I recently attended the largest invite only conference for top Travel Advisors in the travel industry.  It was Ascend by ALGVacations in Cancun, Mexico (Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, Travel Impressions, United Airlines Vacations, Southwest Airlines Vacations).  This is my 4th year in a row being invited to this conference.  

This got me to thinking... How do you go about choosing a Travel Advisor?  What is important to you as the traveler in choosing a Travel Advisor?  I think you should try to find one that keeps up to date on all things in the industry.  Find an Advisor that continues their education on destinations and resorts in those destinations.  Traveling to and touring resorts is THE best way to keep fresh on what is going on.  This helps us qualify our clients on what resort is best for them.  Attending conferences like Ascend not only gives us updates on resorts and destinations (it's not just Mexico at the conference), it also lets us network with so many destinations, tour operators and destination management companies.  Above all, I also get to network with so many other travel agents.  We have a great community in our industry and although we are technically competitors, we believe there is enough business to go around!  I have so many Travel Advisor friends now from this conference that it is now our yearly reunion! 

We also have a ton of FUN!!  ALGV really knows how to put on a show!  From SNL Alumni to Run DMC as the performer at our farewell party at Hard Rock Cancun, we Advisor's know how to work and have fun! 

Introduction: When it comes to exploring the world, the possibilities are endless. From adventurous backpacking trips to luxury resort getaways, travelers seek diverse experiences. One increasingly popular way to discover captivating destinations while enjoying the comforts of a floating boutique hotel is through river cruising. Offering a unique blend of relaxation, cultural immersion, and breathtaking scenery, river cruises have emerged as an enticing option for travelers seeking an unforgettable journey. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of river cruising and explore the reasons behind its growing allure.
Unveiling the Charm: Unlike traditional ocean cruises, river cruises take passengers along the tranquil waters of rivers, providing an intimate experience and access to picturesque landscapes that larger vessels cannot reach. As you set sail on a river cruise, you'll find yourself immersed in the heart of charming cities, hidden towns, and cultural gems along the riverbanks.
The Journey: River cruises are carefully curated to ensure a seamless blend of relaxation and exploration. From the moment you step on board, you'll be greeted with exceptional service, luxurious accommodations, and delectable cuisine. While the cruise ship gracefully navigates through the waterways, you'll have the opportunity to indulge in the serenity of the surroundings, watch the ever-changing scenery, and unwind on sun decks or balconies. The intimate size of river cruise ships allows for a more personalized experience, with fewer passengers and a higher crew-to-guest ratio.
Immersing in Culture: One of the most remarkable aspects of river cruising is the ability to dive deep into local culture. As the ship docks in various ports, you'll have the chance to disembark and explore enchanting cities and towns. Expert guides accompany passengers on guided tours, unveiling the rich history, architectural wonders, and cultural heritage of each destination. Whether it's strolling through a charming village in the heart of Europe or witnessing ancient ruins along the Nile, river cruising offers an authentic and immersive cultural experience.
Scenic Splendor: River cruising grants unparalleled access to some of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes. As the ship meanders through rivers like the Danube, Rhine, Mekong, or Amazon, passengers are treated to a constant panorama of picturesque vistas. From rolling vineyards and fairytale castles to lush rainforests and towering cliffs, the ever-changing scenery becomes an integral part of the journey, captivating travelers with its beauty and tranquility.
Culinary Delights: Food lovers rejoice, as river cruising is a gastronomic delight. Onboard, talented chefs craft exquisite dishes inspired by regional cuisines using locally sourced ingredients. The culinary experience aboard a river cruise often reflects the destinations visited, allowing passengers to savor the flavors of the regions they explore. From wine tastings in renowned vineyards to cooking classes led by master chefs, the dining experience on a river cruise is an integral part of the journey, immersing travelers in the local culinary traditions.
Conclusion: River cruising offers an alluring blend of luxury, exploration, and cultural immersion. With its intimate ambiance, breathtaking scenery, and curated experiences, it provides an ideal way to discover the world's most captivating destinations. Whether you're drawn to the historic waterways of Europe, the exotic landscapes of Asia, or the wildlife-rich rivers of South America, a river cruise promises an unforgettable journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So, set sail on a river cruise and let the tranquility of the waterways guide you through a captivating voyage of discovery.

