TA Wendy

I found this great blog regarding travel in Mexico... it really covers the safety questions! Happy Travels everyone! TA Wendy Mexico Maligned by Terry Denton THE MEDIA'S MYOPIA If you look up myopia in thefreedictionary.com you will find it defined as " . . .a visual defect in which distant objects appear blurred because their images are focused in front of the retina rather than on … Continue reading → Read more of this post Terry Denton | July 23, 2012 at 9:00 am | Tags: How safe is Mexico?, Is Mexico safe?, Mexico, Mexico safety, Mexico travel, Mexico travel safety, Travel in Mexico, Travel to Mexico | Categories: Divine Destinations | URL: http://wp.me/p2vQmR-7u

Awesome video you guys! You are both so beautiful, how could you miss?!! Thanks so much for allowing me to assist with your travel arrangements for you and your family and friends! It was a pleasure to work with all of you! TA Wendy

Thank you so much Molly! I cant wait to hear back from you with your report in on your wedding at Le Blanc! It is certainly one of my very favorite resorts and I love being able to share it with my clients! It has been a pleasure working with you and your guests!

Hi Ladies, Just as an information point for anyone who might be looking for a TA, we at Wright Travel Agency are the TA wing of the BDW forum. Our agents are experts in the Destination wedding business, for many of us this is what we have chosen to specialize in and we know the area and the resorts extremely well! Wright Travel was just named by Karisma Resorts as one of their VIP Agencies.. which means to you as a wedding couple that we are often able to offer additional upgrades, comps like free spa, or romantic dinners, as well as any and all promotions that the resorts may advertise or offer, and of course the lowest rates available! Please let us know if we at Wright Travel Agency can be of any help to those looking to plan their weddings at any of the Karisma Resorts! Happy planning! TA Wendy

Hi there, Why dont you give us a try here at Wright Travel... we are the agency for BDW and are experts in Destination Wedding business! I bet we could be of help to you! TA Wendy

Awww... thank you so much Stephanie! I loved working with you and your guests... what a nice group! Please let me know if I can be of help in the future for any of you! Best wishes to you! TA Wendy

Just to share information, I do also know that the wonderful on site wedding coordinator Sandra Prieto received a promotion and will now be moving over to Moon Palace. But I know that there will be very capable WCs working with the couples in the upcoming months. One of the very best things about Le Blanc is the on site service and level of attention is remarkable. Know that all of your details will be taken care of! If I can answer anything or assist any Le Blanc Brides just let me know! Regards, TA Wendy

Hi Future Le Blanc brides! You have found the most wonderful property in all the Cancun/ Riviera Maya area, in my opinion! As a TA who specializes in the area, I especially love working with Le Blanc weddings.. I work on groups there usually a couple per month and the resort has never gotten anything but rave reviews from the couples who have chosen to be married there. It is really unsurpassed in service, food, amenities, location and just as an all around awesome experience! - Plus the resort credits offered go a long way towards making this a great value for your guests. If I can be of any service to any of you please dont hesitate to ask.. We are able to assist with group rates and or individual pricing. I would love to work with you and your guests! Best regards, TA Wendy [email protected]

