Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Mexico Travel Advisory

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has officially recommended all non-essential travel to Mexico be postponed due to the latest outbreak of Swine Flu. If you are scheduled to travel to Mexico in the next week or two, below is some information you may need to know.

If you are cruising, you need not cancel your cruise. The cruise lines are adjusting their itineraries and they will not be stopping at Mexican ports. Some of the cruise lines are substituting the Mexican ports with other comprabable ports.

Flying to Mexico? Contact your travel agent with whom you made your reservation. They will know how to make the changes to your travel record. If you made your own arrangements directly with the airline, call them to adjust your flights. Here are just a few of the major airline rules for the emergency changes:
  • Continental Airlines said it will allow passengers to reschedule or reroute their travel, without penalty, if they are scheduled to fly to Mexico through May 6.
    American Airlines also is allowing customers to change their flights without penalty if they are flying to Mexico through May 6.
    United Airlines is issuing a travel waiver to customers traveling to, from or through Mexico through May 6. The waiver allows travelers to make one change to their travel plans without change fees.
    Delta Air Lines is waiving the change fee for customers traveling to Mexico through May 4. New travel must originate on or before May 12.
    US Airways will waive the standard change fee, advance reservation and ticketing requirements for customers traveling to Mexico through April 30. Customers can move their itinerary up to seven days before or after the scheduled origination date, or apply the full value of the wholly unused tickets toward the purchase of a ticket to an alternate destination (new travel must originate within seven days of scheduled origination date).

Major tour operators such as Travel Impressions, GoGo, Apple and Funjet (just to name a few) are working diligently with their travel partners to accommodate changes. Just be patient though as there are literally hundreds of calls being placed so the hold time can be over an hour. One of our agents experienced a hold time of over 80 minutes to change travel plans for a client.

If you have returned in the last few days from Mexico and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please call your health care provider immediately.

Do remember, this is a temporary situtation, one which will pass relatively soon we all hope. So if you are not planning to travel with in the next week to 2 weeks, hang in there. You may still be able to keep you travel plans as they are.

Also, we wish our friends in Mexico good health and a speedy recovery.

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 250
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. www.atravelspecialist.com/
Blog: http:adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com>
Proud Members of ASTA/CLIA/IATA



Sunday, April 26, 2009

Bermuda - Happy 400th Anniversary

There is an island in the North Atlantic,, only 650 east of the coast of North Carolina that Mark Twain said, ."....the fight country for a jaded man to loaf in." This is the island of Bermuda, home of the famed pink beaches.

For those living on the east coast, Bermuda is closer than you think. A quick two hour flight and you have landed in an island different than any other. I think Premiere Dr. Ewart F. Brown said it so perfectly a few nights ago when addressing those in attendance at Bermuda's 400th anniversary celebration. Bermuda is the perfect island, a Caribbean flavor with the elegance and air of England. I have often described Bermuda as the "civilized" island because of the feel and spirit of England.

From the moment you land on the island you can "Feel The Love" as you are welcomed warmly to the island, whether in the airport or seaport. One of the first striking views is the men still wearing the famed Bermuda shorts while going to the office for the day or relaxation. Politeness, warmth and willingness to please visitors to the island are always apparent. Residents of the island, including school children, are always happy to point you in the right direction or suggest a local restaurant or shop.

Getting around the island is very easy. The three travel modes are taxi (all of which are clearly licensed), bus, ferry and moped. Sorry, renting a car is not possible. Bermudian residents are captitated to only one car per address and tourists are unable rent a car due to the size of the road and the wish to prevent too much vehicle congestion. When getting into a taxi, you will find the driver more often than not chatty and willing to tell you anything and everything about Bermuda. The buses are plentiful and safe. The Bermudian sitting next you to is also happy to share information about the island.

During the day, activities are plentiful. From historical sites, botanical gardens and underwater museums to world reknown golf courses, snorkeling, diving to an old ship wreck, horseback riding and lazing in the pink sands and many other activities in between. After a day of activities, wander through the island for shopping and dining at popular spots like Royal Naval Dockyard, Front Street, Kings' Wharf, Water Street and Penno's Wharf. Enjoy a meal of fish 'n chips in an old English Pub. Wash the meal down with a "dark and stormy" made with Bermuda's ginger beer and dark rum and finish off the meal with a piece of spicy rum cake.

