All-Inclusive Resorts – Are they worth it?

by In Destinations, General Travel Information, Luxury Travel Leave a comment

Last month I was so honored to attend the grand opening of the new Hard Rock Los Cabos. All-inclusive resorts are always an amazing vacation experience, and this was no exception. Between all of the grand opening events and being awarded a Double Platinum Agent Award, it was a trip to remember. This new resort is a great fit for adults looking to have a fun getaway, or that family fun getaway. I’m often asked what I like about all-inclusive resorts, I usually reply with “What’s not to like?”.

The all-inclusive resort used to be considered the “budget inn” of travel. Images of a rowdy crowd drinking in the Jacuzzi, bland food, forced group activities and limited entertainment was the norm. Today, the all-inclusive concept has expanded to unlimited activities such as golf on a championship golf course, gourmet meals, and more upscale intimate resorts.

More and more vacationers are looking into all-inclusive resorts and the industry is listening. The reasons for the popularity of all-inclusive resorts are time and value. Travel experts say that pre-paying for all the food and drinks ahead of time allows you to have a more enjoyable getaway because you don’t have to think about how much you are spending and you don’t have to worry about carrying your wallet around the resort. Think of it as a no-hassle, stress-free vacation.

An all-inclusive resort usually includes:

  • Accommodations
  • All meals
  • Drinks including wine, beer and spirits
  • Daily activities
  • Entertainment
  • All tips and gratuities and more.

It’s best to choose the resort that has the activities and atmosphere that best matches your interest. Kid-friendly or romantic hideaway? Beach or endless pools? Whatever’s your fancy, there is one just for you.

When I am looking to steal away with just the hubby, you bet I’m going to hit one of the Adult Only All-Inclusive Resorts. Even in the adult only category of resorts, there are variations such as “adult only”, “couples only”, or lifestyle resorts. If you are looking for a getaway with friends, an adult only resort may be the perfect match. Couples only resorts are very strict in that they are for couples only, generally only one king bed in the room and no solo guests allowed.

All-inclusive family resorts have something for everyone, young and old. Some of the most popular resorts are located in Mexico and the Caribbean. Family friendly all-inclusive resorts can be great for just your family, or a multi-generational family getaway. Great beaches, fun watersports and awesome age appropriate kids’ program. But wait. There’s more!

In addition to the “normal” inclusions, some of the resorts offer additional amenities or experience such as:

  • Family/connecting accommodations
  • Kids Club
  • Kids Only Dining Room
  • Teens Only Club
  • Organized games and activities
  • Family activities
  • Kid-friendly pools and waterparks
  • Themed character activities such as the gang from Sesame Street
  • Adult Night Club
  • Fitness Center
  • Spa / Beauty Salon (*additional cost)

Both family friendly and adult only resorts offer a wide array of accommodations and service levels. Rooms with swim up pools, private plunge pools, sweeping oceanfront views, suites with 1 or 2 bedrooms or even 2 stories are just a few of the options. Some resorts will have individual casitas, or private bungalow style accommodations. Are you looking for a little extra pampering? You should consider a butler. Butler service can really take your vacation to the next level. Not ready to go for the butler but want something a bit more than “the norm”, many resorts offer a Club Level.

Would you like more information about choosing the right style of all-inclusive resort? Visit my website section dedicated to this exact topic. You can find it HERE

Are all-inclusive resorts worth it? Yes! More than ever.

