Planning our Trip to Walt Disney World Day 3 - Disney's Animal Kingdom

Me, Eeyore From Winnie the Pooh, and my Daughter Dina
Animal Kingdom 2011

I love that photo. I cannot believe my daughter was 21 there, she is going to be 27 this year.

Animal Kingdom many, many people forget about or they have no interest in going their. Please remember there are 4 theme parks at WDW - Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks in Orlando, FL.

Animal Kingdom was the last park to open on Earth Day, April 22, 1998 and is the largest theme park in the world that covers 580 acres, which houses animals from all over the world, and it to teach and educate all of us about animal conservation and is dedicated around the natural habit. Walt Disney himself ones pioneered. Disney Animal Kingdom is also accredited by Association of Zoos and Aquariums and World Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

If you are a baby boomer, or have DVDs of the Disney's live action movies about Animals and different countries. This is something like that.  

This park is made up into 6 themed areas:

Oasis - This is the main entrance to the park, which has shopping areas and animal habitats almost like a zoo but not, we are big animal lovers, and many of the people who work here are Animal Keepers, etc. not just people who work with Disney. So they might be out and about walking with a bird or other animal you can touch or pet, or even hold. It all depends on what it is.

Discovery Island - Many will find the center piece the "Tree of Life" is a 145 foot wooden tree. It features 325 carvings of living and extinct animals. It also holds a 400 seat theater which offers "It's Tough To Be a Bug" Attraction which characters are based on "It's a Bugs Life"

Africa - As in the name this area is dedicated to Animals and people of the African areas, but restaurants like the new "Tiffins" that just opened in May 2016, we are eating here for dinner, we love to try new things. Street music, shopping and the Kilimanjaro Safari ride. Real Safari Ride with live animals. If you have been to Great Adventure in New Jersey, this is way better. This area also offers the "Festival of the Lion King". If you are a fan of this movie, this is a must see. It is like the Broadway Show and circus at the same time. This is a cannot miss

Asia - Beside again the animal habitats, there is a ride you cannot miss "Expedition Everest", this is a roller coaster that goes through Mount Everest and you get to meet the infamous "Yeti" or Abominable Snowman, it goes forward and backwards. I do not do roller coasters but when my daughter went, it was crazy.  I have to say even if you don't like roller coasters like myself. Go through the cues of all the rides with them, there is an area for you to wait, usually through a gift shop, but the themes of them and in this case the real artifacts from Nepal line the walls and other areas.

I will add more later, what we are excited about doing in AK when we get there is this year in May 2016, since I haven't been to this park since 2011. Animal Kingdom is now opened at night. Yes! Prior to April 2016 this was the only one of the 4 theme parks that closed by 5 pm. So it was like a half day park to visit. So they have added on new experiences.

You can do many of the rides at night 1 that will be totally different. You will see animals that normally are asleep and the Tree of Life, has it's own show on the outside of it called The Tree of Life Awakens which is a series of projection mapping shows of live and animated animals. Wait see below. to see what I mean. 

Tree of Live Awakens

Also for entertainment and we hope it is opened when we are there is the Rivers of Light, right behind the tree. This is already opened with another show called The Jungle Book Live, until the show is ready to open, this is a preview of it here. This was taken by Attractions Magazine

It includes lights, water, fire, fireworks and so much more. Similar to Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot's Illuminations. 

Places we are going to be eating  Donald's Dining Safari Breakfast at Tusker House Restaurant. Tusker House has this option for Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner. We love Donald, Mickey, Minnie and more! Great photo opportunities, interaction and food. We haven't eaten here in the past, so we are trying to places and showing what goes on here as well.

Then in the evening as mentioned for Dinner, we are going to try Tiffins, which I had written about before. This is for more adventurous people to try, and those that have picky children may just want to stay with the character dining, but Disney know that people want to try new things.

Tiffins from what we understand and this is directly from the Walt Disney World website: 

"Roam the road less traveled at Tiffins, thanks to a globetrotting menu of artfully prepared fare fit for a weary traveler. Begin your expedition with lobster-popcorn Thai curry soup, grilled octopus or—for those who like to travel light—an archeologist salad drizzled with champagne vinaigrette. Go off the beaten track with our inspired flash-fried icy blue mussels or black-eyed pea fritters before planting your flag with the Berber-spiced lamb chop, pork tenderloin or miso-glazed black cod.

Seafarers, fortune hunters and vagabonds will no doubt find new discoveries in the pan-seared duck breast and leg confit, Wagyu strip loin and braised short rib, or the whole-fried sustainable fish. Leaving no stone unturned? Satisfy your sweet tooth with lime cheesecake, passion fruit sorbet or our signature dessert, Calamansi Mousse.

For an additional cost, Guests 21 years of age and up can pack additional provisions with a selection from the renowned wine list—many of which are available by the glass—in addition to a noble assortment of after-dinner liqueurs, dessert wines and specialty drinks.

No matter which direction your compass points, you’re sure to encounter an unimaginable abundance of delectable food at Tiffins."

So we will let you know what we had, take pictures of it, and let you know.

That is for day 3 stay tuned for tomorrow when I talk about Day 4, this will be a morning of touring early the Beach and Yacht Club Resorts with Breakfast at Minnie's Beach Bash Breakfast at Cape May Cafe, then we head over to Disney's Hollywood Studios for the rest of the day.

Remember, we will also be touring many of the resorts and the new Disney Springs (Formerly Downtown Disney or if you remember Pleasure Island), it will be all themed for the Holiday Season. So if you never seen our photos or pictures from 2011 for the holiday season, which is all decorated as of Thanksgiving. Just take a look below. Until tomorrow. Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria. Remember click on below for our photo video from 2011

Slideshow Video of 2011 Walt Disney World

Mother-Daughter Vacation

Planning Our Own Personal Trip to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL Day 1 & 2

Yes! Another post about Walt Disney World!

Okay, I am obsessed. Seriously, we have plans to go to Jamaica to a conference where I will be talking to business owners in the Caribbean, Travel Vendors, Tour Companies about better accessible travel for those people with disabilities, mostly the blind.

