Cruise for YOU

You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse and children. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.

Here are 10 Reasons* of Why you should take a Cruise:

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9. 

   Mandara Spa Sauna
   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

These are just a few reasons you should give yourself a chance to Cruise if you haven't before. You can even plan your cruise more than a year in advance and pay over time, budget is not a trouble anymore. Give me a call and let me explain the endless chances you have customized to your expectations and beyond.

*Courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line, all Rights Reserved.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

Travel Insurance: Why is so important?

 If you are a frequent traveler, is highly probable you know the importance of getting travel insurance. But truth is there is still a lot of ignorance regarding what it covers and why is so important?

Travel Insurance is important because protects you and your family when unforseen events occur after you have booked and paid in full your trip. It will help in case your need to cancel your family vacation for personal reasons or circumstances on the part of the agency you purchase it (airline, cruise line or tour operator).

There is a good variety of coverages, some even cover pre-existing conditions. You can purchase one per trip or just get an annual insurance package. Here are some reasons for you to buy a Travel Insurance:

1. Your flight has been cancelled.


2. Your bags are lost and you have your medications in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.


3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.


4. You are involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available, you need medical evacuation.


5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.


6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.


7. You have an emergency on a foreign country.


8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city you're planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip. (Do you remember what happened last January in Egypt?)


9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise. (Hurricane Irene)

Smart travelers buy Travel Insurance, and if you don't buy it, more than your trip could be ruined. I rather prefer to have a 100% peace of mind than a 100% loss of my vacation investment. Having a family of 5, having a Family Vacation is considered by me an investment. There are agencies (Vendors that offer insurance and only the adults pay the premium, as Disneyland in Southern California. They offer travel insurance but you only pay for the adults and it covers your entire travel party(which means kids don't pay and are covered if the adults are).

If we look at the recent news events caused by Hurricane Irene; I can tell that unfortunately not all cruise lines act the same way. Let's compare Carnival Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean, both cruise lines were force to depart early on August 23, 2011 from San Juan, PR due to the proximity of Hurricane Irene. Carnival Cruise Line contacted good portion of its passangers and offered 2 nights hotel plus airfare to meet the cruise in other port, while Royal Caribbean leaved them stranded with no compansation at all. Although they had short time to notify thousands of passangers, the cruise line stood up an offered a "solution", but not in every case this happens, and in top of that if you didn't have a travel insurance this could cause the loss of your investment and your vacation for sure.

Please if you are planning a vacation, which I consider an investment, take into consideration planning also what Travel Insurance you will use. Ask your Travel Specialist about which one best suits your needs and even to explain you in detail what are the coverages. Doing this could guarantee you peace of mind and highly probable you'll enjoy your family vacation to the fullest.

News: Courtesy of MSNBC.com and Cruise Critic

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com

9 Myths About Travel Agents

1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same Fact: Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they specialize in. Depending on what type of trip you are looking to take, one travel agent will suit you better than another. That is why it's so important when planning a vacation to find a travel agent that specialized in where you want to go.


2. Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore Fact: Travel Agents still sell 50% of all airline tickets, 85% of all cruises, 70% of all tours and packages, 25% of all car rentals and about 30% of all hotels.*


3. Myth: Travel agents are just glorified sellers of airline tickets and their time has comeand gone. Fact: Travel Agents are professionals who provide value by helping consumers cut through the clutter and save time and money.


4. Myth: The internet will/has replaced the need for Travel Agents. Fact: When it comes to booking travel, Travel Agents are experienced professionals. 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.


5. Myth: 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 exact itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches that you unknow. For example; longer waits at the airport, or even more than 2 connecting flights. A travel agent will be looking to get you the best value for the money you 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).


6. Myth: Travel Agents are a Waste of time Fact: A Travel Agent can save you hours of painful research and headaches trying to compare everything. They have up-to-date information. Their prior knowledge and experience gives Travel Agents thumbs up in trip/vacation plannign.


7. Myth: Travel Agents don't have information as updated as the internet Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sourses you are. They also receive emails and information with the latest specials that have not yet been published on the internet.


