Question of the Week

What is the best time of year for a Disney vacation?

Orlando is often listed as a top choice for family vacations any time of the year. Walt Disney World and other area attractions draw countless families each year and it is easy to understand why. Families appreciate that there is something for everyone on a Disney vacation.

As a Disney vacation specialist, I often have families ask, “When is the best time to plan a Disney vacation?”  My top recommendations for families looking for a great time to visit Disney are early May and October if you are looking for a good balance between mild weather and manageable crowd levels. If you are looking for the absolute least expensive and least crowded time to plan your Disney vacation, consider January and early February.

Emerging Vacation Trends for 2013

I am pleased to say that 2012 has been a great year for travel.  Bookings are strong thanks to the many special offers that are enticing people to take some much-needed vacation time.    My clients seem to be booking one or two longer vacations instead of several smaller ones.   For 2012, all-inclusive resorts and vacation packages were in high demand.  Travelers like knowing that everything is paid for in advance and that they don’t have to worry about budgeting for every little thing they may experience while on vacation.  Whether travelers are looking for adventure, relaxation, or romance, they want to make sure they are getting the best value for their vacation dollar.  Vacationers are tending to book their vacations more in advance to ensure that they are locking in any packages or special offers that are available.  Because they are in such high demand, I expect to see a lot more all-inclusive packages and offers in 2013.

Travel Tip:  When booking a vacation package, make sure you are choosing a package that suits your needs.  You want to make sure that your package has components that you will actually use – otherwise you may be actually losing money.  Analyzing a travel package or special offer can be confusing and you may want to consult a travel professional.

All-Inclusive Vacations in High Demand

Almost everything is included on a Disney Cruise.

As a travel consultant who specializes in family vacations, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely.  In today’s hectic world, families are looking for more opportunities to spend time together – and they don’t want to spend a lot of time or money to make this happen.

Many resorts and cruise lines are noticing this trend as well and are offering more options that appeal to today’s busy families.  Special package offers, all-inclusive resorts, and cruises, allow families to spend quality time together without all of the planning and budgeting that typically goes with planning a vacation.

As the demand increases for these types of vacations,  I expect to see travel suppliers increase their options whithin this particular travel market.  Once a package or all-inclusive vacation is booked, all families have to do is show up and let the fun begin.

Still overwhelmed about planning a family vacation?  Working with a professional travel consultant will ensure that you have the right vacation destination for your travel party and get the most value for your vacation budget.

Family Vacations Create Lasting Memories

Out of everything we did this summer, standing in the Body Dryer at Dorney Park after riding the water rides was ranked #1!

I am a travel agent who specializes in group travel, family vacations, and honeymoons. To me, this is more than just a job.  I get the privilege of helping my clients create magical memories that will last a life-time.  There is nothing as rewarding as helping a budget conscious family create a magical experience for their children, arranging a few romantic surprises for a newlywed couple, or helping to organize a family reunion that everyone will be talking about for years to come.  You see, this is why I love what I do.  I don’t just book trips.  Instead, I work with my clients to create unforgetable and unique experiences that they will remember forever!

I often feel like many people underestimate the value of a vacation.  Everyone today is so busy, and we tend to question if it is “okay” to take time off from our hectic lives.   A vacation should be looked at as an investment in the health and happiness of you and those you care about.  A vacation can reduce stress, allow you to experience new things ,and best of all…give you that much-needed time with the people you love.

Sometimes a client will tell me that trying to plan the perfect vacation adds to their stress.  I always tell them that perfection is not going to make or break their vacation. (Besides, it is my job to worry about that!) Focus on having fun, being silly, and enjoying this precious time with your loved ones.  After all, it is often the unplanned “surprises” that make the best memories.

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