An Interview With CrystalLee Mercer
How many years have you been selling travel?
I have been in the Travel industry for 12+ Years and loving every Minute.
What are your hobbies?
I love to curl up and read a good book. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends. And of course I love to travel!
What type of resort activities do you favor? ie water sports, lounging by the pool, etc?
I love exploring the destination; learning about history and culture. I also love lounging on the beach and reading a good book, snorkeling, swimming, etc.
What are your favorite destinations?
I absolutely love Cuba! It is rich in history and culture along with safety and security. Its a great place to take the family if you are looking for some rest and relaxation. But don't forget to visit Havana! Kuala Lumpar; Malaysia & Amsterdam are also among my personal fav's!
What languages do you speak?
English and a little french.
Europe
Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, Switzerland, Coach Tours, France, Germany, Netherlands
South America
Peru
South Pacific
Australia
Sun (Mexico, Caribbean, Florida, Hawaii)
Disney, Dominican Republic, Florida, Jamaica, Mexico, Sandals, Superclubs, All Inclusives, Bahamas, Couples, Cuba
Asia
China, India, Malaysia, Thailand
United States
Florida, Las Vegas, Nashville, New York
Australia
Weddings
Business Travel
Weddings & Honeymoons
Cruise Specialist
Disney
Group Specialty
Honeymoons
Wow is all i can say!
This city is truly amazing....I stayed at the Marriot on Canal which was withing walking distance to all top attractions such as bourbon street, the French quarter, Natchez steam boat, etc.
NOLA never disappoints; from the live music scene, incredible food and amazing atmosphere it offers something for everyone! If this city is not on your bucket list it should be!
First 4 Days RIU Reggae
Great 5 Star adults only property located approx. 10 mins from the Airport. This beach front resort offers it all for a great price! The staff were exceptional the food was great with a large variety, grounds were immaculate and the entertainment was out of this word! A great place to unwind and relax!
Last 3 days - Sandlas Ochi Beach
This 5 Star Couples Only luxury property is located about 1h20 from the airport. The grounds and décor are absolutely breathtaking. The rooms in the Rivera section are basic but very spacious and well decorated. There are also butler villas available on the hill side. This resort is the perfect couples getaway. Definitely for a more relaxed vacation although there was a foam party in the pool :) Food was amazing with room service available until 11pm.
Both resorts are non smoking but have designated areas throughout.
Resort: The Blau Varadero is a 4 Star resort located on the Varadero Peninsula approx. 35 mins from the airport. Its style and Beachfront location make it a top seller and client favorite in the Sunny Caribbean.
Rooms: I was in a Superior OCV room located on the 8th floor and it was spectacular. The view was Amazing, décor was modern!
Food: Excellent is all I can say! The main Buffet open for Breakfast and Dinner offered a wide variety of different options for the pickiest of eaters. There is a Omelet station for breakfast along with a wide variety of different fruits, cereals, breads and spreads. For Dinner they have an amazing pasta station, meat grilling station and ever night there was a different protein cooked and carved right in front of you. There is a snack bar located near the pool open for lunch which serves hamburgers, hot dogs, fries, wings and the most amazing chicken burgers. The Italian A La Carte located near the pool serves as the lunch buffet which offers the same amenities as the dinner buffet. There is also a 24hr snack bar located near the beach serving pizza, sandwiches, fries, etc. (menu varies depending on the time)
Pool: There is one pool located at this resort however it is quite large with a large number of seating areas by the pool as well as some seating offered back in the garden area. There are also Bali Beds for rent stating at 10peso per day. Pool activities are on going through the day however with small breaks in between so you can enjoy the pool itself.
Beach: WOW!! Its the most stunning beach I have seen in a while. The powdery white sand and calm ocean waters make this a salt water swimmers paradise. There are a large number of palapa huts to stay shaded from the heat of the Caribbean sun plus a beach bear to offer you cooling refreshments. Beach activities happen through the day as well.
Entertainment: Same as most resorts the Blau offers an exceptional show every night! A definite must see :)
Overall: The Blau certainly did not disappoint! Its not only esthetically pleasing but it offers amazing food, great entertainment, comfortable rooms, excellent drinks and a caring and lovable staff that are there to make your holiday most memorable.
