So many beaches – so little time !!

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Antigua, so many beaches, so little time!

               

Antigua has 365 beaches!  That’s right, a beach for every day of the year.  Surely with that many choices, you won’t run out of beaches on your vacation!
The secluded white beaches beckon you, whether you’re snorkeling, water skiing, sailing or just soaking up the sun.

 

Antigua is an island in the middle of the Leeward Islands in the Eastern Caribbean.  This island paradise combines magnificent resorts, impeccable service, bursting hotel nightlife, and pristine, aqua-blue waters combined with lustrous sands and soothing trade winds.
Divers and snorkelers will find a plethora of reefs and tropical marine life to explore just off Antigua’s shores.

 

Those who prefer to stay above water can hit the breeze and sail or yacht across the island to discover many an uncharted cove or bay.

Who should visit Antigua?
Beach Lovers
Honeymooners
Divers and Snorkelers

When is the best time to visit Antigua?
Best weather is December – April
Best value is May – November

Time Zone:
Atlantic Standard Time, one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time and the same as Eastern Daylight Time.

Currency/Money:
Official currency is the Eastern Caribbean dollar which is fixed to the US dollar. Recent exchange rate was US$1.00 = EC$2.65. US currency and major credit cards are welcome everywhere.

Tipping / Gratuities:
Same as in the US; 10-15% depending on the service. Some restaurants & hotels will automatically add a 10% gratuity. If in doubt, just ask. Give porters and bellhops 50 cents per bag, taxi drivers 10-15% of the fare.  As a note about the taxi’s – they are not metered in Antigua.  Some of the drivers can be very creative with their fares so make sure to negotiate in advance.

Attire:
Informal, but conservative. Beach attire is appropriate for the beach but not town, shops or restaurants. Some hotels and restaurants stipulate jacket and tie for men and dresses for women in the evening.   Very important to note, wearing of camouflage on the island is prohibited.  The wearing of camouflage or military apparel is illegal in Antigua and clothing will be confiscated and persons charged accordingly.

If you enjoy excellent beaches, food and water sports—and aren’t on a strict budget—Antigua may be the perfect island for your vacation.

 

Remember, thinking about a beach is one way to get warm, going to a fabulous beach is an even better way!

Safe Travels,

Kelley

How is your timing ??

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As a professional travel agent and Couples Travel Concierge, one of the most commonly asked questions I get, is:

When the best time to book my travel?

There is no one single answer to that because it can vary significantly depending on the type of travel and the destination.  Let’s look at some different scenarios and see if I can shed some light on this for you.

Honeymoons:   The best time to start planning your honeymoon is 6-9 months prior to travel – possibly longer for some more exotic options!  Can it be booked in less time?  Sure!
However, keep in mind, the flights may be limited and higher priced (especially for popular destinations or destinations that do not have daily flight service), and the room type or even the resort you want may not be available for you.

Destination Weddings or Celebration Travel for a group:  9-12 months if you have a very specific date in mind.  Many resorts do not allow more than 1 or 2 weddings on any given day, and the venues sell out quickly.  Also, if you will have a number of guests traveling with you, we need to secure the room space well in advance to make sure we have space for everyone.
As for flights, those can only be booked at a maximum 9 – 10 months out (can be as low as 6 months for some destinations) but the flights can be added later.  The important thing is to secure the resort and the wedding day.

Cruise:  While it is true that you can book a cruise up until the week of sailing, this is not a good idea.  The myth of last minute “cheap” pricing is just that – a myth.  Booking at the last minute (considered within 30 days of sailing) basically gives you access to what staterooms are left – or what no one else wanted.  These are most often not desirable locations on the ship.  The best recommendation for pricing and the availability of the accommodations you want is 6 months prior to sailing.  If you are part of a group and want to organize a group cruise, you need to plan at least 9 months prior, preferably one year if itineraries are available.

River Cruise:  The best time to plan a river cruise is as soon as the idea enters your head, book one!  River Cruises are in high demand and sell out very quickly.  One year in advance is the average booking window.
I have several clients that have already booked for September of 2015!  Yes, 2015!!  Sadly, I had to disappoint another couple this week because they wanted to cruise this June and the earliest availability for their chosen itinerary and stateroom type is in October!

