Times Advocate, 1997-01-01, Page 11O
Jn search of sand, surf and a stirring of the senses
By Brenda Burke
T -A Reporter
ANYWHERE SOUTH - The sun beats down on your skin while
cool ocean waves lap at the shore. You sip an ice-cold drink made in
the husk of a fresh pineapple, then recline and fade away...
..,to the reality of frost-bitten fingers, ice -scraping Olympics and a
bone -chilling, grey cold -snap that has you digging, shovelling and
adding layers of itchy wool.
Sun is still big business...Cruise is definitely second to that,"
notes Laura Wilder, manager of,the retail department
of Ellison Travel and Tours.
She adds 85 per cent of November to March
vacationers take sun trips, with Christmas and
the March Break being busy booking times.
According to Wilder, "up -scale islands" bf
Aruba, Jamaica and Barbados are current
popular hot spots while last-minute club
participants often end up in Cuba, the
Dominican Republic or Mexico. .
"The !trend is moving from the last-minute
to looking ahead," Wilder explains of a
concept that began in the -mid' -eighties.
"With last-minute, you get what'sleft over."
Rather than booking a.trip days before
departure, to the average traveller last-. •
minuten�w 'means signing up a few weeks ,
in advance. -
"January is a big time for sell -offs and specials,"
says Wilder, an experienced cruiser who adds such trips
are now in demand, especially among seniors.
What Megan as a high-priced dream, she explains,
has become affordable in the mass market. While most opt for
,seven-day trips, three ands ur-day csAises are gaining in
,popularity. Similar to flight arrangements, ship. categories range
from one to 10, with early bookers getting the best cabins and
'sometimes upgrading to better lodgings at no extra charge. •
Other advantages of cruises over traditional trips include the
opportunity to experience a mire active holiday that involves
stopping at a variety of ports while experiencing a wide array of
entertainment and service on the boat. Taking a cruise simplifies
travelling for many, since it eliminates changing motel rooms while
exploringTrom place to place.
Also, adds Wilder, "You don't have to
worry about the food or the water,"
since it is supplied on the ship.
Although more and more people are
taking cruises over ast three or
four years, she points out, some have
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preconceived notions of what such a
trip entails.
To make the most of any trip, Wilder
suggests choosing all-inclusive
packages that include buffet meals,
refreshments and water sport
instructions. However, whether a
traveller chooses an all-inclusive
package or not, depends on individual
needs:
Many people desperate for a winter
holiday jump at the chance when they
see inexpensive 'deals' advertised, only
to be disappointed 'Often they arrive at
their• destination.
,,,"A brochure can makea budget hotel
•
look not too bad," notes Wilder, adding
disappointment with lodging often sets
a negative tone for the entire trip;
Many holiday vacation complaints
originate with a breakdown in
communication betweentravel agents and clients, she admits,
stressing a good agent will "get to know what their nems and their
expectation 'are."
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WALLPAPER STEAMER/STRIPPER
Weekend Special $20.00
CARPET SHAMPOOER
Reg. $30 per day • Supplies extra
SPECIAL $25.00 per day
Call us today for Spring Lawn & Garden
Equipment Tune-up and Repairs
PICK-UP AND DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
minty
EXETER 235-4441