Top Places to Spend New Years Eve

It doesn't matter where you are in the world... New Years Eve is reason to celebrate. Drinks pouring, dancing all night, making questionable decisions type celebrating. If you're an active traveler looking to make New Years Eve a night you will never forget then check out these 3 destinations.

New York

New Years Eve in Times Square is the classic New Years travel experience... You really can't go wrong. Catch the ball dropping with a hundreds of thousands plus crowd and millions at home. Then head for a night/early morning out experiencing New York's famed nightlife. It's an experience that every traveler should be a part of at least once. You'll come home with stories to tell for the entire year... the details just might be a little fuzzy.

Las Vegas

I can personally say that New Years Eve in Las Vegas will either be a night you will never forget... or a night you will never remember. Either way, Las Vegas goes all out with its New Years celebration. Concerts & shows, mobile street bars, and an 8 hotel firework show are more than enough to kick off the New Year on a great note. Plus, it's Vegas... midnight means that things are just getting started!

Miami

Miami's club scene comes alive on New Years Eve! (I know... it's never anything less but you catch my drift). Theme parties, fireworks, celebrity concerts, and an open bar scene, Miami offers everything you need for a wild start to the New Year. Make it a long weekend and take advantage of the beach for a day or 2 afterwards... you're going to need it.

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Brandon Johnson, CTA
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Happy Holidays!

I just wanted to take a moment and wish all of my readers out there a Happy Holiday season! Be safe in your holiday travels, and I hope everyone has a great start to the New Year! 

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Brandon Johnson, CTA
www.twitter.com/bjohnsonCTA

Alfred's - A Real Jamaican Night in Negril

I get asked all the time about local restaurants or things to do off-the-beaten path by people. Today I was talking with a client about his upcoming trip to Negril, Jamaica and he presented me with that very question. Luckily there is one spot that always stands out in my mind as a good place to visit in Negril.... Alfred's.

My last visit to Jamaica was a weeklong stay on 7 Mile Beach in Negril, Jamaica. Despite any reputation that may precede it, I have a not-so-secret love affair with the island of Jamaica. The very first stamp that I ever recieved in my passport is from Jamaica, and over the years I've built countless friendships that have come in handy on more than a few occasions.

It was on a night of this very trip that I decided to venture out with some local friends. In a town known for its layed back feel and sprawling beaches, I didnt really know how much we could get into. When I think of nightlife in Jamaica my mind usually drifts north to Montego Bay. Much to my surprise the night ended up being one of my favorites not only on this trip, but in all of my travels.

Alfred's Ocean Palace Negril, or simply Alfred's, is a small beach restaurant and bar in town. From the outside it looked like a small restaraunt down by the sand. We payed our 300 Ja (about $3.50 US) at the front gate and started down a crowded walkway towards the beach. The sound of reggae music pulsed from off in the near distance.

Its worth pointing out that Alfred's is open to everyone but, as a tourist, you will stand out. At night, I'd advise that you dont let anyone put anything in your hands unless its a Redstripe from the bartender. Just take my word for it.

The draw of Alfred's isnt in the cheap beer or the crowds of people laughing, jamming, and carrying on. The allure of Alfred's is definitely the live reggae shows on the beach. There's just something so aunthically Jamaican about a local live reggae show. Add in some Redstripes and put it on the sand and... you've got yourself a serious party.

Local people, local music, local beer. I spent the night... and the early morning... dancing, drinking, and making new friends. The show was amazing with each set and artist flowing one into another all night. I met a group of Spanish tourists who frequent the island and they told me that they come to Alfred's every time they're on island to hang with the locals. As the night came to a close I looked around and thought back to the night I had just had. When I left my resort I had expected to have a good time but... I really wasn't prepared for what I had just experienced. It might not be for everyone, but that's my kind of night.

The next day I decide to hit the pool for a bit before lunch. As I walk down the path from my room I can already see the pool area packed with people. It's already 5o'clock somewhere... even though its only 11:00am in Jamaica... haha. I see people gathered around the pool bar and my eyes drift to the speakers playing music out over the pool. I have to take a moment to have a laugh to myself. Everyone is having a blast in Jamaica... if only everyone knew what they were missing out on...

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Brandon Johnson, CTA
www.twitter.com/bjohnsonCTA

Start 2012 Travel Planning Early

It’s the same problem every year. I’ve waited until last minute to book my trip and now A) It will be very expensive or B) There is no availability for the flight/resort/tour that I wanted.

With airlines consolidating and cutting flights another 2% next year on top of record capacity numbers there is less flight availability than ever. If you wait until last minute, your airfare cost WILL be considerably higher than booking well in advance. That is not to say that you absolutely cannot find value flights out there. It just means that if you do decide to take the gamble, you have to be prepared to accept the consequence of higher prices and worse seating.

The other aspect that you have to take into account in your planning time is that many people are returning to leisure travel after taking time off due to the recession. While there are low seasons in which resorts have plenty of space, it still pays to plan well in advance for 2 reasons. First, if you lock in the room category that you prefer well in advance, you do not run the risk of having to choose from what’s leftover for those last minute bookings. Second, if you lock in a rate and a special becomes available later down the road, many resorts will honor the lower pricing even though you are already booked.

If you don’t have any interest in getting the flights you would like, and the room category you prefer, for a better price then by all means feel free to wait until the last minute. If you do value these things then it definitely pays to plan ahead.

Begin your 2012 travel planning at Toll Free: 888-898-3628!

- Brandon Johnson, CTA

Under Construction

The Young Travel Proffesional is currently undergoing construction for a 2012 relaunch. I apologize for the inconvenience but there are great things coming your way!


