I know I have said it before to my clients and on this blog...Buy Travel Insurance. I am so glad I have clients who listened.
A new couple who have limited travel experienced called me as they were interested in joining their family vacationing in Jamaica this week. As always, I told them I always highly recommend travel insurance to cover the unknown which may happen while traveling. Thank goodness they listened! So after you read their experience, maybe the next time you travel you too will purchase insurance.
Late Sunday morning I listened to messages on my phone. One was from my clients calling from the airport. Their first flight was delayed, due to all the weather issues and they missed their connecting flight to Jamaica. Unfortunately, everything was sold out. The airline representative tried to get them on a flight that was so oversold they no longer had room on the waiting list. I also was not able to get them to another airport for a flight to the island either. So they needed to wait until the next morning to begin their vacation.
Calm, but very disappointed, my client asked me what they do now. The airlines had given them a list of area hotels which were discounting the room rate for those who missed flights. I then explained this is where the travel insurance will kick in. I explained to her the insurance which covers for delays will cover the cost of the hotel for one night, plus the reimbursement for the missed night at the resort. All they need to do is save the receipts for the hotel and other necessary expenses.
On my end, I contacted the hotel and shuttle service to rearrange their transportation to the hotel from the airport in Jamaica and to make sure the hotel would hold their room. This morning, a request for a claim was started and when they return, they will send their receipts and be reimbursed.
Of course, nothing can replace the lost day of the vacation, but at least the delay will not cost them additional dollars! So, next time you travel, ask what the policy covers. Be sure it covers delays. Accept the policy, consider it part of your vacation budget. Hopefully you will not need it, but it is nice to know you have it if a situation arises.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
Last Minute Travel Tips
First, please let me wish all of you a happy holiday season. If you are traveling, please travel safely.
In the excitement of the holidays we sometimes forget some very basic travel rules. So with the spirit of the holiday, some common sense reminders.
If you are traveling by air, confirm your flight. Within 24 hours log on to the airline website. If they have a pre-check in area, I highly recommend using this tool. The airline will require your ticket number or your airline confirmation code along with your name. some airlines will permit the confirmation also using your frequent flyer number if it has been added to your reservation.
On the day of the flight you want to again check for any changes or delays for your flights. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has not been weather kind in some parts of the country in the past few days. Your flight might be originating from a weather delayed area, so even if it is nice in your region, you may still have a delay.
Get to the airport early. Many travelers are used to getting to the airport by the skin of their teeth with only an hour prior to flight time. Even though the number of travelers this year may be less than last year, the airports will still be crowded. Leave ample to time to check your bags and go through security.
Pack your bags according to the weight limits imposed by the airline. Your bag will be weighed and you will be charged for overweight luggage. To check your luggage, weigh yourself on your scale at home. Then get back on the scale holding your luggage, standing backwards so someone can read the new weight reading. You will then know if you need to repack or add something to your carry on. To find out the about the weight restrictions, again, check the website of the airline under baggage rules. You will also find in most cases the rules for carrying liquids in your carry on. The rule easily remembered for liquids is 3-1-1; no more than 3 ounces of liquid per container, packaged in a 1 quart ziplock bag, one bag per passenger.
Your ID if you are traveling within the USA most be legally recognized picture ID such as a drivers license or state ID non-drivers license card. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the US you must have a passport. No exceptions will be made and your flight will be denied.
Did you rent car once you get to the destination? Be sure to have your car rental reservation and confirmation with you. You will want the information to speed up your processing at the rental car desk. Also if your flight is delayed, call the toll free number for the rental service, let them so. If you are deemed as a no show, they can rent your vehicle to someone else. If you call to apprise them of a delay, write down the time you called and the name of the person with whom you spoke.
Have you ordered a shuttle service to pick you up? The same rules for the rental car company applies. Let them know you will be late if you are delayed. If they have dispatched a driver and you are late, the drive may leave. If the driver leaves and needs to return, you will be charged a secondary dispatch fee. If the driver needs to wait, you may also be charged a supplemental fee.