8. Myth: I can easily book the "same" trip on my own without using a Travel Agent Fact: Travel Agents have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are mostly not available to the public. A Travel Agent also has more leverage helping out in situations that may arise like: hotel claiming to be booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are hold for travel agent reservations.


9. Myth: It's more expensive to use a Travel Agent Fact: Not every Travel Agent charges fees, this will depend upon the agent. Good Travel Agents will notify their clients of any additional fees including service fees, up front. Besides, it's important for you to remember that most online booking sites such as Orbiz and Expedia, charge a booking fee as well.

A travel agent will be there for their clients before, during and after their trip, and when the unexpected happens. Working with a Travel Agent will give you peace of mind. If you haven't work with one, give me the chance to help you plan your next Family Vacation.

*Source: 2008 PhoCusWright Travel Agency Distribution Landscape Report

Leila Reyes
Family Travel Specialist
817-554-3346
lrtravel@live.com

Satisfy your Sweet Tooth during your Family Cruise Vacation

Are you a sweet tooth, like me? Today I want to share a few pictures that speak for themselves. If you are wondering where I took them or better yet where I ate them, it's simple, on the Cruise Fare Price too! Yum, yum!

If you haven't had the opportunity to take a Family Cruise Vacation, I encourage you to give yourself and your Family the chance to enjoy Top Chefs Cuisine onboard a Cruise.

I can understand if you are thinking that with a big family and small children you can't enjoy a meal on a restaurant, but on a cruise is totally different. 

There are cruise lines that even offer a Family Dining Program, what means that your children after having their dinner will be escorted to the Kids program for the rest of the evening while you and your spouse enjoy dinner together. Isn't this great? 

If you have not worked with a Travel Agent planning your Family Vacations before, it is highly probable that you are missing vital information like this one and maybe much more.  

Actually now is a great time for you to start planning your next Family Vacation, there are itineraries available for 2011, 2012 and even 2013. Pick up the phone and give us a call right away, I'll be more than happy to help you plan your next Family Cruise Vacation and better yet enjoy a few desserts...

Leila Reyes

Family Cruise Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346 

Why to choose a Travel Agent?

People always come with the questions, Why to choose a Travel Agent? There are so many myths out there about Travel Agents that concerns me you may still wrongfully informed. I couldn’t agree more with my colleague’s blog: Educated Consumer Vs. Ignorant Cheapskate. One of the things Cricket mention and quote:

There have been any number of discussions on the “travel agent vs. direct booking” topic, and I can usually read them without completely blowing up. I think that people should know the differences in the two, especially because there are many who are new to cruising or think that booking direct with the cruise line is always the best course of action, and it’s good to see how others will choose to express their preferences in that particular debate.

It’s true some Travel Agents charge a Fee for their services, but many of us don’t. As a consumer you must be thankful of Travel Agents work and time, and paying a fee is only an act of kindness.

In other hand, as travel becomes more and more difficult, unpredictable, and arduous, travelers who moved away from travel agents in favor of self-service internet booking, or never have use one,  are rediscovering the true value of a good travel agent, and returning in droves.

Here are some benefits:

·        Save you time – A Travel Agent can avoid you headaches, they will be the ones calling around and doing all the time consuming search like looking for prices, activities, and flights for your complex itinerary. By now you may know what it is being online searching and comparing prices…can take you forever!

·        Travel Advocate – A Travel Agent can help when things go wrong, a good one is available 24/7 and has the expertise to resolve the problems quickly lifting the burden from the traveler. It’s your vacation isn’t it? You deserve relaxing even during the planning process.

·        Less stress – Even I mentioned in my previous benefit, I can’t stress enough the importance of “distress” you as you plan your vacation. Let the Travel Agent take that burden.

·        Knowledge and Experience – A Travel Agent must be informed on what’s new, good or bad in the market. That is why we are constantly taking seminars, classes, doing physical inspections (hotel, cruises, etc). The more complicated the travel plans, the more probability you’ll be experiencing difficulty to achieve it by yourself.

