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

Which All-Inclusive is right for you ??

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We all know that when it comes to vacation travel, the All-Inclusive resorts remain a very popular choice.  All-Inclusive resorts offer some of the best value for your money; the choices are vast and there is a resort out there to suite any traveler interested.  The all-inclusive resorts of today cover a wide variety of styles, budget, and clientele.   When choosing your resort, it is important to understand the differences and options available.
All-Inclusive resorts are located in many of the sun-drenched islands and countries of the Caribbean and Mexico.  The largest concentrations of all-inclusive resorts are in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.  There are many others scattered throughout the Caribbean – such as St Lucia, Antigua, The Bahamas, and Costa Rica, to name a few.
There are 3 main types of All-Inclusive Resorts:
  • Couples Only
Cater to the romance and celebration clients – think honeymoon, destination weddings, and anniversaries.  Of course no special occasion is required to enjoy the adult only atmosphere.
Most often 4 star properties and above
  • Adults Only
Restricted to adults only, but not couples only.
Great for destination weddings, couples, groups of couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guys trip / mancation”
Most often 4 star properties and above
  • Family Friendly
Large range of family friendly dining, entertainment, and activities
Many have adult only areas or sections
Great option for destination weddings if children are on the guest list
Many are great for couples, girlfriend getaways, or the “guy’s trip / mancation”.
Available in all budget ranges
Inclusions are as varied as the resorts themselves – some questions to consider:
  • How important is dining?  Do you prefer buffet or A’ la carte dining (think traditional sit down restaurant style dining with a menu)?  Are you willing to make reservations?
  • Is room service important to you?  Butler service?  Concierge service?
  • Do you prefer premium brands of alcohol or domestic brands (consider the country you will be in!)?
  • Are you a beach bum or a pool person?
  • What type of activities do you enjoy on vacation?  Do you like water sports?
  • Do you like a large mega-resort, smaller boutique resorts, or something in between?
  • Do you want to stay mostly on the resort or do you want to enjoy the area and local culture?
When it comes to budget, as a general rule, resorts fall in to the following categories:
  • Budget – usually 2-3 star properties, primarily buffet options for dining and reservations required for A’ la carte dining.  Availability of reservations can be dependent on your length of stay and room category.
  • Moderate – usually 3-4 star properties, good mix of buffet and A’ la carte dining.  Some will still require reservations for A’ la carte dining but with less restrictions than most budget resorts.
  • Luxury – usually 4.5 -5 start properties, primarily A’ la carte dining with generally only buffet option for breakfast or breakfast and lunch.
  • Exceptional Luxury – usually 5 star +, primarily A’ la carte dining with generally only buffet for breakfast, but A’ la carte options for breakfast as well.
As a Couples Travel Concierge and Travel Professional, I can help you sort out all of your options.  It is important to work with a travel professional that has been to and experienced the resorts they are recommending.  I work with you based on your personal preferences, not just some data you type in to a website.  Don’t hesitate to contact me when you are ready to book your All-Inclusive Resort Honeymoon, Destination Wedding, or vacation!

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!

Excellence Playa de Mujeres – a review

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My Clients Services Administrator was kind enough to share her memories and give you a great overview of her recent experience at one of my favorite all-inclusive resorts in the Cancun area.

We visited The Excellence Resort – Playa de Mujeres for 5 days.   This resort is an all-inclusive Luxury/Adults Only resort in the beautiful Playa de Mujeres area, just 30 minutes from Cancun Airport and away from all the hustle and bustle.   The resort is chic and contemporary – beautifully decorated with lush colorful grounds.
     
Upon arrival we were warmly greeted with a fresh towel and a welcome cocktail. The staff is very professional and courteous.  Our room was ready so we were able to go there first and drop our luggage etc.  Lucky for us we were in the “Excellence Club” section which are the top of the line suites with private concierge, Excellence club lounge with snacks, beverages, additional amenities, rooms with in room Jacuzzi, premium mini bar, separate in-room and balcony seating areas for plenty of space.  Our room was on the second floor overlooking one of the 7 pools. Gorgeous and peaceful.

