5 more of my favorite Apps for travel.

Since I do travel quite a bit, I rely on some great travel apps to keep me organized, informed, and connected.  I use many different apps and I am always trying different apps out to see which ones can be of service to me and to you!  I’d like to tell you about 5 must have apps that I am really a fan of!

Google Translate –
Google translate is a great feature for both desk top computers and as an app on your smartphone.  I love this app, and guess what – it’s free!  Google Translate will translate around 80 languages!  Can you even name 80 languages?  I’m not sure I can!  You can speak, type, or write, and the app will respond in the target language!

Viber – 
Viber is a great app for free phone calls and texts; you can also send pictures and video.  Another great feature is that not only can you use it on Wi-Fi (certainly best international option), you can use it over 3G as well for free.  There is also a paid service, Viber Out, for calls to non-viber land lines, and mobile numbers.  The app syncs with your phone contact list and will automatically let you know which of your friends already has Viber.  You can also use Viber with groups of up to 100; could be great for your group of family or friends traveling together!

Xe Currency –
I use Xe Currency on my desktop all of the time checking for currency exchange rates; now I have it as an app too.  This is a great tool for travel, both before you leave and during travel.   Since currency rates can change daily, this is an excellent option for having the most up to date exchange rates.  With the XE Currency App, you can access live exchange rates, view historical charts, and calculate prices on your smartphone or tablet.  This is a free app and available on a variety of platforms.

Packing Pro –
This is an amazing must have travel app for people that are obsessed with their packing!  You can create lists or use templates they have already created; they also have sample packing lists for your reference.   You can import / export lists, share lists among devices, print your lists, email your lists, and much more.  This is a quick, simple, reliable and completely customizable packing app.
Cruise Planners Mobile App – My Trips  

(of course I have saved the best for last!)
MyTrips is a great option from my website (www.cruisevacationsandmore.com ) or as Cruise Planners Mobile, a mobile app from your app store. This app is exclusively designed by Cruise Planners for our clients.  It provides you access to your vacation information and allows you to book right from the website or app.  It’s an innovative way to have me with you all of the time!  You can book your insurance, shore excursions, and share your vacation plans with others.  Once you have your vacation booked with me, I’ll send you your MyTrips log-in information and you’ll be able to access all sorts of information about your vacation.

I hope you’ll try some of these apps!   If you have any other apps that you love for travel, please feel free to share them with me!

Safe Travels,

Did you know that you can give back on Vacation ?

Did you know that you can give back on vacation?  There are actually volunteer programs that you can participate in while you are on vacation!    Some examples are helping at animal shelters in other countries, or helping a child learn to read English in another country.

One of the vendors that I work closely with for shore excursions on cruises has a number of volunteer opportunities for you.  In addition to their own volunteer activities the vendor has recently joined forces with a non-profit organization, based in California, which, also has a number of volunteer-based activities already setup throughout the Caribbean.

Have you ever wondered what the heck to do in Cozumel?  What about volunteering for a few hours at a local animal shelter?  There is an excursion that will allow you to do just that!  Here is a brief description of how you can help:

Volunteer opportunities:
• Animal Care
• Grooming, bathing and feeding animals
• Walking dogs
• Assist moving animals to different areas of the facility

This facility is about working to help the animals in our community and we have been doing just that since 1996. This clinic, which opened in April 1996, began with two rooms, no electricity, 24 kennels, one vet and one kennel worker. Today, they have 14 employees and care for over 300 animals per month, either found astray or given up by their owners for a variety of reasons. The staff does their best to care for them and place them in good, loving homes.

Are you stopping in Belize and not really in to the water sports?  What about giving back through community development?  We can set you up to volunteer though a reputable association in a well-respected facility for just a few hours.

Volunteer Opportunities:
• Soup Kitchen
• Information Education Communication in schools and other community based organizations
• Fire Victims Support
• Feeding and taking care of elderly
• Protected Schools Brigade (First Aid and Disaster Preparedness and Response in Schools)
• Cleanup Campaigns
• Children Home Visit, Reading and Donations

Although some charities are often envisioned on an all-encompassing scale, this volunteer opportunity provides you the chance to experience it at its ground level. This association is a firm believer that their extraordinary efforts are made possible by potential volunteers like you and are gracious of any contribution no matter the size or effort. No matter what your skill set is, we will place you with a memorable experience at our facility!

