Mom Approved Travel - Christy Slavik, CTA

07/27/2024

Picture yourself on the breath-taking beaches of the Caribbean with an offer you absolutely can’t miss! An escape to the Caribbean promises new experiences at every turn—both on board and off. 🌊

Book with Celebrity Cruises and get bonus savings of up to $200 on the trip of a lifetime. 🚢

07/25/2024

We had a feeling this was coming, but what do you think about:
-Assigned and Premium Seating coming
-Redeye flights starting mid-February 2025!

https://swamedia.com/releases/release-66ab759a702a76e0bcb37c45465c6a58-southwest-airlines-launches-enhancements-to-transform-customer-experience-and-improve-financial-performance?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR0RmRvCa69ABT1K__6_mco65O78oHuMoo3gylpizNCCltVz1gD48YTrsso_aem_5a4bfnDKkeToCqUlHFK0Gg

As the next step in a continuing strategic transformation, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) (the “Company”) is announcing several new initiatives designed to elevate the Customer experience, improve financial performance, and drive Shareholder value.

07/23/2024

ELEVATE YOUR JOURNEY.
The Retreat is an exclusive, elevated suite life section on select Celebrity Cruises ships that offers a true VIP experience to discerning guests. Stunning accommodations blend indoor and outdoor living spaces, while premium amenities provide next-level comfort. Guests of The Retreat have special access to a private sundeck (on select ships), restaurant, and lounge, as well as a dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and butlers ready to tend to every need.

07/22/2024

Sail without a single kid onboard!
💥Cruise Night IS TONIGHT💥

Learn what it means to SET SAIL THE VIRGIN WAY with Virgin Voyages!

Join me, several of my Advisors, along with members of the Virgin Voyages Sales Crew to hear about all the excitement and BRAND NEW ITINERARIES sailing out of:
❤️New York
❤️Miami
❤️and LA!

Today Monday, July 22 7PM - 7:30PM CST

🚢 Sailing Caribbean, Mediterranean, UK, Iceland, Norway, Bahamas - Featuring Beach Club at Bimini - Virgin's Private Beach Club
*
🚢 Adults Only - No Kids! *Food + Tips + WiFi + Basic Bevvies + Fitness Classes - $1000 Value
*
🚢 Find out about the latest promotions and offers, including an exclusive booking offer, of up to $200 OBC!

PLEASE CLICK BELOW TO REGISTER:
https://t.ly/HLvAM

You will need to enter my email address and name: [email protected]

🍷Grab a cocktail or glass of wine, hop on, say HI, and join a 30-minute webinar to learn about it all! 💕

AHOY Sailors! Get ready to set sail on an unforgettable journey from the comfort of your own home! We are thrilled to invite you to our Virtual Sailor Open House, where we'll be highlighting Virgin Voyages' latest promotions and offers, as well as the exotic and unforgettable destinations we sail to...

07/22/2024

Check out my feature in the HuffPost article about the importance of having a “family meeting” before you leave for a family vacation to minimize stress and drama 💕

We love when our members get media hits!

Check out this article by HuffPost for tips and tricks from travel advisors to ensure a smooth family vacation ⤵️
https://bit.ly/3zM6r4l

ASTA members featured include:
Jeni Chaffer
Kayla LeClerc
Sonia Bhagwan
Melissa Sanchez
Christy Slavik
Gina Guerrero
James Kitchen
Jennifer Hardy
Hana Seyoum

If you don't want to miss out on the chance to be featured in major news publications, join our Facebook Member Lounge where we regularly post opportunities from the media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ASTAMEMBERLOUNGE/

07/21/2024

Yesterday was another busy day in the Port of Galveston, as I toured the Carnival Jubilee, an Excel class ship which is part of the “new era of Carnival Crusing” which offers a convenient cruise option for some of my local and “Galveston is drive-able” families.

My quick thoughts:
This ship offers a LOT to do. Like a lot.
Carnival has been known to as the FUN ship, and while I definitely think they are FUN, this ship allows you to define FUN your way… with a few more chill areas, dedicated family space, and my favorite- the Havana area, with cabins for 12+.