I would like to chime in with my 2 cents in explanation and advice please... When we first book for a couple we always discuss whether they prefer to book the rooms for themselves and guests using a group contract pricing or whether they prefer to let the guests book on their own individually. With group rates, as this one above was described, the couple sign a contract confirming the pricing, and room block and they put a deposit up for the rooms, typically $100 per room. The rates are guaranteed not to go up, and the rooms are yours and cannot sell out. Also, the hotel will list amenities you will receive..typical for the Now chain is a very generous package of free nights and upgrades for the bridal couple based on how many guests are booked at the final accounting time. The prices are confirmed for the room and transfers from the airport only and do not include the price of air. Final payment is due for groups normally at 60 days prior to departure. If the hotel does drop their prices and they advertise it on their own website, we can ask for a price adjustment and I have never had a hotel decline to accommodate that request. What the above client is describing, I think, is that one of her guests used an online search engine program and found an air/hotel combo that was lower in price. Depending on the current price of air that CAN happen. That type of online booking generally does not include the cost of transfers from the airport, and often when added back in, the price IS back at comparable to the group rate structure, but it can happen that it might be a little less. It is two very different styles of pricing. With group pricing you know you have the rooms and a solid price, with individual bookings the hotel could sell out or raise the rates and nothing can be done as there are no guarantees on rates and no amenities for the wedding couple. If someone DOES go outside your group block and book their room with an online search engine, their room would no longer count towards any of your complimentary rooms or upgrades and they are actually not even allowed for us to oversee their reservation or acknowledge them as part of your group at all. If we are doing individual bookings for you and your guests, then yes, we can price match to any rate they find online, typically, but it must also be booked and issued and paid in full the same day the price match occurs. When we first begin to work with a couple we always discuss these two pricing options as they are quite different.. apples to oranges so to speak, and we determine which will work best for the clients. Hope that helps explain a little! TA Wendy

Oh, Such beautiful pictures! It was a pleasure to work with you and your group of family and friends on the travel arrangements! My biggest congratulations to you! TA Wendy

The Hotel Riu Palace Peninsula (All Inclusive 24h) it is located at the heart of one of the most touristic destinations in Mexico: Cancún, the property is situated on a dazzling stretch of white sand beach and framed by tropical vegetation and crystal clear turquoise water. Enjoy a day of relax by taking care of your body in the Renova Spa with the variety of treatments to choose from. Also the hotel offers sauna, jacuzzi and swimming pools, where a sunbathing with a cocktail is a must. Our renowned All Inclusive system invites you to taste a huge variety of dishes from local to international recipes. The theme restaurants widens the gastronomy options of the hotel by serving wonderful cuisine such as: Japanese, Italian or Mexican. Getting fit in your holidays is possible with the gym, sport activities, volleyball, gimnasia, and also water sports as windsurf, kayak and snorkel. The RiuLand program would take care of the little members of the family with plenty of amusement activities during the day. Adults won't feel bored thanks to the live shows, music, and other entertainments during the day and night. In the surroundings of Cancún are natural spaces and heavenly beaches. You just cannot miss the most popular visit of Cancún, "Chichén Itzá" the fantastic Maya ruins or Isla Mujeres to see the protection and reproduction of the turtles. Visiting the different museums with the history of this region or climbing up the scenic tower to enjoy some unbeatable colorful views of the city and coast is just the beginning of these unforgettable holidays. All this contributes Cancun being an incomparable destination. I would be happy to provide more information to anyone considering this newest member of the RIU family! TA Wendy

Hi Sanela, Thank you so much for asking! My role as a TA is to book you and your guests either individually or as a group booking, to work with your guests to answer any/all questions, coordinate the transfers from and back to the airport and assist with air if needed. Cancun/ Riviera Maya is my area of expertise and where I assist with almost all of the weddings I work on. There is no fee to you for my service as Travel Agents are paid commission from the Tour Operators, hotels and cruise lines we book for our clients. I would be very happy to answer your questions .. you can reach me at [email protected] if you like. Best regards, TA Wendy

Hi Marooon13, I hope you dont mind if I chime in with my 2 cents worth! This is TA Wendy from here on the forum and Wright Travel.. I would suggest to you that the Gazebo at the Royal PDC is especially beautiful and provides a level of privacy you would not have on the beach. It is very pretty with the ocean behind you and provides plenty of room and a nice entry for the bride. It can also be decorated beautifully. Just be sure that your photographer is well aware of how to shoot your photos while you are in/ under the Gazebo.. if not properly exposed, the water comes out over exposed or the faces in shadow. A good photographer will know how to deal with this, and in fact there are some good photos and explaination on the problem and how to correct it in this thread. Otherwise it is a very pretty and more private venue at the Royal... I think it is a great spot! TA Wendy