I Recently returned from Amazing China. I Started my journey with On the Go Tours here in Canada, Our first destination was Shanghai; filled with amazing gardens, traditional Chinese architecture as well as modern skyscrapers that glisten when hit by the Sun. From the Bund to the Oriental Pearl Tower; Shanghai has everything from Shopping to culinary delights (the best Dumplings). I was also able to partake in a Huangpu River cruise which was quite astonishing. Next stop was Suzhou; known as the Venice of China its offers quaint canal ways and picturesque waterways which feed a series of entrecote gardens from 1000+ years ago. Here I was also able to Cruise the Grand Canal, Visit the UNESCO Lingering Garden.
I did get to experience an overnight train from Suzhou to Xian which I must say was quite the experience. Definitely a cost efficient way to get around; however be prepared for tight living quarters for the 12hr run. I Recommend you bring along a board game and a few snacks :)
Upon arrival to Xian I was able to tick another thing off my bucket list...The Terracotta Warrior Site. An astonishing site where Emperor Qin's 2200yr old army of life sized warriors/horses stand as protection to the emperor in his afterlife. Over 7000+ warriors stand in military position with no 2 faces the same. Truly amazing! During the evening I attended the Tang Dynasty Show; a combination of musical instruments, singing, dancing and exquisitely decorated costumes with a modern flare. The following day I visited the Big Wild Goose Pagoda; built in 652 during the Tang dynasty. One of its may purposes is to house sutras and figurines of Buddha bought from India. I also did an optional casual bike ride on top of the 9 mile (although I did not bike it all) Xi'an City Wall. There was also some great shopping in the Muslim Quarter where you can pick up souvenirs, purses, backpacks, luggage, etc.
Onward on a high Speed train travelling at speeds reaching 300km/h to the city of Luoyang.
I must say this was one of the most authentic days of have ever experienced. I got to visit the word famous Shaolin Kung Fu Temple; a places where generation after generation of Shaolin Monks have devoted themselves to practicing Chan Buddhism and martial arts. I saw the most amazing Kung Fu show and got to learn some moves of my own by one of the Monks onsite; truly a once in a lifetime experience!
Riding of the thrill from the day before off I went to the UNESCO 6th Century Longman Caves. A total of 1300 grottoes lye here with 100,000 statues and images of Buddha etched by the Northern Wei Dynasty. You really have to see it to appreciate its beauty.
Lastly one more High speed Train to the Capital; Beijing.
Now Beijing is quite incredible; I was able to make a few more ticks off the bucket list! The Great Wall, it really does live up to its name. Totaling 21,196km, it was built over the course of many Dynasty's to prevent invasion from northern nations and to protect silk trade. I visited 2 sites here; Badaling - the most preserved and most visited part of the wall & Juyong Pass - Considered to be one of the 3 most important passes in the Ming Great Wall.
Our Last day was spent in Tiananmen Square; home of Chairman Mao's Tomb & the Forbidden City - the center of power for 5 centuries and seat of the emperors.
Other Highlights:
Accommodation's
Hotel: Fairfield In and Suites Opry Land
Attractions:
25March – Depart for Brisbane 27March – Arrive and Transfer to Sunshine Coast 28March – Full day tour to Fraser island 29March – Day tour to Australia Zoo 30March – Travel to Cairns for 3 nights 31 March – Great Barrier Reef with Quicksilver w/Helicopter Ride over the Reef 01 April – Tropic Wings Kuranda Tour 02April – Travel to Sydney 03 April – City sights, Bondi Beach, Bridge Walk & Captain Cook dinner cruise 04April – Wilderness and Aboriginal Explorer Tour or Blue Mountains 05 April – Return to Canada
Grand Bahia Principe Cayacoa
Delhi 31MAR – 03APR 03Nights Metropolitan Jaipur 03-05APR 02 Nights Trident Ranthambhore 05-07APR 02 Nights Tree House Agra 07-09APR 02 Nights Trident Delhi 09-11APR 02 Nights Metropolitan
Highlights:
I had the pleasure of sailing on the AMA Certo this December, sailing from Amsterdam to Basel. I decided to do the pre and post extension. Before the Cruise I enjoyed 2 lovely days In Amsterdam where I was able to do some amazing sight seeing as well as enjoy local attractions such as the I Amsterdam sign, Anne Frank House, Canal Cruise, etc. . The cruise set sail on December 1st and From the moment I landed on the dock to board until the moment I left I received the best service!! The itinerary included ports in Germany, France and Switzerland; where we visited local attractions and also experienced the European Christmas Markets. After the cruise I took the train to Zurich where I was able to enjoy the local Christmas markets and do some spectacular sightseeing. Food: The food on the ship was fantastic. Whether you were an "early riser" or "late riser" there were always lots of options. For breakfast and lunch you were given the option of buffet style or ordering from a menu. Supper was always menu. The finest of dining was available on the cruise! From soups to salads and beef to fish there was something for everyone. Rooms: There were several different room categories on board. I was located on the Piano deck (interior cabin). The rooms were spacious with modern décor. Every room has a computer with internet access (Wi-Fi), mini fridge, 2 lounge chairs and a large closet. Atmosphere: The atmosphere on he ship was contemporary. Nothing fancy, comfort was key. For the evenings some passengers wore dressy attire however it is a personal preference. Entertainment: Each night there was local entertainment bought in until 10pm. After that time there was a on board piano player who would play until 11pm. Amenities: On board there was a variety of services available. There was a hair salon, Gym, library and spa. Overall: The cruise was a memorable experience. The sights and smells from the ports we visited is something I cannot describe; it is something you must experience personally. Travelling on the River Rhine was a spectacular experience, from gentle cruising to having to cruise through Locks it was something I will never forget. Amazing experience; trip of a lifetime!!