Cruisers, if you are on the way to your ship, please do not wait for the last hour to embark. Again, lines will be long and you will need to get to the cruise port on time. Unless an inordinate amount of passengers are delayed from a particular flight, the ship sets sail on time. Use the baggage tags the cruise lines have provided in addition to your regular luggage tags. this will help cruise personnel identify your luggage and get it to your cabin as quickly as possible. Since the ship will be most likely filled to capacity, you may want to take a change of clothes in your carry on as you may wait longer than usual to get your luggage.
If you are driving, please make sure you have emergency supplies in your car. They include extra blankets, water and snack foods. Check the fluids in your car and the air pressure in your tires. Also check your spare tire. Be sure your lights and turn signals are all in order. Stop on the way for rest stops and have a beverage and food. If you feel tired, please pull off of the road. Follow the speed limits for your safety and the safety of others. Above all else, buckle up and be careful of your alcohol consumption. Please don't drink and drive.
Whether flying or driving, have your reservation for your accommodations handy. If you are going to be late, again, call them and let them know. You don't want to arrive to find out your room, the last one available, has been given to someone else because you were deemed as a no show.
One last thing...Remember you are going on vacation or to visit family and friends. Those who are serving you the reservations desks and airports are working on the holiday. Please try to be kind. If you flight is delayed, it is not their fault. Stay calm and don't scream at them or blame them. Then can only do so much. However, those who remain calm and collected are usually those who receive better services and faster resolutions.
Again, travel safely and enjoy your holiday.
In the excitement of the holidays we sometimes forget some very basic travel rules. So with the spirit of the holiday, some common sense reminders.
If you are traveling by air, confirm your flight. Within 24 hours log on to the airline website. If they have a pre-check in area, I highly recommend using this tool. The airline will require your ticket number or your airline confirmation code along with your name. some airlines will permit the confirmation also using your frequent flyer number if it has been added to your reservation.
On the day of the flight you want to again check for any changes or delays for your flights. Unfortunately, Mother Nature has not been weather kind in some parts of the country in the past few days. Your flight might be originating from a weather delayed area, so even if it is nice in your region, you may still have a delay.
Get to the airport early. Many travelers are used to getting to the airport by the skin of their teeth with only an hour prior to flight time. Even though the number of travelers this year may be less than last year, the airports will still be crowded. Leave ample to time to check your bags and go through security.
Pack your bags according to the weight limits imposed by the airline. Your bag will be weighed and you will be charged for overweight luggage. To check your luggage, weigh yourself on your scale at home. Then get back on the scale holding your luggage, standing backwards so someone can read the new weight reading. You will then know if you need to repack or add something to your carry on. To find out the about the weight restrictions, again, check the website of the airline under baggage rules. You will also find in most cases the rules for carrying liquids in your carry on. The rule easily remembered for liquids is 3-1-1; no more than 3 ounces of liquid per container, packaged in a 1 quart ziplock bag, one bag per passenger.
Your ID if you are traveling within the USA most be legally recognized picture ID such as a drivers license or state ID non-drivers license card. If you are traveling anywhere outside of the US you must have a passport. No exceptions will be made and your flight will be denied.
Did you rent car once you get to the destination? Be sure to have your car rental reservation and confirmation with you. You will want the information to speed up your processing at the rental car desk. Also if your flight is delayed, call the toll free number for the rental service, let them so. If you are deemed as a no show, they can rent your vehicle to someone else. If you call to apprise them of a delay, write down the time you called and the name of the person with whom you spoke.
Have you ordered a shuttle service to pick you up? The same rules for the rental car company applies. Let them know you will be late if you are delayed. If they have dispatched a driver and you are late, the drive may leave. If the driver leaves and needs to return, you will be charged a secondary dispatch fee. If the driver needs to wait, you may also be charged a supplemental fee.
Cruisers, if you are on the way to your ship, please do not wait for the last hour to embark. Again, lines will be long and you will need to get to the cruise port on time. Unless an inordinate amount of passengers are delayed from a particular flight, the ship sets sail on time. Use the baggage tags the cruise lines have provided in addition to your regular luggage tags. this will help cruise personnel identify your luggage and get it to your cabin as quickly as possible. Since the ship will be most likely filled to capacity, you may want to take a change of clothes in your carry on as you may wait longer than usual to get your luggage.
