It’s all about who you know !!

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The old adage of it’s not what you know, but who you know is often like the Holy Grail in travel.  Yes, It’s true that anyone can go online, search for this, that, or the other, and book a trip.  However, I want you to know a couple of facts about how booking online travel actually works and clear a bit of misconception about using a qualified travel professional.

You can save time, money and a whole lot of headaches by using a qualified travel professional. I can provide everything you need to book a perfect vacation: packing necessities, various modes of transportation, early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and most importantly I will be your personal advocate.  When a trip goes smoothly, it may be natural to think “well that was easy”.  It’s when you encounter some challenges and hurdles that you will truly see the value of having your own personal travel advocate.  Having some to help you at any time, someone to advocate for you when plans go awry, and someone to facilitate a resolution for you can make all of the difference when you are trying to turn lemons in to lemonade.
In October alone, clients had issue with tropical storms, missed flights, cancelled flights, a hurricane, lost baggage, and family emergencies.  When you book your own travel online, who are you going to call or rely on in an actual emergency?  I mean the kind of emergency where you need assistance in the moment and you actually need to speak to someone?   Did you know that most of the online agencies do not 24 hour help desks that you can call?  Some are online help only, or email help only.  How helpful is that if you have no access to internet or email?   When you book with me, you have 24 hour assistance throughout your travel.  Whether that assistance comes from me, the supplier I worked with for your travel, or the travel insurance company, the important note here is that you have someone you can actually speak to at any time during your travel.
I’m always a bit surprised by people that will trust something as important as their travel planning to an unknown entity like the internet.  I can’t tell you how many times “the internet” has been to a particular resort or destination, but I can tell you exactly how many times I have been there or a trusted colleague has been there.  I can provide you with first-hand information about resorts and the views from the rooms.  For example, did you know that the term “resort view” has about 20 different meanings?  At some resorts, it is the view of the resort grounds, at others; it could be a view of the parking lot.  I’ve also seen resort views of dumpsters, or the fence of the resort next door!  Ocean View is another term with many meanings.  Most people think ocean view means looking at the ocean; this is not always the case.  What I like to tell people is that ocean view means that at some point from somewhere out your window or from the balcony you may have a glimpse of where the ocean is located.  You may have to stand on the balcony, lean over, and look around the corner and through the trees.
We offer expert advice and personal service that you can’t get from a dot-com. We work hard at building long-lasting relationships with you. We want to learn your interests and lifestyles, as well as your dispositions. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family cruise or a European adventure, we will match your needs to the perfect travel experience just for you.
Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, we are your travel experts. We have been on nearly every cruise line, visited destinations around the world, visited more resorts than you have ever heard of, and trekked many off-the beaten path excursions. We are also certified specialists who have completed extensive training on select destinations, cruise lines, resorts, tour operators and more.
One of my favorite sayings… The internet is for looking, travel agents are for booking.  Remember, it all comes down to who you know.
Stayed tuned this week to my social media for updates on my escapades to Florida and next week in Mexico!

Happy travels.  

Change is on the Horizon

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Change is on the horizon

Wow, this fall is flying by isn’t it?  This time of year is always busy for me because it is travel agent training season.  The fall is when many of the resorts, cruise lines, airlines, vacation package suppliers, and others provide training to agents.  It’s to help us get prepared for next year and update us on any recent or upcoming changes.  Just in the last 2 weeks I’ve attended events with Sandals, Hard Rock, Exclusive Group Travel, Blue Diamond Resorts, Funjet, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau, Jamaica Tourist Board, AMResorts, and more!  There are still plenty of training events to come in the next few weeks.  It is important for me to attend these events so I am current and updated on the ever changing world of travel!

 

Speaking of changes…

October 15, 2015 Houston Hobby opened its new 5 gate International Terminal.  During this ceremony Southwest Airlines formally announced their Houston to Jamaica flight service!  The daily non-stop flights will begin on November 1, 2015!  This is a great option for your Jamaica weddings, honeymoons, and vacations!!  They will offer one flight each day departing Houston Hobby at 10:35AM arriving in Jamaica at 2:50PM; the return flight from Jamaica leaves Montego Bay at 3:45PM and arrives back in Houston at 6:15PM.

As of Friday, Oct. 16, USAirways will cease to exist.  A historic flight US1939, to honor the founding year of the company, will depart from Philadelphia at 10:05 a.m. and make stops in Charlotte, Phoenix and San Francisco, before departing there at 9:55 p.m., making it the last USAirways flight to operate as USAirways.