·        What to wear –Not only a Travel Agent can inform you of the dress code in the different dinning places you’re about to visit, but the weather, the customs in that country as well.

·        What to do and not do - Have you any idea of the social customs are on the place you want to visit?

·        Personal Customer Service – Travel agents offer that “personal touch” to your travel planning experience, offering help and advice that a website can’t provide. What can be better than call the same Travel Agent over and over and not having a different one every time you have a question about your trip; that could happen on big Agencies, but not with L R Travel.

Why then having a hard time, or spending many hours trying to find the best vacation for you and your family. I heard once a great quote: 



Give the chance to a Travel Agent to take care of everything while you rest. If you are ready to plan your next family vacation, give me a call, I will be more than happy to help you.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com

Our First Stop in my Mediterranean Passage Cruise: Madeira

Madeira, Funchal

Madeira and its little companion island, Porto Santo, were mentioned by the Roman author Plini. He knew about the Fortunate Isles, which are what the Romans called the Canaries and the described, his mysterious “Purple Islands” as being about the right position for Madeira.

Because of the great profusion of trees, the name Madeira (meaning wooded) seemed appropriate. Madeira’s volcanic origins gave it not only great fertility, but also dramatic escarpments and rocky outcroppings. But the density of the forests was seen as an obstacle to farming and settlement, so early colonists began burning clearings along the shoreline. Madeira grew into a semi-tropical paradise known as the “floating garden”.

The early colonists developed a complex irrigation system of water channels called “levadas”, which are still in use. The island’s vintners produce four types of wine, all prized for their age-worthiness and complexity.

Cabo Girao – The world’s second-highest sea cliff plunges over 1500 feet from the top to the waves below.

Funchal is noted for its superb hand-embroidery and wicker ware, both Madeira specialties. The island, of course, is also noted for its superb wines, they are perhaps the world’s most complex and long lasting wines. 

You can visit Funchal by land trip or by cruise. Either way you'll enjoy their cuisine, their culture, their weather, their wines and so much more.

For more information about how to customize your next vacation, ideas or bookings please contact me. I'm here to help you.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346

4 Tips to Avoid Being “Surprised” with your Phone Bill



International travel can be for most of us a dream come true, but what a nightmare at the time our phone bill arrives. There are many international plan options, but personally I consider staying away of “data usage” will help you ease with the cost. In case you can’t separate leisure and work, the following tips will be handy at the time to make a decision:

1.  Call your phone carrier before you travel – All major carriers offer international plan, make sure you understand completely the cost to call back to U.S. while you’re overseas. The difference, if any, between the costs of calling another mobile phone versus calling a landline. The fees for sending and receiving text messages, including media and video messages, the fees for data access. Make sure they explain you in detail especially if you know the places you’re visiting. Depending of the country will be the charge. If you’re going to be on a Cruise Ship, they will charge you a different amount while on land than while on sea.

2.  Use Wi-Fi for calling, messaging, conferencing and accessing the Web – You must turn Off international roaming; and turn On your Wi-Fi connection (check your phone manual for a step by step, sometimes are different screens that need to be selected before finding this application.

3.  In case you’re a business person Take Calls Only from Clients – this is one Rule of Thumbs Up. I know your immediate family will understand if you contact them through emails or Skype. But your clients won’t understand this, I can assure you this is a rule I follow. On my last cruise, my Princess Commodore Cruise, I spent 16 days away from my children, but at the same time I was working with 2 Group Cruises. Selecting wisely which calls I had to answer, my phone usage turned into profits instead of loses.

4.  Consider using smartphone calling apps – This can be a saving since it uses low-cost Wi-Fi connections, Skype mobile for example charges an average of $.30 per minute for a call in Italy; a difference from Att rate which was $.99 per minute.