If you are driving, please make sure you have emergency supplies in your car. They include extra blankets, water and snack foods. Check the fluids in your car and the air pressure in your tires. Also check your spare tire. Be sure your lights and turn signals are all in order. Stop on the way for rest stops and have a beverage and food. If you feel tired, please pull off of the road. Follow the speed limits for your safety and the safety of others. Above all else, buckle up and be careful of your alcohol consumption. Please don't drink and drive.
Whether flying or driving, have your reservation for your accommodations handy. If you are going to be late, again, call them and let them know. You don't want to arrive to find out your room, the last one available, has been given to someone else because you were deemed as a no show.
One last thing...Remember you are going on vacation or to visit family and friends. Those who are serving you the reservations desks and airports are working on the holiday. Please try to be kind. If you flight is delayed, it is not their fault. Stay calm and don't scream at them or blame them. Then can only do so much. However, those who remain calm and collected are usually those who receive better services and faster resolutions.
Again, travel safely and enjoy your holiday.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Cruise Lines Hear You!
Well finally the travel consumer voices are being heard, at least by the cruise lines. They, like the airlines needed to charge fuel surcharges for voyages priced pre-gas hikes. Now that we are all paying less at the gas tank, most of the cruise lines have rescinded their fuel surcharges. That's money back in your pocket.
In some cases for a 7 night cruise that can mean about $60.00 per person. Even if you have paid in full for your cruise, call your travel agent or the cruise line if you booked directly, and ask about the cruise lines' policy. For those who have paid in full, many of the cruise lines will be giving you a shipboard credit in the amount of the fuel surcharge. You can use this to pay for any incidentals while on board. For those who are still under deposit, your final payment will most likely reflect the reduced rate.
There is a lot of great news coming from the cruise lines. A few new ships coming, new cruise ports and great deals, like airfare included to Europe. Stay tuned and check back. I will have more to come with those offers!
As always, happy travels!
In some cases for a 7 night cruise that can mean about $60.00 per person. Even if you have paid in full for your cruise, call your travel agent or the cruise line if you booked directly, and ask about the cruise lines' policy. For those who have paid in full, many of the cruise lines will be giving you a shipboard credit in the amount of the fuel surcharge. You can use this to pay for any incidentals while on board. For those who are still under deposit, your final payment will most likely reflect the reduced rate.
There is a lot of great news coming from the cruise lines. A few new ships coming, new cruise ports and great deals, like airfare included to Europe. Stay tuned and check back. I will have more to come with those offers!
As always, happy travels!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Should You Change Your Travel Plans?
I have seen this question posed in many different formats, usually just after a largely publized terrorist attack. When the world seems quiet we rarely think about global issues though they happen daily.
Should you can your travel plans? What really are the dangers of travel? Are there true dangers? Maybe yes in some parts of the world where dangerous events occur daily such as Iraq and Darfur. Other parts of the world are relatively quiet with the exception of local daily crime which occurs in every city.
This question was again posed through a professional networking community to which I belong. I wanted to share my answer, which is the answer I usually give those who tell me they will not travel due to perceived dangers.
Can you predict where the next terrorism attack will take place? I can't, so how should I change my plans for business or pleasure? If people begin to run scared of a perceived attack, then they (the terrorists) win! My ego will not permit it. Which city will you give up:
So in that spirit, if you are having second thoughts about traveling, DON'T! Travel is safe in most parts of the world. Don't let the cowards who choose to thwart world community sharing win. Your travel will show them we are stronger than the cowardly few.
Should you can your travel plans? What really are the dangers of travel? Are there true dangers? Maybe yes in some parts of the world where dangerous events occur daily such as Iraq and Darfur. Other parts of the world are relatively quiet with the exception of local daily crime which occurs in every city.
This question was again posed through a professional networking community to which I belong. I wanted to share my answer, which is the answer I usually give those who tell me they will not travel due to perceived dangers.