Happy Travels,

Enhanced and Efficient Travel

by In General Travel Information, Luxury Travel, Uncategorized Leave a comment

It’s hard to believe the year is just flying by! It’s another year I’ve explored various destinations around the globe. I’ve attended and presented at trainings in Florida, sailed on a new cruise ship inaugural sailing, been on an African Safari, visited Ohio, attended a conference in California, and spoke at a conference in Punta Cana. (I still have Mexico, 2 more cruise ship inaugurations, and a conference in Florida.) Having traveled for business weekly in my previous career, the one thing I have learned is how to travel efficiently.
I’m often asked, “Why should I use a travel agent”? Well, I could go on and on for days about that, but instead I’ll focus on one small area… enhanced efficiency, experience and service on your way to and home from your destination!
Did you know there are some destinations that have VIP arrival services? These allow you to expedite your arrival in destination. You aren’t expedited in the sense of you aren’t screened – you are expedited by not having to wait in the general long line. They also have staff that will accompany you every step of the way through immigration and customs to ensure a smooth process for you.
Private transfers are another great option to enhance your experience in route to your destination. There are different levels of service and different types of vehicles, but the one constant is you go non-stop to your destination. Did you know that when you book some all-inclusive resort packages, you can stop at as many as 5 resorts on the way to your resort? That can easily add another hour to your travel. Regardless of the type of vacation, private transfers also save you time because you are not waiting for a bus or shuttle to fill.
When it comes time to go home, often times after a nice relaxing vacation, you encounter the chaos of a busy airport to start your journey home. Nothing starts stress like a chaotic experience at the airport. Wouldn’t you like to be escorted, or find your way to a quieter lounge area to wait for your flight? I know I certainly enjoy a quieter experience. If you are a member of an airline loyalty program or lounge program through your credit card, that is a great option for you. If you are not a member that qualifies, ask me when we book your next trip.
Remember, it’s all in the details – and details are the specialty of travel agents. As your Travel Concierge, I take great pride in planning the details, so you have an experience that exceeds your expectation!

Happy Travels,

You Need a Travel Agent!

by In Destinations, General Travel Information, Luxury Travel Leave a comment

Recently I was traveling with colleagues. We were a wide variety of ages and the topic of age came up at dinner one night. It came up in the context of how our different ages reflect how we do business differently. Some of us still love our paper trails and talking to everyone. Others in the group seem to have not owned a piece of paper in a decade and communicate mostly through technology. I’m a bit in the middle, I love talking to my clients and suppliers, but don’t use as much paper as I used to… although still considerably more than the millennials in our group. This turned in to the conversation about how we are all seeing more and more millennials seek out our services.

If you are a millennial, sure, you are tech savvy and know all the best websites to book hotels and cruise. But here are some words of advice your parents forgot to tell you: the internet is for looking, a travel agent is for booking. Using a travel advisor doesn’t mean you’ll be on a sightseeing bus with a bunch of tourists following around a guide who is waving a tiny flag. It means knowing that you’ll have a personal advocate supporting you with expert advice and experiences as they make sure you get the best value and help sort out the details if there are last minute changes or things don’t go as planned.

Here are five reasons why a travel advisor is your secret weapon to scoring big with an awesome vacation:

  1. They’re experts and your personal insider. Travel advisors have industry knowledge and experience to help match you with your perfect vacation. Your professional travel advisors spend a great deal of time and money to keep up with the most current industry information. They visit the destinations, attend industry events and conferences, know the key personnel that help ensure your experience exceeds your expectations. In other words, they have “been there and done that”.
    Travel advisors are a part of the in-crowd when it comes to getting the best values and special offers. Their connections throughout the travel industry mean you’ll have access to value and services that others may not. Professional travel advisors know when a management change adversely or positively affects a resort. They know when the cruise lines change policies based on date of purchase vs. the date you travel. A professional travel advisor is your insider.
  2. Save time. Don’t spend four weeks planning your one-week vacation. Using a travel agent lets you skip the hassle of searching hundreds of websites for the best prices (which often end up more expensive in the long run) or piecing together all the different legs of your itinerary. If you are a planner and want to be involved in the planning process, that’s perfectly fine. Your travel advisor can streamline the process. One good, well thought out qualifying call or survey, can help the travel advisor present the top 2 or 3 options that meet your criteria.
  3. Your trip, your way. Whether you’re someone who wants everything planned down to the minute or you’re happy with just a hotel reservation and flight to get there, your travel advisor will customize your trip to your preferences, interests and budget.
  4. Groups made easy. Whether it’s a bachelorette party, reunion, “buddymoon” or simply a friends and family getaway, travel advisors take the stress out of planning group vacations. They can handle multiple reservations, arrange transportation from various home bases and ports, book accommodations and offer exclusive group add-ons. Planning a destination wedding? You’ll definitely want to say “I do” to using a travel advisor!
  5. Trust a Professional. Make the most of your vacation investment by working with a travel advisor. You’ll receive a personal touch that cannot be matched by online retailers as well as have an advocate to help you out if any issues may arise. Professional travel advisors know the difference between a great value, good marketing, media hype, or media frenzy.