Master this steps and you may stand a good chance of coming back from your overseas trip with some new business and without a whopping cellphone bill. I hope this tips help you spend your money wisely. If you are planning to travel overseas or locally, please let me help you customize your next trip.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com          

817-554-3346

Family Vacation or Couples Retreat onboard Carnival Legend

Courtesy of Laura Hernandez

Let's go today on an imaginary cruise trip on board of Carnival Legend. You probably had read many cruise reviews, the good and the bad. I just want to share a different point of view experience to help you decide when you're going to book your next Family Cruise Vacation and add it to your book of amazing memories.

Carnival Cruise Line Rights Reserved

Carnival Cruise Line Rights Reserved

Carnival Legend has a total of 1,062 staterooms, with a capacity of 2,124 passengers. You can enjoy yourself on an adult-only retreat aboard Carnival Legend at Serenity.

Whether you're feeling lucky (Club Merlin Casino), want to chill and chat with your friends at Carnival Legend Atlantis Lounge, listen to live music, sit back and enjoy a show or splash and slide on Carnival Legend Twister Water slide, there will be an activity for you and your family members.

Carnival Cruise Line Rights Reserved

Carnival's fleet has Camp Carnival for ages between 2 and 11, Circle C for ages 12-14 and Club O2 for ages 15-17. There is a place for everyone. As a mother of 3, it's very important having activities for every Family Member. That's why I love Carnival's "Youth Experience" and while they are busy in their respective activities, my husband and I can have a time for ourselves.  Cruising is one of the best vacations we can have, everyone gets attention and at the same time we spend time together. For couples is a terrific vacation too. This pictures were taken by one of my clients, and definitively she enjoyed the beauty of every sunset on the ship.

     



Courtesy of Laura Hernandez



Courtesy of Laura Hernandez



I hope you have enjoyed this imaginary cruise trip enough to encourage you to act now and plan your next Family Vacation. For ideas, itineraries or prices contact us via phone or email. Nothing will be better than help you to customize your dreamed vacations.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346

Top 3 reasons Cruising is the Perfect Family Vacation

Cruising is the perfect Family Vacation. Reason #1 No matter the family size there will be an activity for each family member. Don't you agree? Cruise Lines have improve with the years the activities and amenities for every taste and I haven't mentioned any shore excursion yet. From the youngest to the oldest you'll find a complete list of activities that will give you the most of your Family Vacation.

Another Reason (#2) I really like this kind of Family Vacation is because of the fun I had with my kids...at the pool. I have to admit I don't always have the opportunity to "do things WITH them", I'm usually on the "watching over them" mode, especially with my 2 yr old son. Also, having dinner together as a family was awesome. Daily schedules can be very tight this days, and for me it don't allow us being "together", everyone get to eat when they can, specially the youngests.

Having an "adult only" indulgent is almost mission impossible, my husband and I usually have to take turns (who's going to watch the kids you or me, you get the picture). On a cruise, we can have this "adult only" time together, while the kids are enjoying their respective activities, well supervised by the cruise personnel, and most important they are with kids of same age.

One more reason #3 I like a Cruise Family Vacation is because we have the opportunity to visit several countries in a short period of time. What a great experience for children to have the chance to enjoy different cultures, and places they will never forget (even more exciting than History 101). I wish you have this same or even better experience. I can help you plan your next Family Cruise Vacation, you are just a call away.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346

This could be your next Family Vacation!

Is not impossible for you to have this "kind" of vacation.

Family Vacation: Get what you Paid!

A reallity is that "most people" want to be able to book their own Family Vacation online, without depending on someone else's advise. Yes, not everyone trust Travel Professionals and even believe that booking a Family Vacation directly from Travel Companies like Carnival Cruises or Walt Disney World will lead the to get the best deals. Or even using booking engines like Orbitz or Travelocity to give an example.

What differenciates me from them? Not much, let me explain. L R Travel have access to the same prices, deals, destinations, etc. like the "Big Travel Companies" and "Booking Engines". An advantage for L R Travel is we have the expertise and travel education that "most people or common people" don't have. What drives this common people to book themselves? The Price. Unfortunatelly cheaper price is NOT equivallent to client's expectations or desires of an unforgettable and worry-free vacation, a simple truth is without a Travel Professional you are on your own.