Sandals, the parent company of Sandals, Beaches, and Grand Pineapple resorts has The Sandals Foundation.  The Sandals foundation gives back to the islands through a variety of programs.  One of the ways that you can help is through the Sandals Reading Road Trip when you are staying at one of their resorts.

Take a Journey to help:

  • Children between the ages of 5 – 7 years to improve their abilities in listening, comprehension and reading skills
  • “Give back” while on vacation
  • Extend the philanthropic work of the Foundation through the educational focus of its mandate
  • Available to guests staying at Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts ages 8 years and up, Reading Road Trip is a two-hour program that takes you into the community to one of the Foundation’s participating adopted basic and primary schools in Saint Lucia, Antigua, the Bahamas, Turks & Caicos or Jamaica to engage small groups of children in active reading strategies. Facilitators will be on hand to guide participants on how to engage and encourage children during this visit.

Reading Road Trip is offered every Thursday from 9am until 11am when schools are in session, September through mid-June. The cost is US$20 per person, which covers round-trip transportation and all supplies. Children 8-12 years of age can participate at no charge but must be accompanied by an adult. Volunteers are encouraged to bring along a favorite new or gently-used book to donate to the library of the school they visit

Volunteerism does not have to be difficult and is no longer limited to your local boundaries.  If you ever want to give back while you are traveling, let me know!

Safe Travels,

Are you using a Couples Travel Concierge ??

As a travel professional, I’m often asked why people should use a travel agent.  There are literally hundreds of answers to this question; today, we are going to talk about specifically why people would use a Couples Travel Concierge.  As a Couples Travel Concierge,

I help couples celebrate and embrace the special moments in life.  I believe every vacation should be a vacation experience – not just another trip away from home or time away from the office.  As a Couples Travel Concierge, I’m here to help you create your perfect vacation experience and start creating future memories!

I firmly believe you should be taking your perfect vacation – not the “picture perfect” vacation you see in brochures or on the internet.  Unfortunately your real life vacation won’t have Photoshop to make imperfections look perfect!  The last thing you want to happen is to show up on your honeymoon or landmark anniversary expecting that beachfront suite like you saw in the picture and find you have a view overlooking the roof next door, or worse.

When you start thinking about your next vacation, it is important to remember that it is “your” vacation.  It is not a vacation in a brochure, not a trip on the internet, not your friend’s trip, not your co-workers trip, and not anyone else’s vacation but yours!  Remember, it shouldn’t be a trip at all; it should be a vacation or travel experience!

Working with a professional travel concierge will insure your vacation experience meets your expectations.  Most couples want to have their trips planned to their exact specifications.  Many couples want special activities or events planned during their vacation.  How about that romantic dinner on the beach?   Or that private, personalized guided tour in your destination?  Are you not the “shuttle bus” kind of person – How about private transfers?  Perhaps you are a honeymoon couple or a landmark anniversary couple and want to be recognized as such during your honeymoon or anniversary trip.
Travel with a group can present some challenges and a professional travel concierge knows just how to hand them!  Are you traveling with a group of couples?  Would you like to have a private event just for your group?  Is this a special occasion – do you want gifts delivered for members of your group?  Do you want to make sure staterooms on the cruise ship are in close proximity?  (Balcony row, as one of my groups refers to it!) Do you want private transfers just for your group?
The vast majority of vacationers that return disappointed are disappointed because their experience did not meet their expectation.  A brochure and the internet cannot match expectation and experience.

Don’t let this happen to you!

Safe Travels,

Now – What time is my Spa appointment ?

Right now,
I’m on the newly renovated Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas!  Amazing!!!!

Here are a couple of pictures; I’ll have more for you next week.

 

She underwent extensive renovations last month and she is now home ported in Galveston year round.  The Navigator of the Seas has 15 decks, 16 bars, clubs, & lounges, and 10 pools & whirlpools.