More about that in another posting.

We are also going to the Bahamas for the 7th Annual Sandals Travel Agent Homes Based Conference. We always love going to a Sandals property and learning from everyone from the marketing team, taking pictures and videos of the properties. Enjoying everything so we can bring that all back to you and tell you why you should go this.

But, our all time favorite destinations in the world since I have been a child, and since I introduced my husband, and my children and grandchildren to Walt Disney World. We are just obsessed, and I cannot wait to celebrate our Anniversary there this November.

Now again, I cannot emphasize that you need to plan your trip well in advance for Walt Disney World Resorts and Theme Parks. I am also going to start saying WDW, to cut down the wording, also again to acknowledge the differences because Disneyland is in Anaheim, California.  It is also a lot small in California then in FL property.

I highly recommend that you book a  little more than 180 days prior to arrival, but you can book as far ahead as 499 days prior to travel.  Why? Especially if you are staying at a Walt Disney World Resort or "on property" remember this terminology versus off property and you want to eat either Breakfast, lunch or dinner at a sit down restaurant or signature dining experience like Cinderella's Castle in the Magic Kingdom or the Be Our Guest Restaurant at Belle and the Beast's Castle, which is also in the Magic Kingdom or any character dining option, you need to make a reservation for it. You cannot any longer just show up to these types of restaurants without one. You will be turned away.

Even at the 180 day mark, and Nelson and I are willing to make the reservations for you, because you need to get up at least a 5 am to be ready at 6 am the 180th day prior to your arrival and if you are thinking of months in advance that is almost 6 months out. Yes you need to be flexible, because I am still trying to get special places for me and Nelson to eat as well, I mean if all else fails we can eat at a quick service restaurant either at our resort the Port Orleans - Riverside Property or in the parks, or in Disney Springs or at any of the 26 other resort restaurants on property. But that also maybe not an option, and just wing it. But then, we will not be able to bring you the experiences that Disney is famous for, not only at the theme parks which are great, but the wonderful food experiences and not just character dining like I said at the castle or at the Polynesian Resort at Ohana's with Lilo and Stitch and other Disney Characters; or have Dinner with Cinderella and Prince Charming at the 1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian Resort; or Mickey's Backyard BBQ. There are many more for the Family in dining or newest dining options for the older crowd

Here is what Nelson and I plan on doing so far, and since it is during Thanksgiving, the first few days we will be there will be very crowded and the last few days will have died down and then it will be at capacity during Christmas and New Year's Weeks.

November 24, 2016 Our first day there, since it will be Thanksgiving is eat at Boatwright's Dining Hall at our Resort (many of the restaurants around WDW will have traditional Thanksgiving meals with a twist, our will have some Cajun flair and themed because our resort is themed after New Orleans - To read all about Disney Restaurants, you can go to  www.Echevarriatravel.com/ or you can search them online at www.Disney.go.com

This day we are arriving in the afternoon, your rooms are not usually ready until 3pm anyway, but if you arrive early just check in, and walk around the resort or head on over to the parks. We will be checking out our resort and the other because they are all decorated for the Christmas Holiday, and there is nothing like this time of the year for Disney they go all out.

So we will be exploring the resort, checking out the pool, maybe take the river cruise around, after dinner we are doing a horse drawn carriage ride, this you can only due at this resort and Disney's Wilderness Resort.

November 25, 2016 we are heading over to the Magic Kingdom this day, we couldn't find anything at MK, so if I cannot find anything then we will have breakfast at our resort, and head over really early because of the Early Morning Hours for guests staying on property, and there is nothing like the pre-opening park welcome at the "Magic Kingdom". Mickey and the Gang, come along on the Steam Train and welcome everyone. It is so exciting.

We will had to some rides or we may have some coffee at one of our favorite places and do some people watching, we are not in a hurry to do anything, but if you are looking to do the Mountain Rides (Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Splash Mountain, and the 7 Dwarfs Mine (also roller coaster and brand new) do the FastPasses reserving your rides for a certain time, if you want more information on this. Give us a call and we will help you understand it all.

I am not a coaster person, and Nelson will not do them without me. But we do the other rides, don't worry you will know what we did either live through Facebook or when we come back.

For dinner that night, we are taking the Monorail from MK over to the Polynesian Resort to do the Spirit of Aloha dinner show. Definitely, we never miss this show. It is like you are in Hawaii and eating and seeing live show there.  After that, we will be watching the Lagoon Electric Water Pageant and then head back over on the Monorail to MK to see the Night Time Shows and of course the best fireworks in the world "Wishes" and Santa flies around Cinderella's Castle while this goes on.

From here and lazy time back to our resort.

Tomorrow is day 3 of our trip and we are going to "Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park" stayed tuned for what we have planned.

Another Reason To Use A Real Travel Professional Over An Online Travel Booking Engine! Back Up Documentation!!!

Echevarria Travel has been nominated as Best Travel Agency on Long Island 

By the Long Island Press from 2010-2016

Good morning everyone.

Today, July 25, 2016, is a very busy Monday morning already. We had to overcome some issues reflecting a client that did not yet get their documentation for their escorted tour of Bonnie Scotland from Globus Travel. 

They will be leaving within the next 2 weeks and had yet received their travel documentation. So, I called Globus and spoke to my inside sales team, each travel agency has their own inside sales person and Business Development Manager that works out in the field.  So I called them this morning.

It seems these documents we out a few weeks ago, and client never received them.  So, thank god that I have back up documents on my travel agent website. I printed them out and I am over-nighting them to the client, with signature required. That way they should get them.

Remember, if you are going on vacation, that you are spending good hard working money. That it is not always the best thing to go the cheapest way to travel, you may not be able to call the online booking engine at 4 am and get a live person. You want to know that at the end of the telephone line you are getting a real person, someone who is patient and professional. That will calm you down, look into the matter and find a solution.