We decided to check out some lunch choices – there are lots of different flavors to enjoy.  Breakfast and lunch are available at 3 of the Restaurants, Toscana serves a Breakfast buffet, The Lobster house and The Grill offer many selections of seafood, salads etc. for lunch.
There are lots more choices for dinner incuding, Italian, Habachi, Indian, Mediterranaen,Mexican,French, Tapas and more.   All Dining is included in the All Inclusive pricing, no upgrades or additional costs.   Reservations are only required at the Hibachi restaurant.
                
I wish we had more time there to try all the restaurants, but we managed to fit in as much dining as possible !!!!
We went exploring the next day and decided to take it easy down at the beach.  The beach was lovely, it was paradise with luxury lounge chairs and beds, under shaded grass umberellas.  Staff came around continously to freshen drinks and take care of any other requests you had.  We were spoiled..!!! In addition, they also had live music and lunch buffet at the Beach bar.  Later we relaxed at one of our quite pools in these Hammocks !! (Still dreaming about the Hammocks)
     
Every evening they had amazing entertainment at their covered Ampitheater, we saw a circus aerial type act, Michael Jackson impersonator (really good) Spanish Flamenco show and many more – they really did a wonderful job with the entertainment choices.  One night they set up a Mexican Fiesta with buffet, local music etc.  For the men, they also had a large Sports Bar with many Big Screens showing the highlights.
The Mille Spa on the property was out of this world, world class massages and other spa services were also available.   These services were an additional fee, but well worth it.  There was also a complete Hydrotherapy section – which was included in any other service you purchased – now that was a treat.
This year we relaxed more and only booked one shore excursion.
We did a Catamaran boat trip to Isla de Mujeres including a snorkeling trip on the way.  We saw some Mayan ruins, beautiful reefs and so much sealife.  We had a couple of hours on the Island to eat lunch and shop.  The restaurants were right on the island where we had fresh catch of the day and delicous fresh seafood varieties.  The shopping area was quite the bargaining adventure – lots of fun to be had there.  Silver is very popular on this island and you can get some great bargains.
         
Overall everything was wonderful, the customer service, amenities, food ….. all fantastic.   As you know Kelley, last year we stayed at The Iberostar Grand Hotel Paraiso in Riviera Maya and so we had something to compare this trip to.  This resort was a little more upbeat with younger couples, wedding parties etc.  We loved Excellence, it was more social with lots of entertainment and it seemed more guests.  I would absolutely return to both locations again.
Until next year ………………..Emer
Thanks Emer for taking the time to share your vacation memories with us!
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 !

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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

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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

Don’t waste your money !!!

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As a Couples Travel Concierge I am often asked “why should I use a travel agent?” Although I could give a list of 100 reasons off the top of my head, it all boils down to this – don’t waste your time or money!

The famous Warren Buffet quote “Price is what you pay, Value is what you get”. As a professional travel concierge, my goal is to help you find the best value for your vacation dollar. Price and value are not always (and sometimes not at all) the same! We all know what price is… it is the amount you pay for a given item, service, or in this case, vacation. Value is another matter entirely. You might say that as your travel concierge I act as your value interpreter.
Value, what is it to you? For some people, value is time and time is money. For some people value is convenience. For some people value is knowledge and expertise. As a professional travel concierge I work with only the best vacation providers to insure that you have a seamless and flawless vacation experience from start to finish thus providing you with time, convenience, my knowledge and expertise.
I’m often asked “are you more expensive than the internet?” That depends, are you talking about price, or value? Most often my clients will find my prices are very competitive; however, admittedly, sometimes my prices may not be less than “the internet” – but the value I bring is considerably more than that.
Do you have the time to research the endless options for your vacation? Do you have the time to deal with things if something goes awry? How convenient is it for you when there is a schedule change and you are notified? How convenient is it for you if you don’t know the documentation requirements and you show up without the correct documents?
Some people think booking on the internet is the way to book travel. If you decide to book “on the internet”, wouldn’t it be interesting to find out if the internet has ever been to where you want to go? Does the internet answer the phone on the weekends or at night if you have a travel emergency? Perhaps you decide to book with an online agency that has a call center. Often times the call center employees (note: they are usually not travel agents) have never traveled to your destination and only knows what “the internet” tells them. Not to mention, have you ever tried to reach an “online agency” from another country? Rarely do they have international phone support and it can be quite difficult to email the help desk if you are in the midst of a storm with no power.
Obviously, the choice is yours. When it’s my money, I opt for value over price every day.