Some of the new enhancements include virtual balconies, more specialty dining venues, a 220 sq. ft. outdoor screen, and a flow rider (think surf simulator).

 

The Navigator of the seas is the first ship to debut virtual balconies! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea with expansive real-time views of the ocean and our exciting destinations—all from the comforts of your interior stateroom. In addition to the virtual balconies, there will be panoramic ocean view staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

                 

 

Some of the new enhancements include virtual balconies, more specialty dining venues, a 220 sq. ft. outdoor screen, and a flow rider (think surf simulator).
The Navigator of the seas is the first ship to debut virtual balconies! Enjoy the sights and sounds of the sea with expansive real-time views of the ocean and our exciting destinations—all from the comforts of your interior stateroom. In addition to the virtual balconies, there will be panoramic ocean view staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows.

Some of the new specialty dining venues include Giovanni’s Table (family style Italian), Izumi (pan-Asian cuisine), and one of my favorites – Cupcake Cupboard!

There is enough activity on this ship to keep anyone and everyone busy!

Speaking of activities, I’m going to get back to enjoying what this beautiful ship has to offer!  It is my obligation to test out everything the ship has to offer so I can better assist you in planning your perfect cruise!

Now… what time is my spa appointment????
Kelley

Are you ready to save time ??

Of course we all want to save money and get great values, but are you ready to save time?  One key way to save time when you travel internationally is to enroll in the Global Entry program.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.  While it is fantastic for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify for the program.

 

Even if you only travel outside of the country once a year, or once every couple of years, it is well worth the investment of time and money to enroll in the program!   Membership in the program is valid for 5 years with no additional fees other than the initial application fee.
Participants in the Global Entry program may enter the United States by using automated kiosks located at select airports. This saves a great deal of time (and sometimes frustration) waiting in the long to very long customs lines upon reentering the US from your international trip. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs the traveler to baggage claim and the exit.
Besides the obvious benefit of expedited arrival into the US after your travel, there are also some nice benefits associated with Global Entry on your travel departure as well.  Global Entry participants are automatically eligible for TSA PreCheck benefits as well.

 

TSA PreCheck allows you to go through an expedited TSA / Security check when you arrive at the airport.  This can be a huge time saver during peak travel times!

If you have a passport already, there are 4 steps to apply for this program.  If you do not have a passport yet, there are 5 steps; the very first would be to obtain your passport.  Here is a brief outline of the application process:
1.  Apply online (there is a $100 non-refundable application fee)
2. Once your application has been processed, you will schedule an interview at one of the Global Entry  Enrollment Centers
3. The Interview – this determines your eligibility.  You will be interviewed by a CBP officer.
4. Provide proper identification at the interview – you must provide your passport and one other government issued form of identification such as your driver’s license.  If you are a lawful permanent resident, you must present your permanent resident card.
Global Entry kiosks are available at many of the larger airports throughout the US.  Please remember, it may not be as important that the program be available at your local departure airport, the need is for it to be available at the airport through which you re-enter the United States.

 

For example, using a local example, they do not have Global Entry kiosks at the airport in College Station, TX but they do have them in Houston at George Bush Intercontinental Airport.  They currently do not have them in Austin, TX but they are in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Atlanta, and Chicago – which are the US Entry points for most flights originating out of Austin.  Also, it is important that you can get to one of the enrollment centers for your interview.
If you are ready to save time and would like more information about this program, please visit the program website at www.globalentry.gov

I hope you found this time saving information helpful!

Kelley

Are you fit to travel ??

As a professional Couples Travel Concierge, my consultations and conversations cover a wide variety of topics with my clients.  Quite often, Future Vacation Travelers will express concerns about getting fit or healthy before their vacation experience.  Believe it or not, with some time, dedication and working with a professional, you can improve your fitness before it is time to travel.  Some travelers tell me they want to lose weight; others tell me they need to increase their endurance or level of fitness because they want to have a very active vacation.  Whatever your fitness or health needs are, it is great to address them before travel so you can make the most of your vacation experience
Many of us have tried to get fit and healthy on our own with varying degrees of success. Being a professional myself, I always encourage the use of professionals in any given field.   If you are looking for a professional to help you, I’d like to introduce you to 2 ladies that have slightly different approaches to fit and healthy lifestyles. I personally know both of them and either one can provide great motivation and support for you.   I recently interviewed each of these ladies about their approaches to getting fit and healthy for travel and I’d like to share with you their thoughts.