Also, please remember to read all documents from either the travel agent, if we are telling you to please print out your documents at a certain time, please do so! If we are recommending something, it is not that we want you to spend more money then you have to but, which you are more than welcome to sign off of documents stating that you do not want these options and that all information is correct. Like your first name, last name, middle name if you have any dates of birth, mailing and email address. Passport numbers are correct and that your passports do not expire 6 months prior to your departure.

So remember when you are looking for going on vacation, that you are using a real live person, who cares about you and you and your experiences. Before, during and after you travel. It is not only about the price. It is about what you are getting for that price.

631-456-5394

reservations@echevarriatravel.com

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Remember we now have live chat on our website &

We also have skype! You must make arrangements for both

Amazing Things About Animal Kingdom Resorts at Walt Disney World Resorts

Today, we are talking about one of our favorite places to stay at Walt Disney World Resorts. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is one of our personal favorites; this is also one of the Luxury Resort Properties and when we stayed there in 2009, we had paid this off in almost a year. Remember you can put a $200 deposit down, that is all you need to do, and do payments if you like up until 45 days prior to arrival.

In November 2011, I stayed with my daughter, Dina, for a Mother-Daughter trip, and we stayed at the Caribbean Beach Resort, a Moderate Property, and in 2016; Nelson and I will be staying at the Port Orleans - Riverside Resort, this is also a Moderate Resort. Over the next few days, we will be letting you know why we loved these resorts and when we are at Port Orleans, we will try and do a live video on Facebook, so you can ask us some questions. Stay tuned for that. 

We currently don't have the videos from the 2009 trip, we have pictures and will be posting this here but to see all of them visit us on our Facebook page and I will put the link to those pictures at the bottom of this page you don't need to be a facebook user to view these photos.

But here is a little video from the Disney Parks to see and hear about Animal Kingdom Lodge.

When Nelson, Dina and I stayed here back in August 2009, we went for my daughter's birthday at that time she was 19 years old. First of all, unless you love living on the Sun and love humidity DON'T GO DURING AUGUST. If you are used to living in the Southern United States and other hot states no worries then you will be fine. Me I was not used to it, remember I had a kidney transplant in 2005, and my medications made me look like a balloon from the anti-rejection drugs, but we had a great time anyway.

The first thing when you arrive at this resort, is the WOW Factor, we took the Magical Express Bus option from Orlando International Airport, which is free with any Walt Disney Resorts Vacation Package, why drive. Just don't fly into Sanford Airport this option is not available out of Sanford, only Orlando International.  When your bus pulls up onto the Disney property from the highway you have the signs welcoming you to Walt Disney World, and then you have the signs to which exit for which property there are a total of 25 property resorts all together (Value, Moderate, Luxury, Luxury Villas, and Camp Grounds); parks (remember Disney World has 4 Theme Parks, 2 Water Parks, Disney Springs (Formerly Downtown Disney) 4 PGA Golf Courses, Camp Groups (Disney Wilderness Area), ESPN Wide World of Sports and so much more!  

You notice how clean it is!

When you arrive at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, it makes you feel like you arrived in Africa in the Savannah, because you not only see this magnificent Jambo House, but you hear the animals in the background that are close by and the music that get you in the mood for your experiences.

Photo from the Pool Area of Animal Kingdom Looking back at our Savannah Room
Which are Balcony Rooms over looking the Savannah (dah! LOL!) and you see animals.
Keep Reading

More photos of our trip from 2009 here. 

Since we were there in 2009 there have been renovations. Always there is something new at the properties, so if you haven't been here in awhile you will notice the difference. 

This is a thatched roof resort with hand-carved columns. So when you come through the front doors you enter into a 4 story lobby. This is actually on the 3rd floor.  Just from the designs of the quality of the hand carved chairs and furniture that were actually made by the craftsman of Africa, and several times a day you hear African drum music played live. There is a museum of antiquities, and local artists, which changes often. The children of the families that are staying there are also being entertained by activities (like cooking classes, clay art, or other activities and stories by cast members (employees) of Disney that are from different areas of the continent. 

Step into the heart of Africa at this magnificent Resort hotel. Inspired by the traditional African kraal, the horseshoe-curved design provides spectacular views of 4 lush savannas that over 200 hoofed animals and birds call home. Delight in dazzling pool areas, exciting animal programs and one of the largest collections of African art in the United States as you experience your own African safari adventure with a touch of Disney magic. Not everyone is at the parks. Amazing Right! 

But, people do take breaks and come back to their room to relax, use the pools to cool off, and take a nap. Nice to stay at the resorts here, because you don't have to jump back in the car, head off property for about 10-15 minute drives, go in the pool or take a nap, and then get dressed and drive back or take a hotel shuttle not from the Disney Resorts Parks, back to the parking gate, and walk which is pretty long to get on a bus, boat or monorail back to that park you are going to. 

You can stay in various rooms, from a standard 2 double bed room to a Savannah Balcony View Room. This is the room we stayed in. The Animal Kingdom Lodge has three separate savannas (approximately 10 acres each) that are open 24 hours a day.  From left to right the savannas are named: Sunset, Arusha, and Uzima.

Each savanna has its own unique look and feel. Not all savannas have all the animals. For instance, ostriches can only be found on the Sunset savanna, zebras are only located on the Arusha savanna, kudu are only found on the Uzima savanna. Giraffes are the only animal found on all three savannas.

Each room has an animal viewing guide. You can also pick one up at the front desk.

At night, the savannas are illuminated by artificial moonlight as if a full moon were ever present.

"Safari Guides" are at the outside viewing areas and can answer your questions about the animals and birds.

Altogether, more than 200 mammals and birds of nearly three dozen species populate the 33-acre area. The savannas surround the lodge on three sides. You can view the birds and animals from resort balconies or from several viewing points -- including a landscaped rock outcropping called the Arusha Rock kopje -- 24 hours a day.

Dining, we mostly ate throughout the parks and other resorts on property, we mostly ate breakfast at Boma - Flavors of Africa, which is a buffet restaurant. Also beautifully designed with wooden carved furniture and views of the Savanna. You can either have breakfast or dinner here.