All-Inclusive Resorts:  Much like a honeymoon, the best time to start planning is 6-9 months prior to travel, especially if traveling during the holidays or peak season for the destination.

Europe Travel:  The 6 month window is a great timeframe for most European Travel.

Exotic Destinations:  Are you thinking about the South Pacific?  The Maldives? Asia?  An African Safari?  Australia or New Zealand?  These are best planned 8-10 months in advance .

Obviously this is just a general overview and certainly does not encompass all situations.  For advice regarding your specific vacation dream, call me today and let’s start planning your future memories!

Safe Travels!

What if ???

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What if things don’t go as planned?  What if you can’t depart or get home when you are scheduled to?  I experienced this again first hand on Sunday.  We were fogged out of the port and unable to return to Galveston at our scheduled time.  This not only impacted those of us on our ship, but passengers on another ship waiting to get in to Galveston, and all of the passengers waiting to board each of these ships to start their cruises.

What if things don’t go as planned?  What do you do?

First and foremost, you must immediately bring every ounce of your patience to the forefr
ont of your personality.  Being patient, calm, and rational will get you more results than a poor reaction.  I was stunned at the number of passengers yelling at employees that they were g
oing to be late for church, dinner, missing their flights, etc….  Weather for example is no fault of the crew, and honestly… they were no happier than we were to be “stuck”.  Yes, it is frustrating, but there are ways to survive the “what if’s “of travel.

 

 
What if you know you are going to miss a flight for reasons beyond your control?  If you are on a cruise, the first thing to do is contact your travel agent and / or your travel insurance carrier to advise them of the situation and ask how to best proceed.

If you purchased travel insurance, you will have a 24 hour emergency number to contact and that should be your first call.  It is important to alert the insurance company to a potential claim so the integrity of the policy is protected and you receive any benefits (reimbursements for additional costs) possible.

If it is not possible to reach the insurance company right away, keep very good track of your receipts and conversations for later documentation when filing your claim.  For example, on weather disaster days hold times can be very long and frustrating.
I had one client hold multiple times for over 30 minutes; I asked her to keep track so in the days following, when she finally could speak with them they will know that she tried in good faith to immediately notify them.

If you are traveling on a packaged vacation (such as an all-inclusive or escorted tour vacation), the first thing to do is contact the 24 hour emergency number that you were provided in your travel documents.

What if the flights are cancelled and you are already at the airport?
Regardless of type of vacation, work directly with the airline so they can re-accommodate you on the next available flight.  Many airlines have an automated system that automatically will accommodate you on the next available flight.  This is a good reason to download that airline app and sign up for their mobile alerts!  (This came in very handy for me when my flight was cancelled out of Los Angeles 3 weeks ago – I knew my new flight info before I ever got to the front of the line at the gate!)  Once the airline has re-accommodated you, you can notify your travel agent / travel insurance of your new flights and go from there.

There will always be a “What if” when it comes to travel, and many other life situations.  Having a little knowledge up front can help you navigate the situation with less stress.  When you are planning your travel, don’t be afraid to ask the “What if” questions!  A little bit of knowledge and preparation can go a long way!

Now – What time is my Spa appointment ?

by In Brides, Cruise, Destinations, Dining, General Travel Information, Uncategorized, Wedding Tagged , , , , , , ,

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

Do you have what you need ??

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Do you have what you need to travel?  Do you know what you need to travel?  As a professional travel concierge, this is a discussion I have quite often with clients.   One common item required for all travel is a government issued photo ID.  As simple as that sounds, it tends to create some confusion.  I’m going to try and provide you with some simple guidelines for basic types of travel for US Citizens.  This is not meant to be a fact sheet or comprehensive list, only a guide.  All specifics should be discussed with me when we book your travel.

Let’s start with the simple answers:
1. If you are traveling domestically within the USA, you need a government issued photo ID- a driver’s license will suffice.
2. If you are traveling to the US Virgin Islands, and plan to visit no foreign countries or islands, a driver’s license will be all you need for your government issued photo ID.
3. All international travel that will involve a flight requires a passport – no exceptions.

Here is where it can get a little confusing for some people – cruising.