Beginning Saturday, Oct. 17, all flights will be American Airlines. If you are flying on American Airlines this weekend, it is advised to arrive a little earlier than normal this weekend, as employees, mostly in former USAirways strongholds, will be using a new system.  At many airports, USAirways flights will relocate to American Airlines gates. Please make sure to check your flight status and gate information prior to departing for the airport.  You can check it up to 24 hours in advance.  Because of the changes, many airports have adjusted check-in and baggage drop off times.  Please arrive at the airport early!

Hard Rock Resorts, part of the All-Inclusive Collection is introducing Woodward at the Punta Cana and Riviera Maya resorts.  It is an area that is designed specifically for teens and extreme sports!  No adults allowed in this area.  There will be no excuse now for a teen to ever say they are board at an all-inclusive resort!  As an example, next year Woodward Riviera Maya will offer skiing, snowboarding, parkour, cheer, and trampolining and more to go along with a state-of-the-art skate and BMX park. Open to every age and every skill, it’s time to add some high-flying action to your day at the beach.

Karisma Hotels (parent company for El Dorado Resorts, Azul Resorts, and Generations Resorts) has announced a major expansion in to Jamaica! They are opening 9 additional resorts in Jamaica.  They are currently building Azul Seven, a 149 room family friendly resort in the Negril area.  This will be bring a much needed additional family friendly resort to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island!  The expected start date for their other resorts is slated for 2017 and 2018.  Their only resort on the island right now, Azul Sensatori Azul Sensatori “was sold out for the entire year less than a month after opening,” leading the company to expand the resort with an additional 149 suites.  Karisma’s expansion in Jamaica is good news not only for Jamaica, but for everyone that loves El Dorado and Azul resorts, but wants a location other than Mexico!

 

Speaking of Jamaica, AMResorts (parent company of Secrets, Dreams, NOW, Zoetry, and Sunscape) has also announced expansion in to Jamaica!   They will be opening 2 Sunscape Resorts in December of this year, Zoetry in December 2016, and Breathless opening in late 2016 as well.

There is a new Secrets resort opening in Mexico on November 1, 2015.  The new Secrets Akumal is sure to be an amazing adult only experience in the heart of Riviera Maya!!  There are also 3 Breathless Resorts coming to Mexico.  There will be one in the Cabo, 1 in Playa del Carmen, and 1 in Riviera Cancun.

There are also management changes, renovations, promotions and more to keep up with!  As I say all of the time, the only constant in the world of travel is change.  Attending all of these events allows me to stay current and provide you with the best information possible during our planning sessions!

             

Happy travels.  

 

 

What NOT to bring on your flight

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Air travel has certainly changed over the years, and continues to change on a regular basis.  Since I have to pack and prepare for flights next week, I thought I would review with you some reminders about air travel.  Each airline may have specific requirements, so always be sure to consult with the airline as well as these guidelines.  Each airline has a dedicated section on their website for luggage and allowances.
TSA screening uses the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, fluids, and gels to be carried on to an airplane.  In a nutshell – that is no container larger than 3 oz., in a 1 quart zip lock baggie, and 1 per person.   Technically the allowable size is 3.4 oz., but 3 oz. is much easier to remember when it comes time to pack!   Always remember to remove your zip lock baggie from your carry-on (unless you are qualified for TSA Pre-Check) and place it in one of the bins for security screening.  Each time security has to search a carry-on bag it slows down the line.  If you have any doubt about something being considered a liquid, fluid, or gel it is safest to put it in your checked bag.  You should also declare larger liquids. Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top bag. You must declare these items for inspection at the checkpoint. Please remember and be patient as officers may need to open these items to conduct additional screening.  Remember, the 3-1-1 rule only applies to liquids, fluids, and gels; it does not apply to pills or powders.
        
