This article shows the benefits of travel with the research to back-up the claim that travel can lead to more happiness.
We know that travel comes with a host of great benefits as you get to:
spend time with people you love
see new things and try new things
relax away from the pressures of work and everyday life; you get the thrill of realizing dreams you may have had for years and years.
A proven way to more happiness Photo by Sylwia Bartyzel on Unsplash
As it turns out, travel is the best way to spend your money. Of all the things you can buy, the experience of traveling gives you, by far, the most bang for your buck. All these great elements of travel have been proven to make people happier.
And even more than that, every part of the travel experience — before, during, and after — is more satisfying, more enjoyable, and has longer-lasting positive effects than buying stuff.
In 2003, Thomas Gilovich published his landmark study called “To Do or To Have? That Is the Question” – a study that, more than a decade on, continues to influence social psychology and the study of what brings us true contentment. Gilovich looked at how economic choices affect well-being and analyzed the differences between experiential and material purchases on human happiness. His unexpected discovery has changed the way we look at our buying habits: Across the board, doing things makes people way happier than having things.
The reason for this is that we get to live and re-live the joy of experiences. Buying an expensive TV or even a new car gives a momentary spike
proven way to more happiness Photo by Jérémie Crémer on Unsplash
in good feelings that lasts for a few days. But when you take an amazing trip, you get the memories and the good time together. And every time you think of that trip, or you see something that reminds you of it, or you look at the picture on your desktop, your brain registers those joyful times and releases mood-enhancing chemicals that make you feel like you’re re-living the happiness of the experience itself. It stays with you, and you get to access it whenever you want.
It’s not like we need another reason to start planning that dream trip — but another study out that Gilovich co-authored has found that even the anticipation of experiences outdoes the lead-up to material purchases. People waiting in line to get tickets to an event are happier and more excited than those who are waiting in line to buy something.
So, even something as boring as waiting in line is more fun when it’s connected to your travel experience.
But it makes sense when you think of it, doesn’t it? You’re waiting to, say, get your passport photo taken, and associated with that time are thoughts of where you’re going to go, what you’re going to see, and all the adventure that awaits. When you’re planning that trip with your agent, you get to make progress, take steps towards realizing your dream, and each step is actually a part of the adventure itself.
As travelers, we know the many positive benefits of getting out and seeing the world. And now we can feel even better knowing that those benefits continue to improve our lives, long after the trip is over.
Are you convinced? Ready to start taking the steps towards your next travel adventure?
Let’s chat – just click here now to let me bring a little more happiness to your life!
This brief guide reveals 5 items you need to know before leaving for your trip to Italy.
trevifountain
Have your overlooked any of these critical items for your Italy trip? While you may have booked a flight and hotel, there is more you must consider to have a well-planned out travel experience! This guide comes from over 10 years of detailed client trip planning and answering client questions.
Follow my advice, and you’ll leave for your trip less worried and with less hassles.
Transfers between airports/train stations and hotels
You need to consider advance booking a transfer. Some airports, like Florence, lend themselves to an easy cab ride to your hotel. However, more than likely, you’ll be flying into Venice or Rome to start your dream trip to Italy.
Let’s say that you’re flying into Venice airport (VCE), which is on the mainland. Venice Island and the main tourist attractions are actually on
Venice
a lagoon located off Italy’s coast. Oh, and no cars, buses, or motorized vehicles are allowed on Venice Island. There are no fewer than three main ways to get to your Venice Island hotel from the mainland airport. These include:
Taking a bus as far as you can go to Venice Island (Piazzale Roma) and then taking a public Water bus (Vaporetto)
Taking a public water taxi (Alilaguna) from the airport dock to the closest public landing near your Venice Island hotel
Taking a private boat from the airport as close as possible to your hotel
It pays to plan it out and have an advance transfer booked in a place like Venice.
Credit/Debit Cards and Foreign Currency
Please consider purchasing a small amount of Euros prior to your departure at a local bank or a money exchange office as it’s a good idea to have some Euros in your pocket before you arrive.
