Cataract Travel Planners Inc

26/11/2022

tThe Cataract Travel Planner web site is presently down but should be up and running once again by the first of the year. We can be received at our office between 9am and 5pm Monday thru Friday at 716 298-5490. During non business hours you can call 716 417-2283.

12/09/2020

International Travel Update 9/12/20
Many countries now require passengers entering from the United States to provide personal health information or COVID19 test results before traveling. We recommend that you check the latest travel and health restrictions before your trip.

Keep in mind:
• Check the requirements for each country you plan to visit, as each country is different.
• You may need to submit personal health information directly to the country’s national authority on their website
• You may not be allowed to board your flight if you can’t show test results or proof you submitted all required information.

We will provide additional information on our web site:
www.cataracttravel.com

Home CTP Bulletin Board           SEPTEMBER ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGES FROM $649 P/P CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: ( Caribbean and Mexico opening updates as of 6/28/20) CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL ADVISORIES (International and Domestic as of 7/06/20) CTP UNIVERSITY (TRAVEL BLOGS & INFORMATION): TRAVEL PROMOTIONS: Up...

30/06/2020

Our Cataract Travel Planners web site (www.cataracttravel.com) has been updated and includes updates as to opening dates for various popular warm weather destination (Caribbean and Mexico).

We also have added some sample all inclusive package promotions for Mexico, Punta Cana and Jamaica starting at $640.00 p/p in September

Both links can be found near the top of our home page.

Home CTP Bulletin Board FALL 2020 TRAVEL PROMOTIONS: (All Inclusive Package under $1000 p/p) POST CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL PLANNING WINTER/SPRING 2021: CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: CTP UNIVERSITY (TRAVEL BLOGS & INFORMATION): TRAVEL PROMOTIONS: Updated May 19,2020   ______________________________________________...

20/05/2020

We have updates on our web site (www.cataracttravel.com) concerning travel promotions being offered. On our home page look for the following links:

FALL 2020 TRAVEL PROMOTIONS: (All Inclusive Package under $1000 p/p)

and

TRAVEL PROMOTIONS: Updated May 19,2020

Since Cataract Travel Planners is not considered an essential business our office is closed. However I can be reached at on my cell number (716-417-2283).

Home CTP Bulletin Board IRELAND TOUR 8/22-9/02/2020 (Featuring Notre Dame/ Navy Football Game in Dublin) FALL 2020 TRAVEL PROMOTIONS: (All Inclusive Package under $1000 p/p) POST CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL PLANNING WINTER/SPRING 2021: CORONAVIRUS UPDATES: CTP UNIVERSITY (TRAVEL BLOGS & INFORMATION): TRAVEL....

14/04/2020

We have added three (3) new links on our Cataract Travel website two of which are in reference to the Coronavirus.

www.cataracttravel.com

1-2-Coronavirus Updates now has as links to a number of airlines with their updated policies concerning the procedures and policies for making changes to flights you have booked.

2-On a happier note we have added a " Post Coronavirus Travel Planning Winter/Spring 2021" link that includes some all inclusive package ideas starting in January 2021. This is designed to give you a few sample travel packages to consider. We will be adding some additional options on various travel dates.11

3-On the CTP University (Blog) page ....the topic............. "what affects the price of your travel package"

Don Masocco
298-5490-office
417-2283-cell

20/03/2020

Coronavirus Update: March 20, 2020

I want to first thank all of our clients who have been so patient and understanding as we work our way thru this Coronavirus Crisis.

As we mentioned in previous postings, each vendor (airline, cruise line, tour operator) are independent companies and have their own policy as to how they are handling the situation.

We are presently concentrating our efforts on travel thru the end of April.

For these departures most of the tour operators are offering a credit voucher for the full amount of the trip that can be used for future travel. The deadlines for using these credits may vary with the different tour companies.

A few of the cruise lines are offering a full refund for a cruise that has been cancelled or a 125% credit for a future cruise. Other cruises are offering credit vouchers for future cruising. Once again, the deadline for using these credits vary with each cruise line.

For those who purchased airline tickets only, most carriers have waived the cancellation/change fees and are allowing travelers to rebook within a year.

You should contact us, if you do not plan to take the flights. You do not want to be a “no-show” because as a “no-show” you will lose the entire value of the tickets.

Don Masocco
Cataract Travel Planner

19/03/2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: March 19, 2020

There are four (4) major tour operators that offer packages from Toronto or Hamilton Ontario to destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas and Central America. Three (3) of these vendors have updated their cancellation policy due to the Coronavirus.

For travel that was planned thru the end of April, Transat Holidays, Sunwing/Signature Vacations and Air Canada Vacations are all providing travelers with a credit voucher for the full amount of their package price and allowing them to be used towards travel within the next 24 months.