 

Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts, Certified Health Coach and Certified Consulting Hypnotist specializing in helping people get on track toward optimal health with lifestyle programs and customized hypnosis sessions.  Robin says “Travel and vacations oftentimes find us more physically active than the rest of the year. To get the most out of your trip (and not be sore or uncomfortable) use the rest of your year to get in, and stay in great health! Get in shape before you go by incorporating healthy foods, healthy portions and physical activity into your daily life. With this new routine when vacation time rolls around you’ll be ready to play those rounds of golf, go zip-lining through the tree tops, climb high mountains or swim in the ocean with great ease! (Btw – hypnosis is great for improving your golf score!).”  Need guidance?

For more information contact Robin at: Robin@RobinRobertsCH.com  or 979 739-7143

 

                                                                                                                                                                      Regina Rowley

Regina Rowley, Personal fitness coach.  Regina says “As your Team Beachbody Coach, I can help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Decide. Commit. Succeed!  Transform your body and your life before your big event or vacation experience! Get support and personal coaching as well as the tools you need to achieve real results”. For more information, contact Regina at reginarowley@gmail.com  or 713-569-2189. You can also visit her website at www.beachbodycoach.com/reginarowley  Regina also founded KUTA Empowered Women and is dedicated to stopping violence against women.

You can find more information at www.reginarowley.com

 
Whatever your pre-travel goals may be, with focus and determination, you can make them a reality!

Kelley

 

Are you ready to escape the heat ??

Are you ready to escape this heat and go somewhere cool down?  Have you decided that next year you are definitely going to escape the summer heat for a vacation?  There are several great destinations for a nice cool down in the summer; and it’s also a great time to start planning your winter getaways!
For summer travel, my hands down favorite destination to escape the heat is Alaska!!  There are just a few weeks left in this Alaska season; if you are ready to go now, it can be done.  Now and in the next couple of months is also the time to start planning your Alaska adventure for next year!  A great way to see Alaska is by the way of a cruise ship.  Alaska cruising is an experience like none other.  The beauty of Alaska is hard to put in to words or pictures; you have to see it to believe it.  An Alaska cruise gives you the option of cruising the inside passage and visiting the port cities of Alaska such as Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

 

                   

If you want to visit more of the interior of Alaska and experience places such as Denali National Park and Mt McKinley, a cruise tour is the option for you.  Cruise Tours are the best of both worlds; you get the cruise plus a tour to the interior which is not accessible by cruise ship.  Did you know that Alaska is twice the size of Texas?  Yes, it’s true… just telling any of the guides you are from Texas brings out that comment very quickly.
http://www.colorado-springs-vacation.com/images/colorado-ski-resorts-runs2.jpgIs it too late to escape the heat this summer?  Start planning your winter getaway and just the wintery thoughts will help to cool you down.   The most popular idea for winter vacation experiences are ski trips.   Now is the time to start planning your winter ski trip.  Ski resorts offer so much more than just skiing these days!  Many of the larger resorts offer gourmet dining and full service spas onsite.

Everyone knows you can head to Colorado and ski many of the big, popular resorts such as Vail, Aspen, and Breckenridge.  Did you know there are so many other ski destinations for your consideration?  New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada are a few more of the western US options; if you go east you can consider Vermont, New Hampshire, New York or Maine to name a few.  Are you looking for something even more exciting for your escape the heat vacation?  What about skiing in Europe, Canada, or even South America?
Another great idea to escape the heat is to plan now to visit some of the European Christmas markets?  There is still some last minute availability for Christmas Market river cruises this year.  Of course you don’t have to experience the markets via a river cruise; we can customize a trip for you to the destinations of our choice.  A couple of my personal favorites for Christmas markets are Germany (multiple destinations) Austria (Vienna and Salzburg), and Spain (Barcelona).  Of course there are Christmas markets in many other destinations as well.

