OVERNIGHT IN VENICE: Don Akin enjoys traveling so much that he goes on a cruise or trip about once month to check out new destinations. Last year he stopped in Venice during a European cruise.
Courtesy Akin Travel Adventures
One of the best ways to get over stress and a slump is a nice long vacation. And in this economy it makes more sense to take an extended vacation in order to maximize the cost of travel. Think about the price of airline tickets. They aren’t cheap and flights are being cut back because of fuel costs. Already the airlines are booking up fast for Spring Break in March 2009, which will hinder travel to all destinations during that time.
But don’t get discouraged. Book your flight now or as early as possible and plan to vacation for as long as you can to maximize your airline ticket. Fortunately the cruises and resorts offer business centers with Internet connections so that you can stay connected during your extended vacation.
Don Akin, Accredited Cruise Counselor (A.C.C.) of Akin Travel Adventures, handles all the travel arrangement details so that going on vacation is easy. The A.C.C. is an accreditation bestowed by the Cruise Lines International Association. Akin took an intense training program that helps him offer the best cruise value for his clients. In November he will be taking his tenth cruise with Carnival Cruise Lines to check out the brand new Carnival Splendor. He’s also attended Seminars at Sea with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. He’s spent a lot of time and money learning about their products in detail so that he can provide valuable assistance for his customers. Akin Travel Adventures partners with Spears Travel in Tulsa. This large, well respected travel agency gives him access to all their resources as well.
Akin specializes in planning River Cruises, traditional European or Caribbean cruises, trips to All-Inclusive resorts in Mexico, vacations in Hawaii, and honeymoons.
Akin uses his own travel experience to plan the best trip for his clients. He’s been to Mexico more times than he can remember, partly due to the fact that his wife is a Spanish teacher. “We have a thing for Mexico,” says Akin. Mexico offers versatility to the traveler: You take in the teal blue Caribbean waters of Cancun or the romantic charm of “Old Town” Puerto Vallarta. Contrast this with the desert area offered on the Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez at Cabo San Lucas. Mexico also has one of the Seven Wonders of the World: The Mayan Ruins of Chichen Itza. It’s conveniently located just a few hours from Cancun or from the Port of Progresso so it’s easy to take a day trip to the ruins. Akin has visited the Hawaiian Islands twenty times and has done extensive site inspections of resorts and condos on all islands.
The hot new trend in vacations right now is the River Cruise. See the Danube River from the river itself, not from the banks. River cruising itineraries include Russia, China and Europe.
A traditional European cruise also has many advantages. It gives the traveler an introduction to many European cities in a short amount of time. This way it’s easy to plan the next vacation around the best city. Guests get the same great food every night and the same bed no matter where they are when cruising. The cruise lines also provide a variety of shore excursions to explore the areas of your choice. “You get all these advantages plus you only have to unpack one time and you avoid living out of your suitcase,” says Akin.
A European cruise itinerary is similar to this: Spend a day cruising the Adriatic Sea and port in a historic city like Dubrovnik, Croatia. Cruise to Venice for an overnight stay and a second day of sightseeing. Board the ship for another relaxing day at sea in the Adriatic. Port at Messina, Sicily and spend the day at the beach, or take a tour of the Greek ruins. Enjoy the onboard activities offered by the ship while cruising to Barcelona, Spain. The next day port in Cannes and enjoy the South of France and visit Monte Carlo and Monaco. Set sail again for Livorno and see the Leaning Tower of Pisa or maybe sign up for a wine-tasting under the Tuscan sun. Head back to Rome to catch a flight back home.
Akin also plans honeymoons and anniversaries. In fact, newlyweds can use an online honeymoon registry that allows friends and family to purchase spa treatments and other nice extras, or just help in defraying the basic honeymoon costs for the couple instead of giving them the usual pots and pans. Couples can also register their special anniversaries online so that friends and family can help them celebrate with a special trip to mark the wonderful occasion. The online honeymoon and anniversary gift registry is at www.akintravel.com. Akintravel.com offers destination guides, travel resources and much more. Also call (918) 605-2974 for more vacation information.