Happy Travels,

Happy 2018!

by In General Travel Information, Luxury Travel Leave a comment

Congrats Kelley!Well, here it is the end of the month and I’m just now here to say Happy New Year! It’s been a crazy month, but a great month and it is ending on a high note. Before I get in to that, I first want to apologize. Like many others, I’m sure you have noticed my blog posts stopped coming quite some time ago. Without boring you with all of the details, I can assure you that no one was happier to see 2018 come around than me! Of course, taking care of my clients who trust me with their hard earned vacation time and dollars was and will always be a priority. I hope you understand and will enjoy my future posts! My Travel Times posts will focus on helpful hints, tips, and travel information. If you have something you would like me to write about, I’m always open to your ideas.

This week, I was once again honored as a Cruise Planners top producing agent for 2017 earning me the 2018 Millionaire Club Status. I can’t thank enough all of those who help me do what I love to do! If it weren’t for my valuable clients trusting me with their vacations and my very patient friends and family putting up with my crazy schedule, I would never earn the accolades… Thank you for letting me be me! Here’s a picture of the balloons Cruise Planners home office sent acknowledging the achievement.

One of the first things I want to remind you about in the new year is to check your passport expiration dates! Did you know that many destinations require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months PAST your date of travel? That’s right! I always try to remind you when you book travel to check your passport expiration, but without fail… someone forgets and we run in to a time crunch. In 2007 legislation was passed that extended the need for passports when traveling internationally. They issued 18 million passports in 2007, which means they expired in 2017. Last year was a busy year for renewals and they expect this year to be no different. International travel is also on the rise again so they are expecting higher numbers for first time passport applications as well.

If you don’t already have a valid passport in your possession, now is the time to do it! There may also be a need to carry a passport for domestic flights in the US in the not too distant future. There are still 9 states that are not in compliance with the Real ID act, those 9 states have been granted an extension until October 2018 to come in to compliance. If they do not, residents of those 9 states will need passports to board a flight. The original effective date was January 22, 2018, but late last year an extension was granted until October 2018.

While you’re reviewing your passport, if you don’t have it already, now is the time to consider the Global Entry program. I love it and can’t imagine traveling without it! Well, I can imagine it because not all of my travel companions have Global Entry so I happily wait for them to clear immigration upon arrival back in to the US. There are also other Department of Homeland Security programs that can help ease the frustration of air travel. TSA PreCheck is another great option I like. NEXUS and SENTRI are 2 more of the programs. I recommend checking and comparing each one to see which suits your needs. The Department of Homeland Security actually has a great trusted traveler program comparison chart on their website.

Another great option for expediting entry back in to the USA is the Mobile Passport App! This app is officially authorized by US Customs and Border Protection. The apps allows you to quickly input your immigration information and breeze through customs at participating airports and cruise ports. It’s a very easy process! You download the app, set up your profile, answer a few questions, submit to CBP, and proceed through the designated Mobile Passport line. It is a real time saver!

I look forward to providing you with more travel tips, hints, and information throughout the year. Don’t forget, if you have any special requests for topics, I’m all ears!

Happy Travels,
Kelley

 

Remember to check my social media channels for updates !

Twitter:  @kelleyaus
Instagram:  kelleyaus

My Favorite Things for Travel

by In Destinations, Europe, General Travel Information, Honeymoon, Luxury Travel Leave a comment

Each time I travel, I pack a few of my favorite things in my carry-on bag that I think are essential for travel. I think all of us have our favorite things for travel, and your list may be different than mine. Once you’ve taken a look at my list, I encourage you to let me know what your favorite travel things are

Kelley Traveling

Noise Cancelling Headphones are my number one favorite thing for any long travel day! Of course they are most commonly used on flights, but I have used them on bus rides, and long car rides. The noise cancelling feature is great on flights because it drowns out that monotonous hum on the airplane. While many people think it is engine noise, it’s actually wind noise from the air going across the outside of the airplane at a high rate of speed. Of course if you are lucky like me and get seated near that screaming child (non-stop for 15 hours no less!), they do help to dull it just a bit. You can also use them with entertainment systems on flights, or with your personal entertainment device instead of using the earbuds some of the airlines provide. There are many good brands across a variety of price points, I personally own the Bose Quiet Comfort headphones and love them!