                   

Hopefully the thoughts of these cooler weather vacation experiences have helped you escape the heat if only for a minute!
I’m here to help you plan your escape heat vacation experience when you are ready!

Kelley

Is Sandals for you ??

Sandals Resorts are for Couples in Love.

Whether you have been recently married, married for 30 years, or just need time to reconnect and rejuvenate as a couple, Sandals may be just the perfect resort choice for you.  Sandals resorts are on islands throughout the Caribbean including Jamaica, St Lucia, Antigua, Bahamas, and soon Grenada.  Sandals brands themselves as Luxury Included vacations with more quality inclusions than any other resorts on the planet.  Did you know that with your Sandals vacation experience both non-motorized and motorized water sports are included?  While it may vary slightly by resort, some of the watersports offered at the various Sandals resorts include Unlimited scuba diving for certified divers (lessons are available at an additional cost), unlimited snorkeling, glass bottom boats, kayaking, Hobie cat sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, stand-up paddle boards, and more.  If you aren’t a water bug, no need to worry, Sandals has plenty of land activities to keep you going as well!  Depending on your resort selection, some of the options include tennis, golf, rock climbing walls, beach volleyball, basketball, pool, indoor game rooms, state of the art fitness centers and more.   There are 2 Sandals resorts that even have their own private islands!

         

Every Sandals Resort has a Red Lane Spa that offers a wide variety of spa treatments for both couples and individuals.  While it is not part of the all-inclusive program, the spa is an indulgence I highly recommend based on personal experience!  Everyone can use a little pampered serenity from time to time!
Speaking of pampering, I highly recommend the Butler suites for your accommodations.  Sandals Resorts offer a wide variety of accommodations at each resort (some resorts have up to 26 room types!) with the Butler categories offering the best of the best.  Many people ask me, what would I use a butler for?  You’d be surprised at what all a butler will do for you!  Your personal butlers always provide an elevated level of service throughout your stay; you will have a special cell phone just to reach your butler.  Did you get down to the beach and forget your sunscreen or book?  Don’t go back to the room and get it, let the Butler bring that to you!  Packing and unpacking?  No longer your chore, the butler can help.  Would you like to arrange a private dinner on the beach, tours, spa treatments, reserve beach chairs or cabanas?  Ask your butler!  The list goes on…there is also no end to their creativity in making you feel special throughout your stay.

Do you want to experience more than just the resort while in the Caribbean?  No worries, Sandals Resorts have that covered for you as well!   Each Sandals resort has an Island Routes tour desk onsite.  While you can plan some of your adventures in advance, you will have the option of checking out the options once you are in your destination as well.  Tours will vary by resort and location, but some of the fun tours to check out are zip lining, swim with the dolphins, horseback riding, climbing waterfalls, ATV adventures, catamaran sails, rafting, and more.

                                         
This is just a short summary of Sandals Resorts and all they have to offer.  Let me know when you are ready to book your luxury included vacation experience!

Kelley

 

Airfare and fees explained

Let’s try to demystify some of the airfare and fees associated with air travel.  Airfare and fees are always a concern (and sometimes a challenge!) when booking your vacation travel.  Years ago, once you knew the price of your airfare, that was pretty much it; not anymore.  Now there are often additional fees imposed by the airlines, not to mention the mandatory taxes and government fees that are part of the airfare.

The  airfare itself is actually only a portion of what you perceive to be your airfare or ticket price.

The airlines often take a bad rap for the escalating ticket prices, but often it is the associated fees and taxes that drive that price up.

Did you know there is a September 11th Security Fee on every airline ticket you purchase?  It is currently $5 per person, but TSA has asked repeatedly to have it increased; so far the airlines have been successful in fighting this.  Also on domestic tickets there are usually fees for US Federal Transportation tax, US flight segments, and US Passenger Facility charges.

