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 ??

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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,

Where can you go ??

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A couple of weeks ago I participated in a bridal show; one question that came up frequently throughout the day is where can I go for my honeymoon if we don’t have passports?  I also get this question quite often from other travelers as well.  Not everyone wants or can get a passport; some people just don’t plan their travel far enough ahead to get a passport or consider their passport expiration dates (you know who you are!).
The good news is there are some really great destinations outside of the mainland US that you can visit without passports!  There can be a slight downside to this as well – all-inclusive resorts will not be prevalent in these destinations, they will be very few if any.  This is not a bad thing, but something to consider when doing your budget for your vacation experience.  Let’s take a look at your options!
Hawaii is always a fantastic vacation destination!  Each island has its own distinct personality so we can really customize your vacation to the type of experience you are looking for.  You can visit one island or multiple; if you have longer than 5 days, I highly recommend visiting at least 2 islands to really get a great experience.  One thing to remember, the flights home are very often over night flights, you will need to keep this in mind when planning your travel dates.
Puerto Rico is another great option that does not require a passport.  Puerto Rico is the perfect blend of colonial Spanish culture, amazing natural beauty and contemporary lifestyles. You can visit historic Old San Juan, awe-inspiring rainforests, coffee plantations and rum distilleries to explore as well.  Explore endless stretches of beautiful beaches where you can snorkel, sail, fish and surf.
The US Virgin Islands offer a tropical vacation option for you with no passport required.  The US Virgin Islands consist of St Thomas, St John, and St Croix.  St. Thomas offers a variety of attractions, beaches and activities.  Water sports, tennis, restaurants and nightlife are very popular.  The capital city, Charlotte Amalie, is a major port of call for duty-free shopping.  St John is just off shore from St Thomas and is a nature lover’s paradise since much of the island is a national park.  Most guests fly in and out of St Thomas and take the ferry over to St. John.  St. Croix is the largest of the US Virgin islands, but in many ways the most unspoiled of them all.  You can explore the beaches, the Old Danish Towns or check out the national parks. I would be remiss if I did not caution you about traveling to the US Virgin Islands without a passport.  Please remember, many of the neighboring islands are considered foreign nations so you will not be able to visit them without passports.
While traveling the world and getting your passport booked stamped until it is full is always a great plan, traveling without a passport can be an awesome experience as well!
Happy Travels,

Kelley

 

Love is in the air

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It is so easy to incorporate love and romance in to your travel!  There are some small touches that can really make a big impact on your vacation!   It doesn’t matter if you are at an all-inclusive resort, or on a cruise, there are always options to touch the heart of someone you love!
If you are at an all-inclusive resort, whether it is your honeymoon or you are just looking to add a bit of romance, here are just a few great ideas for you:
  • Romantic dinner on the beach at or after sunset
  • Fresh flower delivery to your room or to the restaurant on your special occasion evening
  • Iced down champagne waiting for you in your room, at your beach cabana, or at dinner
  • Couples massage
  • Butler Service – there is nothing like being waited on hand and foot!  Having a butler draw a bath tub filled with flower petals…priceless!
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Believe it not, adding romance to your cruise experience is much easier than you think!  Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking about romance on your cruise:
  • Upgrade to a balcony cabin or a suite – yes, just the cabin itself gives you a nice balcony, aprivate escape for just the 2 of you.  Your balcony is a great place for a private breakfast or dinner!
  • Champagne and fresh flowers on the balcony or in your stateroom with chocolate covered strawberries
  • Spa day or couples massage
  • Dinner in a specialty restaurant  on your special occasion evening
  • Private photo session with the ship photographer to capture the memories
I hope you have a fabulous Valentine’s Day weekend!
Happy Travels,
Kelley

Why ?? What ??

