You'll remember that, in our last visit, we talked about how we view our suppliers as an important part of the Makarma Travel team. We mentioned we'd be featuring more and more of these good folks as time went on.
Sandals Resorts is one of those great companies. You may recall we had previously been focusing on another supplier for all-inclusive Caribbean vacations. They're still an excellent company but, in our opinion, they're not the overall best. And what does Mr. Makarma promise you our friend? That's right, the best. Overall, we feel Sandals Resorts is the best.
Sandals offers 12 spectacular resorts in the Caribbean, with meals, drinks, entertainment - just about everything - included.
Please check out Sandals Resorts next time you're visiting our website (uh, that should be right now...).
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Saturday, November 05, 2005
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Meet our team
You'll find the phrase "team member" used in a number of ways. In the past, it was most-commonly used to describe fellow players on a sports team. More recently, many companies have adopted it to describe their employees because, Mr. Makarma guesses, these organizations don't want to call their employees "employees", because their employees might not like being called "employees." (Or something like that......)
At Makarma Travel, our team includes many individuals that don't work for us, and many companies that we don't own. They're part of our team, because they help bring success to our mission of being the very best company we can be. Our team members assist us in doing everything they can to help make your next vacation the very best. The Makarma Travel team consists of the very finest airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, car rental and vacation package companies in their respective industries. Right now, many of these companies are featured on our website. In the future, we'll be highlighting more and more of these good folks, the ones we trust to come through each and every time we call upon them.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
At Makarma Travel, our team includes many individuals that don't work for us, and many companies that we don't own. They're part of our team, because they help bring success to our mission of being the very best company we can be. Our team members assist us in doing everything they can to help make your next vacation the very best. The Makarma Travel team consists of the very finest airlines, cruise lines, hotels, resorts, car rental and vacation package companies in their respective industries. Right now, many of these companies are featured on our website. In the future, we'll be highlighting more and more of these good folks, the ones we trust to come through each and every time we call upon them.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Friday, August 26, 2005
Why you should have a Passport
There's been a lot of discussion recently on the impending need for U.S. Passports for American citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico and many parts of the Caribbean. Although the deadline has been extended (Passports were going to be required for travel to many Caribbean islands as of the end of this year), we still recommend applying for a U.S. Passport at the earliest opportunity.
As you're probably already aware, U.S. Passports have been required for travel to many parts of the world for some time. On the other hand, entry from the United States to some of its neighboring countries was traditionally accomplished with only a photo ID and, in some instances, proof of citizenship. Even with the delay in instituting the requirement, the day will probably come when a Passport is required for any foreign travel.
The U.S. Passport application process is straightforward. You'll need two Passport photos, proof of U. S. citizenship, government-issued photo identification, and the $97 payment. You can submit your application at approximately 7000 locations, including many post offices, courts and government offices.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
As you're probably already aware, U.S. Passports have been required for travel to many parts of the world for some time. On the other hand, entry from the United States to some of its neighboring countries was traditionally accomplished with only a photo ID and, in some instances, proof of citizenship. Even with the delay in instituting the requirement, the day will probably come when a Passport is required for any foreign travel.
The U.S. Passport application process is straightforward. You'll need two Passport photos, proof of U. S. citizenship, government-issued photo identification, and the $97 payment. You can submit your application at approximately 7000 locations, including many post offices, courts and government offices.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Sunday, June 26, 2005
Have we got a deal for you......
Although the summer travel season is in full swing, there are still values available for cost-conscious travelers who are able to get away at the last-minute.
We (Mr. Makarma) always recommend booking any trip far in advance. Not only will you find the best selection, you'll also typically get the best prices. Travel suppliers, to encourage early bookings, in most cases guarantee that you'll receive a credit if a price is later reduced. Having said that, suppliers need to fill planes, trains and automobiles (along with ships and resorts), and last-minute bargains can be found. The key to success here, however, is flexibility.
Searching for an Alaska cruise in July? Fares for a week-long trip are currently running about $1200-1300 per person, double occupancy. We can, however, get you on a terrific ship from one of the best-known cruise lines from only $499 per person, double occupancy, on each of the next two weekends. That's an amazing price for an incredible trip of a lifetime.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
We (Mr. Makarma) always recommend booking any trip far in advance. Not only will you find the best selection, you'll also typically get the best prices. Travel suppliers, to encourage early bookings, in most cases guarantee that you'll receive a credit if a price is later reduced. Having said that, suppliers need to fill planes, trains and automobiles (along with ships and resorts), and last-minute bargains can be found. The key to success here, however, is flexibility.