Can you predict where the next terrorism attack will take place? I can't, so how should I change my plans for business or pleasure? If people begin to run scared of a perceived attack, then they (the terrorists) win! My ego will not permit it. Which city will you give up:
- NY
- Paris
- LA
- Madrid
- London
- Dublin
- Jerusalem
- Cairo
- Mumbai
- Amman
- Argentina
What have I forgotten?
Remember, you can be pick pocketed anywhere, or cross the street and be hit by a bus in your home town. Have you stopped leaving the house? I sure hope not.So in that spirit, if you are having second thoughts about traveling, DON'T! Travel is safe in most parts of the world. Don't let the cowards who choose to thwart world community sharing win. Your travel will show them we are stronger than the cowardly few.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Be Realistic
I get many requests for travel through my website which is absolutely great. I appreciate every request that comes in. Every request for travel is always answered, but some cannot come to fruition. Here's the problem...are you being realistic with your travel request?
When considering your travel planning, think about where you live and where you want to go. How far is the destination? Are you crossing time zones and will jet lag also factor into your choice? How many days do you want to actually travel? Yes, so many questions...see my blog about me being a nosy travel planner!
First, let's talk about the distance of the destination from where you live. I recently got a request for 3 -5 day honeymoon in Tahiti. I guess 5 days if you live in California is not bad, but if you live on the east coast or mid west, you need to rethink the decision. Unfortunately this couple lives near the east coast. If they were to choose a four night honeymoon in Tahiti, they would spend about 2 of those days in the air! Really flying all that way for 2 days plus outrageous jet lag?
Let me give you an example of an actual poorly considered vacation request:
When considering your travel planning, think about where you live and where you want to go. How far is the destination? Are you crossing time zones and will jet lag also factor into your choice? How many days do you want to actually travel? Yes, so many questions...see my blog about me being a nosy travel planner!
First, let's talk about the distance of the destination from where you live. I recently got a request for 3 -5 day honeymoon in Tahiti. I guess 5 days if you live in California is not bad, but if you live on the east coast or mid west, you need to rethink the decision. Unfortunately this couple lives near the east coast. If they were to choose a four night honeymoon in Tahiti, they would spend about 2 of those days in the air! Really flying all that way for 2 days plus outrageous jet lag?
Let me give you an example of an actual poorly considered vacation request:
- 2 Adults
- Living in the mid-west (sorry, I cannot reveal the actual state)
- Destination: Egypt
- Trip duration: 3 -5 days
- Budget - $3000.00 total
First problem is the travel time. From their city there are no nonstop flights to Cairo or any other airport in Egypt. So, the flights will be overnight flights at least to Egypt...there goes one day.
The next day, after perhaps 11 - 12 hours including layovers, the arrival to Egypt. Sight seeing can begin immediately in Cairo and maybe get an overview of the country. Next morning, a transfer by plane to Luxor for one night to get to the pyramids (you cannot go all that way and not see them), and back to Cairo. One day more to squeeze in a little bit more of Cairo. Next day, back to the airport and on the way home!
Now that you are like a zombie because you have to contend with a 7 hour time difference hopefully you will sleep on your first leg of your fight home. Unfortunately this hurried visit has cost you sights and true understanding of one of the most interesting countries in the world, historically and culturally.
Okay, so here were are at the budget portion. Are you serious...$3000.00? That is barely enough to get to the Caribbean or Mexico for a week at a 4 star all-inclusive resort. Just the airfare will be over $1,100.00 per person. Unfortunately, after airfare is paid, there is simply not enough money left for a decent hotel (there you really do not want a cheap one or two star mostly for reasons of safety) and the touring.
Does it break my heart to tell someone their dream is not realistic? Absolutely! Part of my joy is planning a great vacation for my clients...the other part is to hear from happy clients when they return from their vacation. My success is their happiness.
My suggestion for the novice travel is two fold. First, take a look at a map. See how far your destination is from your area of the country. How long might the flight be and are there any time zone differences? Second, ask a travel professional for suggestions. Don't be embarrassed to discuss your budget, but be reasonable especially when it comes to the airfare. It is one of the most important factors of the travel planning. Talk about your travel interests and what you would like to experience. Let the travel professional make suggestions that will meet your budget and expectations.
Happy Travels!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Europe Or Bust!