As a Travel Professional, I use to talk and share with my collegues information that, in most cases, help me suggest a specific destination, a hotel, a cruise or in the other hand totally avoid it. I'm sure an accountant will advise you about Cash Flows or Income Statement, but a Travel Professional will give you the best advise about destinations, best time to travel, excursions, the pros and cons based on past client's experiences or my own.

To give you a better idea, let's picture this example together. Imagine you booked by yourself a Family Cruise Vacation to Mexico, you choose the best deal found with a perfect oceanview stateroom.  What you may not know is that due to high crimes in Mazatlan, MX most (if not all at this time) cruise lines has been avoiding that port of call, that you thought about visiting.

First, if you have had made this booking through L R Travel is for sure, I would have given you that information prior booking, that in fact could have changed your mind of taking that itinerary.

Second, but because you were focusing on the best price, your booked Oceanview Stateroom was a "guaranteed cabin" that in most cases means it has an obstructed view, and here is an example:



Obstructed View Cabin Oceania
All rights reserved

I don't consider that this was part of your plan, right? Well once again, if this reservation had been booked through L R Travel, this information would have been clarified upfront before making any committment. I'm here to commit to your needs, to your desires and to do all in my power to exceed your expectations.

We, together, can create a long and trustful relationship, just allow me to help you customize your Dreamed Vacations. One thing I can assure you is, that I'll be the person that pick up the phone the first time you call, and the second one too. On those big companies you don't know who will answer. With L R Travel that's not the case.


Leila Reyes
Family Vacation Specialist
lrtravel@live.com

Disney Cruise you said? That's for Kids...

I have heard this statement more frequent that you can imagine. Disney Cruise it's just for kids...WRONG! When we talk about Family Vacation, we expect that every member get the most of it and have a blast as family and as individuals.

Allow me transport you to one of the newest realities of Disney Cruises...The Disney Dream.  Even the name can give you a hint of what is all about and I know, for sure, once you experienced what's in it, you'll realize it was above and beyond what you have ever dreamed.

On Disney's Dream Cruise you'll find the Adults area called The District.  The District is a section of the ship that caters to adults in the evening, and is home to a variety of distinct lounges and nightclubs, including Evolution, District Lounge, 687, Pink and Skyline. All venues in The District intertwine, with each venue possessing its own totally unique look, sound and feel, providing adults a range of fun options that play to all senses. Here is a brief description of each one:

• 687 is a contemporary sports lounge located on Deck 4, Aft in The District area. During the day, 687 provides family games and activities in a comfortable, casual setting; after 9:00 p.m., the venue transforms into a refuge for adults seeking more grown-up activities and games to enjoy over a beer, wine or mixed drinks.
• Evolution is a trendy dance club and the premier venue for grown-up fun. This glowing, pulsating club plays contemporary hits and classic favorites. During the day, Evolution provides dance classes, bingo, and arts and crafts. At night, Evolution caters to adults only, offering dancing, games, karaoke and a full bar serving mixed drinks.
• District Lounge This bar's cozy modern design conveys a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable, contoured seating that creates a gathering space for adults, as well as the perfect place to kick off the night's entertainment before moving on to explore the other venues in The District. A special feature of the District Lounge is its "halo" lighting overhead that provides a warm ambiance and its ceiling dome that imparts a soft glow and sets the mood, changing in hue and intensity as day gives way to night.
• Pink is a chic cocktail bar.  Inspired by France's finest Champagne, the entire venue makes Guests feel as though they are immersed in a bottle of pink effervescence.  Designed in French Art Nouveau, a style characterized by flowing curvilinear shapes, Pink's decor features back-lit glass "bubbles" inset into the walls to create an effect of cascading Champagne.  Sculpted-glass light fixtures are reminiscent of Champagne flutes. The bar stools appear as if made from sparkling crystal and the detailing along the front of the bar resembles the wire cage surrounding a Champagne bottle top.
• Skyline is a stunning cocktail bar. This ever-changing venue celebrates some of the world's most famous cities. Tall "windows" line a wall that offer Guests a commanding view of some of the world's most beautiful city skylines as if from a vantage atop a high rise. The chic setting is "metropolitan sky bar meets luxury penthouse," complete with digital fireplace. Warm wood and lustrous metal finishes provide a handsome backdrop to the 7 LCD big screens—Skyline's "windows to the world"—that not only depict a different city locale each day, but magically transform from day to night as each day progresses.