You have regular american food that you will recognize. You also have various foods from Africa and the continent and we suggest you try, you would never know what came from Africa that we eat ever day. 

At night, you have campfires and lovely entertainment for everyone to enjoy!

Remember to contact Echevarria Travel for your Romantic Getaway, Family Vacations, Honeymoons, Mother-Daughter Trips, Group Events, and so much more!

Call us at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Romance That Can Be Magical At Walt Disney World

Free Disney Tickers

Cheryl and Nelson Echevarria

Ever since Nelson and I met back in 1992, both of us being married before, we wanted to focus on us. On how to keep our marriage and life more romantic and always try and go to some place every few years to renew our vows, and remember why we are together. Through thick and thin.

We both have children from previous marriages and also we are grandparents now.

This year we are celebrating our Anniversary at Walt Disney World. It is also the 45th Anniversary of the Magic Kingdom. So we are very excited to go. We both have not been there together since August 2009. Just and FYI, unless you really love the heat and humidity, do not go to Florida in August. Plan on going if you must, either the middle of June, after Labor Day, especially if you are going as a couple and do not want the crowds.

Okay, why we feel that Disney is a romantic setting for couples of all ages, it is one of the top 10 places to get married in the United States. I mean who wouldn't want to get married as a Princess to her Prince, to show up in your wedding gown in Cinderella's Royal Coach, and get pictures in front of a castle.

Let's start out with the resort hotels on property. Especially for a romantic getaway or honeymoon. Number 1 property for that, if you want to have that Hawaiian feeling.  The Polynesian Resort. which is right off of the monorail by the Magic Kingdom property. Once you walk in, you feel like you are somewhere in the South Pacific like Hawaii, Fiji, and Bora Bora. The resort now has over the water bungalows. with view of Cinderella's Castle. You also have the pools and bars that are just great to relax and enjoy, and you might just close your eyes and not even know you are in Disney.  At night you can watch the Wishes Fireworks from the Magic Kingdom and watch the Electric Water Pagent around the Lagoon

Electric Water Pageant every night at the Magic Kingdom
At the Walt Disney World Resorts

Also there is the Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show in the evenings, with hula and fire dancers from all areas of the Polynesian Islands.

Another resort property we have stayed at is the Animal Kingdom Lodge. 

Giraffes outside of our window at the Animal Kingdom Lodge
We stayed in a Savannah View Room

This is by the pool at Animal Kingdom Lodge looking

at our Savannah View Room

It was like we stepped into Africa. The pictures above don't do it justice. When you want into the main entrance and lodge of the resort with all the art works and design that it took to put in this property, you will know why Disney is not a cheap place to visit. It is though a definite place to save up for and enjoy staying on property, just for the resorts alone, all of the resort properties have a theme, and they go from Value, to moderate, to luxury. There is a budget for everyone. 

At night walking around here, and listening to the animals, and walk by the firepits to listen to the stories or go and have a romantic dinner at Jiko - The Cooking Place. The food there is some of the best, and as long as you are opened to new things, and like to explore new experiences this might be a perfect place for you to spend a romantic evening of wine tasting, and African, Indian and Mediterranean Food. 

This year we are staying at the Moderate Resort, Port Orleans at the Riverside property, they also have the French Quarter side. These properties are connected to each other. Designed like you are staying in New Orleans, LA. From the food at The Boathouse to the fishing at the lake, and in the evening you can arrange to take a horse carriage ride through the property, and then finish the night off with a campfire or just walk along the paths with the stars in your eyes and hold hands and discuss the day.  We haven't stayed here yet, but from our couples who have stayed there recently in April. They said it was one of the most romantic trips they had taken since their honeymoon.

Between the different resorts there, which add up to 25 different theme properties at Walt Disney World, the food, the ambiance of the places you will be able to enjoy is unlimited.

To the point that you don't even have to visit the theme parks unless you want to.

But, you are here and things you can do.

What we have done:

Always walking hand in hand through the theme parks. Going through "It's A Small World" Ride, or being silly with the Disney Characters. Kissing during the fireworks. Toasting a glass of wine, or other things to do.

There are Spas, Golf, seeing a show in Disney Springs or at one of the theme parks.  Parasailing near the Contemporary Resort, or just lying around the pool. Us old folks. LOL. NOT!! We love Disney it brings back memories for us, and that you don't have to be a kid to feel like a kid.

If you have questions of what else you can do or see, which resort might be best for you, or best time to travel. Let us know, you can plan up to 499 days prior to travel and if there are discounts along the way we can apply them. Also, if you are a Disney Visa Card Member, we can work with you as well. 

Thank you, and keep having romance and love in your lives. It keeps from your marriage or relationship from being stale and uninterested.

Love

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria.

631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Echevarria Travel's New Location: But We Will Still Be Serving All NY And United States and Canadian Clients

Picture of Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria
Owners of Echevarria Travel

Good morning all:

If you have been following us not only on this blog, but our e-newsletter and social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Linkedin, Youtube, etc). You know that we are moving to Orlando, FL.  

Nelson and I, serve all the United States and Canadian Clients. Whether it is at a local event here on Long Island, which we will be coming back to do, so long as there is a group to do, and our friends and family to see. You always have access to skype for video chatting, this needs to be arranged via email, so we can set up the system and speak with you. We have Facebook video, do not use the phone option on Facebook Messenger, and again this is via appointment only. We have live chat on www.echevarriatravel.com; and we will be offering a new option; teleconference calls for those people interested in our group trips we are hosting.  Remember all groups that we are hosting are only for those 21 and over, no children, no one that is not of legal age to drink either. If you want to do a family reunion and your group groups, we are willing to travel with you and take care of everything while you sit back and enjoy the trip. 

We will be taking a break during the move from the end of July - August 15, 2016, so we can get ourselves settled. Those of you who are traveling, will be able to reach us via text message or, we also have a backup whenever we travel only for those that are traveling. It is through Cruises & Tours Unlimited our host agency, they have all your travel information, and will make sure that you are safe  and secure at all times. But this number will only be for those traveling and not new bookings.