Westjet Vacations, although offering the same future travel credit, has not announced the deadline for utilizing their credit vouchers.

18/03/2020

March 18, 2020
POST CORONAVIRUS TRAVEL PLANNING…………….

Everyone is well aware of the effects of the Coronavirus on our health, our economy and our mental state……….

This won’t last forever and it’s time to start thinking ahead and plan the vacations you were forced to pass up.

We believe that most vendors in the travel industry (airlines, cruise lines and tour operators) will all be offering some special pricing in their attempt to “kick-start” the traveling public.

Cataract Travel Planners will dedicate a page on its web site that will feature the travel promotions as they are announced.
www.cataracttravelplanners.com

For those who live in Western New York and Southern Ontario the option of traveling from Toronto to all-inclusive destinations such as Jamaica, Punta Cana, Mexico, etc. will be better than ever on selected travel dates. The flights are nonstop and the pricing is converted from CAD tor USD at the present exchange rate.

16/03/2020

Cataract Travel Update (March 15, 2020)

As would be expected, we are getting numerous calls from our clients concerning the Corona Virus and travel plans. At this point here are a few points we need to make:

1-We are not receiving news updates any earlier than anyone else. We welcome your phone calls but are basically being updated at the same time as the general public.
2-Each vendor (airline, cruise line, tour operator) has their own policy as to how they are handling this situation.
For example some cruise lines have simply cancelled cruises for a specific time while others continue to operate. Some who continue to operate are giving those who are cruising the option of cancelling without penalty and providing a credit voucher to be used for a future booking.
The same is true with the airlines….most are waiving cancellation/change fees and providing credit vouchers for future travel.
3-If you are booked on a package (air/hotel/etc.) and there has not been any travel restrictions from your departure city or to your destination, then the trip is still operating.

Don Masocco
Cataract Travel Planners
1-716-298-5490

08/03/2020

Complete information is now on our web site (www.cataracttravel.com) for our Ireland Tour (8/22-9/02) including the Notre Dame/Navy football game in Dublin on 8/29. Call us for details (716-298-5490).

Home CTP Bulletin Board SCHOOL BREAK TRAVEL 2020: CRUISE OPTIONS FOR SCHOOL BREAKS 2020: EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS FOR 2020 VACATION TRAVEL… Its not too early to begin your search for 2020 vacations packages. Some tour operators are offering significant early booking discounts for all inclusive pack...

27/02/2020

Be on the lookout for the information about our Ireland Tour this August that will include the Notre Dame/Navy Game being played in Dublin on August 29th.

We also will be adding details about our annual Aruba Group departure , once again in February 2021.

Information will be available both on our FaceBook Page and on our web site : www.cataracttravel.com

You can also call our office for more information at 716-298-5490.

04/06/2019

We have updated our Cataract Travel web site (www.cataracttravel.com): 6/4/2019

On the Cataract Travel web site (www.cataracttravel.com) we have added a link
“Travel Billboard : Sales /Promos”
We will regularly update the page with promos or sales being offered by travel vendors such as tour operators, cruise lines, airlines, resorts, etc.

Our goals in providing you with these promotions and sales are to make you aware that they exist and that we are able to coordinate the arrangements at no additional cost to you.

However, with most promotions there normally are a number of restrictions (such as travel dates where the sale will apply, booking deadlines in order to qualify for the promotion, etc.) that you need to be made aware of before beginning the planning process.

It would be impossible for us to include all the requirements, limitations and deadlines for each sale listed by our vendors. For this reason we want to suggest that you either contact us or visit the vendor’s web site for additional information concerning their sale before we attempt to finalize your plans. Prior to you committing to any travel arrangements we will double check to make sure we are taking advantage of the best pricing for your vacation.

Home CTP Bulletin Board SCHOOL BREAK TRAVEL 2020: CRUISE OPTIONS FOR SCHOOL BREAKS 2020: EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS FOR 2020 VACATION TRAVEL… Its not too early to begin your search for 2020 vacations packages. Some tour operators are offering significant early booking discounts for all inclusive pack...

29/05/2019

CTP UPDATES......We have updated our website (www.cataracttravel.com). You can now find all inclusive package pricing for Toronto departures for the very popular February school break and the April school breaks for 2020.

We have teamed up with Carnival Cruise Lines and are offering special cruise departures for these school breaks as well for both individuals and groups.

CTP University link includes a collection of travel related blogs including the most recent "Lower fares...Less Service"

Contact us by email or phone with questions concerning your travel plans. We can book travel between any two points in the world!

NOTE: Southwest Airlines is extending their schedule thru 1/5/2020 starting May 30, 2019.

