too! Travel Tips for Today's Single Parents

Photo Courtesy of: www.blackenterprise.com

The term "family vacation" has changed through the years. The good thing is, today's single parents are taking it upon themselves to modify the definition, and create lasting memories despite society's cliche way of thinking.  In preparing for your next vacation with your prized possessions, take note of these travel tips to prepare for a safe and well deserved vacation!

Preparation Is Everything - Create a travel checklist.  Go down the list and confirm each item to prepare for smooth sailing. Confirm all reservations (air, hotel, pre-reserved tours, etc.) at least 48 hrs. prior to departure. Confirm travel agreements with the co-parent to clear legal issues and offer a peace of mind - for both parents.  Be sure to obtain an official child photo I.D. and notarized documentation stating permission to travel with child.  The I.D. and documentation also assist in determining legal guardianship of the child during the duration of travel, as well as in extreme cases such as kidnappings/missing child reports.

Joint and Independent Activities - The intentions of vacationing with your child is to build lasting memories and bonds.  But, every now and then, everyone needs a little space.  Having both options make for wonderful accommodations. Beaches offers some of the best exclusive kid/teen programs within the Caribbean on a budget. And for the child who's destined for stardom, the Buccament Bay Resort (St. Vincent and The Grenadines) offers the world-reknowned, Harlequin Performing Arts Academy.  The program is taught by Broadway and West End professionals and offered to both adolescents and adults. They also offer the Harlequin Sports Academy, the first Caribbean destination offering a Liverpool Football Club Soccer School.  This is an excellent activity for dad and son - or even mom and daughter!

Security - Whether mom or dad, there is always concern for safety on travel. Knowing that on-site security and surveillance is active relieves anxiety.  Ask management to identify surveillance units (cameras, detectors, etc.) on the premises as well as security posts. Fending for the safety of yourself and your child is a challenge.  But, one should not be prevented from traveling as long as proper security measures are executed.  

Local/Environment Awareness - Spending quality time with your child is priceless!  Yet, that same level of enjoyment may not be shared with locals outside resort grounds.  Always conduct local research and ask for referrals, especially when traveling internationally.  Have a good understanding of the local culture, and know what areas do and do not cater to adults traveling with children.  Be sure that accommodations offer an array of activities for both you and child to prevent the cold shoulder, and to ensure a fun and positive time for everyone.   

Travel As A Group - Keeping an eye on your children every waking moment is a task.  But, traveling with other trusted companions (other single parents and/or family members) offers a support system and the opportunity to feel less tension. Join or form a vacation club for other single parents who share similar vacation lifestyles.  Everyone must serve a role!

Photo Courtesy of: www.elev8.com

Travel Diva: Yunika Davis (Dubai, United Arab Emirates)

Featured Travel Diva: Yunika Davis
Featured Travel Diva Destination: Dubai

Yunika Davis, a Maryland primary school teacher, took travel to new heights when invited to Dubai over the summer.  When asked to join a college friend, she originally ignored the invitation.  But after some “sisterly” encouragement and some new found inspiration, Davis had a change of heart and took flight - by herself - thousands of miles across the desert sands.  Read this Q&A about how this travel diva strapped on her trek pumps and took her dreams into her own hands!  

1. Destination: Dubai

2. Reason for Travel: Leisure Vacation

3. Number of Travel Days: Nine (9) Days

4. Estimated Flight Time: 14 hours (Flight Connections: Baltimore (BWI) to Atlanta (ATL) to Dubai (DXB)

5. Featured Hotel: Grosvenor House Dubai

6. First Impression: Hot!  It was 100 degrees every day, but it was simply beautiful!

7. Cultural Experience: Dubai is very multicultural.  There are people from all over the world!  Everything is either communicated in Arabic or English.  Most natives speak English.

8. Favored Attractions: The Arabian Desert tour was phenomenal!  I also enjoyed the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world!)

9. Best Dining Experience: Indego Restaurant (Indian cuisine) (located inside the Grosvenor House Dubai)

10. Best Nightlife Experience: Buddha Bar (food and drinks) and the Atlantis The Palm, Dubai Hotel/Resort (houses a number of clubs/lounges)

11. Would you encourage tourism in Dubai?  Definitely!  The customer service and hospitality was amazing.  Whatever I needed, someone was always there to help.  There is so much to do.  The shopping and the beaches are amazing!

12. What/who encouraged you to travel to Dubai? My sister (Jasmine).  She reminded me that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity.  And, when else would I have a chance to do it again.  

Yunika, thank you for sharing your Dubai experience and for paving the way for more Travel Divas to take flight!

Photos Courtesy of: Yunika Davis