All images © Disney | Walt Disney

Imagineering Concept Art.

There is also a place to indulge yourself in Senses Spa & Salon. The ultimate in peaceful retreats, this immaculate setting offers spa treatments, massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and much more. Salon services include manicures, pedicures, hairstyling and blowouts, plus teeth whitening at the Smile Spa, and a barber shop for traditional men's grooming services.

At Disney Dream Cruise you'll also have the access to the Fitness Center which includes: Weight Machines, Spinning Machines, Treadmills, Elliptical, Instructional Classes (Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics)* and Personal Training Sessions*. *Requires a nominal Fee.

Now, that you have pictured with me all this features,  Do you still believe Disney Cruise is for kids? Let me help you customize your next Family Vacation in a Disney Cruise. Contact me via phone or email so we can start planning the Family Vacation you have dreamed for so long.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346



Knowing the details of your Dreamed Family Vacation...

How do you know me so well? Do I? This is one of the questions I love the most. The secret? Nothing fancy, just handy...especially for a "Mompreneur" Travel Professional and Family Vacation Specialist like me. To simplify the way I can approach to each one of you, at the beginning took me a while. I had the desire to have a CRM (Customer Relationship Manager), but didn't want anything too complicated, actually I was looking for the simplest thing I could find. Then I decided to create a client database with the specific information I need that helps me to get to know your very own needs and desires for a specific Family Vacation.

This database is easy to sort, allowing me to use target information like my client's birthdays or anniversary dates. This has helped me to get to know what my clients like, what they dislike, what they wish or dream to do, have or receive. At the end of the day, I have not just earned a new client, but a special friend, because I have offered them (and you) a personalized service and most of all a trustful one.

To be part of my special client database is simple, just give me a call or email me, so we can plan together your next worthy and unforgettable Family Vacation.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist
ltravel@live.com
817-554-3346

Eating Mofongo on my Family Vacation

Puerto Rico is an enchanting island in the Caribbean. Surprising to some, Puerto Rico is territory of the United States. This means that citizens of the United States do NOT need a passport to visit the island. Puerto Rico has become a very popular destination for tourists and cruise ships, perfect for a Family Vacation. Reasons leading to the popularity among tourists include the friendliness of the locals, beautiful beaches and delicious food.

Mofongo with Chicken

Mofongo with Shrimp

A trip to Puerto Rico is not complete if you do not sample some of the local cuisine. Try some fried plantains as an appetizer and the delicious mofongo with your entrée. Puerto Rican cuisine is very similar to Cuban, Spanish, and even Mexican cuisine, it is a unique tasty blend (Taino, Spanish, African and American influences) of ingredients like oregano, coriander, garlic, cacao, nispero, apio, plantains and yam.

 

Essentially, mofongo is a dish of mashed plantains stuffed with meat or vegetables. Generally, green plantains, yuca or breadfruit are used and then combined with a variety of other ingredients. Common ingredients include garlic, bits of bacon and olive oil. The mashed plantains are fried and shaped to almost create a bowl like appearance, which is then stuffed with cooked chicken, beef or seafood and vegetables. Do you know that locals call their cuisine "comida criolla".

In other parts of the Caribbean you will find similar dishes, like the Cuban fufu de platano. Several ingredients in the mofongo are consistent with these culinary influences. Yuca was a common part of the Taino cuisine and the use of bacon was introduced into Puerto Rican cooking after discovering its popularity in the United States.

Enjoy your Family Vacation in Puerto Rico!

Leila Reyes

Travel Agent

lrtravel@live.com