Our email reservations@echevarriatravel.com is not changing; our phone number 631-456-5394 is not changing, only thing that is changing is our physical address, that will be announced as soon as we reopen. Again, if you are living in Orlando, FL and want to set up a time to talk and come and see us, we will make an appointment to visit us at our office. We will also be having live presentations at our club house, and local places around the area. 

If you want us to fly out to you, to do a presentation for your group. You must have 20+ people wanting to go on the trip you are talking about, alternative dates, etc. We will come out and to talk meet and greet you. We will also be your hosts or people that take care of the trip portion, we can even do this as a fundraiser for your NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION WITH A 501 C3.

Thank you for your patients and understanding, again we are still opened and in business not going anywhere accept for the dates indicated for our move.

Thank you.

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria

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Thinking Outside The Box When You Are Traveling! Also Tips For Those Traveling Who Are Legally Blind

Our Family Trip To Walt Disney World in 2009

The subject line of this blog might seem a little confusing, so I will explain what I mean.

As mentioned a few times, I had lost my vision back in 2001 from complications from diabetes. Also being diabetic it affects many other areas in your body, I lost my kidneys and needed a transplant. Thank god in 2005 I had a transplant. I also have other issues with medications and the heat, etc. So sometime we need to think outside the box, of when and where to travel.

One of the reasons why, we went into this travel industry, is because the lack of education of people who are disabled. Many travel agents at that time didn't want to work with someone who is different, some still don't. They seem to think that we cannot do the things that people who are not disabled can do, or they feel sorry for us etc. The biggest issues we had was from agents. "Why do you want to travel if you cannot see". 

That used to make me so angry, I went through all these medical issues, got the training I needed to continue my life, and now I was being treated like a blind person. I am a person who happens to be blind. I am an educated woman, who went to college, am married, have a child, homeowner, etc. 

So, with my business background, working in the sales industry as a administrative assistance who made tons of reservations for her staff and boss, who wanted the best the money could buy in traveling not only for business but I also made the travel arrangements for their family vacations. I did all the searching the internet and calling the travel professionals, etc.

The right fit for me, once I got all my computer training again. I went into the travel business October 11, 2008 and never looked back.

Now that is thinking out of the box. Put this towards your own travel. I have posted about Zika and safe traveling, etc. 

First always think out of the box! Summer time is vacation time right, nope! Anytime that you can travel do it. Remember if you are not someone who love the heat, don't travel to Florida or down south or the Caribbean during the summer, it will just get hotter and hotter. I remember when I was little, a million years ago! My dad didn't always have the same vacation time that we did, I am sure that is the same way in your household.  So, they took us out of school, yes they did. But, they did it the right way, they talked to the teacher, asked if there were certain tests or reports due by a certain time frame, and yes, we had to do our homework while we were on vacation. My dad made sure of that!  Teachers and parents still have these conversations about travel. They have their syllabus for teaching way before they step into the classroom in August/September.  

Also with a new thing like the internet, which is oh what almost 20+ years and going strong. Students can chat online with the teachers, get the homework via email, and send the completed via email. As well as other school work.

Also thinking outside the box for that person who is blind, I had to learn these thing myself, I have always loved to travel, and I wasn't going to let something like the nuisance of being legally blind stop me, and I educated myself for those who are traveling that are blind.

When someone is going to a location. I recommend that they purchase a miniature of that famous place, there are tons you can get economically on line or at a souvenir shop. Like here in NY, building of the statue of liberty. empire state building. Radio City. Just stop and get one and feel it. 

Experience the food and the culture of a place, you don't have to see it to experience it. Also, whether or not you are blind, travel with someone. I am not saying this as someone to walk you around and help you. I mean someone you like or love to experience these magical times with you. I can travel independently without my husband or daughter, but I want to share in that experience.

If you are not married or have that significant other, ask a parent or a good friend or a cousin, etc. If you can afford it and they can't, say hey you do this all the time for me, and I want to repay you for all of that, come with me on a trip to xyz. But you have to pay for xyz and I will pay for everything else. Maybe they cannot pay for the whole trip, but they can pay for the airfare, or the hotel or maybe a tour, or maybe say don't worry about it. You have had my back, now this is just for us. Let's go!

Or go by yourself, there are group trips out there, I know that when we offer group trips we are hosting there is always someone who wants to go, but they don't have a roommate to do it with. So I can reach out to someone interested in going. But remember, that this person isn't your caretaker, you are responsible for yourself, but you can always ask for help, helping is okay. 

Take care and have a great weekend.

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria

631-456-5394

reservations@echevarriatravel.com

www.echevarriatravel.com

  

Where are the Safest Places To Travel?

This is the article in our e-newsletter that is continued.

We are going to try and answer the questions today that many of you have been asking, over the last few months!

1. Where are the safest places to travel?

2. Zika Virus and other illness where can we travel and not get sick?

3. How do we protect ourselves when traveling?

Well, these are hard questions to answer, unfortunately! Our views on the World may not be the same as yours, so lets see how well we do here. 

Some of you may not agree with us, that is fine. Some may read this and get a new lease on life and other thoughts. We would like to hear about them. If you can email us at reservations@echevarriatravel.com; or post a comment on our blog at www.echevarriatravels.blogspot.com; we will continue this posting there.

After last nights events in Nice (France), when that truck drove through the celebration on the street of Bastille Day, which is France's Independence Day, similar to our July 4th here in the USA. Many people feel, where can we travel now that is safe.

That is the hardest thing in the world to ask anyone. Our answer is travel, if we don't, the people that are doing these terrible things win. They got to us. Right! Wrong! 

Nelson and I look at the world through different colored eyes, and not just because we are travel professionals and this is our livelihood. NO! 

For those that are new to reading about Echevarria Travel and who we are. Then we will explain!