1. If you are doing a closed loop cruise – which means you start and end in the same port of call (Galveston for example), technically you can board the ship with an original or certified copy of your birth certificate and your driver’s license.  HOWEVER!  This is not recommended – a passport book is always recommended whenever you are going to leave the country.
2. If you are doing a cruise that starts in one port and ends in a different port, a passport is required.
3. If you are doing a cruise that starts in a foreign country a passport is required.

Cruising without a passport can be very risky.  A passport is your only proof of citizenship; a birth certificate only proves you were born.  You should never leave the US without being able to prove you are a US citizen and / or can reenter the country legally.   A birth certificate is only guaranteed to let you on the ship, as per the cruise lines policies.  The cruise lines do not make the immigration or customs / border patrol policies and laws.  If something unexpected happens during your cruise, you would have no way to fly home from any foreign country, island, or port of call.

Some people get confused between the passport cards and passport books.  In a nutshell, the passport cards are valid for land border crossings to Canada and Mexico. A passport card is not valid for air travel either, you need a passport book.    While the cruise line will accept it as identification, no other country or airline will accept it.  Do yourself a favor and get a passport book, the passport card will not serve you well.

I hope this information is helpful and useful.  As always, when it comes time to plan your vacation, we will go over this information in detail.

Safe Travels!

Kelley

I bet you know Someone !!

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I bet you know someone… I can finish this sentence with a myriad of phrases… the first one that comes to mind (maybe because I have seen it all over Facebook this morning) is “selling girl scout cookies”.

I bet you know someone or know of someone who has recently made a big announcement!  Here we are in the middle of January and a new season is upon us!  Okay, it may not be upon you, but in my industry, it is known as engagement, bridal show, and celebration season!

The vast majority of engagements occur at Christmas, New Years, and Valentine’s Day.  January and February are the most popular months for bridal shows.  If you think about it, I bet you have heard about at least 1, if not more than one engagement or even a milestone anniversary or birthday that is going to occur this year.  I know I have a milestone birthday this year!  It seems January is the month where most people realize, wow – I’m going to be “X” this year!, or Wow – we’ll have been married “X” number of years this year!, or even Wow, I get to retire this year!
When it comes to Celebration travel (such as Destination Weddings, Honeymoons, milestone birthday or anniversary celebrations), planning your travel in the appropriate time frame is of the utmost importance to maximize your vacation experience and your value.
The best time to start planning your Destination Wedding is 8-10 months prior, possibly up to 1 year in some cases.  The best time to plan honeymoon and other celebration travel is 6-9 months prior to travel – possibly longer for some more exotic options!  Certainly honeymoons and other celebration travel can be planned in less than 6 months, as long as there is availability where and when you want to travel, we can make this happen for you!

If you plan to honeymoon in the summer, or around the holidays, advanced planning is critical if you want to take advantage of the best availability combined with the best value.  One of the biggest myth’s in the travel industry is that there are better deals the closer to the travel dates… that is just not true.  Plan early; don’t be disappointed that you can’t get your first choice.

If you are taking a group with you for your special event, early planning is a must.  Resorts and Cruise Lines do not always have group space available if you are planning less than 6 – 8 months in advance.  It is also important when you are ready to plan, that you have a good idea of the number of guests and the budget each guest is willing to spend for the travel.  This is always the hardest part when planning your group celebration, especially Destination Weddings.  You have to take all budgets in to consideration when planning your special event if it requires them to travel.
I can assist you with any type of honeymoon or celebration travel you may be considering.  Resort?  Tour in Europe?  Hawaii?  Tahiti? Cruise?   The possibilities are endless….

I am a Couples Travel Concierge and a Cruise Planners / American Express travel services company. I provide exceptional value and our upscale vacation experiences are known to over deliver.  Thanks to our deep relationships, I am able to offer exclusive amenities and offers to my valued clients.  I will handle every detail and treat your honeymoon planning experience as if it were my own.

Safe Travels!

Beaches for everyone !!

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This week I am touring resorts in the Bahamas (2 Sandals resorts) and in Turks & Caicos (Beaches).  It is just a 2 night trip; 3 islands, 3 resort, 2 nights.