Most exchange offices in airports or train stations will charge you a higher fee, and you should be aware of that higher fee. However, cash withdrawal from an ATM would also charge you hidden fees by using a modified exchange rate, which is lower than the real market rate.
Please complete these steps prior to leaving the US:
Call your bank or credit card company and make sure that you can use your debit/credit card(s) in Italy and can access foreign ATMs
Inquire about a credit card “PIN Code.” Some European Merchants will ask for a PIN code when you present your card for a transaction (you may need a card with a chip if you don’t already have one)
Ensure that your ATM PIN code is numeric only (some banks may use alpha characters in the US but European ATMs use numbers only)
Cell/Smartphones and chargers
Please contact your service provider to determine if your phone will work and inquire about a short term international or country-specific plan. Further, contact your wireless carrier to use the data off/international data roaming off, or airplane mode features on your phone. Finally, consider using the hotel’s Wi-Fi for email, browsing, social, etc.
Concerning chargers, electrical outlets are a different electrical voltage than the US; hotels in Italy and other places usually don’t have converters and you’ll need to bring an adapter.
Make sure to check with your cell phone/smart phone/tablet manufacturer or wireless carrier for the correct adapter and/or converter for the countries you are visiting.
Pre-arrange critical sightseeing, especially for a must-see site like the Vatican
Just going to wing it for your critical sightseeing? Few people visit Rome without a tour of the Vatican which includes a vast complex of some of the world’s greatest art museums…Oh, and the pictures below are what the lines can look like if you just show up!
Yup these are the queues or lines to get into the Vatican
Further, you can be quickly rushed in and out of the different galleries with your new hot and sweaty friends. Please pre-book tours to the must-do sites, but do leave some down-time just to take Rome in from a café.
Trip Protection Insurance
Think your US-based health insurance or credit card will provide coverage in Italy? You’d better check!
When your travel planner, be they human or electronic, asks you about travel insurance/ trip protection, you need to know if travel insurance is a wise purchase. But first, let’s share some stories.
My doctor, quite the photographer, left his camera in a cab while on a trip in the Baltics and could not recover it. Travel insurance reimbursed him for his loss.
More recently, a husband and wife were packed and ready to leave for a ten day cruise leaving on the wife’s birthday. She woke up around 5am with a bloody nose that would not stop bleeding. She called me at 9:15 am on a Sunday morning to cancel the trip. I immediately started the travel insurance claims process and the couple were reimbursed in record time for the full amount of the money they lost from the cruise line.
These are just two of many stories of my travel guests’ using their travel insurance benefits (Always refer to the Description of Coverage for legal details specific to your quote or policy.)
Here is a quick summary of what a good travel insurance/trip protection product will do for YOU:
Reimburse you for the full cancellation fees from your trip in CASH, not vouchers or certificates.
Provide emergency medical insurance including hospital admission. Do you know what it takes to be admitted to a hospital in another country? (Some hospitals require up-front payment.) Or would you like to rest assured knowing that your trip insurance provider will take care of emergency hospital admission?
Does your credit card provide travel insurance for trip cancellation? Read that fine print very carefully…few credit cards cover trip cancellation.
Provide emergency evacuation home due to a medical condition? Imagine how much it would cost to get back to the US on an emergency basis. And where would you be taken? To a US hospital of your choosing?
Feature Article – Fresh from the New York Times Travel Show
My NYT Trade Show Badge
Warning, this post is heavily biased. For people who’ve never worked with me, how do I explain the value I provide for your trip (especially multi-city travel)? Rather than saying it in my own words, why not let some of the big dogs of the travel industry explain it in theirs? The picture below was from our keynote panel. You may have heard of Peter Greenberg on TV, radio, CNBC (how I define TV), or read his books. Until I heard Peter speak in person, I really thought he was against travel advisers.