A scarf or wrap is another item that is a must-have for me on flights! I tend to get cold on longer flights and I’m not a fan of wearing multiple layers if I can avoid it. The seats get even smaller when you are bundled up for winter weather! If you don’t need it for warmth, you can also bunch it up and use it for a pillow. Many US Domestic flights do not provide pillows, and even if they do, do you really want to put your head on that pillow they provide? If nothing else, you can use the pillow or wrap as a pillow cover. They are also great for making that outlook that you are wearing for the second time look completely different! (Okay, so this is mostly a gal thing!)

Resealable Plastic Bags is something I carry in multiple sizes. Everyone knows you can use a 1 qt size bag for your liquids, fluids, and gels’ going through airport security, but not everyone thinks of the other potential uses during travel. They are great for organizing, snacks, left overs, or damp items. Did you take a long flight and want to freshen up before landing? Take a washcloth in a bag and you’ll have a way to keep it separate from everything else in your carry-on. As a note, washcloths are not common throughout many countries in Europe; taking your own is a sure way to have one! Do you want to go swimming the evening before an early departure? Put that swimsuit in a resealable bag, and you won’t have to worry about it making all of your other clothes damp.

travel must haves

Over the counter medicines is another thing I don’t leave home without. I actually tend to take things that we don’t normally take at home. For example, I always take some sort of allergy pills, pain reliever, cold medicine, diarrhea pills, and anti-nausea medication. If you are traveling domestically, you can probably take a couple of these off your list. I take all of these (and more!) when traveling internationally. When you are on a tropical island or in a foreign country, it isn’t always easy to get some of the things we take for granted. Some friends of mine can tell you about the challenge I had finding cold medicine in The Netherlands a couple of years ago.

Antibacterial Wipes are essential! I use them to clean the tray table on flights, counters and light switches in hotel rooms and cruise cabins, remote controls, and seats in public restrooms if no toilet paper to put down just to name a few. (Oh, and before you, yes, when traveling to some areas, I do also bring toilet paper with me.) You can get convenient travel packs of antibacterial wipes, I travel with one in my carry-on and additional in my checked bag.

This certainly isn’t my complete list, because of course I always take a book, sunglasses, sunscreen (even took it to Ireland on the edge of optimism!), hand sanitizer, a collapsible tote or backpack, multi-plug adapter (never enough outlets where I need them!), and snacks.

While this may not be the type of favorites list you were expecting, I hope it gives you some good ideas of what to throw in your travel bags for your next trip. If you have any must-have favorites, please reach out and share them with me!

Happy Travels,

Kelley

Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas!

by In Cruise, General Travel Information, Luxury Travel, Uncategorized Leave a comment

Recently I had an opportunity to tour the newly renovated Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas! If you follow me on social media (and if you don’t – why not??) you may have seen some of my pictures. The renovations were all well thought out and I think a nice improvement to the ship. One note about renovations – they are not a complete rebuild of the ship. Depending on what the renovations are on any given ship, it is still possible to see some “old” things on the ship. The Liberty gained a couple of new restaurants, new water park area, and had soft goods renovations. Soft goods are things like bedding, cushions, carpets, and draperies. I’ll be uploading pictures to a Facebook album soon, but for now, I thought it would be fun here to share some fun facts about the ship and give you an overview of the amenities.
liberty-seas

The maiden voyage of the Liberty of the Seas was 9 years ago on May 19, 2007. In her 9 years. The Liberty of the Seas was built in Finland and took 18 months to build at a cost of $800 million dollars. The Liberty of the Seas sails with 1,420 crew members for 65 countries around the world. She has a maximum capacity (including the crew) of nearly 6,000,

Everyone knows food and beverage are a big part of cruising, or at least they are for me! The one thing we don’t ever think about is how much food and beverage is actually consumed on a typical 7 night cruise. Some of these numbers are staggering! Take a look at some of these weekly numbers – and yes, these are weekly!

  • 125,000 meals prepared (including crew)
  • 90,000 desserts (I indulge in a few myself!)
  • 69,000 steaks
  • 86,400 fresh eggs
  • 64,000 lbs. of fresh fruit
  • 18,000 lbs. of potatoes
  • 18,000 slices of pizza (I definitely contribute here as well!)
  • 8,000 gallons of ice cream
  • Beer –
    • 10,700 bottles
    • 8,500 cans
  • Soda – 11,500 cans
  • Wine – 2,900 bottles

Here are a couple of interesting daily average numbers for you –

  • 1,400 tons of fresh water consumed each day
  • 713,000 gallons of fresh water generated each day (Liberty of the Seas produces her own fresh water)
  • 65,000 pounds of ice cubes produced per day

Sometimes it is hard to comprehend how “big” some of these ship really are. Let’s take a look at Liberty of the Seas and compare her to something familiar to you.