Searching for an Alaska cruise in July? Fares for a week-long trip are currently running about $1200-1300 per person, double occupancy. We can, however, get you on a terrific ship from one of the best-known cruise lines from only $499 per person, double occupancy, on each of the next two weekends. That's an amazing price for an incredible trip of a lifetime.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Get Outta Town !
Admit it, you're emotionally drained from all the excitement surrounding the Royal Wedding. You woke up this morning, and the first thing you said was, "Honey, we need a vacation!" (Of course, if you're single, you may have said something like, "Whoa, I need to stop drinking so much. I need to get more sleep. I need coffee." But that's a story for another time. Let's keep reading, shall we?)
Since you haven't planned your summer vacation yet (admit it, you haven't), you then thought to yourself, "Let me check out the fancy Makarma Travel website for ideas. I'm SURE they can help."
Well, in the spirit of tough love, Mr. Makarma has yet another wonderful idea to hopefully help make your life easier......
The 2005 Makarma Travel "Get Me Outta Town" Survey !
"Survey", you say? Another survey!!!!" Well, in our relentless effort to be the galaxy's best travel-related services company, we'd like to ask you a few questions in order to get to know you better. This survey's going to ask questions which will, in turn, help us plan the type of vacation you really want. It'll be more than a "Where do you want to visit?" survey. It will instead ask you questions such as "What type of food do you like?" and "If you could learn any other language, which one would it be?"
You're getting interested in this survey thing, aren't you? Again, talking to yourself, you're probably saying, "I wonder how I can take this survey." Well, my friend, there are two ways. If you're already part of our mailing list, you should be receiving a survey package in the next couple weeks. If you're not on our mailing list (or not sure), please take a moment to become a Makarma Travel Preferred Customer by visiting http://www.makarmatravel.com/freeplnr.htm Signing up there will also get you a copy of the survey.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Since you haven't planned your summer vacation yet (admit it, you haven't), you then thought to yourself, "Let me check out the fancy Makarma Travel website for ideas. I'm SURE they can help."
Well, in the spirit of tough love, Mr. Makarma has yet another wonderful idea to hopefully help make your life easier......
The 2005 Makarma Travel "Get Me Outta Town" Survey !
"Survey", you say? Another survey!!!!" Well, in our relentless effort to be the galaxy's best travel-related services company, we'd like to ask you a few questions in order to get to know you better. This survey's going to ask questions which will, in turn, help us plan the type of vacation you really want. It'll be more than a "Where do you want to visit?" survey. It will instead ask you questions such as "What type of food do you like?" and "If you could learn any other language, which one would it be?"
You're getting interested in this survey thing, aren't you? Again, talking to yourself, you're probably saying, "I wonder how I can take this survey." Well, my friend, there are two ways. If you're already part of our mailing list, you should be receiving a survey package in the next couple weeks. If you're not on our mailing list (or not sure), please take a moment to become a Makarma Travel Preferred Customer by visiting http://www.makarmatravel.com/freeplnr.htm Signing up there will also get you a copy of the survey.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Europe Travel Made Easy
We're predicting a very busy summer travel season to Europe this year. Although planning such a trip may seem intimidating, it can actually be quite easy.
Many travelers to Europe prefer the hosted tour, a scenario where a tour operator sells a specific tour designed around a pre-set number of cities in a pre-set number of days. Most of these tours are via coach, and are "hosted" by a tour guide.
Others prefer to visit Europe on an independent basis. They prefer to decide where and when they want to visit, how long to stay at each destination, etc. There are companies that also specialize in this form of travel.
A third option is a cruise which visits various ports in a region, along with many of their neighboring cities.
We think each of the options above has its benefits, and invite you to contact us for further assistance when planning a vacation you will long remember.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Many travelers to Europe prefer the hosted tour, a scenario where a tour operator sells a specific tour designed around a pre-set number of cities in a pre-set number of days. Most of these tours are via coach, and are "hosted" by a tour guide.
Others prefer to visit Europe on an independent basis. They prefer to decide where and when they want to visit, how long to stay at each destination, etc. There are companies that also specialize in this form of travel.
A third option is a cruise which visits various ports in a region, along with many of their neighboring cities.