 

Happy Travels

 

Kelley

Did you think of this ??

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

It’s hardjpeg to think of everything when you are packing for a vacation. I always seem to get there and think “I wish I had thought to bring ….” It’s not that we “forget” to pack things, sometimes we just don’t think of things. Sometimes it isn’t “packing” it’s just “things” related to travel you may not think about – until you need or want it of course! I thought it would be fun this week to do a “Did you think of this?” list for you. Did you think of this for packing?

Rolling your clothes – Rolling clothes before putting them in your suitcase will help prevent wrinkles and it will also take up less space. I have rolled my clothes for years and you’d be surprised what a difference it makes. If you just can’t bear the thought of rolling all of your clothes, or you really love to iron during your vacation, at least roll 1 outfit and put it in your carry-on with you! This way you won’ t have to go to dinner when you arrive in your destination in wrinkled clothes, or to dinner the first night of a cruise in wrinkled clothes because you did not have time to iron before the early seating.
Downey Wrinkle Release – Do you see a pattern here? I hate to iron anytime, but especially on vacation! You can buy a travel size bottle of this in the trial section of your local drug store or Walmart. Not only does it help with wrinkles, it can help with keeping your clothes smelling fresh after you unpack them, especially if your suitcase was left in the rain on the tarmac at the airport. Yes, that has happened to me.
Dryer Sheets – I know there are some of you that will insist on folding and ironing. That’s okay… put a dryer sheet in each suitcase to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
Ziploc Bags – Bringing a few Ziploc bags on vacation takes up no space and will serve you well. If you are on a cruise you can use them when going on shore excursions so you can keep water and sand away from your phone, camera, cash, passport etc. If you are staying at a beach resort you can use them at the beach to keep sand and water at bay. A gallon Ziploc bag comes in handy for throwing your flip flops or water shoes in to keep any residual sand out of your suitcase. You can also use Ziploc bags for make-shift vacuum packing. Place clothing items in the bag (works especially well with swim suits, underwear, socks, and workout clothes), compress the bag (I have been known to sit on it!), and Ziploc the bag. Presto! Compressed packing equals more room in the suitcase. I always carry quart and gallon size bags.
Pill Containers aren’t just for pills. You can use them to organize earrings or smaller rings. They are also great for keeping fine chains untangled if you don’t want to bring your jewelry boxes or pouches.
Surge Protectors with USB outlets, or Multi Chargers with USB outlets – I have never seen a resort room with enough outlets and in a cruise ship cabin – you are lucky if there is more than one even accessible to you! Who doesn’t travel with more than just one electronic that needs to be charged or plugged in these days? There are some very simple ones and some very fancy ones that have plugs that rotate 360 degrees. All that really matters is that they are small, compact, and will be extremely useful!
Portable USB Chargers will charge your phone just when you need it. Remember, phones aren’t just for calling anymore; they are cameras, photo albums, or gaming centers for some people. For example, when you are sitting in the airport waiting on that delayed flight, or waiting for embarkation or disembarkation of your cruise ship, on that boring transfer ride to your resort while you stop at 3 others if you didn’t take my advice to upgrade your transfers, you can power up your device and have at it!
Travel Size Hand Sanitizer comes in very handy when you are out exploring your destination or on a cruise ship excursion. Let’s face it, not all people have the same idea of personal hygiene that we do! It’s also likely you could be at a crowded resort or attraction and there is no convenient place to wash your hands, or there is no soap available. I’m not suggesting this take the place of good ole fashioned hand washing, but simply suggesting it in a pinch.
Hopefully a couple of these ideas will be helpful on your future vacation experiences!

Happy Travels,