I (Cheryl Echevarria) have type 1 diabetes since I was a child, I never had any of the complications for this disease until I was an adult. Starting in my early 20s, I had found out that I had diabetic retinopathy, doctors told me that they will try and keep my vision for as long as they could, we move forward to December 10, 2001 my field of vision became so bad that I had to stop driving, and had become legally blind, I am now almost totally blind, I can still see color, shapes out of 1 eye. I also found out that while this  was going on back in 2001, that I was going into kidney failure, End Stage Renal Disease, within 3 months of finding this out, I had to go on dialysis (May 5, 2002). On August 23, 2005, I had received a life saving living donor Kidney Transplant (This year makes 11 years). A friend of mine, who is no longer with us, Steve Carroll, passed away about 5 years now from a fast moving cancer.

Just an FYI, we were not businesses owners until October 11, 2008. That is 3 years after receiving my transplant, getting all the blindness skills I needed to take back my life, so I can move on and help to take care of my family. We also became advocates to make sure that anyone looking to travel independently, especially the blind community, can life the live they want.

Nelson also almost became paralized. When I met my husband, back in 1992! He had just suffered an accident at his job, this caused 4 herniated discs in his lower back. He was walking fine, but the doctors kept saying that they wanted to do back surgery on him. He also suffers from asthma. He said no to the surgery. But today, after losing a lot of weight and changing his diet after I  became deathly sick. He very rarely feels a twinge in his back, and hasn't had an asthma attack since 2006.

Why do I tell you all of this about us? Because, life is to short to be asking is it safe outside the front door. 

I always wanted to see the Caribbean, we are doing that! I want to see and go up the Eiffel Tower, I can still do that! I want to go where my favorite author, Ernest Hemingway, wrote the "Sun Also Rises" about the stories of the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain or where the story Man of La Mancha some of you may know that title but the true title is "Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra written in 1605 and 1615. We are going there in April 2016. 

Our questions we get, where is it safe to travel, is up to you. That being said, we will always tell you to be vigilant and know you surroundings. Like you tell you children when they leave the house to go to school, or your husband goes to work, or you are walking or driving. Say a little prayer every day that you will be safe; make sure you have all your shots, make sure you read the information we give you about the location, what is advised when you are traveling to that destination. Don't take a lot of cash with you. Be careful who you talk to!

I am getting way long winded here. Where is it safe to travel? If you want to go there go there. Life is too short to not visit those places you only read about in a book. 

Christmas in July! To You This Might Be Silly But For Travel Planning This Is The Best Time To Plan Your Future TravelsPi

Christmas in July
Picture of a Sand Snowman with a Santa Hat and Sunglasses on a Beach

Christmas in July! Really some are saying, who made that one up! I have no idea myself, but for planning your travels for the holidays not just during Christmas; Hanukkah; Kwanzaa, Three Kings (Los Tres Reyes Magos) or this is the only time of the year that the family can travel together, or even start planning a trip sometime during the Winter and Spring of 2017 this is the time of year to get pricing and to start putting deposits on your trips.

We recommend to never wait until the last minute with planning for the obvious like the holidays, Winter Recess from school (February), Easter/Passover/Spring Break Getaways, and summer vacations. Because when you do, you will not get what you want. If you are looking for that special resort in the Caribbean, Walt Disney World in Florida, a trip to Europe, etc. So is everyone else! 

Also you can get some of the best pricing on your trips, but a deposit down most often without airlines in the packages it can be as little as $250 for the whole deposit up to $400. For cruise lines many of them have the itineraries out for 2 years of sailing dates! Like we have held group space during these special times of the as indicated above, and our rates are locked in. So if you are looking to go on that cruise to the Caribbean; Alaska; Mediterranean; Mexico; Greece; etc. We have already held that space. 

For land trips to Europe early bird specials from many of our tour operators, and many of these trips if the pricing goes down or you will get the difference in price; or after you book and you see the same exact offer somewhere else; we will price match it for you. But remember, it must be the same exact thing. Some people come to us and want the cruise ship to Southern Caribbean they saw on the same Royal Caribbean Cruise for $100 less, but when I look at it. it is a different room or category on the ship. So if you wanted a balcony mid-ship; instead of the Ocean View at the bow of the ship; then we got you want you wanted, because that room is in a lower category and was the same exact price we told you when we gave you the quote.

Or again, what if you booked that trip to Walt Disney World during Christmas Week (FYI, if you are looking to do this, book a year in advance, this week will sell out and always does early) and for some magical reason, and this will never ever happen, but in case you see this somewhere, free Disney Dining. I can  tell you this will have black out dates, and will be at certain resorts only! Disney Dining is offer during low season to help fill the parks up. So they blackout these options for Christmas and New Year's weeks, and you will not see this offer during high season.

But if you are booked and this offer does come around when you are traveling, we will inform you about it. We had clients recently go to Walt Disney World, a couple, he gave her the gift for a Christmas present to go to Walt Disney World. They went in April right before Spring Break. After he booked the reservation back in November and was doing monthly payments, which we can arrange for you, and this is for any vacation package once deposits are met and not just Disney. The Free Disney Dining Offer came out for the time of year they were traveling. I called them to let them know all about it, and that the resort they were staying at the Port Orleans - Riverside Resort was one of the Walt Disney World Resorts that was offering it. I told them that it would save them about $500 off of their reservations and they took advantage of it.

We get these offers sent to us, before they hit the tv and radio stations. So you know before anyone when working with us.

So just a re-cap for why to book early for your vacation during Christmas in July, or just in July! LOL!

1. Some of the best offers of the year
2. You get the rooms and availability you want when you want it
3. You can put down deposits and do payment plans
4. We hold many groups on the major cruise lines during high season of traveling see times of the year above
5. We will let you know when and if  the prices drop and apply appropriately
6. We will price match if you find it lower

If you need to cancel or change plans prior to the penalty phase of your travel, we can get all money back for you, and most of the times, the airlines will give you a credit up to a year from the date you purchased those tickets to use.

We also recommend all travelers use travel insurance, which we can offer all clients when we are talking about your trip. This is always optional add-on for you trips.

Thank you.