  • Standing upright on her bow, at over 1,100 feet, she would trump New York’s famed Chrysler building (1046 ft.) and the Paris Eiffel Tower.
  • The Liberty of the Seas is 185 feet wide, that’s wider than the White House is long!
  • The Liberty of the Seas has enough staterooms to host all (and that means ALL) NFL, MLB, and NBA players & coaches on a single sailing.
  • The Royal Promenade is longer than a football field
  • The Platinum Theater seats 1,350 guests. That’s approximately the same number of passengers on 3 747 airplanes.
  • When measured from the water line to the top of the funnel, Liberty of the Seas towers at 208 ft. tall, which is the same height as 2 statues of Liberty placed head to toe.

The Liberty of the Seas has a total of 1,899 staterooms to accommodate guests. All staterooms on the Liberty of the Seas convert to queen size bed configuration, and have private bathroom, phone, flat screen TV, mini-bar (beverages are additional charge!), hairdryer, and air conditioning. Here is the break down of the cabins:

  • 880 balconies
  • 221 ocean view
  • 190 Promenade View rooms
  • 608 Interior rooms
  • 544 rooms with capacity for 3rd and / or 4th guests
  • 33 Wheelchair accessible staterooms

Some of the many amenities you can expect to find onboard the ship include:

  • Fitness center and spa (love the spa!!)
  • Beauty Salon
  • Royal Promenade with shops, food, and bars
  • Art & Focus Photo Gallery
  • Pool Bar
  • Sky Bar
  • Adults only Solarium (one of my favorite places!)
  • Splashaway Bay
  • Tidal Waves
  • Challengers Arcade
  • Medical Facility (yep, been to one of these on a ship!)
  • Sports Court with full size basketball
  • Mini golf course
  • Jogging track
  • Rock Climbing Wall
  • Flow Rider
  • Ice Skating Rink
  • Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Shop
  • Sorrento’s Pizza (I can vouch for the quality)
  • Cupcake Cupboard (I can also vouch for quality here)

foodwater fun
There are too many more amenities to list, and of course there is plenty of entertainment to keep everyone busy!

I hope you enjoyed this little taste of Liberty of the Seas!

Have a great Memorial Day Weekend, and please take a moment to remember why we have this weekend, and those we honor.

Happy Travels,

Kelley

Check out your possible signature

by In Brides, Cruise, Destinations, Dining, Europe, Honeymoon, Jamaica, Luxury Travel, Romance, Wedding Tagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

 

Did you know we are a Preferred Sandals Agency?  We are!   One of the signatures of my agency is our strength in industry and product knowledge.  I actually just returned from the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Association conference.  (Proud to be a charter member of that organization specifically dedicated to honeymoons and destination weddings!)  We work hard to be “in the know” so we can offer you the best in service and value.  Some people who follow me on Social Media (are you??) would say that my “signature” is traveling!  LOL!!  What is your signature?

Celebrity Cruise Lines offers signature sailings.  These are sailings that are above and beyond your typical cruise experiences.  These are great options for honeymoons, anniversaries, bucket list travel, and those who enjoy themed travel.  The signature sailings are fun, unique sailings that have special touches included for you.  Let’s take a look at them and see which one interests you!

One of my favorites is the Mardi Gras & Caribbean Signature Sailing in March 2017!  The 11 night sailing is round trip Fort Lauderdale with visits to Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel, and of course New Orleans for Mardi Gras!  You’ll spend 3 nights in New Orleans with some special Mardi Gras events!  You can experience New Orleans’ famous annual Mardi Gras parade like you never imagined with exciting grandstand seating.  Join in on the fun and excitement of Mardi Gras as the extravagant floats and costumed entertainers pass you by!  On board you will hear jazz performers and speakers on board before you dock for Mardi Gras.

