Making Moments Count

Over the past couple of years the economy has been on a rollercoaster ride, to say the least. Things are not turning around as fast as those in the government have promised. But I'm not here to make a political statement; that's not my expertise. I'm a travel agent. Yeah, you're right: I make money by your traveling, so naturally I want you to travel, and I want your business. However, that is not the sole reason that I'm penning this article. I want you to consider how these times add pressure to your life and your family. Most companies are asking us to do more at work with fewer people and in the same amount of time, if you are an hourly employee. But if you are on salary, now you can easily find yourself putting in 60 or 70 hours per week when you used to do 40 or 45. Why? Because the work is there and the boss expects it done.

This is where I come it. Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, calls the seventh habit—and it might be the most important, the one we tend to neglect the most—"sharpening the saw." He discusses how we work very hard at our jobs weeks and weeks on end. As a result, we don't spend the proper time with our families. Our children grow up in the blink of an eye, and after time has passed, we can't get that back.

I know with both my children and stepdaughters, time has just flown by. I look back and wish I would have taken that afternoon with them to take a walk, play a board game, or just talk. Now all three of my girls have graduated from college and are starting lives of their own. My son is in high school, and before too long he will be in college. I say all of that to say this: Why? Why do we let these moments pass? Even as I am writing this blog, I wonder if there is something that I should be doing with my kids. And what about my wife, a lady who has dedicated her life to our kids and who has sacrificed more for us than I'll ever know?

Time. I'm talking about time. We only have so much of it in the bank. We really can't add to it, and each second we make a withdrawal. And it’s not like our checking accounts: We can't overdraw, and when the time bank is empty, we step into eternity. Where is your eternity? If you know Jesus as your savior, your designation is Heaven to reign with Him forever. If you don't know Him as your savior, your eternity is not very bright. If you don't know what I'm talking about, please check out the Plan of Salvation on my church's website.

So the point of today’s blog is this: Don't let this time pass. There are a lot of inexpensive travel deals out there, and I pride myself in being able to find something to fit almost anyone's budget. Anything you can do to get away with your loved ones will help you recharge and reconnect. September is fast approaching, and after Labor Day, the hotels around the beach areas offer great deals. I know the kids are back in school, but you know what? School is school, and it will be there until they are 18 years old and beyond. What would it hurt to pull them out of school for two or three days for a long weekend? We would take Tiffany and Courtney out for a week at a time on a cruise in September or October. Their teachers knew well in advance and would give them the assignments they‘d be missing. You tell me what’s more fun: doing schoolwork in a classroom, looking out the same old windows, or doing homework for a couple hours a day on a cruise ship sailing in the Caribbean?

We at Agape Travel will work with you, setting up payment plans with low deposits. When should you start planning? Now! I have prices for cruises through 2013. Also, know that Disney requires just a small deposit for their parks, and final payment isn’t due until about 90 days out. I will be more than happy to set up a layaway type of plan for you. You make the deposit and monthly or biweekly payments that fit your budget, and before you know it, your family vacation is paid for! Want to save more? Set up a group. A lot of hotels and resorts give comp rooms for as few as ten rooms booked. Cruise lines give one free cabin per fifteen cabins or one berth for every eight cabins.

So, if you need to sharpen the saw and you need some ideas to make it happen, let's talk. I'm sure we can find something for your family. Don’t waste another precious moment!

Happy Sailing,

Rick

Cruising for ARC: February 2012

I really love working with nonprofit groups, helping them raise the much-needed money to support their causes. There are some organizations out there that really need our help in this time of lean wallets. During the past few years I know the American Red Cross has really had to help people through a number of natural disasters, not to mention the daily assistance it gives families displaced by fires, emergency evacuations, or other accidents. I know here in Raleigh, we have had some apartment fires that have displaced dozens of families, not to mention widespread tornado damage. No matter what, it always seems like the American Red Cross is there.

Not only does the Red Cross assist in local emergencies and natural disasters, it helps save lives on a daily basis. Every pint of blood collected can save as many as three lives. So if you donate a gallon of blood over time—that’s eight pints—24 lives have been impacted through just one person. Wow! Taking 30 minutes of your time, undergoing a small bit of discomfort, can make a big difference someone you don’t even know. And how about CPR and first-aid training? Who knows how many lives these have saved over the years? I know that I personally used these skills countless times during my careers in the medical and law enforcement fields, and I know of at least three people who are alive today because I knew how to do CPR.

I feel it’s now time for us to give back. To do that, Agape Travel is sponsoring a fundraising cruise called “Cruising for ARC.” The cruise will be on the Carnival Ecstasy. We will sail from Port Canaveral on February 13 and visit three fabulous ports of call.

Nassau, Bahamas, is on Paradise Island, named such because it’s like being in paradise. The warm ocean breeze, crystal clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, and world-class shopping make this port of call one of the most popular in cruising. The next day, we visit Freeport, Bahamas. Another beach-lovers’ destination, the golf, deep-sea fishing, and world-class resorts make Freeport another very popular stop for cruise ships. The next port of call is Key West, the southernmost point of the continental United States. This tropical destination is one that you will not soon forget. The ship docks right in the middle of downtown, which makes shopping easy and fun. There are also great museums, and let’s not forget Ernest Hemingway’s house and his famous six-toed cats.

What a great vacation, and what a great cause! For every cabin that is sold, Agape Travel will donate $100 to the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. Each cabin will also receive a $100 shipboard credit to be used on the ship however you want. So let’s get on board and support our Triangle Area ARC. They do so much to help our community; I want to do something to help them. I want to give back, and I hope you will support this effort.

The cruise is $500 for an inside stateroom and $550 for an oceanview stateroom. We will have several private get-togethers, including a welcome aboard party. We are planning guest speakers and entertainment just for us. So, get on board! Normally on a five-day cruise like this, the deposit is $200 per person; but working with Carnival, we are able to offer a reduced deposit of $50 per person (fully refundable) that will hold your space. The reduced deposit is only available through September 4. Your next payment of $200 isn’t due until October 1, and final payment is due December 1, 2011.

This would be a great Christmas present for someone special. Give it to him or her on Christmas morning, and since the cruise is over the Valentine’s holiday, simultaneously give the love of your life an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. But most importantly, you are giving back to the organization that has given our community so much. Book today while there is room. We have a limited number of oceanview and inside staterooms which will go fast. If you would like to book a suite or take the kids along, give me a call, and I can make the arrangements to accommodate families.

If you have any questions or would like more information, just give me a call at 919-971-9836 or email rick@agapecruisetravel.com. Also follow us on Facebook! We are Agape Travel, and we want to be your travel agency for life.

To learn more about the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, please visit www.triangleredcross.org.

Thanks,

Rick