If you are a bride and will be taking your wedding dress with you, please check the requirements and airline policy prior to flying.  Most aircraft no longer have closets to hang your dress!  Many will allow you to lay your dress in the overhead bin, on top of luggage.  Each airline handles this a bit differently, it is important to know before you go!  Some of my brides have determined the wedding dress they purchase based on ease (or lack thereof) of transporting the dress!  Also, there are specific garment bags you need to use to carry-on the dress.  If you do not, you will have to stand there and watch the TSA folks inspect and unpack your carefully arranged dress.  I promise you, they will not put it back the same way you had it!
If you will be doing any sort of air travel over the holidays, I highly recommend that you do not pre-wrap your gifts!  There is nothing worse than spending that time and energy to wrap your gifts, only to have them unwrapped for a security inspection.  I promise you, the officers will not take the same amount of gentle care to unwrapping the gift as you did to wrapping the gift!  This goes for both carry-on and checked bags.
There are some prohibited items that you cannot take on the plane with you.  A very general list includes Sharp Objects Sporting Goods, Guns & Firearms, Tools, Martial Arts & Self Defense Items, Explosive & Flammable Materials, Disabling Chemicals, and Other Dangerous Items.  While these items cannot be carried on the plane, some of these items can be taken in your checked luggage.  For specific allowances, please check http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/prohibited-items 
For general security information, screening processes, and information about carry-on items, please check the TSA website at www.tsa.gov   I also recommend downloading the TSA app to your smart phone – it has great information for you.
When it comes to your checked bags, there are also specific allowances for those as well.  Please remember to confirm your airline allowances prior to travel so you don’t have any surprises at the airport upon departure or return!  With the exception of Southwest Airlines, all airlines now charge for checked baggage when purchasing the least expensive (and in some cases any!) tickets.  There are also weight and size requirements for your checked bags.  Each airline will have their specifics, but a good rule of thumb is no heavier than 50 pounds, and no bigger than 62 linear inches.   These requirements will vary among airlines, please check!  As a note, the international carries have very different standards for their flights that originate in countries outside of the United States.  If you are uncertain of the requirements, please check with them so you don’t find yourself re-packing in the midst of a very busy airport in another country.
The official policy is Federal law prohibits hazardous materials from being included in either checked or carry-on baggage. Items such as explosives, compressed gases, oxidizers, corrosives, flammable liquids and solids, loaded firearms, radioactive materials and poisons are considered hazardous.  Some common examples of prohibited items include paints, mace/tear gas, lighter fluid, oxygen bottles and fireworks.  You would think this goes without saying, but dangerous or hazardous materials are not allowed on aircraft.  However, if you follow TSA on Twitter, you will quickly learn that people try to get all sorts of things on airplanes!
With just a little knowledge and preparation in advance, you will significantly decrease your travel day stress.
Remember to check my social media channels for updates on my travel next week!
Twitter:  @kelleyaus
Instagram:  kelleyaus

What do you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled ??

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What do you do if your flight is delayed or cancelled?  There are some steps you can proactively take to stay informed and alleviate some of the stress associated with disrupted travel.

My first recommend is to always book your flights with a reputable travel agency or directly with the airline.  Please remember, that the online booking sites are not all equal in the eyes of the airlines.  When you book with some of them, you are not necessarily the customer of the airline.  Not being the customer of the airline can present many challenges when it comes to delays or cancellations.

If you have not already, I highly recommended downloading the apps for your preferred air carriers.  If you don’t have a preferred air carrier, once we have vacation flights booked, download the app for that carrier.   You can check flight status via the app and many of the airline apps allow you to sign up for text message alerts for your flights.  If you aren’t an “app” kind of person, you should visit the airline website; check your reservation via the record locator number and sign up for text alerts about that reservation.  Having the app on your phone, or receiving text alerts, make it easier to monitor your flight status for changes, delays, or cancellations.  Of course if you have booked through me, I’m happy to assist you with any of these steps!  I also monitor flights as best I can for you while you travel.

                

If the flight is cancelled prior to your day of departure, most airlines will automatically rebook you on another flight if they have control your reservation.  An important note here – if you have not booked with a travel agent or directly with the airline, the automatic rebooking may not occur instantly.  If you booked with one of the big online booking sites, you are their customer, and not necessarily the direct customer of the airline.  The airline may refer you back to the company where you booked your flight so they can assist you.  (This can be a real challenge if you are out of the country and your online site of choice only has internet support or no international phone number to call.)

