Benefitting Those in Need Through Travel

As a member of the Central Texas business community, we at Anderson Vacations are committed to giving back to those local organizations who are making a difference in the lives of our citizens. Part of that commitment is our contribution to the area’s charitable and non-profit agencies through an innovative program we have developed to help these groups with critical fund raising needs.

Travel for a Cause allows clients of Anderson Vacations to designate a portion of their travel costs to the qualified non-profit of their choice. As many of our clients’ vacation expenses total in the thousands of dollars, the resulting donation can be significant.

The program works quite simply. When a client makes a booking with Anderson Vacations they have the option of tagging that booking with the non-profit group of their choice. Once their travel is completed Anderson Vacations will send a contribution letter along with a check to the non-profit totaling 10% of Anderson Vacations' profits from that vacation.

In addition to providing funds through individual travel, Anderson Vacations also encourages the formation of group travel programs, which increases the donation to the non-profit organization several fold. For example, our Anderson Vacations Fundraisers at Sea program utilizes the major cruise lines’ group incentive programs for the benefit of our non-profit clients, resulting in a powerful fundraising tool. Moreover, our agency can assist with the development and marketing of these travel groups so that, in the end, the group is successful in its goal of raising significant dollars.
The Travel for a Cause program is not limited to charities in Central Texas. Since Anderson Vacations has clients throughout the country, donations can be made to any qualifying non-profit nation-wide.

If you feel your agency could benefit from the Travel for a Cause program please feel free to contact Anderson Vacations for a personalized review and discover this innovative and simple way to benefit your cause through the joy of travel.

Carnival Adds Some Magic to the Port of Galveston

The Carnival Magic has arrived in Galveston, Texas ! The 130,000 ton fun ship made its inaugural voyage on November 14th and will make Galveston her year round home, offering seven day voyages to the Western and Eastern Caribbean.

The arrival of Carnival Magic was celebrated with a day of festivities on board. Superstar rock band Maroon 5 held a private concert pierside while thousands of travel agents and VIP guests enjoyed an overnight stay aboard the megaship. Guests were given a glimpse of life on board the Carnival Magic, complete with delicious food, attentive and friendly service and exceptional entertainment.
The arrival of Carnival Magic represents a victory for the Port of Galveston and the Texas area cruise market. The decision by Carnival to homeport its newest and biggest luxury funship in Galveston is a testament to the future growth of cruising in the region. Now, cruisers within driving distance to Galveston can board one of the most modern cruise ships in the world without having to board a plane and deal with the hassles of airline travel.
The spectacular Carnival Magic epitomizes the continued evolution of Carnival's "fun ship" vacation experience with new innovations such as the RedFrog Pub, a Caribbean-inspired watering hole, Cucina del Capitano, a family-style Italian Restaurant that celebrates the line's Italian heritage, and a host of open-air facilities and features, including a massive water park and outdoor recreation area offering the cruise industry's first ropes course.
Staterooms aboard Magic also offer plenty of variety for cruisers. These include cove balcony staterooms located closer to the water line, spa staterooms that provide special access for its guests to the Cloud 9 Spa facilities and large family cabins that can accommodate families of five.
Carnival's award-winning Camp Carnival program is also taken to a new level aboard Magic. The 5,000 square foot facility serves as the headquarters for children from ages 2 - 11, split between three age specific categories. Then there is "Circle C", a dedicated area for 12-15 year-olds, and finally Club O2 for teens 15-17. All in all, children and teens will be treated like Royalty aboard Magic.
Carnival Magic is the perfect vacation option for any occasion. Both families and couples will enjoy the varied options available on board. And the Magic is perfect for groups of any size and theme. Weddings, family reunions and corporate groups will all find this latest Carnival fun-ship the ultimate vacation getaway.

