Travel options, etc.

Now that summer is over but the last hurrah, and notes/reminders of academic expenses are what clutter your desk, take a deep breath!  For those who no longer have academic concerns, this is the best time to jot down your options for a trip towards the end of 2013.

Before that, let me share my elation – no, jubilation! – when I got the submitted article from Palompon, Leyte, of 300 cruise passengers and 80 crewmembers from MV Europa who enjoyed a day in Kalanggaman Island.  This is one of the numerous luxury cruise ships now plying the Southeast Asian waters and introducing the glorious beaches in the area not only to westerners, but also to neighbors who have yet to discover the wealth in each other’s backdoor.

I have long been pushing forth my frustration as to why Cebu – or the Philippines – has never made it as a port of call for cruise ships.  I know it just takes political will to address the numerous “reasons” that prevented these luxury liners to come to our shores.  I don’t have data from the DOT but I think the time has come when the cruise itineraries have made this possible, despite the problematic “reasons.” Hurrah for that!

MV Europa came to the Philippines from Hong Kong to stopover at six – mark that! – internationally known tourist spots here. That included Cebu City and Malapascua Island.  Then another six stopovers in Malaysia, before it returned to Singapore.            Unfortunately, Malapascua was junked and Kalanggaman took its place.  Calling on local government officials!!! Let’s look into this! It may seem unimportant now, but it may well be if Cebu will be eased out in the cruise itineraries.

Back to my initial point.  Travel can be affordable if one prepares for it well in advance.  There are numerous good offers six months ahead of scheduled trips.  Then too, I still opt for cruises as they are stress busters anyway you look at it.  In the wake of the numerous mishaps that occurred in the cruise travel industry, there are a lot of tempting offerings from the various cruise lines…even from the established names!  This is the right time to go cruising, baby!

Low season for cruises is in autumn and it peaks towards the holidays at yearend.  So, if you must consider the lowest possible fare, then think of the August – October window. Good luck! I also still believe that calling on your reliable travel agent is the best way to do this.  If you don’t have one, ask around. There are concerns that only an experienced travel agent can anticipate or can address.

I always get regular update from Rajah Tours in Manila (local tie-up I think is Destination Specialists) and they now highlight the premium escorted winter tours of Insight Tours for Europe.

Notable to me are: 1) 8 days German Christmas Market, departing on November 30 at US$1,829.00  2) 9 days Alpine Christmas  with departures on December 7, 9, 14 at US$1,876.00 (rack rate is $1,975.00)  3) 7 days Magical Switzerland with departures on December 1 & 8 at US$2,374.00 (rack rate $2,499.00) and on December 15 at US$2,328.00 (rack rate $2,450.00).

Wouldn’t it be fabulous to be in those places at Christmastime?  Think about it! Travel wisely and be safe.  Always.