Are you a golf fan?  It’s not too late to experience the British Open on a 12 night British Isles & Open on a Celebrity Signature Sailing this July!  The sailing is round trip Amsterdam with visits to Belfast, Glasgow, Cork, The Channel Islands, Paris, and Liverpool for the British Open.  You will be able to attend the British Open as it returns to Royal Troon Golf Club escorted by PGA Professional Steve Parry and two other golf professionals. Be there when the winner raises the Claret Jug!  On Board the ship attend golf clinics and an exclusive cocktail party with Steve Parry and two other golf professionals as they share their pro golfer experiences.  The tournament will be broadcast on the ship and food and beverages will be served.

Have you ever heard of the Edinburgh Military Tattoo?  “Tattoo” is the traditional signal used to call British soldiers to return to their quarters. Edinburg Castle hosts the Military Tattoo which is now Scotland’s largest and most popular event.  Over time, the custom evolved to become one of the world’s most spectacular visual and musical celebrations.  Celebrity’s 14 night Edinburgh Military Tattoo Signature Sailing this August is round trip Amsterdam and visits The Channel Islands, Cork, Dublin, Liverpool, Belfast, Lerwick/Shetland, Inverness/Loch Ness, Edinburgh, and Brussels.  In Edinburg you will watch Scotland’s extraordinary history come to life at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo from your exciting Front Stand seating.  Experience the beauty of the Edinburgh Castle; its romantic setting atop an extinct volcano sets the mood for this magnificent event.  Enjoy a masterful performance by an acclaimed international cast of military bands, pipe and drum corps, and dancers.  Feel the somber tones of the lone piper’s echo across the castle’s ramparts as he plays floodlit on the battlements, the most moving performance of the night.  On Board you will enjoy the music and dance of Scotland on board before joining the tattoo at Edinburgh Castle.

Would you like to experience New Years Fireworks in Dubai on a Celebrity Signature Sailing?  You can cruise the Arabian Sea and India this December and ring in the New Year afloat watching fireworks that light up downtown Dubai from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa.  The 14 night sailing is round trip Abu Dhabi visiting Oman, India (4 great ports!), and Dubai.  Celebrate New Year’s Eve in style on a private yacht with personalized butler service or over a sumptuous dinner at the Four Seasons Dubai Mercury Lounge. Marvel at Dubai’s beautiful skyline and enjoy unparalleled views of the city’s world-renowned New Year’s fireworks displays.  Dubai broke the world record for fireworks by setting of 479,651 fireworks to bring in 2014; will they top that this year?  Both the Burj Kalifa and Downtown Dubai will be illuminated with fireworks.  Join the rich and famous in Dubai for New Years to view the fabulous fireworks from the comfort of your ship!

Have you always wanted to visit Carnival in Rio de Janeiro? Celebrity has a 10 night South America and Rio Carnival Signature Sailing in February 2017 that is sure to be fun and fantastic!  The round trip Buenos Aries cruise visits Argentina, Brazil (4 ports!), and 2 ports in Uruguay.  Samba down the Sambadrome of Rio during Carnival in an extravagant costume and makeup, and experience the iconic Samba Parade in the ultimate grandstand or VIP seating.  Onboard the ship you can take samba lessons by day, then dance all night at our Latin party, Sizzle, with music from South Beach to South America.

Happy Travels,
Kelley

My Top Apps for staying in touch

by In Brides, Cruise, Destinations, Dining, Europe, General Travel Information, Honeymoon, Jamaica, Luxury Travel, Romance, Wedding Tagged , , , , , , , Leave a comment

With smartphones being a part of everyday life, having the right apps is essential to make your life easier during travel.  While travel is often meant for relaxation, rejuvenation, or celebration; sometimes it is important that we are accessible and have access to important information.  Lucky for us, the technology wizards of the world have developed some great mobile apps!  Everyone knows about Facebook and that is certainly one tool to use, but there are others that are great as well!  I’m going to give you my list of must-haves to keep in touch when you are gone.  The best part?  They are free to download and if used on Wi-Fi are free to use!  (You may have to pay for the Wi-Fi service wherever you are, but the use will be free once connected!)

If you have an iPhone, you can use FaceTime over Wi-Fi and no additional app is required.  FaceTime isn’t always quite as stable as some of the apps, so I never recommend relying on it alone.

If you absolutely must make calls, I highly recommend not using your cell service!  Use a Wi-Fi app!

SKYPE – Skype is not just for mobile devices, but has long been used on desktops and laptops as well.  Call your world from Skype – Talk to your heart’s content with free voice and video calls to all your friends and family on Skype.  Chat with anyone, anywhere – Skype’s available on smartphones, tablets, PCs, Macs, and even TVs; whatever device your friends or family use, Skype just works.