If the flight is cancelled the day of departure and / or you are already at the airport, most airlines will immediately begin the rebooking process.  Some of the airlines have automated systems that rebook you, others it is a manual one by one done by the agents at the ticketing counter or gate.  Many of the airline apps will allow you to rebook within the app.  This will save you from having to stand in line at the airport ticket counter, or spend time on hold.   If the cancel occurs prior to you checking in for your flight and you have booked with me, I am always happy to work with you to reschedule your flight.  If you are already checked in for your flight or at the airport, working directly with the airline is often the most streamlined process.  If the airline is unable to assist, and you have booked with me, you should definitely call the 24 hour customer care number provided in your travel documents.  Again, if you booked with one of the online booking sites, getting help directly from the airline can be a challenge.  Please remember, it is not that they do not want to help you, but their first priority is their customer – those that book through travel agents and directly with the airline.

If you are at the airport and your flight is delayed, always stay close to the gate area so you can hear announcements.  At many airports, the flight schedule monitors are not actually updated by the airline, but by airport operations so the screens aren’t always updated as quickly as the changes occur.  If you have text alerts set up on your phone, these will be helpful as well.  If your delay is that of more than a few hours, the airline may be willing to provide a meal voucher for you.

If your delay turns in to a cancellation that requires an overnight stay at the airport, you do have options.  Depending on why the flight was cancelled, the airline may provide a hotel option for you.

If it is not a complimentary option (that is correct, it is not always a “free” hotel night), make sure to ask if they are offering a distressed traveler rate.  Most of the times they have negotiated distressed traveler rates with the airport area hotels.  Also inquire about meal vouchers, and toiletry kits.  In most cases, the airlines will not be able to provide you with your checked luggage in the event of an overnight situation.  This is one reason I always carry on a few toiletries and a change of clothes.  If I have them I don’t need them, it’s when I don’t throw them in that it comes back to haunt me!

Yes, delays and cancellations are painful for all involved, including the airport staff.  Please remember, they are no happier about the delays or cancellations than you are.  You may be traveling for an important event, or simply trying to get home after a long trip, whatever the reason for your travel, and whatever the reason for your delay, please do not take it out on the airline staff (or your travel agent!).    

Happy travels.                     

      Kelley

Do you know your name ??

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jpegDo you know your name?  I’m serious; do you actually know your name as it appears on your official documentation?  You would be shocked if you knew how many people give me their “names” but upon further questioning or looking at their documents, they learn their name isn’t what they have been calling themselves!  When you get a chance, take a look at your driver’s license, your passport, your social security card.  Do they all have the same name?  Many people have different names on every piece of government issued identification or document they have!
Ideally, you should have the same name on all of your documentation so there is no mistaking your identity.   Then there is the whole, how does your name appear on your credit card?  More often than not, the name appears slightly different on your credit card than it does any of your documentation.
When it comes to travel outside of the US, your passport is ultimately all that matters.  Before booking any travel that involves travel outside of the country, please make sure you look at your passport and know how your name appears.  It does not matter how your name appears on your driver’s license in another country, they only care about your passport name.  If you don’t already have a passport, or it needs to be renewed, please make sure you know how your name will appear on the passport when booking your travel.  It is important that the name on your travel reservation and the name on your documentation be an exact match. Remember, your name must exactly match!  If there is Jr, Sr, II, or III, etc. after your name that matters too!
Airlines are not fond of name changes and there can be significant financial penalties.  Many times, the name cannot be changed; the ticket must be cancelled and reissued.  This is a double whammy, they will not refund your money on the cancelled ticket, plus you have to buy a new ticket.
It’s not just the airlines; it is the immigration officials in the country you are entering or exiting, and even the resort you are visiting.  If your name does not match on your travel documentation and your passport, you may be subject to additional immigration screening upon entering or the country.  Surprisingly, exiting a foreign country to return to the US can be even more of an issue if there is a name discrepancy.  Resorts also check your name at check-in and if it does not match your passport, your check-in process can be long and arduous.  Also at the resort, if the name on your passport does not match the name on the credit card they will be using for incidentals, they may ask for an additional form of identification to prove the credit card is indeed yours.
Many travelers (including myself) will use their passport names for all travel, including domestic travel.   There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, just remember to always have your passport with you!
It sounds so simple, but at least once a week I get a call about a name issue with clients.   This is the one issue that can make me (and all other travel professionals) lose sleep at night.  There is nothing more gut wrenching than getting that call from a client that is at the airport and cannot check-in for their flight due to a name discrepancy.
Now, go check all of your documentation so you know your name!
Kelley

Do you know about these changes ??

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Travel is always changing and this summer is no exception!  There have been a few announcements recently about changes that are both interesting and “need to know”.  Here are just a few of the changes!