We just wanted to drop you a note to offer our sincere thanks and gratitude for arranging everything so thoroughly and for always going over and beyond the call of duty. Our trip was absolutely amazing. Exhausting though at this “tender age”, but exhilarating! We spoke with the lady on the ship who plans future excursions, we did not put a deposit on one though, but we wanted to get some info on the Panama Canal cruises. As soon as we mentioned your name and her eyes lit up, and she said, “Wow, you have an amazing travel agent!” We told her we knew that and that we found you amazing. I was amazed and thought she knew you personally, but no she said she just knew you from seeing your name through bookings etc. As the saying goes, “A good name proceeds you!” Blessings, Harold and Mary
Cruise To Alaska
Thanks CrystaLee. We had an awesome trip. Breathless was beautiful, the weather was beautiful and the food was great too.
Breathless Montego Bay
Thank you so much for your help today! It has been a LOOOOOng day of taking rickshaws around New Delhi in the rain to the Canadian Embassy, many futile calls to Air India, with everyone, including the Air India website telling us to book a new flight to Canada! Much of our day was also preparing for what to do with mom if she was not allowed on the plane. Thankfully we just cleared check-in and immigration at the Delhi airport with no problem and are sleeping on the floor at our gate waiting for our flight. Thanks to your knowledge of the various regulations we came to the airport when everyone else told us there was no point in going. We really appreciate your calls and your offered support in the event that the check-in did not go smoothly! Thanks again and have a wonderful day!
Crisis Averted in Delhi!
I'm back home with no more problems or delays. I wanted to tell you that I had a fabulous trip and to thank you for all your help. Everything except that first connection (which I blamed on Air Canada and they blamed on the wind) went perfectly smoothly - I could get used to having all the transfers especially arranged in advance! Port Douglas, which you suggested over Cairns, was beautiful, and I enjoyed the Reef trip enormously - I enjoyed all the tours, really, but that was one of my favourites, along with Kangaroo Island. And I'm glad I went on the Kakadu tour. I'd originally thought that was a bit too far from Darwin to be worth trying to do, but it was great and very doable. The hotels naturally varied a bit - the one in Auckland was a bit odd, but in an excellent location - but they were all fine, and most of them were better than that. The only one that wasn't in a really central area (for easy transportation) was the one on Kangaroo Island, but the staff offered free trips t
Down Under with Goway
Thank you so much for everything! We had an excellent trip! We love Sandals South Coast - the work completed since our last visit was great. Your little welcome back message is awesome! We loved the Club Level experience and will definitely do that service again. The response time to our travel delay on the return flight home by LeGrows was excellent! Air Canada needs to take a page from your level of service that is for certain. So, thank you again. We will be back!
Sandals South Coast
It was a great holiday and a really good place - good people, good food, good everything except the flies.
Grand Bahia Turquesa 2018
Thanks, We enjoyed ourselves to the fullest, everything went smoothly. We would definitely travel with Trafalgar again....Pedro is an amazing travel director, super knowledgeable as well as accommodating. We took in some of the optional tour experiences which were amazing! Thanks for your excellent service!!!
Portugal - Trafalgar
Everything was excellent. Had a great time. Thanks.
Majestic Colonial Group
Thank you so much! We had an amazing time at an amazing resort!!!
Grand Bahia Jamaica
Hi CrystalLee, Just touching base to say that we had a wonderful trip! The food and assistance from the staff on the Viking cruise was top notch. We I also enjoyed the tour of Ireland. Our coach driver/tour guide made us all feel like family and his knowledge of his country and its history was phenomenal. Thanks for your assistance with booking our trip!