We think each of the options above has its benefits, and invite you to contact us for further assistance when planning a vacation you will long remember.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Sunday, January 09, 2005
Year of the Makarma
Hello. Happy New Year. Long time no talk.
We haven't checked in for awhile, but we promise to do better in the future. A couple random notes, and we'll get back to work:
New Content - You may have noticed a portion of our site has been updated to provide more detailed and more dynamic content. Many of the Carnival Cruise Lines-related pages now allow you to view pricing by sail date. Once you've selected a sailing, you have a choice of phoning us to book, e-mailing us an inquiry or booking directly online. You'll see more of this content in the future, as we continue to partner up with the best companies in the industry.
New Advertising Campaign - The title of our discussion today should provide a hint of things to come in 2005. That's because Makarma Travel will be launching its first inter-global promotional program mid-year. (Inter-global? Well, we are on the internet, aren't we?) Anyway, please stay tuned.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
We haven't checked in for awhile, but we promise to do better in the future. A couple random notes, and we'll get back to work:
New Content - You may have noticed a portion of our site has been updated to provide more detailed and more dynamic content. Many of the Carnival Cruise Lines-related pages now allow you to view pricing by sail date. Once you've selected a sailing, you have a choice of phoning us to book, e-mailing us an inquiry or booking directly online. You'll see more of this content in the future, as we continue to partner up with the best companies in the industry.
New Advertising Campaign - The title of our discussion today should provide a hint of things to come in 2005. That's because Makarma Travel will be launching its first inter-global promotional program mid-year. (Inter-global? Well, we are on the internet, aren't we?) Anyway, please stay tuned.
Return to Makarma Travel Home Page: www.makarmatravel.com
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Experience Paradise
We recently had the opportunity to visit Carnival Cruise Lines' Paradise at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. This ship is eighth in the series of eight Fantasy-class ships from Carnival. She recently replaced Ecstasy in the 3 and 4-night cruise market from Los Angeles, and what an incredible replacement she is !
The Fantasy-class series of ships evolved quite a bit as sister ships were brought on-line. The Paradise, along with close sister Elation - still symbolize Carnival's trademark of fun, but they do it with a wonderful sense of style not always found in earlier "party ships". The style of Paradise evokes an earlier era of cruising, with rooms such as the Normandie theater, Queen Mary lounge and the Majestic casino. This spectacular look, along with the other things Carnival is known for - food, entertainment, activities and service - makes Paradise a great addition to the short cruise market. Paradise visits Ensenada on each cruise, and adds Catalina Island on 4-night vacations.
The Fantasy-class series of ships evolved quite a bit as sister ships were brought on-line. The Paradise, along with close sister Elation - still symbolize Carnival's trademark of fun, but they do it with a wonderful sense of style not always found in earlier "party ships". The style of Paradise evokes an earlier era of cruising, with rooms such as the Normandie theater, Queen Mary lounge and the Majestic casino. This spectacular look, along with the other things Carnival is known for - food, entertainment, activities and service - makes Paradise a great addition to the short cruise market. Paradise visits Ensenada on each cruise, and adds Catalina Island on 4-night vacations.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Kudos to the Cruise Lines
As we write this, Hurricane Frances is in the news, and promises to be an important headline for the next few days. We wanted to take the opportunity to give you a quick overview of how the major cruise lines handle situations such as this.
We love cruising, and know what a high priority guest comfort is to the various lines. As an example, affected cruise ships have made changes in their itineraries the last few days in order to avoid rough seas, if possible. Sometimes itineraries are reversed; other times, ports of call may be changed or canceled.
In the case of Frances, it's important to note the major Florida ports will be closed for ship departures Friday and Saturday. As a result, some cruise ship guests will see their trips either extended (departures earlier this week) or reduced (departures originally scheduled for this weekend). A few weekend cruises have been canceled outright.
The best way to learn about the status of your sailing? Easy. It's your travel agent. If your sailing is going to have an itinerary change, you should have already been contacted (or may soon be contacted) by the cruise line and/or travel agency. We at Makarma Travel have been kept updated throughout the day by our vacation partners. For additional information, please feel free to contact us or visit the various cruise lines' websites. Don't forget to also check with your airline, as air service into Florida airports will most likely be affected.
If you're already in Florida, please stay safe, follow the news and do as the authorities say. When you finally get on your cruise ship, enjoy. Cruising continues to be our favorite way to travel, in sun or rain, in rough seas or calm ones.