Because there really is so much to do in Bermuda, I will be writing a sequel to this blog. It will feature activities and some of my personal favorite accommodations. You won't be able to resist a visit to this wonderful island.

To get you there, in honor of Bermuda's 400th Anniversary, travel specials are plentiful with an offer you cannot refuse. If you stay 4 nights or more at one of 15 participating resorts, receive a $400.00 credit toward your vacation. The offer is good for reservations booked by August 17th, 2009 and travel completed by August 21, 2009.

As a Bermuda Specialist I will be my pleasure to arrange your travel to this enchanting island. Call me now or for information and to book your vacation....215-886-5200, ext, 65 or toll free, 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65.

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
http://www.atravelspecialist.com/
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com/
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com
Proud Members of ASTA/CLIA/IATA

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Half Moon, A Luxury Family Escape

Now is the time to take advantage of a luxury family escape at Half Moon in sunny Jamaica. Your "Good Life" package now invites you to stay and children under 12 stay free! In addition, our Virtuoso packages offer more pampering including room upgrades, massages and more!



Click on the link below for more details. You won't be sorry. Contact me now to plan your vacation!



Half Moon Escape

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
www.atravelspecialist.com
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com
Email:adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Be A Star And Sail On Celebrity


It's not hard to be a star. Just sail on a Celebrity Cruise and be treated like a celebrity!

Below are some great specials to Alaska and the Pacific Coast for a wine cruise. Enjoy up to $300.00 in cruise savings and $100.00 ship board credits. Alaska Cruise oceanview pricing starting at $739.00 per person!
Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65




Thursday, April 2, 2009

Travel ASAP offers for you from Virtuoso


The summer is almost upon us. The trees and flowers are blooming. The time is here to look at some of the newest summer travel specials. Call me now to take advantage of these specials and more!

Summer Travel ASAP






Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
www.atravelspecialist.com
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Newest Virtuoso Return On Life Offers

You know you want to travel. Here are some new offers exclusively from Virtuoso for you. So take a look and call me to book!

These are limited time offers, so don't delay!

Virtuoso Return On Life Offers

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
www.atravelspecialist.com
Blog: http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Is The Travel Agent A Qualified Travel Consultant?



Yes, I know I have touched on this topic briefly before. Since this is an important topic for consumers I feel I must discuss it again. I am sure either you or someone you know was told you can become a travel agent for a small fee. Just pay $499.00 plus $50.00 a month and get all the perks you want. You can also make a referral fee too...supposidly $25.00.

So tell me, would you buy insurance from your neighbor or coworker if they weren't licensed? Would you want their advise because they said they joined an insurance club? Same with legal advise...would you trust the barrista at the corner coffee shop? So why would you throw your hard earned dollars away for your vacation to someone who is not qualified to give you educated information and find you the best travel solutions?

The authenitic, professional travel business doesn't really work like that. The problem is, the unsuspecting consumer might not know they are talking about travel planning with someone who is just not qualified to sell travel. A true travel professional has many qualifications. Amongst those qualifications:
  • Education about travel including, destinations, resorts and cruiselinesAssociations with nationally recognized organizations such as ASTA, CLIA, and IATAN (all bona fide agencies are registered with ASTA and IATAN)

  • Ask which consortium the ageny is associated. Check the BBB for the agency name

  • References and demonstrated proficiency in answering your questions

  • Before you discuss travel, find out about the travel planner. As how long they have been planning travel? Ask about their agency and how long it has been in existance?

If you hear the words referral agent, run...don't walk. The most well known "referral agencies" are known by the names of "YTB" Your Travel Biz), "World Ventures", "PTS" (Prestige) Travel, "WorldQuest, Inc", "Global Travel" and "Traverus." There are others popping up as we speak. Before you travel, don't trust your hard earned dollars to just anyone. Don't be embarrased to ask questions about the travel planner's credentials. A true professional will welcome your questions. I always invite new clients to check my references as well as those of my agency. I am proud of our standing as a professionals, not someone looking to make a quick buck and move on.


Protect your travel and your money. Professional travel consultants want to you to enjoy your travel and know you are in good hands.Please be sure to read the link below. It is written by ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) and explains all about bogus travel agencies. We want to you be informed. An educated traveler is a happy traveler! Look for the IATAN logo like the one above to be sure your travel consultant is a professional travel consulant!


Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
261 Old York Road - Suite 205
Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
http://www.atravelspecialist.com/
Blog:
http://atravelspecialist.blogspot.com/
adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com