* Operator data charges may apply. We recommend using an unlimited data plan or Wi-Fi connection.

If you want to use the free version of Skype, whoever you call will need to have Skype on their device as well.  They do have a low cost paid plan so you can call anyone.  They also have Video Messaging, MMS, and SMS options as well.  I do not use those, I post pictures I want to share to Facebook, and as for texting, I have other apps I prefer for that.

 

If you have the need to text, there are apps for that too!  My three current favorite texting apps are Facebook Messenger, Viber, and WhatsApp.  Both Viber and WhatsApp require that whoever you are going to text, they must have the app as well so these do take some advanced planning.  I use both of them, but I really love WhatsApp right now for just texting and pictures!  Facebook Messenger works best if both parties have the app, but it isn’t actually required, as long as the person you are messaging has a Facebook account.

Facebook Messenger and Viber are both double duty apps; they can be used for calling and texting.

 

Facebook Messenger –

The Messenger App isn’t just for sending private messages; did you know that you can make calls with it as well?  Making phone calls via Messenger is easy and free as long as you have the app and are on wifi! The app supports text, images, and location sharing, and even Wi-Fi voice calls.

 

 

Viber –

Viber is a great app for free phone calls and texts; you can also send pictures and video.  Another great feature is that not only can you use it on Wi-Fi (certainly best international option), you can use it over 3G as well for free.  There is also a paid service, Viber Out, for calls to non-viber land lines, and mobile numbers.  The app syncs with your phone contact list and will automatically let you know which of your friends already has Viber.  You can also use Viber with groups of up to 100; could be great for your group of family or friends traveling together!

 

WhatsApp –

WhatsApp Messenger is a cross-platform mobile messaging app which allows you to exchange messages without having to pay for SMS. One of the really cool things about WhatsApp is the ability to do group messages and send pictures to a group.  Any pictures you receive via WhatsApp (group or individual) are automatically saved to your phone’s camera roll.

There are many more apps out there that allow you to keep in touch while traveling; these are just my current favorites.  What do you use?  If you have a different app you use and recommend, I’d love to hear about it!  I’m always open to new suggestions.

Happy Travels,
Kelley

Are you sure your Passport is valid ??

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

 

Each time I prepare for a trip, one of the first things I do is check my passport to make sure it is valid for travel.  Whenever you are planning travel, it should be the first thing you do as well!  You don’t want to plan and be excited for that much needed and well-deserved vacation only to find out at the airport your passport is not valid!  Yes, it happens… and sadly more often than you think!  Working with an experienced travel professional can help you avoid this situation.  Every country in the world (including the USA) has entry and exit requirements; and a valid passport is among them.
Having a valid passport is always the sole responsibility of the traveler.  As a note, should you run in to issues with an invalid passport during travel, travel insurance may be of little help to you.  Travel insurance is based on the premise that the traveler has proper travel documentation.
What determines a valid passport?  This is a bit more detailed than you think.
Expiration Date – 
Many countries have a requirement that your passport is valid for a specified time frame after your date of travel.  The general recommendation is that your passport must be valid for 6 months past the return date of travel.  Some countries may require less than that, but 6 months will keep you safe.  If your passport is not valid for the required length of time, the airline can deny you boarding for the flight or worse yet; you do get on the flight and get turned around at immigration in the destination.
Damage beyond normal wear and tear – 
While passports are expected to have normal wear and tear, damage to your passport invalidates your passport for travel.  An example of normal wear and tear is slight bending from being in a pocket or fanning of the visa pages from being opened and closed many times.  Conditions that may constitute damage requiring you to replace your passport include water damage, a significant tear, unofficial markings on the data page, missing visa pages (torn out), a hole punch, or visible damages.
The number of blank visa pages in your passport –
Some countries require that your passport has two to four blank visa/stamp pages. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met.  If the airline does allow you to board, you can be subject to denied entry in the destination country.
Type of Passport – 
Most people are aware there is an option for a passport book or a passport card.  Please, do yourself a favor and get the passport book.  Passport cards are not valid, under any circumstance, for air travel.  The passport card was designed for the specific needs of northern and southern U.S. border communities with residents that cross the border frequently by land. The passport book is the only document approved for international travel by air.  Even within passport books, there are a couple of different types.  Government contractors and employees are often provided with Special Issuance Passports for the purpose of government related travel.  These passports are not valid for personal / leisure travel.   The special issuance passports are either black (signifying diplomatic status) or red (no diplomatic status).  The “regular” passport for US Travelers will be dark blue.
Criminal History –  (This is the one nobody likes to talk about!)
Anyone who has any sort of criminal conviction or outstanding warrants needs to check with authorities to see if their passport is still valid for travel.  With certain types of crimes, passports are flagged and this will invalidate them for international travel.  This is often overlooked and can create quite an issue upon departure from the US, arrival in a foreign destination, and even return to the US.  One common example is back child-support.  Currently, the Department of State will not issue new or renew passports for anyone owing back child support.  However, if a traveler had their passport, then had the child support issues, their current passport can be flagged.  I know of a traveler recently that arrived in a foreign country only to be turned away by immigration because his passport was flagged and determined to be invalid.  Upon arrival and interview in the US upon his return, he learned it was because of his back child support.
If you need to renew, or haven’t already applied for your passport and you are planning international travel this year or next, please do so as soon as possible.  The State Department is projecting record numbers of first time applicants and renewals this year and has already advised to longer processing times.  You don’t want your vacation experience ruined because you don’t get your passport back in time!
Happy Travels,
Kelley
      