Carnival Cruise Lines has been busy with announcements this last week.  The announcement from Tuesday will have an impact on anyone cruising Carnival starting in July.    Effective July 9, Carnival is prohibiting passengers from bringing on bottled beverages.  According to Carnival they are implementing the bottled beverage ban for two main reasons. First, it slows down the boarding process due to security checks for contraband booze. Second, it can lead to behavioral problems caused by overconsumption.   Carnival will still allow one 750-milliliter bottle of unopened wine or champagne in carry-on baggage on embarkation day. If they choose to consume it in a restaurant or bar, they will be charged a $15 corkage fee. Carnival did clarify a policy regarding the ability to bring on soda or bottled water.   “We will continue to allow up to 12 unopened cans or cartons of water, sodas and non-alcoholic beverages per person to be brought on board during embarkation,” the line said. “Guests can now purchase a 12-pack of bottled water from Carnival at a price of $2.99 plus tax online prior to their cruise or $4.99 plus gratuities once on board. We sincerely apologize for any disappointment these changes may cause. However, we firmly believe these changes will ultimately benefit all guests.”

Also in the news late last week, Carnival announced a new brand of cruising specifically dedicated to volunteerism.  Carnival will be launching fathom in April 2017 with seven-day voyages from Miami aboard the Adonia.  The Adonia is a 710-passenger vessel redeployed from Carnival Corp.’s P&O Cruises. The first destination for this new concept will be the Dominican Republic.  According to Carnival the Dominic Republic was chosen as the first destination because the average household income is about US$6,000 a year and more than 2 million Dominicans do not have access to piped water.  Passengers will pay cruise fares starting at $1,540 per person for an outside cabin. On the initial sea days guests will attend onboard “readiness experiences,” such as an orientation to the Dominican Republic, conversational Spanish lessons, activity training, workshops, personal enrichment and more.  There will be on-shore social impact activities such as helping cultivate cacao plants and helping a women’s cooperative produce artisan chocolates; teaching English in schools or to adults; or helping build water filters using clay.  This is certainly going to be a unique and rewarding cruise experience!  Keep your eyes and ears open for more fathom details as they are released!

Frontier Airlines also made headlines this week.  Frontier Airlines is no longer going to put the actual departure time on their boarding passes!  Yes, it’s true.  They are now going to put the time that “boarding begins” and the time that the boarding “door closes,” which is 10 minutes prior to a flight’s scheduled departure time.   In an article for Today in the Sky As for Frontier, spokesman Jim Faulkner says the goal for the change is to keep flights on schedule.

“It’s part of our emphasis to ensure an on-time departure for our customers, if the door closes 10 minutes before scheduled departure, customers still have time to stow their bags, get their seat belts fastened and get settled in so that the plane can push back from the gate on time or before.”   While I don’t think this is a bad thing, it is worthy of noting the change.  If you are flying Frontier, please make sure to check your boarding passes!

Keep an eye out over the coming months for possible changes to carry-on size luggage.  Currently, there is no standard in the industry, each airline sets their own.   The industry trade association International Airline Transport Association (IATA) is recommending that all airlines standardize so consumers are no longer confused with the different airline allowances.  They are recommending a smaller size that will allow for all flying passengers to have room in the overhead or under the seat in front of them for their carry-on bags.  One of the goals is to stop the “fight for the bin” space and therefore expediting the boarding process.  The European carriers already (and always have) have smaller carry-on size allowances than the US carriers.  So far 8 international carriers have formally signed on and back the IATA recommendations and another 30 have expressed interest.  Currently, no US Airlines have formally supported the recommendation.  This will be an interesting story to follow and will certainly change the way we fly if all airlines adopt the recommendation.  For now, my recommendation is the same as always – check your airline website for their carry-on allowance prior to your travel.

Travel is constantly changing, and I will always do my best to keep you informed of any significant industry changes or announcements.   Since the changes may not be a topic of my newsletters each week, I do hope you will engage on social media with me so you can continue to be informed and probably entertained by some of my posts or photos.

Happy Travels!

      

Protect Yourself and be healthy !!

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I am often asked how people can protect themselves from getting sick when traveling.  My first concern is always for your safety and well-being.  I will never recommend areas or resorts that I feel are unsafe or that I would not travel to personally.  If you have any health concerns, please make sure to advise me when we are in the planning process, or prior to travel so you we can manage any situation!