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria 631-456-5394/reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Echevarria Travel E-newsletter information for week of 7/11/2016

Weekly E-Newsletter Updates for 7/11/2016

Good morning everyone! Cheryl and Nelson here!  This week in our e-newsletter and blog subjects for the week of 7/11/2016, and we hope you are subscribed. 

Christmas in July, why you need to plan way ahead of time for holiday travel! And the best time to go!

Tips for traveling for someone who is blind or low vision.

Updates on our new location starting in August 2016

Information on the trip to Spain, April 1-8, 2017  - Updates and more highlights of locations we will be visiting.

Planning for Planning Meeting for the Utah and the National Parks Trip for 2017, if you were part of the 2013 trip, we need your help!

631-456-5394/reservations@echevarriatravel.com/www.echevarriatravel.com 

Beaches for Everyone by Sandals Resorts 1st Ever Semi-Annual Sale Book Now through July 29, 2016

Beaches for Everyone by Sandals Resorts
1st Ever Semi-Annual Sale
Book Now through July 29, 2016

Book now through July 29, 2016 by calling Echevarria Travel at 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com and these offers for for travel windows: 

For travel Aug. 13 - Dec. 20, 2016 | Aug. 12 - Dec. 19, 2017 | Aug. 11 - Dec. 18, 2018.

$750 Fall Booking Bonus on 7-paid nights
$650 Fall Booking Bonus on 6-paid nights
$550 Fall Booking Bonus on 5-paid nights

Blackout Dates: Nov. 20 - 25, 2016 | Nov. 23 - 26, 2017 | Nov. 22 - 25, 2018.

• Applicable for new bookings only.
• View Accommodations Page to see applicable room categories.
• Fall Booking Bonus is combinable with other consumer saving promotions.
• May not be applicable for group bookings.
• All featured prices are in US Dollars.
• Offer may be changed or withdrawn at any time.
• Not responsible for errors or omissions.

Beaches Properties

Jamaica: Beaches Ocho Rios or Beaches Negril

Turks & Caicos: Beaches Turks & Caicos

 

Sandals For Couples In Love 4th of July Sales extended until July 29th, 2016 Free Catamaran Cruise Plus up to $1000 Air Cred plus up to $750 Early Booking Bonus

Sandals For Couples In Love
4th of July Sales extended until July 29th, 2016
Free Catamaran Cruise Plus up to $1000 Air Cred
plus up to $750 Early Booking Bonus

Receive a FREE Catamaran Cruise when you book 7-paid nights or more by Jul. 29, 2016. For travel now - Dec. 26, 2018. Blackout dates: Dec. 27 - 31, 2016 | Dec. 27 - 31, 2017 | Dec. 27 - 31, 2018. Applicable for new bookings only. Offer applies to select rooms categories only. One (1) FREE Catamaran Cruise per stay for two (2) adults. The reservation must be made at the Resort Cruise is only redeemable at an Island Routes Tour Desk and the tour must be taken during your qualifying stay. Free Catamaran Cruise is based on availability and suitable weather conditions. All excursion changes or cancellations are at the discretion of Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. Free Catamaran Cruise operation is subject to weather conditions. Free Catamaran Cruise is capacity controlled. If this specific cruise is not available you will be offered an alternative. Free Catamaran cruise has no cash or redeemable value, is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for any other excursion, and any unused portions of the promotion during initial stay cannot be redeemed for cash or credit towards future stays. In addition, this promotion is also subject to the conditions set out by our Standard Disclaimers. Offer can be revised or terminated at any time. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Each resort also has their own plus offer. Remember Sandals is for Couples in Love only. No Children allowed, or singles. That is for Beaches for Everyone by Sandals. Stay tuned for Beaches Offers! Jamaica Properties Bold* equals stay at 1 Play at 3 properties Sandals Montego Bay* Sandals Negrial Sandals Whitehouse Sandals Royal Caribbean* Sandals Carlyle* Sandals Ochi Beach Sandals Royal Plantation Antigua Property Sandals Antigua  Bahamas Properties Sandals Royal Bahamian  Sandals Emerald Bay St. Lucia Properties Stay at 1 Play at 3 Sandals Regency La Toc Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Halycon Beach Barbados Property Sandals Barbados opened in 2015 Grenada Property Sandals La Source Call Echevarria Travel to find out more about other exciting offers for you at Sandals Resorts. Special Honeymoon, Anniversary and returning guests offers 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Receive a FREE Catamaran Cruise when you book 7-paid nights or more by Jul. 29, 2016. For travel now - Dec. 26, 2018. Blackout dates: Dec. 27 - 31, 2016 | Dec. 27 - 31, 2017 | Dec. 27 - 31, 2018. Applicable for new bookings only. Offer applies to select rooms categories only. One (1) FREE Catamaran Cruise per stay for two (2) adults. The reservation must be made at the Resort Cruise is only redeemable at an Island Routes Tour Desk and the tour must be taken during your qualifying stay. Free Catamaran Cruise is based on availability and suitable weather conditions. All excursion changes or cancellations are at the discretion of Island Routes Caribbean Adventures. Free Catamaran Cruise operation is subject to weather conditions. Free Catamaran Cruise is capacity controlled. If this specific cruise is not available you will be offered an alternative. Free Catamaran cruise has no cash or redeemable value, is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for any other excursion, and any unused portions of the promotion during initial stay cannot be redeemed for cash or credit towards future stays. In addition, this promotion is also subject to the conditions set out by our Standard Disclaimers. Offer can be revised or terminated at any time. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Each resort also has their own plus offer. Remember Sandals is for Couples in Love only. No Children allowed, or singles. That is for Beaches for Everyone by Sandals. Stay tuned for Beaches Offers! Jamaica Properties Bold* equals stay at 1 Play at 3 properties Sandals Montego Bay* Sandals Negrial Sandals Whitehouse Sandals Royal Caribbean* Sandals Carlyle* Sandals Ochi Beach Sandals Royal Plantation Antigua Property Sandals Antigua  Bahamas Properties Sandals Royal Bahamian  Sandals Emerald Bay St. Lucia Properties Stay at 1 Play at 3 Sandals Regency La Toc Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Halycon Beach Barbados Property Sandals Barbados opened in 2015 Grenada Property Sandals La Source Call Echevarria Travel to find out more about other exciting offers for you at Sandals Resorts. Special Honeymoon, Anniversary and returning guests offers 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Receive a FREE Catamaran Cruise when you book 7-paid nights or more by Jul. 29, 2016.