Deluxe Grand Palladium Riviera Maya to Host Fifth Annual Anderson Vacations Barefoot Escape

Anderson Vacations is excited to announce that the deluxe Grand Palladium Riviera Maya all-inclusive resort will be the site of our Fifth Annual Anderson Vacations Barefoot Escape next summer. Palladium Resorts in the Riviera Maya offers a unique blend of luxury resort amenities combined with an eco-friendly atmosphere that respects the beautiful natural surroundings of the Mexican Caribbean coastline.
Grand Palladium Riviera Maya actually consists of four sister resorts, which all combined create a very large resort complex that stretches along the coast. Our guests will have access to all four resorts, including seven pools, 12 restaurants, over 20 bars and lounges and of course, a spectacular white sand beach.
Some of the unique features of Grand Palladium include a man-made lake that winds its way through the resort offering pontoon boat tours, all junior suite accommodations that can accommodate up to a family of five and a saltwater pool that is connected to the ocean, offering the opportunity to view sea life up close.
Grand Palladium is located near the resort town of Akumal, south of Playa del Carmen. The location affords guests easy access to area attractions such as the mayan ruins of Tulum and the ecological water park Xel-Ha. The town of Akumal itself is a great place to snorkel or just enjoy a relaxing lunch at one of its laid-back beach restaurants.
Barefoot Escape guests will enjoy a complete package including round trip air transportation from any U.S. gateway, transportation from Cancun Airport to the resort and back, deluxe junior suite accommodations, all meals and drinks, water sports and entertainment.
So block off the dates of June 28 - July 6 and make sure you join us on this our fifth escape to Mexico. It is sure to be the biggest and best Barefoot Escape yet.

Date for Fifth Annual Barefoot Escape Announced

Fresh off the heals of our very successful Fourth Annual Anderson Vacations Barefoot Escape, we are excited to release the dates for next year's fifth annual trip. Block your calendars now for the dates of June 29th through July 6th. In celebration of our fifth year, next year's escape promises to be the biggest and best trip yet. We'll be pulling out all the stops to make sure all our escapees will be talking about next year's trip for years to come. For those who have joined us in the past, we invite you to return with us again for a week of sun and fun. If you've never been on one of our escapes, you couldn't pick a better year to meet us in paradise. Where will next year's trip be held? Stay tuned to our blog and Facebook page for upcoming details.We can't wait to share the news with you soon.

Cozumel Provides Spectacular Backdrop for Fourth Annual Anderson Vacations Barefoot Escape

The fourth annual Anderson Vacations Barefoot Escape is now in the books. This year's escapees enjoyed a magnificent week at the Iberostar Cozumel on the southwest coast of the Caribbean island from June 23 - July 1.

Upon arrival in Cozumel our guests were whisked to the resort by our friends at Lomas Travel and greeted by Carl and Linda Anderson as they arrived at Iberostar. After a quick check-in and a couple of welcome drinks it was off to our wonderful ocean front rooms. We all had great locations for our rooms this year, just a quick barefoot walk on the sand to either the beach or the large swimming pool. Each room was located in an eight-room bungalow set within a tropical paradise. The second floor rooms featured a large deck, complete with a hammock for enjoying the ocean views.
For the divers in the group, the location couldn't have been better. Some of the best reefs in the world sit only minutes from the resort's coastline. And our divers took full advantage of the location, enjoying several days of diving throughout the week. For the non-divers in the group, plenty of sea life could be enjoyed directly in front of the Iberostar with just a snorkel, mask and fins.

Iberostar's entertainment staff, The Star Friends, kept our group smiling all week with crazy pool games, beach volleyball, yoga, dance lessons and evening shows. In fact, the entire staff of Iberostar could not have been more welcoming and gracious. From the waiters in the restaurants, to the bartenders at the pool bar, to the maids who cleaned our rooms, we were all treated to wonderful Mexican hospitality that we have become accustomed to in all of our previous trips to Mexico.

Two of the highlights of the week were our hosted excursions. On Tuesday our group boarded a couple of large vans for an island tour that included stops at some of Cozumel's most famous watering holes. On the east side of the island we stopped at the aptly named Rasta Bar with its Bob Marley and reggae theme. Then it was on to world famous Coconuts, with its carefree vibe and spectacular views of the east coast of the island. Finally, we landed in downtown San Miguel which offered our guests the opportunity to shop and have a margarita at the popular Wet Wendy's bar.

Our second excursion on Wednesday featured a private sailing adventure on the Tucan Catmaran. The 35 foot vessel's crew hosted us on a 7 hour journey to a private beach on the northern coast of the island. Along the way, we stopped for spinnaker rides and snorkeling. The crew also fixed a wonderful fajita lunch while serving cocktails throughout the sail. A big "thank you" to Captain Dan and his wife Karen, owners of the Tucan who made our day special.
As always, the most memorable times we spend on our yearly trips are the special moments with friends, some who we only see once a year. It's the conversations at the pool bar, sharing some laughs over dinner and watching our children having the time of their lives that we always take back with us each year.
Thank you to all of this year's escapees for joining us. The planning for next year's escape starts now. We can't wait to host you once again and to welcome some new friends in 2012.