One thing to remember (and this is on every one of my confirmation invoices I provide) is that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the proper travel documentation (passports, visas, identification, vaccinations, etc.) in order to travel abroad.  Did you notice that word vaccinations?  Too often people always overlook this and think it doesn’t pertain to them or their destination.  In most cases you are right – it doesn’t.  However, the CDC is constantly updating their information with regards to required or recommended vaccinations for any destination you may travel to.  Please note there is a difference between a requirement and a recommendation.  For a requirement, it is just that – and you will have to show proof before being allowed to enter the country.  Recommendations are just that, general wide scope recommendations.  For any questions regarding the recommendations, you should consult with your physician to see if the recommendation applies to you in your health assessment.  Often times, the recommendations will not apply to you based on your overall health.

Many times people will get sick when traveling and assume they have food poisoning.  True food poisoning is actually quite rare in the more mainstream tourist destinations or on cruise ships.  Often times it is your body reacting to unfamiliar or excessive foods (especially when combined with alcohol), or different bacteria or pesticides.  It can also be an indicator there is something more serious going on.  There are ways you can protect yourself when traveling.  The two biggest ways you can protect yourself are through eating safe foods and personal hygiene.  The other way is by working with a travel professional that visits the resorts on a routine basis and knows the practices at each resort.  Did you know that most of the resorts I recommend use only bottled and treated water throughout the entire resort?

Eating safe foods such as those that are cooked and served hot is one recommendation.   If you don’t know the food source, you want to make sure your eggs are hard cooked or cooked thoroughly, and that you are consuming pasteurized dairy products.  If you are working with a good travel professional, they will have good insight for you on this type of thing.  (Did you know some resorts actually have their own greenhouses and grow their own produce?)  There are some general recommendations – but these will vary slightly based on the destination and health concerns.   If you are at a good quality resort (this is where value comes in to play and not necessarily just price!), or on a cruise ship, the recommendations will be slightly altered.  The recommendations below should definitely be followed if you are eating out side of your resort or in a port of call!

Some general recommendations of foods not to eat:

Food served at room temperature

Food from street vendors

Raw or soft-cooked (think runny) eggs

Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits or vegetables (if you want these – please make sure to wash them!)

Peelings from fruits or veggies

Condiments made from fresh ingredients if you don’t know or trust the food source

Salads

Unpasteurized dairy products

“Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)

Drinking safe beverages is also important.  While most of the better resorts only use bottled or filtered water, it is always best to ask about the water source!  I only recommend resorts that use bottled or filtered water, but believe it or not, some people choose not to take my recommendations!

Don’t forget about the ice!  Ice is water!  You need to know if the ice cubes are made from filtered water or tap water.  If tap water – stay away!  Personally, I don’t use ice at all when I am traveling, no matter where I am going.  The safe beverages are generally bottled water (that is sealed or opened in front of you), water that has been disinfected (boiled, filtered, treated), ice made with boiled or disinfected water, carbonated drinks, hot coffee or tea, and pasteurized milk.

Drinks to avoid include:

Tap or Well water (Don’t even brush your teeth with it if it is not treated!)

Ice made with tap or well water

Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juices or iced tea)

Open market drinks made with fresh fruit pulp

Flavored ice and popsicles

Unpasteurized milk

Personal hygiene cannot be understated here!  You hear it all of the time “wash your hands” – but do you do it?  You should wash your hands often and with soap whenever possible.  If soap is not available, make sure you clean your hands with sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.    Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth unless your hands are clean.  Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.

One other hint – if you have ever been on a flight and they give you a hot / warm towel before you eat or land – Don’t use that to wipe your face!!  Those towels can be a breeding ground for bacteria!  Use those towels to wipe your hands (but don’t touch your face!), and clean the tray table you will be using.

If you have any questions regarding health concerns in the area you are visiting, I encourage you to visit with your doctor to determine if you need any vaccinations or if following a few simple precautions will be all you need.  Most of the time, just following simple precautions is all you need to have a safe and healthy vacation experience!

Happy Travels!

Are you a Smart Traveler ??

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When it comes to your vacation experiences, are you a Smart Traveler?