And I like the Family Harbor area, where parents can cruise with solidarity surrounded by other young families.

Want to take your little league baseball team to an after season team cruise, or sail with your family? The Jubilee might be a good fit for you.

Want to talk more about it? Happy to! You just have to start the conversation 😜

07/18/2024

COME ONE, COME ALL. Celebrity Cruises offers something for all kinds of travelers, but I reallly love how multigenerational families can come together to enjoy meals and more as a family onboard!

Camp at Sea and Teen Club provides younger guests with developmentally appropriate activities for their age group and the chance to make new friends and have fun!

For Neuro-divergent families: Celebrity offers autism-friendly interactive initiatives for families, such as sensory-friendly films and toys, dietary menu options, and autism-friendly products and services for children to adults.

For guests who prefer single staterooms, they’ll find options that include the incredible Edge Single Staterooms with Infinity Verandas.

A family cruise is EASY with Celebrity as there are things for everyone do both on their own, and to come together!

💌 [email protected]
🔗 momapprovedtravel.com/quote

07/16/2024

THIS is my kind of Prime Day!

I find the best way to save on Prime Day, is to stay off Amazon.

Instead, I will use those funds for a deposit on my next Universal vacation so I can make memories with my people!

Ready to rollout? There’s plenty of time still this summer and this year!
Momapprovedtravel.com/quote

07/13/2024

Hope your Saturday plans have you smiling!

📷 from It's a Small World in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World

07/11/2024

No matter what it’s called…
FastPass. Genie+. Lightning Lane MultiPass.
I’ve got your back.

07/08/2024

Hey friends! I am located in Northwest Houston (where the blue dot is), and Hurricane Beryl decided to come visit.

We are FINE, but some major electrical transmission lines were damaged and we are without power (possible for a few days) and cell phone signals are spotty at best right now.

If you need something, please either message here or email [email protected] and hopefully we will have power (and a/c) soon 🙃

If it is urgent, I do have advisors in other parts of the country that can assist if needed :)

07/07/2024

Houston girl here. The Port of Houston is closing operations and flights are being cancelled in the Houston area.

This is another compelling reason to have Travel Protection on every. Single trip.

Our Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas clients scheduled to embark tomorrow morning I’ll instead be sailing on Tuesday for a shortened cruise.

Thankfully our client getting off Harmony of the Seas this morning we’re all local and able to drive home without messing with flights.

We do have some MAT families who I’ll spend an extra day or two in Florida and California due to flight cancellations, but thankfully most had travel protection to take care of those unplanned expenses for additional hotel nights, meals etc. Some are going to hit the pools, while others are using this as an opportunity for a bonus day at the theme parks!

We pray Beryl’s effects on Houston and surrounding areas will be minor, that flooding will not be an issue, and that we all get to keep power and mostly our air conditioning in this heat!🔥

Thankful for the emergency personnel, CenterPoint and everyone else with folks already in place who serve our communities!

Galveston Wharves offices will be closed Monday, July 8, due to Tropical Storm Beryl. Also, on Sunday, July 7, the port advised port tenants and employees working at the port to cease operations and vacate the premises in anticipation of flooding and high winds in and around the port complex through Monday. In the event of a port-related emergency, call (409) 766-6169.

07/06/2024

Early Theme Park Entry is a great benefit for onsite Walt Disney World guests IF you have early morning people.

Your people *don’t magically become early birds* on vacation 😜 especially on day 3 or 4!

Check out Christy Slavik -Travel Advisor’s video.

07/04/2024

I hope you all have a safe and blessed 🇺🇸 July 4th 🇺🇸 holiday with your people making core memories doing all of the things.