New York Times Travel Show, courtesy of Me
Here are some of Peter Greenberg’s top sound bites:
The Internet is for the lazy; travel advisers are for the smart people (Peter’s words not mine!)
The airlines’ motto: “we’re not happy until you’re not happy”.
The fastest growing form of transport in the US is inter-city bus transportation.
WOW! Not a new airline from a billionaire or a high-speed mag-lev carbon-free train, just buses. Think about the cost of going on a bus versus air. I’m not advocating this form of transport! Just thought it was very interesting.
There was also an executive from Google Travel on the panel. He discussed things like if you fly into LA and always search for three-star hotels, you will not be shown four-star hotels. Google is getting ever more sophisticated.
Earlier in the day I attended a panel on European travel.
One of the panelists was Harry Dalgaard, President of Avanti Destinations. Harry described his company as connecting the dots for multi-city travel. I like that! Reminds me of what I do for your travels – connecting the dots on all of the major travel components that go into your trip especially for multi-city trips. Ever wonder how I design your mutli-city travel? Avanti Destinations is one of my secret weapons to add value to your trip by working with a reputable supplier who can do trains, hotels, tours, and flights all in one place with a single point of contact. Oh, and you also get an in-country contact for support during your trip.
Question about Avanti, are the hotels any good? Simple, if there are 3 strikes against any one hotel, Avanti drops them! Compare that to evaluating a hotel on Trip Adviser. Think about this!!!! If Trip Adviser has three strikes against a property, do they no longer include it in their rankings and reviews? Oh, and is Avanti super-cheap? No!
Packed and ready to go on your dream trip? Wondering what You Must Do Before You Travel Internationally?
This guide reveals what you need to know before you leave for your trip
The information comes from years of answering of client questions. If you have travel tips you’d like to add or questions to ask, please let me know!
Cruise
Will I receive Luggage tags?
In most instances, no. In our modern techno-world, most cruise lines include a printable/foldable PDF to make into a luggage tag – even Cunard has paper luggage tags! Make sure to pre-register your booking with your address soon after the final payment. As an alternative, you can go to the pier and ask a porter for a “real” tag; just be sure to write your name and cabin number along with other requested information.
Will I receive Cruise “Tickets” in the mail?
In most instances, your electronic pre-registration will provide an electronic boarding pass to print out. Please pre-register soon after the final payment to ensure you have plenty of time to gather your documents and other required information. This process, which may appear cumbersome, will greatly speed your check-in at the pier and get you aboard much faster. Note: certain Luxury and Premium lines still prepare paper documents.
When do I show up at the pier for my cruise?
As a general guideline, plan on arriving between 12-1pm for Continental US departures. Keep in mind that ships are debarking passengers and need to receive clearance from the Coast Guard/local authorities prior to boarding. This is generally at 1pm or later but may occur earlier than listed. Arrive too early and you could be caught up in the departure traffic from the prior cruise, which is not advisable. Getting there after 2pm will result in the shortest lines, but why not wait in line and have the opportunity to start your vacation sooner? Please always refer to your boarding documents for more detailed information. Some cruise lines have started boarding times based upon deck or cabin category.
Can I take my own alcohol aboard on my cruise?
Wine and champagne are allowed on certain lines; please check with the cruise line for specifics. Consuming your own wine or champagne in the main dining room normally comes with a corkage fee. Please do not consider taking liquor aboard as the liquor will be confiscated and denial of boarding/disembarkation IS possible.
Also note that it is generally permissible to take your own cases of water aboard.
Air
English: A flight coupon issued by Thai Airways International (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Will I receive Airline Tickets in the mail?
It is exceedingly rare to receive paper tickets anymore. (When’s the last time you got a paper ticket on airline “stock?”) In most cases, you will take your confirmation number and pre-register on your carrier’s website.
What are my airline Seat assignments and can I make requests?