 

Did you know that if you are purchasing an international ticket that there will be fees for US Customs, US Immigration, International Surcharge, not to mention taxes and fees associated with the international airports.   To give you real life examples, I recently purchased a ticket for myself for travel to Europe for $1152.  The actual airfare was only $533, the rest were taxes and fees (including a $516 international fee) built in the ticket price!  Amazing isn’t it?  I also recently bought a ticket for domestic travel; the ticket cost was $196.  The actual airfare on that ticket was only $162, the rest were taxes and fees built in to the ticket price.  Most of these fees are built in to the airfare and can only be seen on an itemized airline receipt, but the taxes must be openly disclosed at the time of booking in most cases.  (This may not apply to all types of air tickets).


Your ticket cost is now often only the beginning of your air travel expense.  With the exception of Southwest and Jet Blue, all other US carriers charge fees for your first checked bag.  With the exception of Southwest, all airlines charge if you wish to check a second bag.  The first checked bag fees range from $14.99 to $25 with the majority of them being $25.  The second checked bag fee ranges from $20 – $75.  There can also be fees for carry-on bags (currently only on Allegiant and Spirit), additional bags, overweight or oversized bags, phone bookings, pets, unaccompanied minor, seat assignments, premium seat assignments, in flight food and beverages, pillows and blankets, and the ever dreaded change fees.

In this day and age, the air carriers you perceive to be the low-cost carriers may not be; it varies greatly by airport and destination.   All airlines are required to disclose these additional fees up front.
When planning your vacation, working with a travel professional can really wade through these murky waters for you.  We have the ability to find out where the value is for you. Remember, price is what you pay, value is what you get!

  Kelley

Cruising out of Galveston just got more exciting !!

Kelley’s Travel Times

Cruising out of Galveston just got more exciting !!
   

Wow, it’s been a busy week here for me and getting busier with each day!  Last weekend Steve and I attended the wedding of a beautiful young lady who is the daughter of friends of ours.  It was a beautiful day and great to reconnect with friends we don’t get to see as often as we should.  Tuesday afternoon and evening I participated in the Navasota Grimes County 2013 Business Expo and Career Fair.  It was a great event for our local community.  I enjoyed getting to meet new people as well as visit with many friends and clients.

Wednesday, I met with 2 Honeymoon couples to deliver documents and go over final details.  Today I’m off to New York City for a big event next week.  Cruise Planners is having a regional event combined with the inaugural event of a new cruise ship!  More about that next week!

Without a doubt, the biggest news of this week is the announcement from Royal Caribbean that they are providing us with a year round sailing option out of Galveston!  The Navigator of the Seas will make Galveston her year round home port starting in November 2013!   As of now, she is scheduled to be in Galveston through April 2015 and the itineraries are set an available for booking.  Yes, that means Royal Caribbean will be here all summer next year!
In January 2014 the Navigator of the Seas will under-go a dry dock for some extensive renovations.  While she will be out of service for the entire month, it will be worth the wait!
Some of the upgrades include a Surf-Flow Rider, which has been extremely popular on their Freedom and Oasis class ships.  We will also see the new virtual Balcony INSIDE staterooms-this is so cool, they are adding 32  inside staterooms, where you have an inside stateroom, but you have a picture window with REAL TIME images of what the day is like outside.  How cool is that?  They will be adding flat screen TV’s to every room, a Pool Outside Movie Screen, adding new Specialty Dining Venues, re-doing Vintages-the Wine Bar on the Royal Promenade, Digital Touch Screen Wayfinders outside of every elevator and MORE!

 

                     

The Navigator will return to service on February 5 for a 1 time, 4-night sailing then resumes her alternating 7 night Western Caribbean itineraries.
This is such exciting news for TX cruisers, and of course those that love to come to TX to cruise.
As you can see, it’s been a busy and exciting week here – and it’s not over yet!  I’ll be posting updates from my New York Trip to my Facebook page so be sure to check in for pictures and information.
Kelley

Kelley Austin, ACC

Couples Travel Concierge

936-825-7001   or   1-800-676-8196

kaustin@cruiseplanners.com

www.facebook.com/CruiseVacationsAndMore

www.cruisevacationsandmore.com

www.couplestravelconcierge.com