 

 

Beaches brand are the family friendly resorts by Sandals.  While Sandals is couples only and luxury included, Beaches Resorts include more, anything and everything for everyone. Beaches resorts are the perfect option for your family getaway, your getaway with friends trip, a couple’s trip, a destination wedding, or any other group travel.  You can spend your vacation in luxurious rooms and suites and enjoy a whole array of incredibly exciting and fun activities for kids of every age.  The Beaches brand has been voted the world’s leading all-inclusive family resort brand for 15 years in a row!  I promise you, this is not an accident!  Beaches truly lives up to the statement “something for everyone”.

 
Some of the many inclusions at Beaches Resorts include:
All Meals, Drinks & Snacks
Premium-Brand Drinks
Championship Golf
Luxurious Accommodations
Scuba Diving & Watersports
Kids Supervised Activities
Tips, gratuities, hotel taxes
Butler Service
Airport transfers
Weddings Included (options vary based on resort, room category, and length of stay)

 
             

 

Beaches is also a proud sponsor of Sesame Street!  There are Sesame Street Characters, stage shows, and character parades at each resort.  Kids of all ages enjoy meeting Oscar the Grouch, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Grover, Zoe, Bert & Ernie, Abby Cadabby, The Count, Big Bird and, everyone’s favorite superhero – Super Grover!  You can also choose from an array of Sesame Street themed activities for kids to participate in such as Super Science Fair with Super Grover, From Trash to Treasure with Oscar the Grouch, Story time with Elmo, Bake with Cookie Monster, and more!

Beaches Resorts are currently located in Jamaica (Negril and Ocho Rios) and Turks & Caicos; soon they will be opening a resort on the island of Barbados.

 

 

Beaches Negril is the ultimate beach resort in Jamaica with endless choices for everyone in the family including Pirates Island Waterpark.  This resort is located on the picturesque 7 mile beach and truly exhibits the beauty of the tropics.

 

 
Beaches Ocho Rios is located on Jamaica’s north coast.  The north coast of Jamaica is home to an incredible variety of natural and manmade bounty that is characterized by luxuriant greenery, mountains that soar down to meet stunning beaches, plus the world-renowned, Dunn’s River Falls.  Beaches Ocho Rios offers the only all-inclusive golf program for kids.

 

            
Beaches Turks & Caicos is located on the best and longest stretch of a beach so stunning that Trip Advisor® named it the world’s best beach. Beaches Turks & Caicos is a resort that offers every imaginable amenity and the Caribbean’s largest water theme park.  Beaches Turks & Caicos has been awarded #1 top family hotel in the Caribbean by Travel+Leisure and Best All-Inclusive by Caribbean Travel+Life

 
Beaches recently announced they are expanding to the island of Barbados!  According to Beaches, the resort will be built from the ground up on the site of a former sugar plantation in the island’s prestigious West Coast.  This Luxury Included family resort will embody the rich spirit of the islands, providing a tropical playground tailored to relaxation and recreation for the entire family. Only 30 minutes from the capital of Bridgetown, adults and children alike can indulge in the area’s plentiful activities, exciting nightlife, and natural beauty, as well as the exemplary services and amenities of Beaches Resorts.

 
With 3 current and soon a 4th option to choose from, there really is something for everyone at Beaches.  Please let me know if you want any additional information about any of the Beaches brand resorts!

    

Happy Travels!

 

Kelley

Keep Calm and Pre-Check !!

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Just in time for the holidays, TSA has announced significant expansion to their TSA pre-check program.  If you aren’t already TSA Pre-check approved, I highly recommend you look in to this!  This program can truly make a difference in your travel experience.
In a nutshell, what does TSA Pre-Check experience mean for you?

(Information courtesy of www.tsa.gov)

  • Quicker transit through airport lanes
  • Shorter lines
  • Shorter wait times
  • Improved customer experience
  • No Removal of:
    • Belt
    • Shoes
    • Light outerwear/Light Jacket
    • 3-1-1 compliant bag and laptop from carry-on
      • Note- you still have to comply with 3-1-1 rules, you just don’t have to remove them from your carry –on bag.