Full disclosure - I did use AI to create this.  Obviously it sounds nothing like my other blogs!  I wanted to try it out and see how well it would work as I want to start blogging more!  I promise I will be typing my own from now on though as I do want to give my perspective, not a textbook perspective! However I did just go on my first River Cruise in March and loved it! 

ALG Vacations recently had their yearly Ascend travel conference in Cancun, Mexico.  Jacki Marks with ALGV had a co-host for their take on the Jimmy Fallon show and it was Carsen Kressley and I was chosen for a meet and greet!  He is hilarious and I highly recommend following him on any social media and watching anything he is in!  

It was a great few days of touring resorts and then learning in breakout sessions and meeting with tons of suppliers!  It was great to be back together!  

Check out all my pictures and videos on my social media! 
https://www.facebook.com/bluewatertvl
Instagram @bluewatertrvl 
Twitter @BlueWaterTvl 
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Wow!  What a year this has been right?!!  Not what I expected personally or as a business owner.  It's been a tough year working countless hours cancelling and rescheduling trips.  Hours sitting  on hold.  Hours answering emails from clients with questions and of course, complaints! All of this to make a LOT less money than compared to last year.  In case you don't know... travel agents don't get paid unless you travel.  So when a trip is cancelled, we make $0!  So it's been a challenging year to say the least.  

However, things are coming around and travel is starting to pick up!  Let's be honest everyone is ready to get out of their houses.  So I took a couple trips to check it out.  One in July and one in September.  Here is my account of travel during this time to Mexico! ​

So today is "Travel Tuesday"...  I hear there are a lot of good deals out there.  Mainly on airfare.  Do you believe in Travel Tuesday? 

As a Travel Professional, I've never ran across better deals today than I do any other day.  I specifically priced a Cancun vacation I priced yesterday to see if the price had actually gone down.  It hasn't.  It actually went up because the "Black Friday" sale is over now and there is no promo code to apply. 

Don't get me wrong, I would love to have a day of the year (or more) where there were spectacular deals and I would sit at my computer and book trips all day long!   :) 

​If any of you out there found some special deal today, I would love to hear about it! 

I'm not sure how you feel about the cold weather settling in, but I for one am not ready for it.  I sit here and long for a vacation on the beach to get back to warm weather! 

So... that's what I am doing.  Sitting here planning my next beach vacation.  Likely it will be Mexico, as it's so easy to get to for a short trip.  I also happen to LOVE Mexico!  You can be planning your next vacation as well with all my tips, knowledge and recommendations!  Don't sit here during the cold this Winter and not have a plan!! 

I had a great lunch at Bristol Seafood Grill in Leawood yesterday with Globus.  Globus is a travel company with several brands of tours to fit different styles of travel.  

* Globus - First Class, Fully Escorted Vacations
* Monograms - Partially Escorted with Local Hosts
* Cosmos - Fully Escorted Value Vacations 
* Avalon Waterways - Small Ship River Cruising 

They truly have something for everyone.  Even  Cosmos Lite packages for those that want to travel independent but still have the hotel and airfare packaged together for better pricing.  

If you want a convenient way to travel through Europe at a real value, don't wait any longer!  Let's get you there today! 

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Very excited about all thing travel after attending the Ascend ALGV Conference last week!  Many of you may or may not know that Apple Vacations and Funjet Vacations along with United Vacations, Southwest Vacations, Travel Impressions and Blue Sky Tours are all under one umbrella now all owned by ALG!  There were so many good workshops and we learned a lot of new information about the industry and where it is headed! 

The big Trade Show was a huge success!  I got to meet with many of the tour operators and vendors we work with and make many more personal connections that only help my clients in the end!  Personal relationships with them let me give YOU better customer service!