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As a travel professional, I am often asked “Why should I use a travel agent?” “What do you do differently than the internet?”, or I hear statements along the lines of “I didn’t know travel agents still exist”. People are always surprised when I tell them that majority of vacation and leisure travel is still booked by travel agents. While the internet is good for looking, travel agents are for booking! The internet can be a great resource tool, but it cannot replace good old fashioned customer service or personal experiences. Also, there isn’t always a way to verify that what you see or read on the internet is factual. Just this week I read an article where an estimated 30% of online views are “paid” or “fraudulent” reviews. Personally, I read a review this week of a resort and the “reviewer” complained about the service in the kids program and the treatment of the kids. The problem with that is the resort is an adult only resort – there is no kids program! I don’t know how many times “the internet” has been to a particular destination or on a particular cruise / cruise line, but I know how many times I have been there or sailed. Also, as part of a large consortium of travel agents and agencies, if I haven’t been there, I can get first hand professional information from someone who has recently visited.

There are also certain updates that are not always widely distributed in the mainstream or social media. Often the best source of this information is your travel professional. We can also sort through what applies to you and what doesn’t apply to your specific vacation.
Did you know part of Mexico is changing time zones this weekend? That’s right! The state of Quintana Roo (Cancun, Cozumel, and Riviera Maya) announced earlier this week that they are changing time zones on February 1! The airlines are working on schedule changes and I will be notifying all clients that are affected as soon as I have confirmation of changes. Not all clients traveling to these destinations will be affected, but many in the next 2-3 months will be. Did you know that if you book your flights via certain online travel agencies that the airlines are not obligated to notify you? They are obligated to notify their customer, which is that online agency – not you. Will that online agency notify you? Some are better than this than others. What I do know is that any of my clients that are affected, I will be notifying them!

Do you book your cruises in advance? If you book directly with the cruise line, or with some of the online agencies, what happens if there is a price drop? Do they call you and tell you? Do they try to get something better for you? I do! I also sort through the marketing and media hype for you. Quite often, the price “reductions” that you see don’t apply to your particular ship and sail date, or to your cabin category. If they do apply, I will automatically make adjustments for you when possible. If they don’t apply, isn’t it better to have me do that research for you than to have to spend that time and energy doing it yourself? Just this week a client found a “cheaper” price – but guess what… there were strings attached to that price point that would not have been a benefit. The client would have risked $800 to save $50-$150…. Not exactly a great value proposition when you really look at it!

In addition to the personal experiences I can bring to you, I also provide very personalized experiences for your vacation. Here are just a couple of examples:
Have your vacation experiences planned to your exact specifications. You should be taking your perfect vacation – not the “picture perfect” vacation you see in brochures or on the internet.
Perhaps you are a honeymoon couple or a landmark anniversary couple and want to be recognized as such during your honeymoon or anniversary trip. I can arrange very special acknowledgements for you.

Do you 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?
I could literally list 100 + reasons on why you should use a travel agent, but no worries, I won’t! Hopefully this has given you a bit of insight to what a good travel professional can do for you!
Happy Travels,

 

Kelley

Do you have your travel documentation ??

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Do you have your travel documentation?  jpeg

Any time you are planning travel, you need to make sure you have or are prepared to obtain proper travel documentation.  First things first, do you know what the proper travel documentation is for your travel? This answer can vary based on the type of travel and your specific circumstances.  There are a variety of travel documents to consider such as Passports, Visas, and Unaccompanied Minor forms.  Legal status may also have an effect on your travel documentation.

When it comes to passports and flying in and out of the US, the rule is simple.  You must have a passport book.  Passport cards are not valid for international air travel.

 I am often asked, “Do I have to have a passport for my cruise?”  There isn’t really a simple answer to this question.  My recommendation, and that of any reputable travel professional or organization, is always YES!  However, technically speaking, there could be a slightly different answer.

Let’s look at the easy scenarios first.  If your cruise departs out of any foreign port of call such as Canada, England, Europe, etc. then yes, you must have a passport.  (Remember, you need a passport to get to the departure city.)  If your cruise departs out of one US port and returns to a different US port, then yes, you must have a passport.