Home CTP Bulletin Board SCHOOL BREAK TRAVEL 2020: CRUISE OPTIONS FOR SCHOOL BREAKS 2020: EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNTS FOR 2020 VACATION TRAVEL… Its not too early to begin your search for 2020 vacations packages. Some tour operators are offering significant early booking discounts for all inclusive pack...

20/12/2018

The "Gift" of travel....
After Christmas Sale..........

January is traditionally a soft season for vacation travel. The tour operators that offer package vacations have trouble filling their planes and hotel rooms and for that reason put their packages on sale.

We targeted seven (7) night packages from Toronto to Punta Cana for travel 1/5-12/2019.

The pricing below includes round-trip airfare between Toronto and Punta Cana (nonstop), round-trip transportation between the airport and resort, seven (7) nights at the all inclusive resort you select (meals, drinks, entertainment) and both air and resort taxes.

These are all four (4) to five (5) star resorts: (*** option to deduct $35 p/p from these prices if you take afternoon departure from Toronto instead of early morning departure)

Grand Bahia Principe Turquesa (4star) $1018 usd p/p ++

Occidental Caribe (4star) $1023 usd p/p

Grand Bahia Principe Punta Cana (4.5star) $1046 usd p/p

Catalonia Bavaro Beach (4star) $1123 usd p/p

Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda (5star) $1177 usd p/p

Barcelo Bavaro Palace (5star) $1215 usd p/p

Flight Schedule:

1/05/19 Toronto-Punta Cana 740am-1200n

1/12/19 Punta Cana-Toronto 210pm-545pm

Things to know before you book:

***1-There is another set of flights available on these dates that would reduce your cost by approximately $35 p/p but it departs Toronto at 230 pm.

2-A number of three (3) star resorts are available at lower pricing .

3-Only a limited number of packages are offered at these rates by the participating tour operators.

4-Full payment is due at the time of booking and your payment is nonrefundable. Travel insurance is available for purchase.

5-US and Canadian citizens must have a valid passport if traveling to Punta Cana.

Check in with us if you are interested in destinations other than Punta Cana. January is where you will find the best pricing during our winter season.

04/05/2018

Enjoy a Tasty Offer at Walt Disney World Resort



You can get a FREE dining plan when they purchase a 5-night/6-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package that includes a room at a select Walt Disney World® Resort hotel and a ticket with a Park Hopper® Option Aug. 20-Sept. 29, Nov. 24-27, Dec. 7-23, 2018 when they book through July 7, 2018. Caontact our office for full details!

24/10/2017

We are unable to get to our office today. The road is closed due to an accident involving a truck hauling chemicals. We may be able to open by this afternoon (Tuesday) In the meantime please feel free to reach me on my cell 716-417-2283. Don

09/09/2017

I realize the storm has yet to hit Florida at this point but I want to thank all our clients for their patience while we made arrangements for those who had plans to travel anywhere near the path of this hurricane.

As far as I can tell we have taken care of all our clients with alternate arrangements for the travel they had planned south for this week.

Of course this results in an inability to maybe get back as quickly as we normally would to those who have asked us for travel coordinating for dates down the road.

Your understanding is greatly appreciated.

don

02/09/2017

Cataract Travel Planners is accepting resumes from those who may be interested in part-time employment.

You must be available during normal business hours Monday thru Friday (9am-5pm).

Minimum requirements include familiarity with computers ( Sabre Airline Reservation System preferred) and sales experience.

Please forward your resume to us:

Email: [email protected]

Or

Fax: 716-298-1964

01/09/2017

25/08/2017

There is some misinformation

There is some misinformation that seems to be promoted by a few travel agencies located north of the border that require clarification.

The statement that booking an all inclusive package departure from cities such as Hamilton or Toronto, Ontario can be less expensive than those from certain cities within the United States is true. This is primarily due to the conversion rate between US and Canadian currency.

What they seem to imply is that the prospective travelers need to book with these Canadian agencies in order to take advantage of the Canadian departures and prices which is totally untrue!

In short, we give our clients the option of purchasing in Canadian Funds or in converted US dollars. Most will choose the converted US dollar route because we will offer a more attractive exchange rate than found elsewhere.

In fact, if you visit our web site (www.cataracttravel.com) you will now find a link that includes the very popular school break periods in winter/spring 2018 where we list all inclusive package pricing both in Canadian funds and in US funds. As of now we are converting from CAD to USD at a rate of 1.30 (30cents on the dollar) while the bank rate is approximately four (4) for five (4) points lower.

You will find a related story on the CTP BLOG on Facebook and on our website at the “CTP Blog” link found on our home page.

Home Welcome to the Cataract Travel Planners Web Site. Our goal is to provide those who visit us with the latest and most useful information concerning their travel plans whether for business or pleasure. Our office is located at 1727 Military Road in Niagara Falls, New York directly across the stre...

22/08/2017

Another promo too good to be true?