Hi Caroline, TA Wendy here, from right here on the BDW forum / Wright Travel Agency... I work quite frequently with the Now Jade and also with the Barcelo Maya Palace. Both are great choices, but you are right .. very different. Barcelo is such a large complex, and in such a far south location. Very removed and away from it all. Now Jade is in such a convenient location to the airport, and AM Resorts offers such good benefits for groups.. One of the wedding groups I worked with at the Now Jade was just there Nov 5-12, you just missed them! At any rate, I would like to offer my services if you would like to speak with me. You can reach me by PM here on the forum or at my direct email at [email protected]. Please feel free to do a search on myself and / or Wright Travel for reviews posted by other brides here. Best regards, TA Wendy

I just heard that La Amada is undergoing a name change. It will now be called The Beloved Hotel. Still affiliated with the Excellence Group so that is a good sign. I will post more about the name change as I learn more. Best to all, TA Wendy

Thank you for asking me! I am on it and we have the rooms blocked over at the Gran Porto for you.. I will be glad to see if there is any further I can do with the Royal, however it does sound like they are truly full for the moment at least... it would be quite a gamble to wait and see if rooms come available later, your guests need to be able to make their plans and holding off in the hopes that rooms might open up would be stressful for all to say the least. As least we now have a good back up plan for you with the rooms at the Gran Porto.. It would be my recommendation to others who might be booking for busy times that it is much better to hold the rooms with a group contract and then be able to release un needed rooms than to be in the bad position of trying to get rooms when a resort is showing full. Regards, TA Wendy

Hi Matt, Thank you for sharing these wonderful photos! I was the travel agent for Vanessa and Greg and their family and friends for this wedding so it is especially great to see them and the happiness of the day! I love working with weddings at the Royal PDC... it is one of my favorite resorts! TA Wendy

Hi Brides, La Amada continues to grow in popularity as more folks discover this gem of a property! I am working with the more and more couples who have selected La Amada for their wedding site and it is getting rave reviews all around. I know it is very last minute, but the folks at the resort called me yesterday to offer some special incentives for anyone who can have their wedding in the end of Jan or Feb of 2012. If you have a small group and might be considering it, here are the added incentives for this specific time: Travel Window: January 26 to February 29, 2012 Booking window: November 01-30, 2011 Special concessions: · Two (2) complimentary upgrades for every 5 room paid · One hour cocktail with premium brands and house hors d’ oeuvres Plus the standard concessions: 10% discount on all spa treatments for the entire group La Amada Wedding package in complimentary basis 11th complimentary room for every 10 rooms paid in double occupancy (11th free, 22nd free, etc) If this will work for anyone, or if any of you just have questions about this wonderful property, please feel free to either PM me or email at [email protected]. Happy planning! TA Wendy

