Your Bucket List Buster

2014 is on the way out and we'll take a look at travel trends of 2014, The Best of Travel Products and Suppliers, and what we see coming in 2015. 


US cities that got tourism right and why, which cruise lines get the hightest marks, and which international destinations hit the jackpot.  We'll also look what which destinations you should have on your list for 2015.


We'll get a call from Fito Kahn of the Austin Jazz Alliance to discuss the 2015 Texas Jazz Jam Cruise, upcoming Ship Inspections with Royal Caribbean, and other upcoming travel events with Peeks Cruises & Tours.


Plus, one final 2014 ticket giveaway compliments of Funjet Vacations.  Caller number 14 -(646) 716-9154

Today, I just want to say thanks for supporting Travel Time with Karen in 2014.  I want to wish everyone a special Holiday Season and Safe Travels.  Remember the reason for the season and spend extra time this year appreciating being with friends and family.

Next week we will recap the year and talk about upcoming episodes and promotions.  Remember there is still availability to getaway during this holiday season.

Know that we appreciate you all for listening and we look forward to hearing from you in the next season of Travel Time with Karen.

On behalf of Karen, Shellda, Mitchell, and Duane.  Happy Holidays!

 

Hawaii, one of the United States of America, a very culturally rich destination, and one of the prettiest places on Earth.  Hawaii is on everyone's bucket list and we have the inside track from someone who lives and works there. Stephanie Barksdale of Oahu Concierge is going to give us the scoop on what to do and where to go.  Stephanie lives in Oahu and owns Oahu Concierge a service to help you plan your stay in Hawaii.

We'll discuss popular activities, hotels, and of course holidays in the Hawaiian islands.

We'll also giveaway two more tickets to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico for the caller that can call in and aswer the question of the day.

Travel News, we've got highlights on Funjet Vacations, Southwest Airlines, and the new Hyatt in Jamaica, and the Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba..  Plus I will highlight a new local winery I just recently discovered Austin Custom Winery.

Listen for a surprise from Peeks Cruises & Tours.

We are also trying to help Texas Women in Business with their diaper collection for families in need.

Travel Trends, Shellda's Fun Facts, travel specials, and other great conversations about travel.

It's here the season of promotions, sales, and giveaways.  Today our show is full of great travel sales and promotions.  There is so many deals being offered by our travel partners we decided to devote the whole show to providing you with the inside scoop.

Elechia France with Funjet Vacations, will be on the show to talk about the great new relationship between Funjet and Southwest Air and their direct flights from Texas to Mexico and the Caribbean.  She'll also discuss their new low deposit policy, free bags, and how to earn free rooms when booking a group in 2015 and much much more.

Plus we will have our first Ticket Giveaway, air from Austin to Cancun for the 9th caller, compliments of Funjet Vacations.  Will you be that lucky caller today?  So put this show on your calendar with a reminder so you dont miss out!

We will talk about Royal Caribbean's WOW sale that ends tomorrow, Holland America sale for onboard credit, Carnival, Azmara, Princess, Sandals, you name it there is something for everyone this season.

Travel news includes, the first Margaritaville at Sea, Virgin creating their own cruise line, Palace resorts has opened in Jamaica and you can get a free ticket to Shaggy Concert when you book. And Globus is going to Cuba.

This will be a high energy, very fun show as we celebrate 1 year on the air and leading into the 20th year for Peeks Cruises & Tours.  Join us, call in (646) 716-9154

Happy Post Thanksgiving we hope you had a safe and wonderful time with family and friends.  I also hope you sat around and discussed what and where you would like to go for vacation in 2015 with your family and friends.  Looking for something or someplace you've never gone before?  Tired of the same old thing or places, well I've got an island I know you should consider.


Today we have the pleasure of having . Chrislyn Lashington, Corporate Communications Officer, Grenada Tourism Authority on the show.  We will give tribute to and learn all about what even people from other islands consider their favorite island.  We'll find out why.  Its a wonderful little island in the South of the Caribbean, the Spice Island as it's known because of the wonderful spices grown there, like nutmeg.  There is even a nutmeg garden De La Grenade.  With new air lifts available from Miami now and hopes of other direct flights from Houston soon, this wonderful gem is getting easier to get to, but trust me it's worth the effort.