                                       SMART TRAVELER 

Smart Traveler, the official State Department app for U.S. travelers, invites you to see the world with easy access to frequently updated official country information, travel alerts, travel warnings, maps, U.S. embassy locations, and more.
With Smart Traveler, you can create personal itineraries, add notes, and organize your trips.
Smart Traveler also provides access to the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Free STEP enrollment enables the State Department to better assist you in emergencies such as natural disasters, unrest in foreign countries, or lost/stolen passports overseas. During your travels, STEP can help family and friends reach you in an emergency.
Smart Traveler also provides quick access to the Department’s Consular Affairs Facebook and Twitter pages. And for a bit of fun, you can shake your device to get information on a random country!
Application is available in both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for iPhone and Android devices 
(search term: Smart Traveler).
Link to create account on state.gov website = https://step.state.gov/STEP/Pages/Common/CreateAccountStart.aspx
I highly recommend that anyone traveling outside of the USA become a Smart Traveler!
Kelley
Happy Travels!
       

Credit and Debit can make a difference in travel !

by In Brides, Cruise, Destinations, Europe, General Travel Information, Luxury Travel, Wedding Tagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Do you know the difference between a credit card and a debit card with a credit card symbol (V or MC) on it?  Often times, I find many of my clients don’t really understand the fine differences between the 2 of them.  This can lead to some challenges during your travel if you are not fully informed.  I certainly recommend you to check with your bank and credit card company for specifics, but I thought I would share a brief over view of some of the differences for you.
Credit and Debit cards with credit card symbols have many similarities, such as they are all accepted at the same locations and offer great convenience.  However, there is one fundamental difference between the two types of cards that can impact you greatly.  The biggest difference is where the card pulls the money.
A credit card is charging it against your line of credit with your credit card company, as long as you have available credit, you can make the charge.  Depending on your billing cycle you may have up to a month to pay the bill and may have the option of paying a minimum amount each month.
A debit card is pulling the money directly from your checking account when you make the purchase. They do this by placing a hold on the amount of the purchase. Then the merchant sends in the transaction to their bank and it is transferred to the merchants account. It can take a few days for this to happen, and the hold may drop off before the transaction goes through. The hold can also extend past the date of the transaction!   For this reason, it is important to keep a running balance of your checking account to make sure you do not accidentally overdraw your account. It is possible to do that with a debit card.  There are some other points of consideration when using a debit card for your travel expenses both when booking your travel and when traveling.
Many debit cards have a daily spending limit.  Yes, I know, it can be “run as a credit card”; however, many of them are still subject to the daily spending limits.  I run in to this daily with clients! They will have a deposit due of $500 and they only have a daily spending limit of $300; or they have a final payment due of $3500 and have a daily spending limit of $1000.  It doesn’t matter how much money you have in the bank, if the card has a daily spending limit, it won’t confirm the transaction.  With most banks you can call them, give the amount, and the merchant name and they will extend the limit for the business day.  While I personally always process the payments with a couple of days or more to spare (for this and other reasons), if you have waited until the last minute, this can be problematic.
When it comes to fraud, while they both offer fraud protection, they do not handle it in the same way.  Remember, your debit card is tied directly to your checking (or savings) account and has a higher fraud liability.  If someone steals your card or the number, they can drain funds in relatively short order.  Investigating this damage takes time. The longer you wait to report the fraud, the more likely you will be held liable for your own losses.  If you choose to use a debit card when traveling and will be on an extended length trip, please make sure you have access to secure internet service (not a public wifi!!) to monitor any activity on your checking or savings account.
Also, many bank debit cards cannot be used outside of the US.  You should check on this prior to travel!  This will be very important to know.  Debit cards are actually a great way (in all honesty, the best way) to obtain foreign currency from local ATM machines, but it will not help if your card is restricted from making international transactions.  This is most common with smaller local banks.  Credit cards on the other hand are not a good way to get foreign currency when traveling.  If you use a credit card in a foreign ATM, it is often considered a “cash advance” and your interest may start accumulating right at the time of the transaction.
Finally, the dreaded “hold” on the account.  When you are traveling, the holds can be extended for a good amount of time.  I know one cruise line that will put a hold on debit cards for up to 3 weeks after travel.  Depending on your financial circumstances and what other transactions you have automatically withdrawn from your account, this can be problematic.
When traveling, regardless of credit or debit, when you board a ship, or check in to a resort, you will need to have a credit / debit card in your name.  You will not be able to use someone else’s card unless that person is rooming with you or with you on the trip and will provide financial authorization for this to be done at check in.
Another point is your PIN number for both debit and credit cards.  Yes, credit cards have PIN numbers as well.  If you are traveling in Europe, I highly recommend that you find out your credit card PIN before travel.  You may need it to complete any purchases.  These can often only be mailed to you, so please don’t wait until the last minute!  Always make sure to contact your credit card and bank prior to travel outside of the US.  You need to alert them so they don’t put any fraud alerts on your account for valid purchases you may try to make.  I speak from experience when I tell you it is less than convenient to try and call your bank or credit card company from another country to resolve issues.
Both credit cards and debit card have distinct advantages and disadvantages when it comes to travel.  The choice of which you use is your personal decision to make.  I only ask that you know the differences so you are well prepared and don’t run in to any issues while trying to enjoy your travel experience.
Happy Travels!
Kelley