Last Call for the Fourth Annual Barefoot Escape

The Iberostar Cozumel

The fourth annual Anderson Vacations Barefoot Escape is fast approaching. On June 23rd and 24th this year's "escapees" will descend on the Iberostar Cozumel for a week of sun, sand, unlimited dining, free-flowing drinks and wonderful friendships. There is still room for any late comers who are looking for a value packed tropical vacation this summer. The Iberostar in Cozumel is the perfect escape, with lush tropical surroundings, bungalow style accommodations, a white sand beach, fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving, great entertainment and a gateway to all the wonderful attractions of the island of Cozumel. If your style of vacationing includes parasailing, jeep touring and snorkeling on some of the best reefs in the world, then this trip is definitely the trip for you. Of course, if you prefer a relaxing palapa on the beach with a good book, then you'll also find our Barefoot Escape this year to be the perfect break from the everyday hustle and bustle of life. Most likely, you'll enjoy a mix of both relaxation and adventure on this year's trip. We hope you can join us. Space is limited, so give us a call soon to secure your space.

New Brand Pays Tribute to Agency's Legacy of Travel

Many of our long-time clients know the story behind our family owned travel agency. In 1991 we began as Anderson Travel outside of Boston, Massachusetts. When we started the agency it was important that we put our family name behind our business. After all, it was my parents, Charles and Ruth Anderson, who introduced travel into my life as a young boy and inspired and encouraged me to begin this agency twenty years ago. Their love of travel continued throughout their lives and they passed along that passion for new and exciting adventures to their children and grandchildren. Today, even though my parents are no longer with us, their legacy lives on through this agency and its commitment to bringing the joy of travel to others.



Charles and Ruth Anderson

 As a recognition of our family's legacy of travel, today we are announcing that our agency will be undergoing a migration to a new name and brand, Anderson Vacations, a Five Star Travel Company, effective immediately. The new logo, which is displayed on this blog posting, will be introduced on our print and web media in the coming weeks. Our staff will also begin utilizing the Anderson Vacations name (so don't think you've dialed the wrong number) effective immediately. Phone numbers will of course remain the same and previous email addresses will still be effective, along with our new domain of AndersonVacations.com (you can reach me directly at Carl@AndersonVacations.com).
Our facebook page, Barefoot Escapes by Five Star Travel, will remain the same as well. We encourage you to become a fan of our page to keep up with our yearly hosted Barefoot Escapes, along with travel specials and useful travel tips. And, of course, Your Monday Morning Escape will continue to tantalize you with dream destinations every week in your email inbox.
We are both excited and proud to return our family name to our travel agency. We hope you will associate the Anderson Vacations brand with integrity in travel planning for many years to come. And, as always, thank you for being such an important part of our family's history.

Carl Anderson

The Evolution of the All-Inclusive Resort

The Excellence Riviera Cancun All-Inclusive Resort

If you are around 40 years old or older, your perception of an all-inclusive resort may be vastly different than that of someone much younger than you. Why is it that age matters when forming impressions about these resorts? Well, it has to do with the evolution of the all-inclusive over the years.
When the all-inclusive concept was first introduced in the 1970's its main focus was budget oriented travelers looking for a good bargain. As a result, the resorts were built to satisfy those tastes. The cuisine was average, the accommodations were spartan and the service levels were minimal. But, if you wanted a $499 package with all your meals and drinks included, then this vacation option was built for you.
It took a long time for the perception about all-inclusive resorts to change. That change started to occur when new all-inclusive brands such as Sandals, Superclubs and Couples debuted in Jamaica. Then, within the last couple of decades even more all-inclusive options emerged from companies like Iberostar, Barcelo and Riu. These companies spread the all-inclusive concept into Mexico and other Caribbean islands such as the Dominican Republic.
Today, the luxury all-inclusive resort is one of the most popular vacation options available. Companies dedicated to luxury such as Royal Hideaway, Karisma, Secrets and Excellence continue to grow their luxury brands of all-inclusives throughout the Caribbean and Mexico. Many of these resorts are restricted to adults only, while others cater exclusively to couples. Still other luxury resorts welcome the whole family with programs geared towards the little ones.
Each all-inclusive is designed differently. But, for most "luxury" brands, guests can expect high levels of service, premium drinks, gourmet cuisine, a pampering spa and larger suite accommodations. Much different from the all-inclusive of 30-40 years ago.
We at Anderson Vacations have twenty years of experience booking all-inclusive resorts. We have seen the evolution develop before our eyes. Whatever your travel budget, there is an all-inclusive resort for you. Even if that budget allows for the ultimate luxury resort experience.

