Day Five Outside Agents Conference

Today it was back to presenters in our general session. We heard more companies and what they offered us. I could tell the business development managers work hard to make sure we are successful as agency owners. After a long day of class, Universal Studios threw us a Mardi Gras party at Sound Stage 33 on the lot! It was great. And I had to take photos of the beautiful layout food and drinks! Universal was an awesome host and from the looks and sounds, all of us had a great time! Thanks Universal!!

Sometimes it about food (and drinks)

So, before and during my Outside Agents travel agent convention in Orlando at Universal Cabana Bay Resort, I was fortunate to be able to taste some new foods and enjoy some of the foods I already like. I have a habit of taking photos of my food so I can share it with you! So, here are some of the meals and beverages I was able to enjoy.

Day Four Outside Agents Conference

Today, we were able to go into breakout sessions. I was able to attend the travel leaders network first thing and then go to breakout sessions with Karisma hotels and Resorts, MSC Cruises, GoGo Worldwide Vacations, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Expedia TAAP. All of the sessions were great and learning more about them will only help me to serve you, my clients, better. We also had a trade show and were able to talk to various reps about their products. All of the information was sometimes overwhelming. But, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. So I will take it one step at a time and digest it as I can. Learning is fun! Well, time to start studying...gotta go!

Day Three of Outside Agent Travel Agent Conference (1/11/23)

Wednesday was a different set-up from the two previous days. When we signed up for the conference, we were able to sign up for different vendors we wanted to meet with to learn more. So today we went to the classes we signed up for. We still had breakfast and lunch. We also were able to visit with various vendors at a trade show. It was a great time to talk to vendors and meet with them face-to-face. Universal was there with a spin-the-wheel game. I played and won any prize on the table! This is what I chose: We had fun and learned a lot from our conversations with the vendors. All of them had QR codes and we did too!So those who were not familiar with QR codes had a nice lesson on how efficient they were. I was even able to share my app (HiHello) that I use with some of the agents for them to create their own. QR codes are the way to go and better than paper business cards for so many reasons. I can't tell you the number of times I have had to throw away business cards because of a change in an email address or phone number. So having a QR code where you can change the information and the code will adjust to the updated information. It certainly saves on time and is safer. Also, you can send a code by email or text message. When you do that, something wonderful happens. The person who you sent the information to will have their information on your CRM within the app. So, instead of waiting for them to call you, as with a business card, you get to reach out to them because you have their information too! So it is a win-win for follow-up. That is something a business card cannot do. So today was a great day and we even had time to do other things after class because we were out earlier than normal. The weather this week has been cool which is unusual for Florida. So, it has been difficult to do too many things for me personally. And with the temperatures are going to be worse on Friday with a high in the 40"s and rain!! So this has not been the most ideal weather. But then again, it is winter, even in Florida. No natter the weather, it doesn't stop us from learning and meeting agents from all over the country. If you are looking for a great host agency with top-notch training, consider Outside Agents. And if you are looking to travel, call me, Brenda McMillian at BMac Travel. My number is 704-294-9150. I look forward to working with you to help you make memories with those you love.

Lessons Learned From the Cruise

There were several things I learned from my Cruise on the Mardi Gras. Some I knew, some I just learned. Let me share some of them with you.

1. When coming on the cruise, be patient. That goes for getting on and off the ship, getting food, shopping and using the bathrooms (Other than your own).

2. Straws may be edible! (This was new to me). I know some companies have gone to papper straws and I thought Carnival had too. Nope, their straws are edible. I have the chocolate and the strawberry. Interesting and tasty.

3. Usually, your Carnival pin is in your room when you get there. Now you have to ask for it at the photo counter! 

4. Your 1.5 liters of water is not in your room either. The ones in the room charge a fee when used. So you have to request your water at any bar. They will scan your card but there is no fee.

5. Bring a light jacket or shawl with you. The room and the dining room can get cool.

6. Bring lots of money for photos if you like pictures. For a 7 night cruise, make sure you get a photo for each port (so you can remember when you went and when). Also get at least one for each formal night. If you don't, you may regret it later! 

7. Don't overpack! That's just more luggage to deal with or more baggage to pay for at the airport.

8. Take a cap. It is always warm in the Caribbean so you will need something to keep you cooler as the sun beats down.

9. In our stateroom, the stool doubled as a tray table! Who knew?

10. Have fun, and don't be afraid to ask questions! That is how we learn.

11. When you are ready, call me! I can make the process easier, more efficient and less stressful. What are you waiting for? Let's Go!!

Day 7 Last Day at Sea on Mardi Gras

This morning started with breakfast in the Palm Restaurant. Seas have been choppy this morning.during breakfast at the Palm Restaurant, there was an announcement made that there would be a stop at Princess Cay for a person on-board who needed medical care. The announcement said it was not COVID related. So we will make a brief stop for the person(s) to disembark and we will continue back on our way to Port Canaveral to arrive tomorrow morning. That is one of the reasons for travel insurance.  You will be able to cover a large part of the cost associated with any medical necessities during your cruise. 

After breakfast, we went to deck 19 so we could see the serenity adult-only deck below on 18 and to see the ultimate playground. While there, we played a fun game of miniature golf. It was so much fun. Vaughn even made a hole-in-one on hole 7! 

The ultimate playground included a water play area, water slides, zip-line, rope ladder, a jogging track, Bolt (the first roller coaster at sea, and a basketball court.

After that excitement, we went to choose our photos for our photo package. We also had professional photos done on the ship and we had to get some of them too. All I will say is, make sure you have money for photos because you will love most, if not all of them. If you can, get a photo package before the cruise to save money. We got the 10 pack and and managed to narrow it down to 11 photos. Our professional photos were very expensive (an expense we had not planned on). We were able to get a few of them too. They were all beautiful!

So, budget for photos and any alcohol you purchase on the ship.

Now it is time to eat and relax on this last day at sea. 

I had to go to my pizzeria one last time.

The weather outside was rainy and gloomy. That was how I felt knowing I would have to get off the ship first thing in the morning. 

But, after every rain storm, there is a reminder of a promise...

Rainbows at sea are beautiful because you see it in its entirety. It is just one reminder of Jehovah God's promises. The oceans boarders are another.

All in all, we enjoyed our cruise and anniversary celebration. It also gave me an opportunity to see how things work on the ship now. I am better prepared to assist clients so they will know what to expect. 

So when you are ready to cruise or vacation or just plan a weekend getaway,  I hope you will give me the opportunity to serve you.