Brandon Johnson, CTA
Follow: @bjohnsonCTA

Silversea Cruises Launches New Entertainment Program

SILVERSEA PARTNERS WITH CHOOZI ENTERTAINMENT TO LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE NEW ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAM


Ultra-luxury Silversea Cruises has just launched an exclusive new entertainment program in partnership with Choozi Entertainment.

In a move away from traditional production shows, the new concert-style concept will feature an outstanding cast of classically trained vocalists and musicians performing a lively celebration of music from Motown to opera to pop and rock. The star-studded cast and production team are headed by visionary director and choreographer Christopher Childers and his sister, Suzanne Childers.

The revamp also includes performers appearing in the more intimate lounges of each ship to showcase songbooks of composers, such as Lennon and McCartney, or perform songs from such Broadway musicals as Les Misérables.

The new entertainment offerings debuted on the October 24th sailing of Silver Cloud, with additional shows opening on Silver Whisper, Silver Wind and Silver Shadow. The program will also be rolled out to Silver Spirit in March 2012. From rock and electronica to dance pop, famous stars come to life as costumes are pulled from a trunk and the performers become one music legend after the next!



For More Information on Silversea Cruises visit http://www.silversea.com/
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Brandon Johnson, CTA
www.twitter.com/bjohnsonCTA

Introducing: The Young Travel Pro Daily

As a partner to The Young Travel Pro Blog I have started The Young Travel Pro Daily, a daily online travel publication. Featured are articles regarding a wide range of travel topics. Please feel free to share any that may peak your interest.

You can also Follow, RT, and Reply To the contributors of the featured articles by hovering over their icon. Thank you for taking the time to read The Young Travel Pro Daily, I hope you enjoy it!

Brandon Johnson, CTA
Follow: @bjohnsonCTA

Read The Young Travel Pro Daily Here

The Luxury Travel Expo & Young Leaders Conference 2010

On December 7-9, 2010 I had the privilege of attending The Luxury Travel Expo, the premier travel tradeshow in North America. Accompanying the expo was The Inaugural Young Leaders Conference, a special conference open to industry leaders under 40. The LTE provides educational opportunities and access to suppliers to help build the luxury travel market. The YLC is targeted at the growth of the future leaders of the travel industry through educational opportunities and networking with peers.
The first positive outcome of my attendance at the LTE & YLC was the opportunity to form new supplier relationships. We cannot succeed in this industry without products to pass on to our clients and the LTE provided an amazing venue to meet new suppliers and gain insights on their products. As a result of attending the show, there are several new suppliers that my company is currently doing business with, and we have been able to widen our product base. Relationship building is definitely one of the most positive outcomes of attending.

Being able to Network with industry peers was definitely a positive outcome of attending these events. At both the LTE and the YLC I was able to start and build on relationships with my peers in the industry. As a result I have many more people that I can reach out to when I am in need of advice or assistance. Having these new relationships has also helped me in getting myself out there more, and building recognition of both myself and my business. I have definitely taken a greater interest in trying to be an ambassador for our industry, as well as taken further steps to add to my own credibility and education as a result of attending these events.

The main outcome that I was able to take away from the LTE &YLC was a greater understanding of the luxury market. Through the various classes and events I was able to participate in, I came away with invaluable new insights and knowledge of the luxury client and the luxury travel market. Throughout the 3 days of the event, I participated in 10 seminars covering a wide range of luxury travel, marketing, and sales topics from some of the industry’s elite. Topics ranged from “Tackling the Generational Gap in Luxury Sales” to “Social Savvy U” which focused on utilizing social media for the luxury travel market. My expectations were definitely exceeded.

All in all, The Luxury Travel Expo & Young Leaders Conference was a great event to attend. The opportunities to meet new suppliers, network with industry peers, and better understand the luxury travel market were invaluable. They are events that I would recommend to anyone interested.

This year, The Luxury Travel Expo & Young Leaders Conference will take place from December 5-8, 2011. It looks to be even better from last year. If you are a Young Travel Proffessional I would definitely recommend it.
 
 
Brandon Johnson, CTA
Follow: @bjohnsonCTA

No competition? Carnival Cruise Line Remains THE ONLY cruise line to sail from Norfolk, Va!

There isnt an industry on this planet that doesnt operate with competition every day. The Cruise Line Industry is certainly no exception to the rule... if not one of the prime examples. Cruise Lines are locked in a constant competition to provide dream vacations on the world's waterways. Every once in a while though, a Cruise Line has it's chance to shine aside from masses. So where is it that Carnival Cruise Line finds itself the king of the cruising world?... the port of Norfolk, VA. Carnival Cruise Line is THE ONLY Cruise Line that operates in the port of Norfolk with their ship, The Carnival Glory. It's an interesting fact when you consider that Norfolk is also home to the largest naval base in the world... yes, the world.  So, a special thanks to Carnival Cruise Line for remaining THE ONLY cruise line to sail from Norfolk, VA. Our local community appreciates our great partnership. While there are efforts to get other lines and ships into the port of Norfolk, it seems that for now... The Carnival Glory will retain all the glory.

Back to Blogging

Hello Friends!

I've decided to get back to the blogging world. After taking some time away to really focus on my clients and career I think that it's time to get back to connecting with the online world. You can expect weekly posts dealing with a range of travel topics. From Luxury Travel to Leisure Travel, Cruises to Resorts, Destinations, and everything in between. If you havent had the chance yet make sure to follow me on Twitter at @_thetravelguy.

Posting soon!