Now here is where it can be tricky, if your cruise departs and returns from the same US port, and you are a US citizen, although highly recommended, you may not be required to have a passport.  The department of Homeland Security has a policy that exempts passengers on a “closed loop” cruise from the passport requirement.  According to the department of homeland security, as shown on their website, a closed loop cruise is defined as a voyage or itinerary where a vessel departs from a U.S. port or place and returns to the same U.S. port upon completion of the voyage. They go on to further state that travelers on “closed loop” voyages are not subject to the same documentary requirements for entry to the United States as other travelers.

Having said that, most travel professionals and organizations agree while it may not be required, it is strongly recommended that you have a passport for any travel that involves leaving the United States.  There are many reasons for this.  Did you know that your birth certificate, even a certified copy, is not really proof of citizenship?  It does indeed prove you were born, but offers no current proof of your citizenship status.  Without being able to prove you are a US citizen, it is almost impossible to get back in this country if for some reason you aren’t coming back the same way you left!  For example, if there is some sort of family emergency while you are traveling, without a passport you would not be allowed to fly back to the US from any other country.  If you personally experience any sort of unforeseen circumstance or emergency while traveling and you need to return to the US via crossing a land border or flight, you will not be allowed to do so without a passport.  In this day and age, it is never a good idea to leave the US without a passport and proof of citizenship.   Many travel professionals are now requiring any passengers that opt to travel without a passport to sign a waiver stating that they understand they are leaving the country without a passport and they accept that risk and responsibility.

While we are on the subject of passports, please do yourself a favor and get a passport book, not the passport card.  The passport cards are not valid for air travel.  As per the US department of state:   The U.S. Passport Card can be used to enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry. The passport card cannot be used for international travel by air.  The passport card will not do you any good if you need to fly home in the event of an emergency or other unforeseen circumstance.  Yes, passport cards are less expensive, but passport books are good for 10 years and when you do the math, very cost effective.  Plus with a passport book, you are ready to go at a moment’s notice regardless of where and how you are traveling.

If you don’t already have a passport, there is no time like the present to go and get one!

Another important topic for travel documentation is Visas; many countries require them.  The need for a Visa is determined by your country of citizenship, and the country you are visiting.  There is a very specific process and time frame for obtaining your travel visas.

Unaccompanied Minor documentation is also important to understand.  Any time a minor child is leaving the US without BOTH parents (regardless of marital status or custody arrangements), specific documentation is required.

Legal status is also something to be taken seriously before you book your travel or before travel departure.  Just because you have a date valid passport that does not mean your passport is valid for travel to all countries.  Our legal system here in the US makes significant differentiation between misdemeanor offenses and felony offenses.  This is not the case in all countries.  Just because you have a passport does not mean you are eligible to enter another country.  There are too many scenarios to cover here, but some of the biggest issues come in to play with DUI, DWI, back-child support, and other crimes.

When you book your vacation with me, I make sure you understand all of the documentation required for your travel.  I always recommend having a valid passport on hand so you can book that much needed vacation at a moment’s notice!

Happy Travels,

Are you ready for Europe ??

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When are you going to Europe?