Travel made easy

by In Brides, Cruise, Destinations, Dining, Europe, General Travel Information, Honeymoon, Jamaica, Luxury Travel, Romance, Wedding Tagged , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment
It’s funny, when people find out that I own a travel agency, the topic of travel planning inevitably comes up.   The one thing I have learned is that many people have no idea how to work with a travel professional.  As a travel concierge, I specialize in creating travel experiences that are tailor made for you!  Keep in mind that perfect vacation experiences don’t just happen; planning requires thoughtfulness, patience, careful attention to details, and a lot of decision-making along the way.  Working with the right travel professional can streamline the process, insure no details are overlooked, and increase your value and experience dramatically.
Before you contact a travel professional, there are a few things you need to consider.  Thinking about these key items will help the travel concierge make thoughtful and appropriate recommendations for creating your ideal honeymoon.  You may not know the exact answers before contacting your travel professional, but just thinking about them will get you ahead of the planning process.  Here are 5 key questions you should ask yourself:
1. What is your priority for this experience?   Think about choosing up to 3 of the following:  romance, quiet, activity, adventure, food / wine, culture, tropical beach, or exploring cities.  Of course you could have completely different ideas!  Remember this is your vacation and your future memories!  Close your eyes for a minute and picture exactly what you want!
2. Do you have a specific destination in mind or are you looking for someone to help decide?  If you do have a destination in mind, what attracts you to that particular destination?  If you don’t have a specific destination in mind, the answers to question 1 will help your travel professional guide you.
3. What are your preferred travel dates or window of time?    Believe it or not, saying “I can travel anytime” isn’t actually helpful to your travel professional, and if you really think about it, it’s not actually true!  There’s always that “1 thing” you forgot about.  You really need to narrow it down as much as possible.  If you can’t give a 2 week time frame, give a month or at the most 2 months.
4. How long do you want to be gone?   This can make a big difference on your destination options.  For example, you won’t be visiting the south pacific nor doing an African Safari if you can only be gone 5 days.
5. What is your budget for your vacation experience?  While you may not know what “things cost” (I hear this all of the time), you certainly know what you can and / or will spend.  A budget isn’t an exact dollar amount but a range.   Knowing your budget range upfront can help set realistic expectations and eliminate a great deal of frustration during the planning process.  This is usually the hardest part for everyone.  A way to make this easier is to consider the following sample ranges:  Less than $5,000, $5,000-$7,500, $7,500-$10,000, $10,000-$13,000, $13,000 – $15,000, and over $15,000.
Remember – budget has nothing to do with “price” – budget is what we use to create your experience and provide you with value for your dollars!  Price is what you pay, Value is what you get!
Once you have thought about these key elements, the real fun begins!!  Then we move on to the types of vacation experiences:  all-inclusive resorts, multi-destination, river cruises, escorted tours, or cruises are just a few of the options!
Remember, your vacation experience is all about you!  Let’s spend your hard-earned money in a way that provides the most value and creates ever lasting memories!
Happy Travels
Kelley