n Vacation Express' Top 5 TripAdvisor recently released its 2011 Travelers’ Choice® Awards lists including its Top 10 Best All Inclusive Hotels IN THE WORLD!! And not surprising to me (but maybe it is to you), FOUR of them are located in Mexico and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – and are among our top picks too! We’ve added one we feel should have made the list – and probably will next year as it’s maybe just too new to have been considered for this 2011 award. Check it all out on TripAdvisor. THE TOP FIVE ALL-INCLUSIVE HOTELS: 1. Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso - 6* - Riviera Maya – Adults Only Iberostar's first adults only (18+) all suites hotel in Mexico, where guests enjoy unparalleled service with oversized Jacuzzi suites, extraordinary amenities, a couples-oriented spa, exceptional cuisine and full access to the magnificent Playa Paraiso Complex and golf course. TripAdvisor Traveler Review: “We felt like we were living in a palace. Marble floors, great artwork, excellent craftsmanship and beautiful grounds.†2. Le Blanc Spa Resort - 6* - Cancun – Adults Only Impressive AAA Five Diamond award-winning high rise hotel features alluring architecture with elegant water view suites, magnificent haute cuisine in five superb restaurants, premium liquors, an extensive wine list and a state-of-the-art spa facility. Customize your Le Blanc experience with valuable extras with $1500 Resort Credit promotion! TripAdvisor Traveler Review: “Wouldn't have changed a thing!†3. Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun - 5½* - Riviera Maya – Adults Only This luxurious all-adult (18+), all-suites resort elevates all-inclusive to an entirely new level. Located on one of the most beautiful and pristine white sand beaches in Mexico, this is the perfect getaway for couples to immerse themselves in Unlimited-Luxury®. TripAdvisor Traveler Review: “Pleasantly surprised by this all-inclusive†4. Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel - 5½* - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – Adults Only Iberostar's first adults only "All Suites Hotel" in the Dominican Republic, the lavish Iberostar Grand is located on beautiful Bavaro Beach and provides unparalleled service, extraordinary amenities and exceptional cuisine plus full access to neighboring Iberostar Bavaro Golf & Spa Resort complex. TripAdvisor Traveler Review: “This really was a 5* property!â€â€ PLUS we’ve added our own top pick to round out the TOP 5: 5. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana - 5½* - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic This exciting all-inclusive hotel is the ideal choice for anyone looking for that perfect island vacation with abundant activities on land and sea for all ages, a world-class Rock Spa® and Body Rock fitness center, a golf course and a spectacular 48,000 sq. ft. casino. Enjoy valuable extras with $1500 Resort Credit promotion! VE Review: Hard Rock International entered the Caribbean market last November when it reflagged the former Moon Palace Resort as the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. It has proven to be a hugely successful venture for Palace Resorts and Hard Rock Hotels both, and is enjoying record occupancies and rave reviews from one and all with its incredible WOW factor! ALSO…Kudos go out to La Amada Hotel in Playa Mujeres on the Riviera Maya…it was selected as one of the Top 10 Relaxation/Spa hotels in the world by TripAdvisor. We’ve just recently added this amazing little boutique all-inclusive gem to our collection – can’t wait to check it out personally! La Amada Hotel - 5½* - Cancun, Playa Mujeres Luxurious boutique all-inclusive hotel, managed by Excellence Luxury Resorts, located in exclusive Playa Mujeres area just north of Cancun and boasting lavish, oversized suites (many with private plunge pools), world-class spa and wellness center, excellent dining options and impeccable service. TripAdvisor Traveler Review: “Perfect in every way †Congratulations to these fantastic all-inclusive hotels – all well-deserving of this distinctive recognition! We can assist with any of these wonderful resorts! Just ask one of the TAs here on the BDW Forum TA Wendy [email protected] or PM me!

And.. now that we have debunked some myths, here is why you SHOULD use a travel agent! Reasons to use a Travel Agent CUSTOMER ADVOCACY: If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made. EXPERT GUIDANCE: Travel agents are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It’s what they’ve been trained to do and they do it every day. PERSONALIZED SERVICE: Instead of an impersonal voice thousand of miles away, travel agents are your neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience. PROFESSIONAL ADVICE: Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price. TIME: Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of the computer screen. UNBIASED INFORMATION: Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer. Article from travelsense.org and ASTA TA Wendy