In some cases, the most economical fares do NOT allow advance seat assignments. Advance seats assignments are still available to a limited degree. Whenever you purchase your airfare with me, I will get seat assignments for you when possible. Additionally, I will look for options that are based upon your preferences. When advance seat assignments are not available, two options include paying for a higher fare class and paying for a seat assignment on the airline’s website (e.g., British Airways).
When do I check in for my flight? Boarding pass?
Generally, you may print your boarding pass starting within 24 hours of your departure flight. Check in online for flights as soon as possible (normally starting within 24 hours prior to your departing flight)…airlines have started bumping people who check in late! You may also wait until you get to the airport and check in at a self-service kiosk. At this time, you may have an opportunity for seat assignments or seat changes. Please be aware that arrival guidelines are two hours in advance for domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. These times are for arrival at the gate, NOT airport or security check-in.
Select automatic check in for return flights when offered while checking in for your outbound flight.
Many airlines now have an app which enables you to use your smart phone as your boarding pass as opposed to printing out a boarding pass. You can also print boarding passes in your cruise ship’s Internet center or your hotel’s business center for a fee.
How do I meet the driver/shuttle for my resort, tour, or cruise transfer?
Please refer to your transportation voucher/information in your Paper or eDocuments. Normally you will claim your baggage and proceed through customs first. Then, you will look for either a tour operator desk and check-in area or look for someone with your name on a sign to personally greet you. Again, please refer to your travel documents.
SPECIAL NOTE: If traveling to Cancun/Riviera Maya, walk through the terminal and speak only with your pre-designated transportation company – BEWARE of time share peddlers offering you a free ride to your resort!
All-Inclusive Resorts and Hotels
What do I need to check into the hotel/resort?
You will generally receive eDocs with a voucher for each hotel/resort. Please present the voucher upon check-in. Your travel docs will also include contact information for each property.
Do I need to wear wristbands at the all-inclusive resort?
Some require you to wear wristbands and some don’t; we’ll cover that when selecting the right properties for you.
Do I need to tip at the all-inclusive resort?
Generally no, but it’s up to your discretion in most cases. I hear many stories of tipping the bartender the first day of your stay. Note: some resorts actually prohibit tipping.
Do All-Inclusive Resort ever have extra charges?
Generally, there is a wide variety of food, drinks, and activities at better properties. Some activities like SCUBA, spa services, etc. will be extra. Some of the more entry-level resorts will have an upcharge at their a la carte restaurants. Nicer resorts may charge for a romantic dinner on the beach or full bottle of wine/wine not included on the All-Inclusive list.
Finally, upscale All-Inclusive resorts may include WiFi/Internet service at no charge along with traditional/VoIP calls back to the US.
Credit/Debit Cards and Foreign Currency
English: Sample ATM card which can be distinguished from a credit card or debit card by the absence of such features as network logotype on the front. Created by Sergio Ortega on April 16, 2008, based on existing standards. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Do I need to get Foreign Currency prior to leaving for my trip?
Your destination determines your currency requirements. For places like the Caribbean/Bahamas/Bermuda, US dollars are often welcome and credit cards are usually the way to go, so don’t even worry about foreign currency.
For European land tours or cruises, please consider purchasing a small amount of Euros prior to your departure at a local bank as it may be a good idea to have some Euros in pocket. Withdrawing Euros from an in-country ATM may give you the most advantageous exchange rate.
Please complete these steps prior to leaving the US:
1) Call your bank or credit card company and make sure that the debit/credit card(s) of choice are able to be used overseas and can access foreign ATMs.
2) Inquire about a credit card “PIN Code.” Some European Merchants will ask for a PIN code when you present your card for a transaction.
3) Ensure that your PIN code is numeric only (some banks may use alpha characters in the US but European ATMs use numbers only.)
FX/Currency exchange kiosks in airports and tourist sites are not going to give you the best exchange rates. Again, credit cards are great for souvenirs and meals out. TIP: do consult with your card issuer for advice on best practices to limit FX charges. AND, please inquire about ATM card usage overseas. For Northern Europe, Mexico, and Asia, please contact us for more detailed information.