Here is a summary of some of the recent enhancements to the program:

  • TSA now has an online application process via their website (www.tsa.gov); this will allow you to directly enroll in their expedited screening program.
  • TSA also recently announced the expansion of the TSA Pre-Check program to include Jet Blue Airways and Southwest Airlines.
  • TSA has also partnered with the DOD to provide Military TSA Pre✓™ at 100 Airports.  Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as Reservists and National Guard members, eligible for expedited screening beginning December 20, 2013.

There are currently 100 airports and 9 different airlines that participate in the TSA Pre-Check program, with more being added on a regular basis.   To see if TSA Pre-Check is available at your local airport, please check http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck/airlines-airports
To enroll, there is an $85 non-refundable fee and a very specific application process.

To learn more about the application process, please visit http://www.tsa.gov/tsa-precheck

and to find the nearest Universal Services Enrollment center, please visit:  https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/faq
There are other ways to take advantage of TSA Pre-Check as well.

 

If you enroll in Global Entry and become a trusted traveler, you are also eligible for TSA Pre-Check.  I am a huge proponent of Global Entry, this one program can save you time and frustration when re-entering the US after international travel.  You may also be eligible based on your status within a given airline’s frequent flier program.
Sometimes, the most challenging part of your vacation experience is the getting there and getting home.

TSA Pre-Check can significantly ease that challenge and provide for a better airport experience during your travel.  I love it!!  For me, just the fact that I don’t have to take off my shoes, virtually unpack my carry-on to get out my laptop, and 3-1-1 bag make it all worthwhile.  Of course the shorter line is nice too!   I do feel a little bad when I am traveling with others and they aren’t part of the TSA Pre-Check program… just a little….
    

Happy Travels!

The rivers are growing !!

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River cruising is still a growing trend and experiencing some of the most rapid growth in the travel industry, and no doubt the most growth in the cruise market.  In the past 10 years, the number of passengers taking river cruises has grown by 15 percent; the ocean cruising segment has seen about 5.4 percent growth. The industry has experienced 10 percent annual growth for five years running.  River cruising is done predominantly in Europe and other exotic areas of the world, but it is becoming increasingly popular in the United States as well.  This is destination immersion at its finest!  Some of the world’s greatest cities are accessible only by river – not by the ocean.  You visit a different city each day and have the entire day and often the evening to enjoy the local area and culture. Cruising the world’s rivers from Europe to Russia and is truly a special experience.

                 

 

I for one thought river cruising was for the older generation but I was completely wrong in more ways than one. This new way to cruise is for the adventurous.  You are docked right into the heart of the city. You walk on cobblestones. You are eating pho, knockwurst and other traditional foods. You are there to really experience the cultures and sounds of the world.  This is for the “Bucket List” crowd.  Let’s not forget about the romance of it all!  Can you imagine spending your honeymoon immersed in European culture?

        

 Photo courtesy of Uniworld River Cruises.                   Photo courtesy of Viking Cruises.

 

Although an increasingly popular and an amazing experience, river cruising is not for everyone.  The river cruise ships are not designed with small children in mind; there are no children’s programs, activities or menus available on the majority of the ships and itineraries.  Some of the river cruise lines offer specific family itineraries during the summer months, but most report less than 2% of their passengers are under the age of 18. 

 

           

River cruising can also be a challenge for physically challenged guests as well; the ships are not designed with handicap accessibility for the most part.  Many ships have no elevators, or if they do, they may not reach the lower decks on the ship.   Cobblestone streets and many stairs throughout Europe can also present challenges.

Even in the US, the ships and destinations can be challenging, but they are certainly more accessible than the global options.
For those only familiar with the rules of big ships, here are three reasons riverboat fanatics come back, time and again, for more.

Dinner
Forget buffet dining with 2,000 strangers. River cruises average about 200 passengers per boat, so the wait staff will likely know your name by the end of the first meal (and so will your fellow travelers).
Evening Entertainment
Instead of dance clubs, karaoke, and glitzy Vegas-style reviews, nightlife on river cruises trends toward string quartets, guest lectures on regional history, local entertainment, and staring out at actual scenery, not just a watery horizon.
Extra Costs
The dirty little secrets of ocean cruises? They always charge extra for excursions, and beer and wine costs are on par with pro sports arenas. River cruise lines opt for flat fees up front.  Yes, your excursions are included, as are wine and beer with various meals.