Here is a great article about Travel agents.. hope you all find it helpful! 10 MYTHS ABOUT TRAVEL AGENTS MYTH 1: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same. FACT: Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they specialize in. So, depending on what type of trip you are looking to take one travel agent will suit you better than another. That’s why it is important when planning a trip to find a travel agent that specializes in where you want to go. MYTH 2: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore. FACT: Travel agents still sell 51% of all airline tickets, 87% of all cruises, 81% of all tours and packages, 45% of all car rentals and about 47% of all hotels.* MYTH 3: Travel Agents are Trying to Cheat Me if They Don’t Quote Me the Cheapest Price. FACT: Travel agents know the ins and outs of different itineraries. While you might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that cheaper itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches. For example, longer waits at the airport and odd travel times. A travel agent will be looking to get you the best value for your money spent which should include the most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. Unless you have told them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented as well expect value to be a factor included in the trip they plan. MYTH 4: It is Expensive to Use a Travel Agent. FACT: The fee a travel agent charges really depends upon the agent. While some of the more luxury agencies have higher fees, the average fee is quite marginal. Some travel agents will even drop the fee or offer a discount once you have finalized your trip with them. Plus, you can always ask an agent upfront what their fees are and decide for yourself if it’s worth it. Also, it is important to remember that a lot of online booking sites, such as Orbitz and Expedia, charge a booking fee as well. MYTH 5: I Can Easily Book the Same Trip on My Own Without Using a Travel Agent. FACT: Although travel agents have access to all of the same outlets you would use when looking to book travel, they also have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are most times not available to the public. Your travel agent also has more leverage in helping out in situations such as hotels claiming to be booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are on hold for travel agents reservations. So when everyone else is telling you “No†your travel agent can help turn that to a “Yes.†MYTH 6: Travel Agents Don’t Have Information as Updated as the Internet. FACT: Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sources as online booking sites. They also receive daily emails and faxes with new specials from resorts and hotels that may not be published on the internet. Travel agents can also call a place directly to see if they can work out other kinds of special deals for you, something an online site can’t do. MYTH 7: Travel Agents are a Waste of Time. FACT: Although you can find much of the same information that the travel agent provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a lot of valuable time doing so. A travel agent can actually save you from hours of painful research and price comparison shopping. They have up to date prices, hotel conditions, and interesting new activities. Their prior knowledge and experience gives them the upper hand in trip planning. MYTH 8: Travel Agents Have Lost Their Clout FACT: Travel agents book hotels, cruises, and activities every day. The companies that provide these services know that and want their business and will work to keep that business coming back. So while a place might be telling you “Sorry we are booked,†for your one time trip, they are more likely to make an exception for the travel agent to insure that the agent sends them more business in the future. MYTH 9: The Need for Travel Agents is Being Replaced by the Internet. FACT: There are some things technology cannot replicate, and personal touch is one of them. The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a travel agent. At a time when travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, travel agents have all of the information at their fingertips, saving valuable hours of surfing on the web. Agents can also offer insider tips, generally based on personal experience. MYTH 10: Travel Agents Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel FACT: Travel agents can arrange car service, personalized tours, activities and travel insurance, in addition to all the basic travel services they provide. They are also excellent sources of information concerning good restaurants, good sites to see, and tips on what to pack. *Source: American Society of Travel Agents TA Wendy

I agree! TA Patty is awesome! Here on the BDW forum we each have our area of specialization.. we are experts in that area, and the DR is Patty's area, as mine is the Cancun/ Riviera Maya area. We love working with brides and grooms and their guests! If we can make things smoother and more of a pleasure for you with regards to your travel arrangements we are doing our job! TA Wendy

... and it was a pleasure to work with you Maria! Hope all is well with the newleyweds! TA Wendy

It is great to know all is well this morning. I have one couple I have been working with on site now at the Gran Caribe for their wedding and a couple of their guests flew from Germany to Miami yesterday afternoon only to be told by AA that their flight to Cancun was canceled and that AA would not be operating today either. They could stand by for Saturday! Luckily Aero Mexico was flying business as usual, and when they called me I was able to get their ticket assigned over to Aero Mexico and they actually took off a couple of hours earlier than they would have if they had been on the original AA flight! This is actually a good demonstration of why it can be a good thing to use a travel agent. Clients who come across issues have someone who they can call and who will move heaven and earth to help them! Online search engines? Not so much! Glad that everyone is safe and the storm has moved on! TA Wendy

I spoke to a bride who is currently on site at the Gran Caribe in Cancun this morning. She said the sun was out and everyone was at the pool and on the beach. Locally the word is that the hurricane is being downgraded to a category 1 from a category 2, and is aiming more at Cozemel than the Cancun area. So this is all news that is pointing towards the positive for brides in the next week or so. Hopefully it will continue to weaken in the next 24 hours. Hang in there and think good thoughts. The resorts have been through this before and know how to handle this and are very accomodating for the guests. Best wishes to all! TA Wendy