I also wanted to share one of my FAVORITE attractions that gets me weepy (in the best way) everytime I visit Epcot. A lot of folks pass it by, but DON'T. If you find yourself feeling a little grinchy, this is an incredible place to rekindle a love of American History- the classic animatronic show, The American Adventure, told by Ben Franklin and Mark Twain. It's really pretty great.
(and is seated in the a/c as a bonus)

And for those who have been, here are some familiar lyrics to get that beautiful composition in your head today:

America, spread your golden wings
Sail on freedom's wind, across the sky.
Great bird, with your golden dreams
flying high, flying high.

Restless one in a world of change,
keeping dreams aloft in the rain.
Spirit free, soaring through the clouds
of time, of time.

America, you must keep dreaming now
Dreaming the promised vow of your pioneers
America, keep on flying now.
Keep your spirit free.
Facing new frontiers.

America, spread your golden wings
Sail on freedom's wind across the sky.
Great bird with your golden dreams,
Flying high, flying high,
Flying high, flying high!

Be safe, have fun!🇺🇸

07/03/2024

Hurricane Season is here, and the 2024 season is coming in strong early this year - very rude.

🌀As a 40-something Texas Gulf Coast resident, I know a thing or two about hurricane prep and when to be concerned, when to monitor and when to hunker down.
🌀As a Travel Advisor for nearly 10 years, I know a thing or two about traveling during hurricane season.

First, those rechargable battery packs you bought for Disney or general travel?
👉They should be charged at home just because (for power outages, hurrricanes, or if your battery runs out while you are playing in a theme park).
🛑 So stop right now, go find yours and plug it in, then come back to finish reading.

Second, TRAVEL INSURANCE is your friend.
✨This is NOT where to save on your trip. I'll show you better places to save.
✨If you have had a consult with me and your trip falls between June 1 to Dec 1, or you are on a cruise, or leaving the country, you know my stance is a hard one. GET TRAVEL Insurance.
👉 Fun fact: Travel Insurance MUST be purchased before a storm is named (which is the case with most insurance like flood etc)

Third, know the resorts, the cruise lines and the like, do NOT want you in danger.
They will make judgement calls based on trusted meterological sources to keep YOU and their staff safe.
👉 Saftey wins over convenience every. single. time.

You may wonder, how do different vacation destinations react to a storm? Well it depends on the destination and the severity.

🏝 Resorts in the Caribbean, Bahamas or Mexico may choose to close, evacuate, move guests from lower floors, move guests to an evacauation center, close reataurants but offer meals in a central location like a conference center, etc.
Depends on the location/resort/severity.

🛳 Cruises are mobile, they can move out of the way, so they may change itineraries/ports, stay at sea far away for an extra day or two, or the cruise line could cancel the cruise all together.

🎢 Theme parks destinations like Disney or Universal may close the parks for a half day, full day etc and offer meals at the resorts.
Last hurricane when the parks had to be closed, boxed meals were available and characters were available in lobbies that interior hallways which did not require guests to walk outdoors)

Each of these destinations have SOLID hurricane policies and plans in place and it is NOT in their best interest to put you or their staff in danger. They are also very aware of staff needs for their families and homes, which absolutely factor into their decisions, and are a priority (as they should be).

How do I help during travel?
✨I have a plan B, C, and D already formulating if we see trouble coming during your dates and guide you through the option you feel comfortable with.
✨I work with your destination while you vacation or pack/unpack to shift things around, leave early, extend etc.
✨I have relationships, contacts and resources at my disposal to get information and options quickly and accurately.

Traveling during hurricane season is doable, but you HAVE to be flexible and remember a few important things:
📌 Sometimes you may need to change your plans by a day or two.
📌 I can't help if you didn't book with me, suppliers won't talk to me about a reservation I don't "own." Not my rules.
📌 Pack Uno, dice, a deck of cards, a pad of paper and a few pens/crayons, along with an external battery pack (though that should be a year-round inclusion incase of flight delays, thunderstorms etc.)

Most importantly: SAFETY over convenience wins every time, as it should.

Now do me a favor, and say a prayer for the incredible people of Jamaica as Hurricane Beryl approaches that they be kept safe, and that the damage to their homes and businesses is minimal.