Cell/Smartphones, Laptops, Tablets, and other data things
Can I use a cell phone in a different country? Aboard the ship?
Please contact your service provider to determine if your phone will work and inquire about a short term international or country specific plan. For traveling in Europe, please contact us for more thorough options. Be aware that cellphones and 3/4G tablets generally work on ships but once a ship starts moving, they will try to move your phone onto their satellite repeaters at a very high per minute price. You may want to keep your phone off when moving and be aware of data charges while at sea and out of the continental US. Contact your wireless carrier to use the data off/international data roaming off, or airplane mode features on your phone. Finally, consider using the ship/resort Internet plan for email, browsing, social, etc. Note: Skype or similar services do not work aboard ships at this time.
Can I use my Laptop during my trip, and is there /WiFi/High-speed Internet access?
Virtually all ships offer Ethernet/Wi-Fi access. The service is most often for a fee and unpredictable due to limited bandwidth, high demand, and varying signal strength at sea. (If you have read this far, I hail from the telecommunications industry.) With that in mind, please sign up for a pre-paid package on the day of embarkation for a “discount” plan rather than using pay-as-you-go minutes. TIP: Since the rates are always somewhat expensive, consider visiting Internet cafes or souvenir shops in port that normally offer Internet access for very reasonable prices (libraries also offer free access!). For hotels/resorts, please contact us and we will provide specific details for your property.
Can I use my charger? Do I need an adapter?
Small appliances (curling irons, travel irons, electric razors, etc.) are on different electrical voltage than the U.S. The cruise ships aren’t a problem because they usually have dual voltage, but hotels in Europe and other places usually don’t and you’ll need to bring an adapter. Please do NOT bring any type of iron aboard a cruise ship.
Make sure to check with your cell phone/smart phone/tablet manufacturer/carrier for the correct adapter and/or converter for the countries you are visiting.
Tips and Gratuities
Am I expected to tip the Guide/Driver?
Providing a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional but greatly appreciated by the people taking care of you. A commonly accepted guideline is USD $3.00 per person for a half-day tour and USD $5.00 per person for a full-day tour. (I recently had super clients who tipped their driver and private guide 50 Euros after buying them Gelato for a private Vatican and Rome tour!)
Do you tip a transfer or taxi?
Again, strictly optional but at your discretion.
How does tipping work on a cruise?
The definition of a tip or gratuity on a cruise is getting increasingly complex as most are automatically added to your account every day. Some cruise lines now call gratuities “service charges” but force you to pay them. The days of distributing tips to your service workers on the last night are all but vanished. Sometime, mass-market and premium lines may offer free gratuities on a promotion. Luxury ocean lines and some river cruise lines may include these “service charge” in their fare which provides a better feel for your true travel budget.
Note that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity require pre-paid gratuities if you select their flexible dining plans.
If service fees are mandatory why not just include them into the cruise fare?
I have only a hypothetical explanation, but leaving these charges out makes the cruise look less costly. My mission is to help you evaluate the total cost of everything to come home from your vacation. IMHO, if these fees wind up being paid, I’d like to see them included!
There is a recent study conducted in January 2014 by MMGY Global looking into happiness and the usage of travel agents. I’d like to share some of the insights with you.
Travel Agent Happiness Study Background
Respondents have annual income greater than $50,000
8,338 respondents traveled for leisure in past 12 months
About 14% used a Travel Agent (“TA” – I like TA as it can stand for “Travel Adviser.”) Do you know my rant about Travel Agent vs. Travel Adviser? If not, contact me to hear the difference and what it means to YOU!
RESULTS for Travel Agent Users
On 4 out of 5 metrics used for satisfaction; TA users appear happier with the life than those who did not use TAs.
Travelers who also travel more thought trips organized by TA s were more satisfied and TAs provided knowledge and convenience.
TAs influence peoples’ airline, hotel/resort and tour choices
People use TAs to book cruises as few cruises are actually booked via Online Travel Agencies.