EuroDid you know that the Euro (€) is at a 9 year low against the US Dollar? What that means for you, is that your dollar will go further in Europe! Earlier this week, the Euro was at 1.17, in other words $1.17=1€. I can remember one of my trips when the Euro was at $1.47. To help put that in perspective for you, let’s look at a shopping scenario for you. If you are in Europe and find an item for 100€, with an exchange rate of 1.17 the item will cost you $117. However, with the higher exchange rate of 1.47, that same item will cost you $147. Which would you rather pay? I know I would much rather pay $117!
The Euro is the second most traded currency in the world after the US dollar. There are 19 of the 28 countries in the European Union that use the Euro as their official, primary, or only currency. Those countries are Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. Also, some of the overseas territories of European Union members use the Euro as their official, primary, or only currency. (For example, on the French side of St. Martin in the Caribbean the Euro is the official currency.)
Something else to consider along with the exchange rate in Europe is how to get cash exchanged when you are in Europe. To get cash, the best exchange rate will be found using your bank / debit card at an ATM machine in Europe. Of course you need to check with you bank before leaving to see which banking machine system your card is compatible with. The ATM machines will charge you a fee for the exchange, but depending on your bank and the bank you are using in Europe, those fees are much lower than using a currency exchange booth at the airport, and most times lower than the fees for pre-purchasing your currency. Please avoid the currency exchange booths if at all possible; the fees are exorbitant most of the time. If you must use them upon arrival because you need it for taxi fare, or you find your card won’t work, only get the bare minimum you need until you can get to an ATM machine or contact your bank. Another option, but one I don’t recommend, is to use your credit card and get a cash advance at a bank. With credit cards, the interest on a cash advance often starts the day you take out the advance, not on the billing cycle date. In addition to that, there is also a fee to do the transaction.

 

Using credit cards in Europe also deserves your attention and fore thought before traveling. For your credit card purchases, you will want to check with your credit card company ahead of time and make sure your card can be used in Europe. Many places in Europe have gone to chip technology with their credit card processing; it is recommended that you have a credit card with a chip. Also, as a note, the most widely accepted cards in Europe are Visa and MasterCard. American Express is not as widely accepted, and Discover Card is rarely (almost never!) accepted. Another thing to consider with your credit cards is the foreign transaction fees. You may want to consider obtaining a credit card that does not have foreign transaction fees.

 

As always, regardless of where you travel, always alert your bank and credit card companies what countries you will be visiting and the dates you will be traveling. It is always the recommendation to use credit cards outside of the country and not debit cards.  Debit cards are a great convenience, but they are not credit card and do not have the same policies when it comes to fraud protection. Many debit cards are not even able to be used outside of the US. Prepaid credit cards are never a good idea outside of the US either; the vast majority of them cannot be used outside of the US.

 

Have you always wanted to visit Europe? Now is a great time! If you can’t visit now, but plan to in the relatively near future (approximately 1 year), you can always look at purchasing Euro’s now to use on your trip later. Now is the time to think about that trip to Italy you have always wanted to take, or maybe you have always dreamed a visit to France, Spain, Germany, or Ireland. Where ever your dream takes you, we can make that dream a reality!

Happy Travels,

Kelley

Do you have a New Year Plan ??

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

Kelley - Who we areThe New Year always brings a fresh perspective for many people. January is also the primary month of the year where people look forward at their year and make plans or goals. Did you know January is the most popular month to book travel for the year? January is the beginning of what we call “Wave Season”. There are many travel incentives and promotions available in January that makes it very attractive to book now. Just this week alone, Sandals featured a great air promotion and almost every major cruise line had promotions available for sailings in 2015. We expect the promotions to continue throughout the month both for cruise and resort vacations.Planning is the key to the success of your vacation experience. Let’s take a look at some general guidelines that will assist you with planning timeframes!

 

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 2016! Yes, 2016!! 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! January brings a great number of promotions for remaining availability in 2015, and the 2016 options.

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 or large events 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 or special event on your chosen day. Even if you aren’t planning a specific event, you really need to secure the dates early for your group. I already have a group on their second choice for November of this year because the resort of their choice does not have the rooms they need for their first choice of dates.

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. We can always book the accommodations early, and add the flights later if flights are not available when you are ready to book.

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 -8 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 . Sometimes we need to look a year in advance for very specialized itinerary or events. Again, we can always book the accommodations early, and add the flights later if flights are not available when you are ready to book.

I hope this overview of the planning time frame has been helpful to you! I am always here ready to assist you with your travel planning.

Happy Travels,

Kelley