So, your thinking about going on a vacation this
Summer. Good. Now's a great time to go. Looking for a great
deal?...who isn't. Starting to search the Internet, visit some
3rd party sites, read the blogs for advice, do some social
networking, or just visiting your travel agent?
No need for "texting" here.
Family fun, away from your XBox!
Imagine the possibilities!
Social Networking "At Sea".
Travel
is good for the soul and spirit.
Summer Travel Deals aren't just about island hopping
in the warm and sunny Caribbean or exploring
Alaska's fjords and glaciers. You can go almost
anywhere you want, whether you want a vacation in
the sun or to visit historic sites and exotic
locales. If you are ready for your next Summer
travel experience, we are here to make it happen.
Dive into these articles. We'll navigate the waters
with you.
The summer travel season is in full
swing... with the usual trips to the beach and lazy days
spent by the pool come dire warnings of high gas prices and
economic recession not to mention overbooked flights, long
delays at check-in and new baggage fees. So what's a
traveler to do?
"Working with a professional travel
consultant to plan your next trip, be it a grand tour of
Europe or a long weekend, can save you both time and money,"
said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo. "Travel
consultants are committed to making their clients' trip the
best travel experience possible. So while the summer travel
season is always a busy one, this year if you work with a
travel consultant to plan your summer vacations, it doesn't
have to be a frustrating one. "
Despite the weak dollar, some
travelers will be heading overseas this summer. For those
looking to keep expenses down, consumers can opt for
destinations whose currency is tied to the U.S. dollar or
trips for which they pre-pay in U.S. dollars, such as
Mediterranean cruises or an all-inclusive resort.
Tips for air travel include:
Book your ticket ASAP.
If you must book last minute, remember, you have
options. The key to securing the best deal is
flexibility in travel dates--ask your travel agent to
check into special fares or consider flying into an
alternate airport and renting a car. If your vacation
includes international travel, make sure you have a
valid passport. Your travel agent can advise you on the
new rules and how to apply.
Arrive early.
Difficult airport parking, long lines at security
checkpoints and the possibility of the airline
overselling the flight and bumping passengers, should
all be considered when deciding what time to arrive at
the airport. Give yourself plenty of extra time. Need
some incentive? Keep in mind that those who arrive
earliest for an overbooked flight stand the greatest
chance of staying onboard.
Keep a close eye on all
your belongings. Just as flights are becoming
extremely crowded, airports can also be fraught with
thieves. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain a
close watch over tickets, wallets, purses, and other
belongings at all times.
Avoid getting bumped.
1) Get an advance seat assignment. Passengers with seat
assignments are typically only bumped if they arrive
late and their seat assignment is released. 2) Check-in
online. Most airlines allow you to do so within 24 hours
of departure. Seat assignments that were not available
at the time of ticketing may be available when checking
in online. 3) Don't be late. If all else fails, get to
the airport early. Some airlines reserve a portion of
their seat assignment inventory for airport check-in. If
you are denied a seat assignment at check-in, put your
name on the "standby" seat assignment list.
Remember 3-1-1.
New regulations limit the amount of gels and liquids
passengers can take through security in their carry-on
luggage to travel-size toiletries of three (3) ounces or
less that fit comfortably in one (1) quart-size, clear
plastic zip-top bag and the one (1) bag per passenger
must be placed in the screening bin.
Know your limits.
Pack light and know baggage limits. Some airlines now
charge for a second piece of checked luggage.
Tips for travel by car include:
Plan itineraries and
arrange accommodations well in advance.
Reservations for hotels, restaurants and rental cars get
booked quickly during peak travel times. Your travel
agent can help you get the lowest rate and make sure
your rental car has room for your family, luggage and
whatever souvenirs you bring home.
Get a tune up.
Before any long-distance drive, make sure to have your
oil changed and your brakes, fluids and tire pressure
checked. The slightest deficiency in air pressure
significantly reduces your car's gas mileage. On the
flip side, too much air can result in a flat.
Get an early start to
avoid holiday weekend gridlock. Traveling
during late night/early morning hours helps. The worst
times to travel are after meals since most travelers
postpone leaving until they've eaten with their
families. Make sure that all drivers are thoroughly
rested.
and your freedom too.
