Happy Holidays from Krafty Travel

We are here because of you. Krafty Travel would not exist without you.  Tami and I truly love helping you create special memories and hearing from you after you return.  There is nothing that can replace the feeling that we’ve done our job well. It is our joy to research new destinations so we can find just the right trip for you.  We are thankful for your business and referrals to friends and family this year.  Here’s to traveling someplace awesome in 2017!

Baby it’s cold outside!

When the mercury dips many of us dream of swapping the wintry cold for warm, sunny breezes.  If a winter getaway is in your future, consider these tips before you book:

• Double check that your passport is still valid, has at least 6 months before expiration from your anticipated return date, has blank pages and is not damaged in any way?  Remember a passport BOOK-not card, is required for air travel outside of the United States and territories.
• Late January through late April is one of the highest traveled seasons for the entire year.  Last minute deals are a thing of the past. Travel suppliers know you want to travel and will charge for it.  Waiting means missing out on best air, availability and room categories.  You may end up paying a premium for a less than stellar resort.  Book early!
• Consider travel insurance.  Winter weather is very unpredictable, often causing flight cancellations and delays.  Travel insurance is relatively inexpensive and can help cover costs for hotel stays due to flight cancellations and more.  You’ve spent a lot for this trip, make sure you are covered.
• Why DIY when you don’t have to?   Save time and stress by contacting us at Krafty Travel.  Your vacation begins the minute you call.  We are experts, planning trips day after day.  Fees are minimal and worth it for the peace of mind.  Get started with a personal travel assessment.

Join us at our next Travel Tastings event!

We will warm up with food and conversations of Jamaica.  Thursday, January 12, 7P at Degage in Maumee.  Please RSVP so we can have an accurate food count.  http://meetu.ps/e/C7rlP/ts4Vz/f

 

Thanks so much for keeping in touch!  Tami and I can’t wait to send you somewhere real soon!

Sarah Krafty and Tami Degner

Krafty Travel

60 Second Geography – Cancun and the Maya Riviera

The Yucatán coast has been a staple of travelers from the United States for forty years or more. The rapid development in and around Cancun became a model for the best and the worst in the ways in which tourism could enrich a population. This area was largely isolated from the rest of Mexico until the Mexican government selected the region for development.

• The Yucatán’s Caribbean coast is more than 236 miles and stretches from Cancún in the north all the way to , on the border with the nation of Belize.
• The northern half of the Yucatán’s coast is known as the “Maya Riviera” to the south, the “Costa Maya.” Between the two is the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve.
• South of Cancun development along the Mayan Riviera is on a smaller scale, with a greater understanding for the principles of sustainable tourism and a respect for native cultures.
• The second longest reef system in the world runs much of the length of the coast. Playa del Carmen, Xpu-Ha, Tulum and the other magnificent beaches occur where there are gaps in the reef and the tidal action of the ocean’s waves pounds the reef into fine sand.
• The reef provides great snorkeling and diving and the beaches are some of the world’s finest.
• Ancient Mayan ruins dot the coast and are easily accessible from the resort communities along the coast
• Inland, vast caves are present and under ground rivers run where travelers can explore with experienced guides.
• The choice of accommodations is large and varied from cabins to all inclusive resorts or boutique hotels.
• The ancient Mayan cities of Uxmal and Chichen Itza remain some of the best examples of the mysterious cultures, the vestages of which exist to this day in the native populations.

Ready to go to the Yucatán coast? Winter is just around the corner, contact Sarah at Krafty Travel and get started planning your trip.

OnTarget by Nexion

Not all Certified Travel Consultants are Created Equally

I recently met a young ‘travel agent’ in her early 20’s that is a CTC, a certified travel consultant.  This was interesting to me because she stated she had only been in the travel industry 6 months.  Hmm.  A CTC, or certified travel consultant is the designation awarded to individuals by The Travel Institute, which is the standard for training within the travel industry.  To achieve the CTC you must have been in the travel industry for a minimum of 5 years, have already achieved the CTA designation, (certified travel associate,) completed the 10 core modules, with 1 major, submitted a white paper and successfully passed the CTC exam. 

The person I met hadn’t done that.  So guess what?  She is a certified travel consultant within the multilevel marketing association she belongs in which you just pay the higher cost to become a CTC versus the lower, entry level price to be their RTC, referral travel consultant.  You get a website and, BAM you’re a travel agent.

You know, that’s fine really.  I am not opposed to MLM companies.  I am frustrated however, that you can claim the CTC title, put it on your business cards and FB page and present yourself as someone who has done the work.  I personally think this dilutes the title, reducing its value to the consumer.  Maybe it’s because I value the training.  Maybe it’s because I work hard to show my clients that I am worth their consideration.  I invest many hours touring properties, attending trade shows, conferences, trainings and unknown quantity of webinars to be the best resource of information to my clients. I am not a CTC.  I have been in the industry 2 1/2 years.  I am currently working on my CTA after having worked my first 2 years to earn the Accredited Cruise Counselor with the Cruise Line International Association  (CLIA)  which is based on hours of study units, ship inspections, personal cruise experience and actual sales. 

While I was searching the internet about this company of which this young woman belongs, I came across a page that said “if you’re a lover of travel and you want to make money in the travel industry and you don’t want to go through the hassles of becoming a travel agent…”   I’m pretty sure the person you should trust to help you is someone that has
“gone through the hassles of becoming a travel agent.” That is just me.  

Hey, I have a pair of scissors, maybe I’ll become a cosmetologist. Who needs a haircut? 

Sarah Krafty

Agent and Owner of Krafty Travel, Perrysburg, Ohio.

 

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