I just received this fax today…….

Before considering this sort of offer the first questions you should have is: “If it were legitimate, how does anyone make money on this sort of package?” and your second question should be: “What is the catch?”

Buy one get on free

6day/5night all-inclusive vacation $129 per person to Cancun, Riviera Maya, Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Cabo!
4-5 star oceanfront resorts, all meals including 5 star dining, premium alcohol, 24 hour room service, all non-motorized water sports, swimming with the dolphins
1st 100 callers receive 3 night Orlando or Vegas Vacation

It amazes me that these offers keep coming. It indicates that they must be successful at some level to keep sending them out.

No one is making any money offering these sorts of packages…not the airlines, the resorts or the tour companies that promote them…..

The only way these could be legitimate offers is if in order to qualify for these packages you need to commit to something more profitable to those who are offering it such as timeshares, real estate, etc.

14/08/2017

Unique Travel Option:

Guatemalan Backpacking Package ( Jan 7-14, 2018)
Personal escorted by Joseph Little who as taken groups to Guatemala annually for the past six years.

For details concerning this trip contact Cataract Travel or Joseph LIttle directly:

Cataract Travel Planners 1-800-243-7886 or 1-716-298-5490Joe

phone: 716-255-3909 Joe LIttle

email: [email protected]

facebook: Joe Little

31/07/2017

EMAIL ISSUE: We are having a significant issue with receiving and sending emails.....Please note you are not being ignored. I am hopeful that we will have this cleared up today...Don

27/07/2017

WINTER/SPRING 2018 ALL INCLUSIVE PACKAGE OPTIONS

Visit our web site (www.cataracttravel.com) for a look at some all inclusive vacation packages for the very popular Winter/Spring travel dates in 2018 departing from Toronto or Hamilton, Ontario.

All packages include round-trip airfare, round-trip transfers between airport and resort, seven (7) night accommodations at the all inclusive resort of your choice and both airline and resort taxes.

Group rates, early booking discounts, etc. may be available on some of these packages.

Contact our office for information on these and any other all inclusive package options you may wish to consider.

Let us know if you prefer quotes from other departure cities or alternate travel dates, destination, etc.

Phone:1-800-243-7886 or 1-716-298-5490
Email: [email protected]

Home Welcome to the Cataract Travel Planners Web Site. Our goal is to provide those who visit us with the latest and most useful information concerning their travel plans whether for business or pleasure. Our office is located at 1727 Military Road in Niagara Falls, New York directly across the stre...

14/11/2016

Just so you know….

As a rule I normally don’t place personal information on my pages but here is an exception….
I just had cataract surgery in October on both of my eyes…Everything seems to be doing well.
Leading up to the surgery (especially in the last two or three months) I had some significant vision problems. This created a situation whereby it became a real chore to get things done especially because so much of my time each day is spent working off a computer screen.

For those Cataract Travel clients who have not received the quick response by phone or email that you have come to expect, I hope you will accept my apology for the lack of service.
For those Facebook friends whose birthdays I missed…HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY!

Don

22/07/2016

I want to thank everyone for their patience while we dealt with the Southwest Airline's computer issues these last couple days. …. Happy to say we believe we were able to get the airline to either reschedule or refund our clients for the reservations the carrier could not handle.

Although it was inconvenient at least you were not left at the airport to fend for yourself…..Don

18/07/2016

Princess Cruise LInes just announced a "Sip & Sail" promotion (free drink package on board) for cruises thru April 2018. There are some restrictions for contact us for details.
1-800-243-7886-b or 1-716-298-5490-b

05/07/2016

Here is a link to a recap of promotions offered by Transat Holidays (a Canadian Tour Operator).... Please contact us with your questions.http://flyers.transatholidays.com/Agent%20Direct/TR-PromoGuide-EN.pdf

20/06/2016

COMING SOON on our web site www.cataracttravel.com…..

We receive a steady flow of faxes and emails from both tour operators and cruise lines with promotions they are offering. Most of these promotions come with a number of restrictions or limitations such as the dates they apply, and booking or payment deadlines, etc.

We want to make these promotions known to our clients and for this reason have added “THE TRAVEL BILLBOARD” which will include links to the promotions offered by these various vendors.

22/02/2016

SELL OFFS………(Last Minute Travel Discounts)
Received an email from Transat Holidays, a tour company that we use frequently that offers air and resort packages to the Caribbean and Mexico from Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario.
The link below includes some promotions they are offering for travel packages within the next month. The rates are in Canadian Funds.
They don’t indicate it in their flyer but we can assume there is limited availability. After visiting this link please give us a call with any questions. ……Don 1-800-243-7886 or 716-298-5490

http://flyers.transatholidays.com/Ontario/Feb22/NOLTH_DistressedInventory_ONT_Feb22.pdf