Sailing with Viking and Ireland Tour
Hi Crystal! Thank you so much for all your help! We had an amazing time. The hotel was beautiful.!!
Dream Wedding at Paradisus
Thank you! The vacation was fabulous! Weather was fantastic! The rooms were amazing! Staff were all very welcoming and fantastic! Salt water pools!!!! Ocean on a scale of 1-10 I gave it a 6! 10 for warmth and calmness!it was a bit reefy but enjoyed it because we snorkelled and enjoyed swimming with the fishes, there were Sandy spots so overall great! The staff put together a dinner party for my granddaughter whose birthday was tuesday the day we left they decorated her room and the room we had dinner! Girl great choice for our holiday!
Generations Riviera Maya
Just touching base to say that we had a wonderful trip! The food and assistance from the staff on the Viking cruise was top notch. Gary & I also enjoyed the tour of Ireland. Our coach driver/tour guide made us all feel like family and his knowledge of his country and its history was phenomenal.
Holiday Happiness
Thank you! Best vacation ever!!! Loved it all. Charlene was Fabulous. Will be going again on one of her tours for sure!!!!
Italian Treasures - LeGrow's Travel Exclusive Tour
We just got back on Saturday evening from the Memories Resort in Veradero. It was fantastic, we loved it!!
Making Memories at the Memories Varadero
Just back early this morning! Another awesome vacation to CSA and Jamaica!! Club Mobay on arrival and departure is something we will always purchase now, only way to travel!! Thanks for your help and when we are ready to book our next trip we will give you a shout!!
Couples San Souci
This letter concerns one of your employees; Crystal Mercer of the Legrow’s Travel , Howley Estates office. At your Travel Show 2014, we happened (only by chance) to walk up to the Air Canada Vacation Kiosk where she was our wonderful greeter. From hello, she was amicable and approachable and we were made to feel like a friend. And that day, with her assistance we booked our “30th Wedding Anniversary” trip to the El Dorado Royale, Mexico.Unfortunately, due to multiple flight changes by Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations this has been a booking riddled with stress rather than the worry – free vacation we had anticipated. However, the only positive was Crystal because even when sharing the “bad news” of yet another schedule change she was pleasant and approachable, and we felt that she was doing all possible to maintain our “dream vacation”. You are fortunate to have her in your employ and your company benefits from her customer service. Thanks yet again for ALL you do, Kudos to Crystal!
Case closed for The Case's
Just waiting for room service in our upgraded Beach front swim up suite and wanted to say THANK YOU! You rock!
From Sunny Cancun
Our trip was AMAZING! Thanks for recommending the El Dorado ... It WILL be our all-inclusive destination from now on?? We got our upgrade and had no problem with anything ! No troubles at the hotel in TO either and had preferred seating all the way!Thanks again for everything! You'll be seeing us again!
El Dorado Royal
I just wanted to drop you a line to say we had an absolutely wonderful vacation at Blau Natura Park in Punta Cana. We arrived around midnight. Security on site escorted us to our room, carried bags up stairs(2 flights), made sure our room was satisfactory. He even showed us the mini bar and opened a couple beers for us. He explained where we could get a snack and their hours. The weather was hot and sunny, though a few showers. Not one day where we didn't lay on the beach in the sun. The food was fantastic and beach was located within steps of pool and one of the lunch buffets. 2 beach bars. No hassle from locals on beach. Staff were exceptionally polite. Reservations at a la carte were easily made. All in all, a great vacation. I will certainly recommend it. Seems not many locals have even heard of Blau Resorts. We would definitely consider returning.
The Earles
I just wanted to thank you again for booking our trip to Cancun last month! We had an absolutely fabulous vacation, and would highly recommend the Royalton Riviera Cancun!
Feeling Royal in Cancun
Thank-you again for all your assistance - you are a credit to your profession!
Thank You
Our trip exceeded our expectations! It was a dream vacation, and I thank you for making it that way for us. The room was gorgeous, and the view was more than spectacular!! All three of us enjoyed many excursions, including, swimming with the dolphins, horse back riding, deep sea fishing, the spa..(aww…!), and last but not least parasailing!!! Our westjet rep, Angel, was great. He met us a few times at the resort, and answered any questions we had. Looking forward to booking our next one!!!
Family Holiday
Jody and I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you for helping us decide on and book our first get-a-way without the children. The Platinum Yucatan Princess was and absolutely amazing resort....it exceeded our expectations and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our vacation. The all inclusive was a big bonus for us - we loved the fact that we could relax and not worry about maintaining a budget.
The Platinum Yucatan Princess
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