GOT THE HOLIDAY BLUES? GET OVER IT!

YIKES!! THE HOLIDAYS ARE ALMOST HERE. WITH THANKSGIVING, CHANUKAH, CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR FAST APPROACHING, WHAT DO WE DO ABOUT GIFTS AND FAMILY?

With that thought, most of us are probably saying to ourselves, “Please don’t remind me, it’s the worst possible time to think of buying gifts. With the economy down, I’ve got the ‘I can’t bear to look at my 401k Blues’, and I can’t bear listening to Uncle Earl yak on about politics and who won (or didn’t win) the election. I don’t want to even think about the Holidays.”

O.K. Brace yourself, take deep breaths and lets face the reality that we need to do something for ourselves and our families for the various upcoming holidays. So lets look at the advantage of giving the Gift of Travel.

Most people that have been polled by groups within the travel industry have indicated that vacations and travel are not the areas that they have opted to eliminate from their budgets. This is understandable since Travel has some very distinct advantages that should not be overlooked:

You can give a gift that would be “redeemed” at a future date - For many destinations you can purchase your cruise or land packages up to 18 months ahead, with a minimal deposit to hold and lock in a preferred price, and the ability to make payments along the way to ease the one-time payout at the final payment date.


It’s a great way to escape for R & R and relief from stress. Dance lessons, anyone?


The ability to build relationships with family and friends – many multi-generational opportunities. Uncle Earl can be on board and with all there is to do, he’ll forget about politics for a while and, if he doesn’t …… well, it’s a big ship. Know what I’m saying?

Lots of options at mealtime – everyone can find something they like to eat.

Strengthening our immediate family ties - Opportunities for bonding between parents and children – having that precious “Quality Time” together.

Take advantage of fun, yet educational experiences, particularly with travel to places like Alaska, Europe and the like. Ever see a whale breach or visit the Eiffel Tower?

It’s a great way to expand our awareness of the environment and the world around us.

Important - Cruise lines provide you with a security staff that looks out for your safety.

It’s a wonderful way to bring lasting memories that are there long after the latest gadget has lost its glitter or become obsolete.

A great opportunity to relax and experience such US destinations as Alaska and Hawaii

Children’s programs are available on all but a few luxury lines, allowing for families to be together, but also some time for adults to enjoy some precious moments alone.

For us grown ups – no dishes to wash, beds to make, meals to prepare – WHOO HOO!!

Lets also look at the value of travel, particularly Cruise Travel or Land Tour packages:

Most of your expenses are included and paid for up-front, even before you travel. The price of a cruise is almost always considerably lower than the price of independent land travel arrangements.

If you are traveling to Europe, you will be paying for your trip and even your shore excursions in US dollars so there is no need to worry about currency fluctuations.

Lots of entertainment included for all family members at no additional cost.

The ability to easily arrange family reunion or other group cruises at affordable prices with less time spent on your part – your time is worth money.

Knowing that each family has different budget constraints, there are a large number of options available starting with 3, 4 and 5-night cruises to the Mexican Riviera for West Coast folks or the Caribbean and the Bahamas for our East Coast families. For those that can afford a bit more, there are the traditional 7-night cruises or land packages (Have you thought about Disney?). Of course there are numerous opportunities for longer cruises on contemporary carriers or resorts, premium lines and the upper premium and luxury ships and villas.

SO, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

WE’VE GOT MANY MORE GREAT IDEAS.

LETS TALK!

Special Occasion Gifts

Ok Folks, for those of you who have family that do not live close to you (and many of us Senior Pearls are in that situation), have you started your Christmas, Chanukah or other Holiday Shopping?

I’m going to tell you that many of us are tired of trying to guess what size to get for the grandkids, what toy or gadget they don’t already have 3 of, figuring out the latest style so they will wear whatever we spend hours to pick out or sending the check in the mail because we don’t know what else to do and we don’t want to spend all day in the Mall. We’re tired of trying to figure out what their parents need or what color their house is painted this week so we can pick out the perfect towels, tablecloths, etc, etc. Christmas shopping has become a chore and really cuts into our social schedule - so here’s my idea – No Malls, No long lines at the Post Office and No Guessing – Give the gift of lasting memories! Book a family cruise for the Holidays or for Winter, Spring, Summer or some other vacation time in 2008. And the BONUS IS – you get to spend time with the family while they can still participate in other activities – you don’t have to entertain them, nor do you have to cook and clean up after them – you can just ENJOY them. PERFECT – I SAY!! Hmmm, with the right arrangements, you can get a package that will cover Christmas and Birthdays, Anniversaries, graduations, whatever – Are You with me?

Let’s face it – what will be a lasting memory from grandma or grandpa? Will it be the fashion item or gadget that they can’t live without this week or a great vacation on a cruise ship?? What do you think??? Trust me, it’s a great value for money!

Oh, and just in case some of your children or older grandchildren see this – we love you all but we really don’t need anything else to dust, wear nor cook-in. We’ve got passports. HINT, HINT!!