For travel now - Dec. 26, 2018.

Blackout dates: Dec. 27 - 31, 2016 | Dec. 27 - 31, 2017 | Dec. 27 - 31, 2018.

• Applicable for new bookings only.
• Offer applies to select rooms categories only.
• One (1) FREE Catamaran Cruise per stay for two (2) adults.
• The reservation must be made at the Resort
• Cruise is only redeemable at an Island Routes Tour Desk and the tour must be taken during your qualifying stay.
• Free Catamaran Cruise is based on availability and suitable weather conditions. All excursion changes or cancellations are at the discretion of Island Routes Caribbean Adventures.
• Free Catamaran Cruise operation is subject to weather conditions.
• Free Catamaran Cruise is capacity controlled. If this specific cruise is not available you will be offered an alternative.
• Free Catamaran cruise has no cash or redeemable value, is non-transferable, cannot be exchanged for any other excursion, and any unused portions of the promotion during initial stay cannot be redeemed for cash or credit towards future stays.
• In addition, this promotion is also subject to the conditions set out by our Standard Disclaimers.
• Offer can be revised or terminated at any time.
• Not responsible for errors or omissions.

Each resort also has their own plus offer.

Remember Sandals is for Couples in Love only. No Children allowed, or singles. That is for Beaches for Everyone by Sandals. Stay tuned for Beaches Offers!

Jamaica Properties

Bold* equals stay at 1 Play at 3 properties

Sandals Montego Bay*

Sandals Negrial

Sandals Whitehouse

Sandals Royal Caribbean*

Sandals Carlyle*

Sandals Ochi Beach

Sandals Royal Plantation

Antigua Property

Sandals Antigua 

Bahamas Properties

Sandals Royal Bahamian 

Sandals Emerald Bay

St. Lucia Properties

Stay at 1 Play at 3

Sandals Regency La Toc

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Sandals Halycon Beach

Barbados Property

Sandals Barbados opened in 2015

Grenada Property

Sandals La Source

Call Echevarria Travel to find out more about other exciting offers for you at Sandals Resorts. Special Honeymoon, Anniversary and returning guests offers

631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com

Where and when you should be planning your romantic getaways for all ages

Where and when you you should be planning your romantic getaways for all ages?

This is a topic we get all the time, especially for people who have no idea of where they want to go, or they think it is way to early to start planning for.  

Nelson and I, are always saying, if you are thinking about it, it is the time to start planning for it. We always mention, that we can book with air almost a year in advance. Some destinations, we can plan without the airfare up to 2 years in advance. 

But, as you are thinking, suppose I change my mind or something happens between now and then. Yes, we go through this ourselves, especially when planning group trips a year in advance. The easy answer is, as long as you are not past the time for cancellations, which for a cruise is 90 days prior to sailing and/or 45 days prior to a land destination you are good. There is also travel insurance after these dates, but you cannot use travel insurance just because you change your minds. Stuff happens!

Okay, we have covered when to book, also don't wait for the latest and greatest offer to come a long, if you book with us, and the price drops or a better offer comes a long; 9 out of 10 times, we can adjust your vacation. We want to make you happy. But when those things come along we have to compare the offer, you might get a better price, but you might lose a benefit like resort or on board credit, or that catamaran cruise or free spa option.

For those people who are not sure where they want to go here are a few things to consider

1. Time of the Year - If you want to go to the Caribbean but you hate the high heat, why not consider going during November/December before the holidays and also out of Hurricane Season; or January - Early May. Stay away from June, February, Spring Break, Christmas Week, anything that would consider a holiday. You will pay way more than you care to. These locations are booked almost a year in advance. Honeymooners and getaway clients, already know these times of the year are packed with others thinking the same thing. Weddings, Engagements, Valentine's Day, etc. etc.
2. Think of places you have always read about or dreamed about:
• If you have been a fan of things like myself; Hemingway, Mythology; Foodie; History; Ancestry; why not share these things with your partner. Ask them, what they love to do, it might surprise you. Not everyone wants an all inclusive resort in the Caribbean
3. Think you are too old to be traveling for a romantic getaway. What!!! We Say! No way. Romance gets better with age. We keep it clean here, get your minds out of the gutter. LOL.  
• Nelson is going to be 66 on July 10th (Happy Birthday, Honey); and I am going to be 50 in April 2017. (Yes, Nelson, robbed the cradle). There goes my bad humor again.  We love getting away to our favorite places for romantic getaways. We go to Jamaica, Grenada, Puerto Rico (Nelson was born there) from November - February. We love cruises any time of the year, just depends on the destination. We are now moving on to Spain, Italy and the France over the next few years. Or we just go to Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL; and yes, Disney is not just for the kids, they have places there for adults and many romantic places as well.
4. We cannot afford to get away, we are planning to buy a house, need someone to watch the kids, many excuses why you cannot make time for yourselves.
• Unfortunately, here in the USA we have some of the highest divorce rates on the planet. People wonder how to keep the romance alive or ask us, how we do it.
• We have both been married before. We don't do the same things that we did when we were married the first time. We say, we love each other every day and mean it, we try to go to bed without being mad at each other, and we getaway just the 2 of us at least once a year.  It is important. Today, when Nelson holds my hand I still blush and gush about it. 

We are married almost 25 years, and these things are the most important over anything. Your house will always be there, the kids can come with you (Just let them hang in the clubs for their age group, or there used to be something called camp when I was a kid. Maybe go away when the kids are in camp, or ask grandma and grandpa to watch the kids.  We practice what we preach.  

Cheryl & Nelson Echevarria, 631-456-5394 or reservations@echevarriatravel.com