The Euro is up and the US dollar is down. You want to travel to Europe, but think it is too expensive. Well, maybe not!
Unfortunately there is no way around airfares that are sky high (forgive the pun), but you can prevent it from becoming even higher. Try to book your travel at least 6 months in advance to get the best airfare rates. That's the first suggestion. However, don't book your airfare and then the travel plans. Do it together. Nothing worse than trying to make your touring fit your flight schedule.
Here is the best advice to visit Europe and not pay everything through the nose. Travel through Europe on a cruise or with a group tour. I know they are not for everyone as most of my business is creating customized travel. However, when you book a cruise (river cruises included) or a group tour almost everything is already included at prenegotiated prices protecting your US dollar.
The cruise lines will offer at a fixed price choice of accommodations (your stateroom), all of your meals and some beverages, entertainment and taxes. The cruise will afford you the opportunity to take excursions at each port at an extra cost, but certainly much less than the cost if you tried to do it on your own. Some cruise lines are also offering added values such as 2 for 1 pricing, airfare included specials and shipboard credits.
River Cruises have become a very popular choice withing the past several years. More and more itineraries are added each year. This luxury on water travel is a more intimate way to see Europe. The vessels are much smaller than cruise ships with only 100-200 passengers aboard. The River Cruises are able to navigate the inner waterways of Europe bringing you directly to the docks...no tenders needed! They also tend to stay in each port of call for longer times than the cruise lines, giving you more opportunity to visit each area. Like the larger cruise lines, the River Cruises offer the accommodations, meals, and taxes as part of your cost. Also, some are including airfare and 2 for 1 specials. The entertainment on the River Cruises is usually local entertainment boarded at each port of call. Sorry, no lavish broadway style shows or casinos.
Also included are all excursions. No extra cost for excursions and no waiting in long lines to find your bus or group.
Group travel by land is still very popular and getting better each year. New places to see are constantly being added. Most group travel is fast paced in the sense that you are usually up early each day and may not be in the same city more than one night. So, yes, a lot of packing and unpacking. However, this is a very thorough way to see a country or region. Depending upon the class of group travel you choose, some are larger groups than others. The pricing depends largely on the accommodations chosen for your travel. Again, your dollar protections begins with the contracted rate the tour operator has with all the service providers in Europe. Since these contracts a sealed with a promise of many guests per year, the rates are much lower than you will find on your own. Again, most of your excursions are already included. Some groups will allow a day at leisure with an optional tour provided for those who must see everything. The group land tours always include breakfast and either a lunch or dinner daily or frequently. Again, the price you pay will sometimes reflect the number of meals included.
Lastly, if your time allows, don't choose the busiest travel time of year to take your vacation. The "off" season, time of year less popular to travel, will also cut your travel costs greatly. Consult your calendar to see when you can travel. Try to travel after September and before mid April. Also avoid holiday times such as December, Easter and Springbreak. If you are retired this isn't an issue. If you are employed, your boss will be pleased you are not requesting vacation time the same time everyone else is.
Need more help? Call me or send me an email.
Happy Travels,
Adrienne
Unfortunately there is no way around airfares that are sky high (forgive the pun), but you can prevent it from becoming even higher. Try to book your travel at least 6 months in advance to get the best airfare rates. That's the first suggestion. However, don't book your airfare and then the travel plans. Do it together. Nothing worse than trying to make your touring fit your flight schedule.
Here is the best advice to visit Europe and not pay everything through the nose. Travel through Europe on a cruise or with a group tour. I know they are not for everyone as most of my business is creating customized travel. However, when you book a cruise (river cruises included) or a group tour almost everything is already included at prenegotiated prices protecting your US dollar.
The cruise lines will offer at a fixed price choice of accommodations (your stateroom), all of your meals and some beverages, entertainment and taxes. The cruise will afford you the opportunity to take excursions at each port at an extra cost, but certainly much less than the cost if you tried to do it on your own. Some cruise lines are also offering added values such as 2 for 1 pricing, airfare included specials and shipboard credits.