Freestyle Cruising®.
Where family and freedom are joined at the hip.
Cruising is a social lifestyle, because
the best family vacations and family reunion stories are
never scripted. Fond memories forever. Stories that were
meant to be shared.
Cruise Travelers can book a cruise this
summer for a lot less than you might think. Last Minute cruise deals
are being offered by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise
Line at some of the lowest prices of the season.
However, the choices are many and may be
overwhelming to some, especially if you've never cruised before.
If you have never been on a cruise, choose a
short 3 or 4 day cruise out of Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Tampa or Port
Canaveral, Florida. Short weekend or weekday cruises are a
great introduction to cruising. As not everyone is meant to cruise,
this is a great way to find out if this form of vacation travel is
for you.
All cruise ships are not alike. Each has its
own "personality" . So, you need to think about what you want
to do while cruising or going ashore. Boutique, smaller cruise ships
tend to offer more shore activities for adventurous travelers. While
large mega-ships are a destination unto themselves. Like
Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas
You can ice skate, climb a rock wall, even go surfing, without every
leaving the ship. You can even go bowling on some NCL ships. Then
there are premium and luxury cruise ships ( Celebrity, Regent Seven
Seas, Crystal Cruises ) that are perfect for passengers who want to
just sit back, relax and enjoy fine dining.
If you are looking to cut costs ( who isn't
these days ! ) consider cruising in late summer or early fall.
The kids go back to school and prices tend to be lower than peak
Summer travel dates. Visit several travel sites, those
official cruise line sites as well travel providers like
Travelocity, Expedia or Priceline and take advantage of online
cruise deals, last minute offers, family cruise travel discounts and
much more.
Save
Money and Time: Cruise From a Port Closer to Home
With the high cost
of airfare and all those "extra" charges for bag fees, booking fees
and the like, cruise travelers can now save more than just money.
You can skip the long security lines at airports, the high cost of
parking and lots more, by choosing to cruise close to home.
Carnival,
Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International, now set
sail from ports located near many highly populated areas of the
country, such as New York, Los Angeles, San Diego, Galveston, New
Orleans, Boston, Tampa, Miami, Orlando, Vancouver, Charleston,
Jacksonville and Baltimore.
If you live near
one of these departure ports, you can save a bundle. Here's an
example: Say you take a cruise directly from New Orleans to the
Western Caribbean or Mexico. The trip will cost you over $500 less
than flying to Miami, Tampa or Ft. Lauderdale. You also may have the
added expense if you fly, of one nights stay in a hotel near the
pier, and sailing the next day. Arriving the day before sailing is
advisable, as traveling by air on the day of departure could be
risky. Flight and weather delays may occur and you could
arrive late, and find yourself waving at the ship as it sails away
without you.
If you
haven't already, sign up for the last-minute email alerts that the
airlines, cruise lines and travel-providers offer. Last minute deals
fill seats on a plane, rooms at a hotel and unsold cabins on a ship.
Last minute deals come is all price ranges and travel styles,
from budget to luxury hotels, resorts and cruise lines. The more
flexible you are about leaving last minute, the more you are likely
to save.
The
busiest time for families to travel is Summer. That's obvious, as
the kids are out of school and you've got to find something for them
to do, rather than hang around the house all Summer long. The
best advice we can give you is to visit your neighborhood Travel
Agent first. Call a travel professional. Travel Agents are an
invaluable resource when it comes to information, money and time
saving tips. Bring your questions with you. Tell the agent
about your family and the individual needs of each you, especially
the kids. Matching your likes, dislikes, goals and expectations is
important. No one wants to get "there" and be disappointed. A
Travel Agent can help you sort through all the clutter of travel
brochures, web sites and self-serving marketing campaigns of
airlines, hotels resorts and cruise lines.
Travel
Agents also have special deals and promotions that are not
advertised on TV, magazines or even the Internet. Special
offers, last minute deals and "private" sales that might not be
available to the general public. They can put you onto special group
deals ( you don't even have to belong to a group to take advantage
of the low prices ) and value added amenities, like shipboard
spending credits, free upgrades, dining deals you can’t get on your
own.
CRUISE
TIPS: