Ocean City Beach Twenty-Eleven

Ah, Ocean City, Maryland.  The site of oceanfront family vacations for my Donny’s family for over 30 years … I was recruited to find a new hotel for The Family as some of the older ones that had visited in the past were really showing their age.

I found them “the” perfect one; reminiscent of their first visits there, with an outdoor porch that views the Boardwalk, just steps away from the sand.  I was so enthralled with my find that I gave in to my temptation that comes with every trip I book:  so we tried something different.  I actually went along!  The resort’s name I will mention in very fine print as, although it is WONDERFUL, it is small, and there are only so many rooms and apartments to go around.  I felt comfortable writing this only AFTER we successfully have booked our return visit for 2012!

My arrival, hot on the coattails of an earthquake rocking the same coastline, and I nearly set off a stream of national panic when I reported via Twitter that we were being evacuated less than 24 hours after my arrival due to the impending approach of Hurricane Irene.  Photos of the uncharacteristically empty beaches, and flags flying in high winds; in 140 words or less people were led to think the hurricane was already striking the coast.  I then scurried to pack (who had time to unpack?) have a brief expedition down the Boardwalk and see in somewhat a fast-forwarded fashion the Ocean City experience that has captivated this family and many others and keeps them coming back, year after year.  Then we waved goodbye, and got on the highway along with a good portion of the eastern seaboard!   PS --- Hurricane Irene did march up the coast.  Our 5 hour drive back to Westchester, New York took 10 hours, as we got caught in Delaware evacuation traffic, and were rerouted through Philadelphia! 

Brisk breezes and an empty beach in advance of Irene...

Found Nemo!  (Even when your vacation is ruined, ALWAYS keep your sense of humor!)

Hooter's new beachfront location boarding up

The Majestic all wrapped up to weather the weather

Locals making light of it

Doing our part to clean out the refrigerators at Mug & Mallet!

Hurricane Party well underway at The Mug!

The Majestic -- Classy and Gracious Hosts
Even took the time to say thanks!

We arrived in Westchester, and watching the news, I instinctively went into overdrive with my years of Florida hurricane preparation experience; food, coolers, fridge, ice, candles, flashlights, batteries, gas in the cars, gas for the grill ….. all while we watched the well boarded-up and evacuated coastal areas of Ocean City miss the storm. The family good naturedly accommodated my whim – a Hurricane?  That’s so Florida!

We continued our family slumber party and at around 6 AM the next day – I heard the wind and quietly asked Don to close the bedroom window.  He did .. got back in bed, and asked me “Did you turn off the ceiling fan?”  I knew the power had been knocked out.   I grabbed my charged up cell phone and typed to my Twitter pals – “Hello?  Good morning!  Can someone tell me the latest Irene update?”  A Californian, likely up all night, responded in seconds – with the report that the storm was hovering about 10 miles due west of Danbury, Connecticut.  Translate: Immediately above the bed where I was sleeping!

All was well; lots of trees and power poles down, and despite them being without power for 6 days, fortunately, we were well prepared.  And the standing joke as I returned home was “Who was MY travel agent?”  It was suggested that, unless I was a closet adrenaline junkie, I find myself a new one.  However, any experience while traveling is just that – an experience, and I was glad I was there with Family bringing my Floridian hurricane experience along for the ride.  And of course, I like ME planning my travel adventures just fine!  (A little less adventure next time!) 

Now that we are booked to return for what is hoped to be a “normal” family beachfront experience this summer, it is safe to post this blog!  Being that my experience was so abbreviated, it seems easier than usual to give you a quick photo tour of my experience; I do hope it will give you a flavor of the distinctive and iconic Northeastern destination that is Ocean City, Maryland.

See you on the Boardwalk!   

The Martin Family Testimonial! (and I love them too!)

		It's easy to find a travel agent to handle business for you.  However, it is rare to find a travel agent that handles business for you as if it was their own business.  I recently went on a vacation with my family to Jamaica for a my cousin's wedding.  I had been setting up my plans from months before the travel date.  By the time I met Shari, I had already booked my flight but she handled our hotel reservations and excursions while on the island.  My family has been traveling for years and we never understood the need for travel agents.  This was the first time I had ever requested the assistance of someone else to take care of my travel plans and I am glad I did.   I was told by the airline that I booked with that my travel time had changed and I only needed to be at the airport an hour prior to my flight time.  When we arrived, we stood in line for a very long time.  We finally made it to the counter when they told us that it was too late and we were not going to make it onto the flight.  I could see the disappointment in my seven year olds eyes as they started to well up with tears.  Before I knew it I was bawling in the line to get placed on the stand by list for the next available flight which was the day after my original reservation.  I immediately called Shari and she went into action.   Shari told me to stay by my phone and I followed her steps exactly as she provided them to me.  I was told by the airline that I could not confirm my seats and would have to be placed on standby unless I paid an additional $400 on top of the thousands I had already paid.  We waited at the airport until our ride came and headed home.   I received consistent text from Shari updating me with the status of the trip.  Less than an hour after I called Shari she called and informed me that she had changed the transportation reservation, took care of correcting our hotel accommodations, and got our seats confirmed for travel the next flight out at no additional cost to us.  I was so overjoyed I could not compose myself.  Here was an individual who did not have to go out of her way to assist me, yet she did everything in her power to ensure peace of mind for myself and my family with no delay.   When we boarded the plane the next day, my heart broke as I saw that the individuals that were waiting on stanby did not make it on to the plane. This was just further confirmation that I was blessed to have such an experienced and diligent travel agent on my side. Shari is incredible.  She saved me from losing out on all of the money I had worked months of double shifts to earn.  Without her, our trip would have ended in catastrophe.  I am amazed to this day at her skill and thanked God for her everyday that I was in Jamaica.  I made it to my cousins wedding on time and all of the reservations she set in place went smoothly. They say, "If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself."  Obviously the person who created this quote never met Shari Kavalin.  My new motto is,  "If you want something done right, call Shari Kavalin."   Shari I thank you and my family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts.  You are the epitomy of what a travel agent should be. I appreciate you for all that you do and all that you have done.  I am truly blessed to have been a witness to your years of experience and skill. Thank YOU! Respectfully, Malica Martin & Family