RESULTS for NON Travel Agent Users
Majority just did not think of using a TA
Those who did think of using a TA wanted to keep their own control and thought they could do a better job
More convenient to plan on their own
Thought they could get better deals
Thought best deals are “online” (My comment: How do they think TAs research and book?)
41% open to using TAs in the future and 59% NOT open to using a TA in the future.
Of those planning to use a TA in the future: 25% are planning to use a TA in the next 12 months.
BOTTOM LINE
“Family/Friends” is ALWAYS the top travel influencer regardless of TA usage.
For business travel, 8% had a better experience when they used a TA. For business travel, top reason for not using a TA was that they did not think of it.
For people who do not use a TA for business travel, they appear to believe they have more control by self-booking.
Online Travel Agencies, “Expe-Orbi-Ocity” are becoming “showrooms” to some degree. This is akin to shoppers going to big box electronics stores where people look, research, and compare but do NOT actually purchase.
What do you think? Please share your comments below.
The situation that required preventing unacceptable flight connections.
I have two special long-time clients anticipating a life-long dream for three weeks in Brazil on an “upper premium” cruise. The cruise line was offering an unbeatable offer for air fare down to Rio de Janeiro and back from Miami – where the cruise ends. My special guests are in their 80s and I try to take special care to enure all transfers, and everything in between all points are covered for them. I received the air schedule, and the flights down to Rio de Janeiro are as expected with an overnight flight out of Miami.
The problem is with the flights coming back up from Miami. See for yourself:
Does this sound like a reasonable way to go home after getting off of a a three week cruise? Would you enjoy this flight itinerary? Now, imagine doing this flight connection in your mid to late 80s. Remember, I claim that I will eliminate you travel stress! Read on to see what happens.
The first attempt at preventing unacceptable flight connections
I immediately started researching one-way air from Miami back up to Newark; flights were expensive as this is the day before Easter. I found numerous connecting and direct flights with availability. I called the cruise line to strongly but politely request changing the flights for my guests. They told me they would charge a $175 per person “air deviation” fee. I will reveal a cruise industry insider’s tip right NOW! The “air deviation” fee is cruise line lingo for actually putting you on a flight that you’d like as opposed to putting you on whatever flights they feel like. (I rarely recommend cruise line provided “free” air but in some cases it is the way to go.)
The cruise line got back to me stating that there were no other flights available. REALLY! I told them to cancel the air back up to Newark and I”d take care of it on my own. A little while later, I noticed that they issued a refund for ALL of the flights. I called back desperate and asked them to reinstate the whole air itinerary. Remember, this case was one of the rare instances where the cruise line supplied air to Rio was unbeatable. They put all of the flights back on and that was it for round one.
The second attempt at preventing unacceptable flight connections
OK, it’s now day 2 and I feel great that my dear clients’ air to Rio is back on but I can’t have them coming back the night prior to Easter at Midnight from Miami. I carefully analyzed direct flights and flights with one stop from Miami back up to Newark. While the direct flights were crazy expensive, some of the better connections were via Tampa with a change of carrier which meant claiming and checking 3 weeks worth of luggage in with another carrier…forget it!
The final results for preventing unacceptable flight connections in this case
I decided to check flights from Fort Lauderdale up to Newark. I found a great direct flight on Jet Blue. While the cost was still high it was less than the direct flights from Miami and my guests would get back to Newark at a reasonable time with no stops. The clients approved the new flight; I booked it and made sure that the cruise line just canceled the air from Miami back up to Newark. Now my clients will just need to take a roughly thirty mile transfer up to Fort Lauderdale.
JetBlue Airways Flight 506 320
Ft Lauderdale (FLL)
Newark Liberty (EWR) 01:45pm – Sat, Apr 19
04:52pm – Sat, Apr 19 Nonstop Coach
If you found this post useful please share below and remember I’m here to help you with all aspects of your trip.
Must see sites?/experiences? Do you care about lines? size of crowds?