For my foodies out there we'll discuss dining and the types of foods and drink indigenious to Grenada.  For our more adventurous traveler we'll discuss what activities are available for you to do. 


We'll discuss how Hawaii is raising the bar with new programs, packages and perks in the luxury market.


Of course end of year travel promotions and upcoming 2015 trips.  You don't want to miss this very exciting and fun episode of Travel Time with Karen as we are excited for you to learn about Grenada!

As we approach the holiday season we have a great opportunity for you to surprise a love one with the gift of travel.  We'll have a great guest speaker from Karisma Resorts/Lomas Tours get us really excited about the deals, resorts, and fun activities at our closest destinations to the South of Texas. Rue Ann Adamson has worked in the business with Funjet Vacations/Mark Travel and now Karisma/Lomas.  

And yes Mexico has made a comeback, and Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen specifically.

We'll highlight what we already have on tap for 2015 for you to choose from and we'll tell you about the specials and promotions going on right now.  The travel industry is pullling out the stops to get you to give the gift of travel now!  We do have Black Friday in the travel industry also.

We'll highlight the El Dorado Royale Resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico and the Cancun market as a whole.  Plus the greatest announcement ever, direct flights Texas to the Cancun area year round, plus other destinations direct from Texas with Funjet Vacations.

Join us as we think about warm destinations in the winter months and beyond!

It's Travel Time and there is no better Time than Now!

Exciting Exotic Destinations that most people would not think about flying to or sailing to: Belize and Roatan Island (Mahogany Bay).  Learn about Currency, Food, and Things to do when flying to or sailing into these great destinations.  Also enjoy some great Travel News and Travel Trends.  Co-host today with Shellda and Duane.

This episode we will speak with Pauline Salzer of The Passport and Visa Company to discuss the different required documentation for international travel.  Pauline will speak specifically about Brazil with the Summer Games on many people's radar, now is the time to learn what you will need.

Pauline will discuss the difference in work visas', student, and tourist visa's.  We never know where we may end up and what travel opportunities may come our way so this will be a great show to learn what's needed and the process.

We'll also discuss tourism trends in Brazil, the many Unesco Heritage Sites, Wellness, and Ecotourism. And of course provide the available package for the Summer Games in Rio Summer 2016.

In Travel News: Calling all Single Men. There's a singles cruise that has more women signing up than single men and we need to even things out. Find out where they are going and what they will be doing.

The Quantum of the Seas is in New Jesery about to sail for the first time and there are still some surprises we'll reveal.

Funjet Vacations and Southwest Airlines have partnered to bring direct flights from Texas to Mexico and the Caribbean!

Computers Vs Customer Service-Did you know that online agencies are using your personal information to create a customized price for your travel?

Question of the Month: What Destination is your Favorite for Food?

Of course Special Packages, Fun Events, and Fun Facts

Meet Mark Shea, the Groups Sales Manager with with Unique Vacations/Sandals and Beaches resorts.  Mark and his wife visited Sandals so many times on their own he then turned it into a career.  Learn how Mark like myself wound up choosing a career in travel, how he was so passionate about where he vacationed he now gets to talk about it all the time.

We will talk about how you too can host a group of friends and family on vacation.  Mark will not only talk abou thow he has a career with Sandals but how Sandals is the best at hosting groups of all kinds, golf, weddings, girlfriend getaways, food and wine groups, etc.

Also, we'll talk about one of the hottest trends in travel, food and drink tourism and current travel news. Listen for some really great travel promotions from some our travel partners.

How do you decide which destination you want to go to?  How do you decide where to stay? There are a lot of vacation options available for people to decide from.  Do you google your options, do you ask your friends and family for recommendations, or do you find a consultant that specializes in your type of vacation? Do you prefer cruising or an all inclusive?

This weeks show will be about how to find the right advice when planning your vacation.  Finding a consultant who continuously invests in learning what is available for their clients is the key, and listening.  We'll talk about the 3 islands in 3 days training I've just gone through with Sandals Resorts.  And what Shellda learned this past weekend when she went on tour with Carnival.

Listen in as we provide details of the whats new with Carnival and the super fantastic beaches of Turks and Caicos, and the incredible new Sandals resort in Grenada, the La Source.

We'll talk about great fall promotions, travel news, and travel trends.  Join us live, and call in and tell us what was your best vacation.  We want to hear from you!