June 2024

6/7/2024

Hello Friends,

I hope this message finds you doing well and enjoying June. May went quickly for our family. Warm weather has made it feel like summer arrived earlier this year. We've already had picnics, lots of grilling, soccer games, and even multiple trips to the outdoor pool.

One of the highlights in May was watching the Madison Symphony perform a children's program on a Saturday afternoon. Before the show, there was an opportunity to see some of the instruments and performers up close. Both kids loved the chance to hold and play the instruments. The performance was great - they did four pieces, with the centerpiece being "Peter and the Wolf". The whole family enjoyed the event, and are eager to return.

Sarah started her swim team in May. So far, she's loving the practices, camaraderie, and learning the cheers. She finished her first year of Girl Scouts and found out she sold 339 boxes of cookies. A job very well done! She received two more squish mallows as a reward - not what our family needs! But she's excited, so we're happy.

Peter's soccer team had a great month. I love coaching them and enjoy seeing them progress each week. Our dude also graduated from 4K. How is he already a kindergartner?!

Many of you are now departing on your summer trips. Whether celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary or being done with school for the year, I'm happy you are celebrating with a vacation.

One topic I'd like to note is taxes/fees that are only payable to your hotel/resort when traveling. I'm not talking about any additional excursions, spa treatments, etc. These are specific taxes/fees that can not be paid in advance. Typically, these charges are not significant (we're talking $5-$7/night). But, it's just good to know that you may encounter them when traveling to the Caribbean or Europe. I try to make it a point to highlight them on travel documents.

Lastly, in May I celebrated eleven years as a travel agent. I couldn't do it without your support through the years. Many thanks.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

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May 2024

6/7/2024

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Happy May,

I hope this message finds you healthy and enjoying spring. April ended up being more low-key than March. No visits to the emergency room :) For those of you who ordered cookies from Sarah, thank you!

Most of our highlights for April include sports. The Blue Sea Vacations soccer team started their spring season. Their coach (me) finally feels like I know what I'm doing after two seasons of herding 4-6 year olds. The team is full of energy, and I enjoy coaching them.

Sarah tried out and made the local swim team this summer. We worked together all winter practicing. I'm incredibly proud of her. I'm also excited to experience a swim team from the parent side.

And at the end of the month, we went to see the Milwaukee Brewers take on the New York Yankees at American Family Field (aka Miller Park). Some of you might not know that I'm originally from New York and have been a Yankees fan my whole life. Our family was divided, Peter and I rooted for the Yankees, and Sandy and Sarah cheered for the Brewers. The stadium was filled with Yankee fans, and I'd imagine many transplants normally root for the Brewers except for when the Yankees are in town (just like me). After the game, Sarah and Peter ran the bases and loved it.

From the travel side of things - many of you are enjoying vacations this spring, and I couldn't be happier. A few of you still want to get away this summer. I'm happy to help and there is still time, but many resorts and cruises are sold out. Please be aware as we get closer. I know it's still about 10 months away, but now is the perfect time to begin planning for Spring Break 2025.

Lastly, it bears repeating now and again to be skeptical of special travel prices you may find on your own. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

See previous monthly emails here.

April 2024

6/7/2024

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Happy April,

How to describe March in one phrase....it was a lot.

The month was bookended by trips to the hospital for the Pittelli kids. The first weekend, Peter dared Sarah to swallow a penny. Well she did, and as Sandy and I were on our way to dinner, we got a text from the babysitter telling us what happened. The nurse's line told us to bring Sarah in, and sure enough, the penny was stuck in her esophagus. Luckily, with some water, quickly moved down into her intestines.

At the end of the month, Peter's hand got stuck in a closing door. Sandy took him to the emergency room (where she was recognized by the same doctor who helped Sarah only a few weeks prior). Peter ended up having a break at the tip of his right index finger. He's all wrapped up, and on the mend. But trying to slow this kid down is taking some real effort!

On St. Patrick's Day weekend, we went to Chicago and visited friends. We saw the Chicago River, which if you're not familiar, gets dyed green. Both kids (and adults) were blown away! PS - for those that know, the Wilco building is right behind us!

In the middle of the month, I was contacted by a local news channel to have a virtual interview to talk about Spring Break travel. I had a nice time chatting with the team at WKOW. Here is the link to the story. And they mention the line I put on every travel itinerary for people to the Caribbean - "Don't forget your sunscreen!"

This past spring break saw Blue Sea Vacations travelers visit Europe, sail on cruises, and relax at all-inclusive resorts. All the feedback has been positive, which warms my heart.

Part of my job is to manage expectations. I always say, "I don't want to overpromise and underdeliver". I want to help you plan your amazing vacation, however. the closer we get to the time you want to go, the more expensive it may be, and the less options will be available.

One last activity that our family has undertaken this past month has been helping Sarah with her first Girl Scout Cookie sale. She's been a champ, working cookie booths at different stores, and going door-to-door in our neighborhood. Please click the image to see her message below, and if you want to order any cookies, here is the link. If you live in the Madison, WI area, we'll deliver right to you. The digital sale ends on Sunday, 4/14.

As always, please don't hesitate to reach out if you need anything at all.

Have a great weekend,

Brian

Contact Today

See previous monthly emails here.

June 2024

Hello Friends,

May 2024

Happy May,

April 2024

Happy April,

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June 2024

Hello Friends,

May 2024

Happy May,

April 2024

Happy April,

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