📷 incredible shot from The NOAA Hurricane Hunters yesterday from inside Beryl.

07/02/2024

Experience the very best of Alaska on a Celebrity Cruisetour and discover this beautiful destination by land and sea.

A Cruisetour combines your 7-night Alaskan cruise with an exciting overland trek to the interior of Alaska during where you’ll stay in authentic lodges and travel the wilderness in deluxe motor coaches and on a luxurious train, checking off all the bucketlist things.

Let start a conversation on what the BEST options are for you!
momapprovedtravel.com/quote

07/01/2024

A very worried gentleman called asking for my help this morning and I had to tell him no. I couldn't help him. Let me explain why:

My clients are smart folks.
Many are: buisness owners, doctors, engineers, moms who choose to stay at home, teachers, firefighters, attorneys, realtors, bankers, nurses, problem solvers in their fields.
SMART people. CAPABLE people.

Most of them absolutely COULD book their vacations on their own if they wanted to.
They are smart, capable people.
Many of them did for years before they found me.

Wanna know ✨one✨ of the reasons why they don't book on their own anymore?
(and this is besides the obvious they are crazy busy and save hours and hours of time in the researching all of the things best suited for their people)

Hurricane Beryl has reintesified as a Category 4 storm as she approaches the Eastern Caribbean.

When things go wrong, I become their wingman. I am there.
I can handle things while they handle OTHER things.

During Hurricane season, I already have plan B, plan C and plan D ready to execute before it's time to make a decison, extend a stay, shift dates.

Its not just for hurricane season either.
⚠️ Winter storms are a thing. I have shifted ski trips from Colorado to Utah when flights got canceled while the family was finishing packing.
⚠️ I pivoted trips when someone became ill or injured before they left.
⚠️ I have helped cancel or reschedule due to an unexpected death in the family 2 days before the trip.
⚠️ I have pushed up a trip VERY quickly because of a sudden stage 4 diagnosis.

🩷 a website won't do that for you 🩷
When its time to make the call, or jump into action, I handle it.

It is important to know:
😬 I cannot make adjustments or assist with reservations NOT booked under our agency - not my rules.
🥹 It does NOT cost more to use a Travel Agent, a Travel Advisor, a wingman to book your trip.

So please 🩷 call ME first 🩷 when booking, instead of waiting until something is wrong to try and reach out- my hands will be tied.

This gentleman booked his vacation on his own and is scheduled to be in the Caribbean in the coming week. I can't touch his reservation. I gave him a few pointers and wished him luck. Broke my heart!

06/30/2024

Why Universal, now?

This.

This woah.
This awe.
This is a Wizarding World they can touch.
This is an age you will never get to do with them again.

Have you been watching the movies this summer?
Reading the series?
Don't wait.

Let me show you how to capture this moment NOW while the magic of childhood is strong....and let them bring their raptor.

They are only little once.

momapprovedtravel.com

06/30/2024

Bring the whole crew on your next Royal Caribbean cruise to experience this view! This is the cabana life ✨ + the best DJ tunes 🎶 + mouthwatering bites 🍕 ... all in one place. 🌴

Call me today to turn your dream escape into a reality! 281-744-5538

06/29/2024

Loews Royal Pacific at Universal Orlando is a whole vibe.

It's also the most popular Universal resort hotel with all MAT families for 2024.
Drop a 🌺 to find out why.

06/28/2024

There’s been trials and tribulations…
but I’ve climbed the mountain, crossed the river, and I’m almost…..

🐊 WAIT! 🐊

It’s officially opening day for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure in Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World!

Now, we are there…or rather, here!

❓ How do you ride: ❓
It’s easy, sugar! Simply use the Virtual Queue or grab a spot with Genie+ (until July 23, and then you’ll be able to use a Multi-Pass)

I hope you think this adventure down the Bayou is the 🐝bees knees!

Want to experience it yourself?
➡️No voodoo required, just reach out to me 😜