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When most people think about layaway payment plans, they usually think about toys under a Christmas tree. However; the secret that most don't know about is that vacation layaway payment options can also be a solution for trying to figure out how to pay for that badly needed vacation.

So I guess you want to know, how does it work?  I'll tell you!!

Plan Ahead.  Depending where you are traveling, you can plan your trip out as far as a 12 to 18 months in advance.  Hotels and airlines post their rates about 300 days in advance. Technically, cruise lines and theme parks post their availability and rates 12 months to 15 month in advance. The point here is that in order to create affordable monthly payments, you need to give yourself plenty of time. Here are some quick guidelines as to WHEN to start planning your travel adventures in order to give yourself the best vacation payment options...

Valentines Day: Start shopping for next Thanksgiving and December holiday travel.

School's Out for Summer: Spring Break Holidays for the next school year. Or if you want to travel during the summer, plan at least 6-12 months out to get the best availability on flights and accommodations.

Back to School: Book next year's summer vacation.

Caribbean Travel:  6-8 Months In Advance

European Travel: 6-12 months, even 18 months if it's a big bucket list trip.

I hear you! It's hard to plan that far in advance with everyone's school, activities, sports and work schedules. Many of us don't know our schedules for next week, let alone next year. It's a shocker, but if want the best rates, choice of rooms and airline seats and the ability to make layaway payments on your vacation, time is your friend! Planning ahead will also afford you the best rates and availability choices contrary to everyone's dream of finding that elusive last minute deal.

Make a Deposit: Most hotels, cruise ships and even Disney only require a small deposit to put your vacation on hold and confirm your trip. This normally can range from as little as $50 per person to a percentage of the total cost of your vacation. It all depends on the specifics of your trip.

Set up a Monthly Payment Schedule. Most hotels, cruise lines and theme parks require your vacation to be paid in full about 45-60 days prior to your arrival. The balance of your trip can be divided into installment payments so that you are fully paid by this deadline. This can be done automatically via a credit card that you authorize for these payments.

Can I set up my own Vacation Layaway Online? Some travelers prefer to book their own travel on-line; however, most large major online travel websites that allow the public to book their own trips require payment in full at the time you confirm your vacation and do not offer vacation layaway payment plans. This is one of the perks of working with your trusted Travel Agent.

Your travel agent can also offer other creative ways to help you finance your vacation dreams and turn them into reality. You may even qualify for discounts simply by inviting friends and family members to join in on all the fun.

So what's holding you back, give us a call or shoot us an email to explore options for your Putting Your Vacation on Layaway TODAY!!!

Online is for looking and travel advisors are for booking!

​Are you wanting to travel with a group but don't know how to get started?

Here are some Group Travel Tips to help you get started:
1.You will need someone to be the decision maker for the group.
2. You can have others in charge of different aspects of the group trip so it is not so stressful for the leader.
3. You want to decide on accomodations, activities, and things to do up front so you can decide what the group wants to do so you are not wasting your time on your vacation deciding on what to do.
4. Agree on a budget and adhere to it. You want to make sure to be realistic about the cost. 
5. Decide how long you want the trip to be.
6. You want to book your trip, flights and transportation early in order to get the best pricing and selection for the group.
7. Hotels are not always the easiest for groups.  You have more options with all inclusive resorts for groups. Villas can work for groups as well. Cruises work well, too.
8. As your travel advisor for your group I will help you with all the payments, arrangements and travel documents for the trip. Everyone needs to be on board to make the group a success. Communication is key. I am available before, during and after your trip for any questions.
9. Be sure to consider excursions in your destination in the planning stage but don't plan something for every second of your trip. You need some down time.
10. Split up during your trip. Not everyone is going to want to do the same thing. Half may want to do one activity and the other half something else. If there is something you really want to do and no one else wants to go then go  do it on your own. Don't go home from vacation regretting you didn't get to see something.

We can help with student groups, adult groups, social groups, niche groups, destination weddings, seminars at sea, etc. If you need help or know of anyone that would like help with their group near Austin, TX please share our information with them. Let's start planing your next group trip.

We all dread it when our vacation is over and have to head back to work. Here are somethings you can do to lift yourself up:

*Bring back something from the trip that helps remind you of where you were.
*Take time to adjust being back home and getting things done.
*Return to work later in the week so the weekend comes much sooner.
*Organize your photos and share with family and friends.
*Start planning your next adventure.

Your kids don't have many school breaks so look at your calendar and let's start planning your next vacation.

Cabin-Make sure you request a cabin that is away from the elevators so you don't have to deal with the foot traffic if you are wanting to get some sleep.  Your travel advisor can help with your location.
Mediciations-Make sure you bring your meds if you need stuff for motion, allergies, colds or meds for the kids.  Options on the ship are limited and not cheap.
Shoes-Make sure you pack comfortable shoes.  Everyone likes to dress up for dinner and shows but climbing stairs or walking on some surfaces are not real comfortable with high heels. You don't want to lose your balance on a moving ship.
Suscreen-It is always better to have TOO much than not enough.  Consider some aloe vera as well in case you get sun burned.
Put phone in airplane mode-It is a MUST! If you don't put your phone on airplane mode once you are at sea you will have a nice big phone bill when you return.
Ship newsletters-These are in your cabin each evening. Please review them so you know what is going for the next day.  This way you can plan your day out easier and not miss some activities or shows you want to participate in.
Excursions-Most cruisers believe they will "Miss the boat" if they don't book excursions with the cruise line.  This is actually not true. Many times the cruise line use the same vendors. The advantage the tour operator has is that their groups are smaller, more personalized, better service and can be cheaper. Their business focuses on excursions so they comply with the cruise ships's schedule. I always offer other vendors as I use them myself.
Carry on-Make sure you have your important documents(passport and boarding pass), change of clothes, medications, sunscreen and anything else you ABSOLUTELY need once you are on the ship.