Ep.170 – Jill Benedict – Planning Family Vacations: Cruise or All-Inclusive Resort
Where do you want to take your family on vacation? What vacation would work best for you and your family?
These are the questions I explored with Jill Benedict, our resident vacation planning expert. Jill and I explore the various vacation options, including cruises and all-inclusive resorts, and provide insights on choosing the best vacation type based on family needs and preferences.
Our conversation delves into the differences between cruise experiences and resort stays, highlighting factors such as room size, activities, and nightlife. We also touch on important budgeting for vacations, including drink packages and overall costs, helping you navigate your travel decisions effectively.
Jill and I discuss the various aspects of travel planning, focusing on the cost comparisons between cruises and all-inclusive resorts, the hidden costs associated with theme park vacations, and the importance of budgeting for excursions. We also delve into managing additional costs on cruises, the best times to book, looking for deals, and future travel topics such as Europe and Alaska.
Please enjoy my conversation with Jill Benedict.
Connect with Paul
Contact Paul here or schedule a time to meet with Paul here.
Follow Paul on LinkedIn.
And feel free to email Paul at pfenner@tammacapital.com with any feedback, questions, or ideas for future guests and topics.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES YOU MAY LIKE
1 Big Idea to Think About
Family vacation planning should prioritize individual preferences, the need for relaxation versus activity, and budget considerations, with cruises often providing cost-effective and varied experiences compared to all-inclusive resorts.
1 Way You Can Apply This
Plan your family vacation strategically by booking early for cost savings, monitoring deals during peak sales periods, and carefully evaluating optional expenses like drink packages and excursions. Leveraging a travel agency can further streamline the process and enhance your experience.
1 Question to Ask
Do I prefer a vacation experience focused on convenience and staying in one place, like an all-inclusive resort, or one that offers exploration and variety, like a cruise?
Key Moments From the Show
09:35 Discussion about all-inclusive resorts vs. cruises, highlighting the pros and cons of each.
11:14 Paul and Jill dive into cost considerations, comparing prices between cruises and resorts.
15:08 Jill shares insights on drink packages and how they impact budgeting for vacations.
21:45 Considerations for families, emphasizing the benefits and potential challenges of cruises.
32:40 Strategies for planning family vacations, focusing on different types of vacations like Disney World.
35:59 Jill's advice for European travel with families, considering hotel room sizes and booking multiple rooms.
39:12 Discussing the quality and price variability of all-inclusive resorts, and Jill’s budget-friendly cruise recommendations.
43:07 Child care concerns on cruises vs. resorts, and feeling secure about supervision.
46:25 Planning budget-friendly cruise vacations and the benefits of complimentary services and activities.
54:18 Jill’s role in assisting clients with cruise bookings, securing deals, and monitoring sales.
56:45 Tips on rebooking for savings using Black Friday and early booking strategies.
1:08:29 Cruise deposits and cost management, including tips on handling gratuities and booking periods for the best deals.
1:15:37 Information about Jill’s travel agency and the additional benefits offered to clients.
Resources Featured in This Episode:
Wishes and Wonders Travel Agency
How to Master and Save Money on Family Vacations
The Ultimate Guide to Stress-Free Family Vacation Planning