When is a $3,000 Vacation Less Expensive Than a $2,000 Vacation?

At first the title of this blog posting may be confusing. After all, how can $3,000 ever be less than $2,000? Actually the answer to this question has to do with vacation value. As most travelers know, the price you pay upfront is never the total price of your vacation. There are tips, meals, drinks, excursions, and shopping that are not included on many vacation packages. The question any traveler must ask themselves is "how much of these extra costs are indeed included in my upfront price"?
So, that $3,000 vacation that includes your flights, lodging, transportation, all your meals and drinks, some water sports and tips may indeed be much less than the $2,000 vacation that only includes the flights and hotel. Furthermore, with the more inclusive vacation you aren't constantly worrying about how much you are spending each time you eat or drink. It reduces the stress during your vacation, which by the way, supposed to be stress-free.
Cruise lines are also a good example of how this works. Most of the mass-market and premium brand cruises today charge extra onboard the ship for drinks (even soda and bottled water) tours, tips and even some meals. When added to the cost of your initial cruise fare, that can really add up. Some lines, however, are now including many of these features in the initial cost. Some lines even include shore tours with the initial purchase price. So, when you look at one cruise line that may be $2,000 more than another, you need to look at what is included. And, remember that point about stress-free. Nobody likes having a large bill waiting for them when they return home from their vacation, which included multiple swipes of the credit card.
At Anderson Vacations, we pride ourselves in finding vacation value for our clients. Not only do we distinguish between resorts, but we also make it clear which vacation will be providing better value for our clients' vacation dollars. So, next time you see an advertised price for a $2,000 vacation that sounds too good to be true, look behind the numbers and see what is (or isn't) included in the price. Then, let us recommend to you your best vacation option.

Do You Need Travel Insurance?

The subject of travel insurance is a critical one when planning any vacation. After all, vacation costs can be pretty significant and protecting those dollars should be a prime concern for any traveler. But the question that many individuals have is "when should I buy insurance and when should I consider declining the protection?"
The bottom line with travel insurance, like any other insurance, is risk. How much of your travel purchase is being put at risk. In other words, if you were to cancel your trip, how much, if any of your total trip cost, would you get back. For instance, most airline tickets, while non-refundable, are re-usable. So, for a fee, most passengers can re-use that ticket up to a certain point in the future. You may opt not to purchase insurance if you believe you will travel within that window. Also, hotels and resorts have varying cancellation policies. Some will allow you to cancel the same day as your arrival and receive a refund, while others charge a cancellation penalty for cancellations up to 21 days prior, or even longer. Again, you need to assess your risk before purchasing the protection. As for cruises, we always recommend our clients purchase the trip insurance. Cruise lines will penalize you 100% of your cruise cost for cancellations made within approximately 14 days prior to departure. And even for cancellations inside of 60-70 days, penalties are assessed.
The other major concern, especially when traveling outside the country, is protection while you are abroad. Emergencies happen and you want to make sure you are prepared for these occasions. A good trip insurance policy will cover you for medical expenses you may incur that aren't covered by your health insurance company. It will also cover you for medical evacuations in the case that you had to be flown back to the U.S. Such services can be extremely expensive. As a result of these risks, we recommend that all of our clients carry at least a policy that will cover them for these unexpected expenses when traveling outside the U.S.
Working with your travel agent is critical when deciding on what type of insurance to purchase. Five Star Travel uses only the most secure insurance agencies in the industry. Cancellations don't happen often, but when they do, most travelers are very thankful they purchased insurance. However, there are occasions where purchasing insurance may be futile and only serve to line the coffers of the insurance agency. This is where we as your travel counselors will guide you through the process so you can make the most educated decision in the end. After all, nobody wants to spend money they don't need to spend. But, even more important, nobody wants to stress on their vacation not knowing if they are covered for the unexpected.