Do you want to explore on your own? with a group? some of both?
VACATION TRAVEL DINING
Ah, for the love of dining!
Want to eat like a local?
Are buffets OK? Full-service a la carte dining?
Wine and food paring? degustation menus?
Special Dietary Needs/requests?
Need a gym to exercise or facility that offers certain classes?
Is this list a Lot of questions?
Hope you are getting some insights into why I ask so many questions! The more I know about you and your travels, the better the job we can do working together to plan the right trip that will have you coming home with happy memories to replay again and again.
Last question, where are the INTERNET travel specials and those the travel deals on ORB-TRAV-EDIA? I get the same “deals” you get. Let’s work together, to plan the right trip for you. Start right below!
Are you a professional, retiree, or busy family who values personalized and high-touch service?
Is your life so busy, you don’t have time to plan your next vacation?
Do you know where you want to go AND want someone else to handle all of the details that make it a complete vacation?
You’re in the right place.
Imagine feeling totally confident and care-free about your upcoming trip. And, you did not have to lift a finger to plan your trip. You will enjoy a vacation with all of your details expertly planned out – just for you. Virtually, just pack and Go!
Just imagine YOU on YOUR next vacation. Whether you dream of:
a beautiful view of the Eiffel Tower on a romantic getaway
taking your kids on a once-in-a-lifetime family tour in the Mediterranean
sinking your toes into the legendary sands of Bora Bora,
I can help you with all of your details, expertly planned out for you. When we work together, you will…
have a personally involved travel concierge before, during, and after your trip as your single point of contact to handle unexpected issues.
feel relaxed about the choices and details of your next trip because you know a professional is taking care of you.
have help to travel to the world’s most exclusive destinations and have the most amazing experiences.
P.S. Ready to get started? Just fill out your “What’s Your Travel Personality?” questionnaire now. We’ll address what you want to experience on your next trip, and see if we’re a fit to work together.
Say goodbye to travel planning worries, so you can say hello to customized trip planning that fits YOUR travel needs by working interactively for each component of your vacation.
Here’s what one of our guest had to say…
“You are the most professional we have ever dealt with. You listened to our requests and put them into effect. Our trip was totally stress free, everything was exactly as you said ; no surprises.” Gabe, FL
The secret to your dream vacation is NOT spending hours on the Internet!
Dear Traveler,
Wondering if you made the right choice for your next vacation?
Are you overwhelmed with too many details to plan and manage with your next big trip?
You are in the right place! Imagine feeling totally confident and care-free about your upcoming trip. I can help you plan and enjoy a vacation with all of your details expertly planned out.
Just imagine YOU on YOUR next vacation. You have a beautiful view of the Eiffel tower from your hotel room, perfect suite on a perfect beach, or a perfectly located cabin on your dream cruise ship with all of the details expertly planned out for you. SPOC in other version.Virtually all you have to do is pack and go! We will also serve as your travel concierge before , duing, ansd after your trip so once call will handles any unexpected issues. You will feel relaxedabout all of the choices and details of your next trip because you know a professional is taking care of you. Best of all, we can help you travel to the world’s most exclusive destinations and have the most amazing experiences.
P.S. Ready to get started? Complete our What’s Your Travel Personality questionnaire now. We’ll address what you want to experience on your next trip, and see if we’re a fit to work together.
You are the most professional we have ever dealt with. You listened to our requests and put them into effect. Our trip was totally stress free, everything was exactly as you said ; no surprises.
Here are some international air travel tips and guidelines that can make the international air portion of your trip more enjoyable. Once again, thanks to Mr. Tom Ogg of the Travel Professional Community for the content of this article and his great contributions to our industry.
Baggage claim (Photo credit: gorbould)
Planning Your Trip:
Always use a Travel Professional! If you run into problems such as a delayed or cancelled flight, overbooked hotels, medical emergency, or other situations, your travel professional can act as your backstop to make things right and get you back on track. This is just one of the reasons that using a travel professional is the way to plan international travel.