We love cruising, and know what a high priority guest comfort is to the various lines. As an example, affected cruise ships have made changes in their itineraries the last few days in order to avoid rough seas, if possible. Sometimes itineraries are reversed; other times, ports of call may be changed or canceled.
In the case of Frances, it's important to note the major Florida ports will be closed for ship departures Friday and Saturday. As a result, some cruise ship guests will see their trips either extended (departures earlier this week) or reduced (departures originally scheduled for this weekend). A few weekend cruises have been canceled outright.
The best way to learn about the status of your sailing? Easy. It's your travel agent. If your sailing is going to have an itinerary change, you should have already been contacted (or may soon be contacted) by the cruise line and/or travel agency. We at Makarma Travel have been kept updated throughout the day by our vacation partners. For additional information, please feel free to contact us or visit the various cruise lines' websites. Don't forget to also check with your airline, as air service into Florida airports will most likely be affected.
If you're already in Florida, please stay safe, follow the news and do as the authorities say. When you finally get on your cruise ship, enjoy. Cruising continues to be our favorite way to travel, in sun or rain, in rough seas or calm ones.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Cruise lines look ahead to 2005
The 2004 Alaska and Europe cruise seasons are not yet wrapped up, but the major cruise lines are already announcing their plans for next year. Ship deployments are at about the same level as this year, with the notable exception of Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival will be accepting delivery of the new Carnival Liberty and, rather than sailing the ship directly to a U.S. port, will first operate a series of Mediterranean cruises next summer.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Visit the Amazon, the Amazon.com that is...
In planning a vacation, there are a couple things you may want to do. First, find a great travel-related services company (uh, that would be Makarma Travel). Second, while we're busy doing the heavy lifting, take the time to learn as much as you can about your destination.
You can do the latter in a number of ways. The internet - the thing you're on right now - is one of the greatest resources. If and when you decide to purchase a guidebook for your vacation destination, consider using Amazon.com for your purchase. Their prices are competitive, their service outstanding, and their selection incredible.
Which guidebooks to buy? Send us an e-mail, and we'll be happy to make a recommendation. We normally prefer Frommer's for some destinations, and Lonely Planet for others. We'll be happy to give you our thoughts for the best resource for you.
You can do the latter in a number of ways. The internet - the thing you're on right now - is one of the greatest resources. If and when you decide to purchase a guidebook for your vacation destination, consider using Amazon.com for your purchase. Their prices are competitive, their service outstanding, and their selection incredible.
Which guidebooks to buy? Send us an e-mail, and we'll be happy to make a recommendation. We normally prefer Frommer's for some destinations, and Lonely Planet for others. We'll be happy to give you our thoughts for the best resource for you.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
'Tis the season......for what ?
Timing can be everything when it comes to travel planning. For example, the 2004 Alaska cruise season is nearing its end (it normally runs from May to September). If you're interested in seeing the 49th state with the help of a luxurious cruise ship, either plan on going very quickly (with extremely limited availability) or plan for a cruise next year (it's definitely not too early to book now).
Now, some additional random notes......
"Hurricane season" in the Caribbean typically runs from June to November, but we seem to see some of the heaviest hurricane activity in the August/September period. Naturally, there's no way to predict whether this means it's going to be a mild season or if the worst is yet to come. Should this keep you from taking a cruise now? Well, it wouldn't keep us from a cruise now (hardly anything does), but people ask about the season, so......
Look for additional competition/choices in the Mexican Riviera cruise markets beginning in late September, as additional capacity is added to the Los Angeles and San Diego ports.
Airfare to Europe might seem expensive now, but the seasonal Fall/Winter price drops will offer significant savings very soon. Ask us about these now.
Sandals Whitehouse, the company's newest resort in Jamaica, will be opening in February 2005. This all-inclusive not only looks like it'll be incredible, it's currently being offered at some outstanding rates (50% off) for 2005 stays booked now. If you've ever thought about visiting Sandals, this quite possibly is the time and place to do it. (Don't blame us if you miss out on this deal......)
Did you wake up this morning and decide you wanted to visit the Athens Olympic Games - you know, the ones which start this Friday? Yes, we can still get you there.
Questions ? Comments ?
Now, some additional random notes......
