A Valentine Note to My Current & Future Clients!
2020 is in the rear-view mirror and it looks like there may be light is at the end of the tunnel! My phone is ringing. More of you are either traveling... or planning travel! Here's a preview of what's ahead. It's just what the Doctor ordered!
By: Anne Heintz
Editor's Note:
Travel is tricky but not impossible. You need a trusted advisor to guide you along the way.
It has been a while since I last communicated with you. I apologize but I have been busy fielding travel requests in the new year.
Many of you are getting more comfortable with the idea of traveling. Others are simply motivated to search for warmer weather because of the winter snow in the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern Seaboard. Either way, I have been busy.
It makes me smile to hear from those of you who have gotten their first vaccine or received the “golden appointment” and contacted me to start planning. I feel like you’ve gotten an “A” on your exam and want to celebrate!
I’ve booked a number of 2-3 day trips since the beginning of the new year and more Valentine Spa escapes packages than you’d expect. But the vast majority of my work over the last 6-weeks has been helping people plan and book Spring Break vacations.
Where are people going you ask? The easy answer is wide-open spaces!
Our reader survey (to be released later this month) found that about 50% of you are dreaming about a beach or someplace warm. For those shorter trips, people are staying in the USA. Florida and Arizona are especially popular.
Spring Breakers are eyeing the Caribbean and Mexico as destinations pending an easing on travel restrictions. I’ve also booked a number of ski vacations. My cruising clients can’t wait to set sail again. And many of you are asking about Europe in Q3 and Q4. **(Note: that sound you hear is me knocking on wood!)
In general, here’s what many are seeking. More popular than ever before are destinations that have stunning outdoor options and great cuisine. We’re learning that this can be accomplished safely. It just takes some thought and planning between the two of us. Some of you are looking for a weekend getaway by car. For others it’s a remote destination that requires a lengthier drive or flight.
Here is what most of you are telling me: It is time to reset and REJUVENATE!
Travel takes us out of the monotony of our daily routines/lives. Lord knows that being house bound for so much of the year has taken its toll on everyone’s psyche. Mental health experts agree that planning a trip is almost as important as actually taking the trip!
If you are still feeling apprehensive, it might be best to start small. You will have a few butterflies, but it will also empower you to see that things are possible.
The Groundhog said there will be 6 more weeks of winter! A lot of you are listening to him.
As mentioned before , I have been busy booking warm weather destinations for my spring breakers and those who need to get away NOW! It’s not too late to make it happen!
A good indication of that showed up in my in-box the other day. I received a very in-depth email from my Marriott Luxury district sales manager giving weekly availability and rates for the Ritz/St Regis/JW Marriott /Luxury Collection and W Hotels properties in both warm climes and ski areas for the months of March and April.
They also reminded the agent community that certain weeks seem to be popular as you can well imagine.
As your “go to” person concerning all things travel, remember I am monitoring country as well as state requirements for your travels. I also have a list of unused tickets. Most of them are still valid into 2022 as well as certain tour operator credits.
To date, all but a few whose air travel was cancelled due to lack of flight operation have received a refund. Many folks who booked with a third-party website are still battling to get their money back or have given up! **(Lesson here: Best to book everything through me!)
Finally, I just want to say that I hope you and your families are safe and well. After a strange 2020 (and an even stranger January) we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Not to sound like a broken record but despite what you read, people ARE traveling… more often than you realize and for longer periods of time. They’re simply being careful, creative and quiet about it. An even greater number of people are planning to travel. They want something to look forward to!
Please know that when you’re ready, I’m here to help. Some of you are on the road right now… Others are looking forward to a Spring Break… some are only comfortable planning for the fall or festive season.
Whichever group you find yourself in, I can help you find something that you’ll feel comfortable with. This has been a crazy journey. And while it’s not yet over… there is light at the end of the tunnel. Do you see it? It's right there!
As always, Happy Trails!
**Anne Heintz is an independent travel advisor based in Washington, D.C. who always has her bag packed. She loves the fact that the journey creates memories and connections for her clients. She is affiliated with World-Wide Travel Associates in DC and Tzell Travel in NYC. She is co-founder and namesake of TravelAnne.com. Anne can be reached at Anne@TravelAnne.com or call her at 202 470 3791.
Editor's Note:
Whether you're ready to travel or just ready to plan, we're here to guide you.
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