by In Brides, Cruise, Destinations, General Travel Information, Luxury Travel, Uncategorized, Wedding Tagged , , , , Leave a comment

Did you know Puerto Rico, the all-star island, is an amazing Caribbean destination with much to offer for your honeymoon or destination wedding and no passports are required? Puerto Rico is a US Commonwealth and with a unique blend of Spanish culture, natural beauty, and contemporary lifestyle Puerto Rico has something for everyone.
Puerto Rico is referred to as the all-star island by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, and with good reason. While Puerto Rico is a great year ‘round destination, December – April are the best months to visit. The temperatures are in the 70s-80s F during the day and in the 70s at night. You will want to take a sweater for the evenings, especially in the mountain areas or to wear inside in air-conditioned areas. Hurricane season is June-November, when it can be cloudy, more humid and rainy. It seems to rain at least every other day year-round, but most of the rain comes in brief torrents and doesn’t ruin a whole day.

Since Puerto Rico is a commonwealth of the U.S., Puerto Rico uses the U.S. dollar; just don’t be surprised when locals often refer to as a peso. All major credit cards are widely accepted, however, some smaller shops may not accept American Express or Discover. Also, both Spanish and English are the official languages on the island. Since most Puerto Ricans speak English (in the bigger cities and tourist areas) it makes it very easy to communicate and do business.
Activities and attractions abound in Puerto Rico adding to your all-star vacation experience! Puerto Rico’s main attractions include deep-sea fishing, gambling, historical attractions, horse racing, culture, nightlife, beaches, rain forests, shopping, golf, tennis, caves, hiking, horseback riding, world-class surfing and watersports (including snorkeling and scuba diving). Canopy Tours (also known as zip lining) are also a fun way to enjoy the lush tropical environment of Puerto Rico. Toro Verde features one of the longest Zip Lines on Earth, La Bestia. It uses a specially designed harness to soar through the air across 4,745 feet of terrain. You can visit old forts (San Felippe del Morro and San Cristobel are two not-to-be-missed forts), enjoy the shopping and Spanish colonial architecture of Old San Juan, tour the Bacardi Rum Distillery, or try your luck at one of the islands many casinos. Puerto Rico is also home to 3 bioluminescence bays; a kayak or boat-ride away from shore,they must be seen to be appreciated.

While San Juan is definitely the heart of Puerto Rico, there are other great areas to explore as well. Ponce is a historic city on the southern coast of the island features attractions such as the Serralles Castle and the Parque de Bombas (old firehouse). Another great option is to visit the off shore islands of Vieques and Culebra is great for some off-beat adventure. Culebra has a wildlife refuge and coral reefs, and Vieques attracts snorkelers and boasts some of the best beaches.

A few fun facts about Puerto Rico:

  • Puerto Ricans measure distance in kilometers but speed limits in miles per hour.
  • The Caribbean National Forest, dubbed El Yunque in Spanish, is the only tropical forest in the U.S. Forest Service system, and the smallest as well.
  • Did you know 70% of the rum sold in the US comes from Puerto Rico? Puerto Rico purports to be the largest rum producer in the world.
  • In San Juan, at midnight on St. John the Baptist Day (23 June), people walk backward into the sea (or the nearest body of water) three times. This ritual is performed to wash away the year’s sins and ensure good luck for the following year.
  • The island’s local beer is the award-winning Medalla Light. It’s sold in 7- to 10-ounce sizes to ensure that the beverage can be consumed before it warms.

 

I hope you have enjoyed this short introduction to the island of Puerto Rico!

 

Kelley