Plan on arriving in your destination at least a day before you need to be there. Arriving the day you intend to begin a cruise, could get risky should your flight be delayed or cancelled.
Reconfirm everything before you depart on your vacation. If you are traveling over the International Dateline, make sure that the arrival dates are correct. Ditto for overnight flights with connections.
Packing For Your Trip:
Be sure to carry your passport, medication, medical emergency data, contact information, and othercritical information with you at all times. Never pack your important documents and medication in your suitcase
Pack your itinerary, travel professional’s contact information, and your contact information while traveling in each piece of luggage. (If you have purchased Travel Guard Insurance, be sure to attach their “BAG TRACK” labels on your luggage.)
Also, pack one carry-on bag with everything that is absolutely necessary to still enjoy your vacation should your luggage get delayed or lost. Pack items that are not readily available in stores at the destination and that you deem mandatory to the success of your trip.
At The Airport:
Make sure to reconfirm your flight 24-hours in advance before going to the airport.
Arrive at the airport with plenty of time to relax after checking in for your flight. Allow [up to 3 hours] prior to your departure time.
Upon check-in for your flight you will need
Boarding pass (Photo credit: Simon Aughton)
Your Passport and any Visas required for your final destination in your passport
All necessary documents for minors traveling with you (make sure that your travel professional has all of the details so that they can advise you of exactly what you need).
Your flight confirmation
Proof of immunization (if required by the country that you are visiting)
Personally check in each piece of luggage with the counter agent and confirm that they are checked through to their final destination or if you have to claim them along the way and recheck them. Do not allow anyone else to check them for you.
Present the necessary documents for your flight(s) and reconfirm the boarding passes with the counter agent making sure that you have received all boarding passes for your flight.
If you are boarding in a country outside of the United States, you will need to clear immigrations on the way to the departure gates. You will need to present your passport and boarding passes. In some countries you may be required to go through an interview with immigration officials, or if you are singled out for a secondary inspection, as well. This is just a precaution.
Once you have your luggage receipts and boarding passes returned by immigration, proceed to the security check point and be prepared to present your passport, and boarding pass to be processed through the security checkpoint. Again, you may be singled out for a secondary search that may include being manually searched and your carry-ons completely inspected.
NEVER act in a defensive or aggressive manner during any of the above processes. NEVER joke or give any of the people in charge of the processes a reason to single you out.
Arriving At Your Destination:
Once you arrive at your destination you will be get routed into Immigration. You will need to present your passport to enter the country.
You will then proceed to luggage claim where you can then claim your luggage. Make sure that your luggage has not been tampered with and if you have placed anything of value in your luggage, be sure that it is still there.
You will then be required to go through customs to exit the baggage claim area. You will be provided with a customs declaration form on your flight. You will be required to submit this form to the customs official.
NEVER try to take undeclared items through customs. If you are singled out for a secondary search and they are found you may be deported right then and there, or worse.
Staying Safe:
Once you enter the main terminal at your destination, do not respond to people asking if you need a taxi, transfer, tour guide or any other service. If you are being met for a transfer to your hotel, follow the instruction on your transfer voucher/documents. NEVER respond to someone offering you a service after approaching you.
LEAVE Your Expensive JEWELRY at HOME! Unless you absolutely need your jewelry for some reason essential to your trip, leave it at home.
Only carry what is absolutely necessary while traveling. Your “travel wallet” should contain a copy of your passport and driver’s license, an ATM card, your insurance information, your contact information and some cash. Most important is to carry an “In Case of Emergency Contact” card with critical contact information on it.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times and remember that as a tourist, you make the most desirable target for crime that there is. By not wearing or carrying anything valuable worth stealing, you have mitigated the risk.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html – This is the State Departments travel warnings site. Be sure to visit this site right before your vacation to see if anything has changed that might affect your trip.
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list.htm – Detailed information regarding health and disease information by country for more than 200 countries. This will help you understand what you should prepare for.