"Hurricane season" in the Caribbean typically runs from June to November, but we seem to see some of the heaviest hurricane activity in the August/September period. Naturally, there's no way to predict whether this means it's going to be a mild season or if the worst is yet to come. Should this keep you from taking a cruise now? Well, it wouldn't keep us from a cruise now (hardly anything does), but people ask about the season, so......
Look for additional competition/choices in the Mexican Riviera cruise markets beginning in late September, as additional capacity is added to the Los Angeles and San Diego ports.
Airfare to Europe might seem expensive now, but the seasonal Fall/Winter price drops will offer significant savings very soon. Ask us about these now.
Sandals Whitehouse, the company's newest resort in Jamaica, will be opening in February 2005. This all-inclusive not only looks like it'll be incredible, it's currently being offered at some outstanding rates (50% off) for 2005 stays booked now. If you've ever thought about visiting Sandals, this quite possibly is the time and place to do it. (Don't blame us if you miss out on this deal......)
Did you wake up this morning and decide you wanted to visit the Athens Olympic Games - you know, the ones which start this Friday? Yes, we can still get you there.
Questions ? Comments ?
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Can you hear me now ?
We're oftentimes asked why we first started selling travel. The reason is simple, but twofold. First, we were convinced we'd do a better job than anyone else in the travel business. (We do indeed enjoy helping make dreams come true.) Second, we knew travel was something we truly believed in.
The latter reason above is why we didn't enter the cell phone business. We mean, yes, of course we believe that cell phone service exists. What we're not convinced of is that cell service will be good anytime soon. As only one example, we completed a cell phone call with a friend just a few minutes ago. A major portion of the conversation was spent saying things like "Can you hear me now?" and "Hello, hello, hello?" In order to be heard, we needed to speak loud enough that we probably woke people up from their slumbers half a world away. (We're not sure we're even that loud when we're at UCLA Bruin basketball games.)
Is cell phone service THAT bad everywhere? Not in Europe, from what we've seen. Traveling on a high-speed train from Rome to Paris with the beautiful Alps along our side (and literally miles from the nearest city), we saw countless people using their cell phones. Nobody was yelling, and we doubt anyone was saying "Can you hear me now?" in Italian or French.
Maybe reason #1 above is good justification for us eventually entering the cell phone business. What do you think......Makarma Cellular. Well, maybe later. For now, we're going to keep doing what we do best. The office fax machine is busy right now printing out the latest cruise bargains from one of our best suppliers. We're also busy preparing a postcard mailing to our customer list. And, of course, we need to read up on the weekly trades to make sure there's nothing we're missing.
Your thoughts?
The latter reason above is why we didn't enter the cell phone business. We mean, yes, of course we believe that cell phone service exists. What we're not convinced of is that cell service will be good anytime soon. As only one example, we completed a cell phone call with a friend just a few minutes ago. A major portion of the conversation was spent saying things like "Can you hear me now?" and "Hello, hello, hello?" In order to be heard, we needed to speak loud enough that we probably woke people up from their slumbers half a world away. (We're not sure we're even that loud when we're at UCLA Bruin basketball games.)
Is cell phone service THAT bad everywhere? Not in Europe, from what we've seen. Traveling on a high-speed train from Rome to Paris with the beautiful Alps along our side (and literally miles from the nearest city), we saw countless people using their cell phones. Nobody was yelling, and we doubt anyone was saying "Can you hear me now?" in Italian or French.
Maybe reason #1 above is good justification for us eventually entering the cell phone business. What do you think......Makarma Cellular. Well, maybe later. For now, we're going to keep doing what we do best. The office fax machine is busy right now printing out the latest cruise bargains from one of our best suppliers. We're also busy preparing a postcard mailing to our customer list. And, of course, we need to read up on the weekly trades to make sure there's nothing we're missing.
Your thoughts?
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Day One - The new TravelBlog by Makarma
Welcome to the new TravelBlog by Makarma !
TravelBlog by Makarma is a new feature which allows our staff to constantly update our readers with the latest in travel news. We'll focus on the types of stories you may not find elsewhere. Our goal is to help make you a better-informed traveler.
Check back with us every few days. Our goal is to make TravelBlog by Makarma your first choice for travel news !
TravelBlog by Makarma is a new feature which allows our staff to constantly update our readers with the latest in travel news. We'll focus on the types of stories you may not find elsewhere. Our goal is to help make you a better-informed traveler.
Check back with us every few days. Our goal is to make TravelBlog by Makarma your first choice for travel news !
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