(Each river cruise line has its own version of their inclusive plan)
River cruising is such a fast-growing trend that by the end of 2013, 167 new ships will have been built since 2000.
When will you be ready to experience the world’s great rivers for yourself?

Kelley

 

 

 

 

 

Must Have Mobile Apps. for travel

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While travel is often meant for relaxation, rejuvenation, or celebration; sometimes it is important that we are accessible and have access to important information.  Lucky for us, the technology wizards of the world have developed some mobile apps!  Everyone knows about Facebook and that is certainly one tool to use, but there are others that are great as well!  I’m going to give you my list of must-haves to keep in touch when you are gone.

The best part?  They are free to download and if used on Wi-Fi are free to use.  (You may have to pay for the Wi-Fi service wherever you are, but the use will be free once connected!)
If you absolutely must make calls, I highly recommend not using your cell service!  Use a Wi-Fi app!  Two of my favorites for making calls are Magic Jack and Skype.  Yes, Skype can include video, but it is also great for voice only.

 
Magic Jack –FREE Calls to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers – or to any MagicJack number, anywhere in the world. The MagicJack APP will NEVER use your mobile minutes and does not require a voice plan. Wi-Fi or 4G recommended.  MagicJack APP is 100% FREE and does not require any purchase.  You can use your iPhone’s or Android phone’s stored contacts with the MagicJack APP.

This app is my absolute favorite for making calls back to the US when I am outside of the country.  Whoever you are calling does not need to have MagicJack installed on their phones and you can call mobile numbers or land lines at no charge!

 
SKYPE – Skype is not just for mobile devices, but has long been used on desktops and laptops as well.  Call your world from Skype – Talk to your heart’s content with free voice and video calls to all your friends and family on Skype.  Chat with anyone, anywhere – Skype’s available on smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs, and even TVs; whatever device your friends or family use, Skype just works.
* Operator data charges may apply. We recommend using an unlimited data plan or Wi-Fi connection.
If you want to use the free version of Skype, whoever you call will need to have Skype on their device as well.  They do have a low cost paid plan so you can call anyone.  They also have Video Messaging, MMS, and SMS options as well.  I do not use those, I post pictures I want to share to Facebook, and as for texting, I have other apps I prefer for that.
If you feel you have to text, there is an app for that too!  My two favorite texting apps are Tango and What’s App.  Both of these apps require that whoever you are going to text, they must have the app as well so these do take some advanced planning.  Tango is my favorite, but I use both of them.

 
Tango – Tango allows you to easily connect with friends & family or make new friends. Make video & voice calls, send text messages, play games and more all for free.  No login & password – create an account in seconds, automatically finds your friends using Tango, calls & messages work just like they do on your phone.  Tango works across most smartphones, tablets, & PCs.  It has great quality on 3G, 4G, and Wi-Fi.

I use Tango primarily for texting only and I use it on Wi-Fi so as not to incur any data charges when I am traveling.  This is hands down, my favorite app for texting via Wi-Fi

 

WhatsApp – WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. WhatsApp Messenger is available for iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Phone and Nokia and yes, those phones can all message each other! Because WhatsApp Messenger uses the same internet data plan that you use for email and web browsing, there is no cost to message and stay in touch with your friends.
This app has a very cool feature where you can send an invitation to your friends to download the app so they will have it.  Always give them a heads up because many think the text invitation is spam and don’t download the app.  Also, make sure to tell your friends to keep WhatsApp on – or check it often as it does not alert to a next text in the same manner that Tango does.  This is a very good app and has some cool group features as well.
There you have my 4 favorite apps for staying in touch while you are traveling!   Some of my other “must have” apps that I use often during travel are:

 

My TSA  – you can monitor security check point line wait times and airport delays

Translator – translate English to local country language and vice versa.  There is a “pro” version for $1.99 that is well worth it.
Airline Apps – don’t leave home without downloading your airline’s app.  You will have up to the minute info on delays, schedule changes, the ability to check in for your flight, and more.

 
                         

 

Of course there are many, many others, these are just a few that I use on every trip I take; feel free to share with me your favorite must have apps for travel!

Safe travels!

Kelley