River Cruises have become a very popular choice withing the past several years. More and more itineraries are added each year. This luxury on water travel is a more intimate way to see Europe. The vessels are much smaller than cruise ships with only 100-200 passengers aboard. The River Cruises are able to navigate the inner waterways of Europe bringing you directly to the docks...no tenders needed! They also tend to stay in each port of call for longer times than the cruise lines, giving you more opportunity to visit each area. Like the larger cruise lines, the River Cruises offer the accommodations, meals, and taxes as part of your cost. Also, some are including airfare and 2 for 1 specials. The entertainment on the River Cruises is usually local entertainment boarded at each port of call. Sorry, no lavish broadway style shows or casinos.
Also included are all excursions. No extra cost for excursions and no waiting in long lines to find your bus or group.
Group travel by land is still very popular and getting better each year. New places to see are constantly being added. Most group travel is fast paced in the sense that you are usually up early each day and may not be in the same city more than one night. So, yes, a lot of packing and unpacking. However, this is a very thorough way to see a country or region. Depending upon the class of group travel you choose, some are larger groups than others. The pricing depends largely on the accommodations chosen for your travel. Again, your dollar protections begins with the contracted rate the tour operator has with all the service providers in Europe. Since these contracts a sealed with a promise of many guests per year, the rates are much lower than you will find on your own. Again, most of your excursions are already included. Some groups will allow a day at leisure with an optional tour provided for those who must see everything. The group land tours always include breakfast and either a lunch or dinner daily or frequently. Again, the price you pay will sometimes reflect the number of meals included.
Lastly, if your time allows, don't choose the busiest travel time of year to take your vacation. The "off" season, time of year less popular to travel, will also cut your travel costs greatly. Consult your calendar to see when you can travel. Try to travel after September and before mid April. Also avoid holiday times such as December, Easter and Springbreak. If you are retired this isn't an issue. If you are employed, your boss will be pleased you are not requesting vacation time the same time everyone else is.
Need more help? Call me or send me an email.
Happy Travels,
Adrienne
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Why Didn't I Use A Travel Professional?
Yes, I know the currency difference between the US dollar and the Euro is crazy. An acquaintance recently returned from Italy and told me she paid $30.00 for a simple breakfast with coffee. Then told me her eggs were cold!
All I could do was hug her and roll my eyes. She thought she would be able to make all of her arrangements online and take care of all of her excursions while in Italy. Well, yes she was able to make all of the arrangements, but at a cost. Turns out the itinerary I prepared for her, in the long run was much less than her "piece it together"plans.
The first issue was her hotel stays. She chose decent accommodations and made her deposits for the hotels online. What she failed to take into consideration is the fluctuation of the euro caused the pricing to rise and tax (vat) was not included. Also, breakfast was not included. She chose the wrong option online and the hotel would not change the reservation because the breakfast offer was a "website" special only. I guess she really could not go back to the website to complain.
The second obstacle became registering for tours while in Italy. A few of the tours she wanted to take were not available for the days and times she hoped for. Unfortunately she missed out on a lot.
She now realizes the value of using a professional travel consultant to plan her next trip, even if it appears to be more expensive at first look. She took another look at the itinerary I prepared and sees she was penny-wise and pound foolish.
My next blog....Getting the biggest bang for you buck in Europe...
All I could do was hug her and roll my eyes. She thought she would be able to make all of her arrangements online and take care of all of her excursions while in Italy. Well, yes she was able to make all of the arrangements, but at a cost. Turns out the itinerary I prepared for her, in the long run was much less than her "piece it together"plans.
The first issue was her hotel stays. She chose decent accommodations and made her deposits for the hotels online. What she failed to take into consideration is the fluctuation of the euro caused the pricing to rise and tax (vat) was not included. Also, breakfast was not included. She chose the wrong option online and the hotel would not change the reservation because the breakfast offer was a "website" special only. I guess she really could not go back to the website to complain.
The second obstacle became registering for tours while in Italy. A few of the tours she wanted to take were not available for the days and times she hoped for. Unfortunately she missed out on a lot.
She now realizes the value of using a professional travel consultant to plan her next trip, even if it appears to be more expensive at first look. She took another look at the itinerary I prepared and sees she was penny-wise and pound foolish.
My next blog....Getting the biggest bang for you buck in Europe...
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