I'll bet you cannot wait to travel this summer! The winter blues are setting in. Are you full prepared to travel?
If you are planning to travel outside of the United States you better have your passport ready. As of June 1, 2009 the full Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be implemented. So, what does this mean to you?
For any travel outside the boundaries of the United State will demand a valid US Passport for all American citizens. If you are planning travel to a US territory (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc) or to Alaska you will need a passport if you enter the area via a non-American country. To be more clear, if you are flying to Alaska with a flight through Canada or returning from Alaska through Canada, you must have a passport.
The passport rules apply to all travel, both land and sea. Up to now, passports were not required for many cruises originating and returning to American ports. Also, some cruise lines require your passport to have at least six months before the expiration date remaining on your passport. So check your passport for your expiration date.
Many of us remember the debacle for getting a passport in the first phase of this initiative. Lines were long and the wait for passports even longer leaving some people without a passport at home. Don't get caught! Apply for your passport now, even if you are just thinking about travel. The passport is valid for 10 years, so get it done while now before the rush.
The rules are a bit different for children. U.S. citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.Groups of U.S. citizen children ages 16 through 18, when traveling with a school or religious group, social organization, or sports team, will be able to enter under adult supervision with originals or copies of their birth certificates or other proof of citizenship. However, it is much easier passage if they have passports as well. I strongly recommend a passport for children.
To apply for your passport or for more information please go to:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738_2.html
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
I Want A Destination Wedding
You've just become engaged...Congratulations! Yes, I know, the first question out of everyone is,"When is the big day?" Today, we also need to begin asking,"Where will you be married?" Did you know one in six weddings are now Destination Weddings?
Why has the destination wedding become so popular? There are so many reasons brides and grooms are choosing to take the show on the road. The destination wedding is perceived as a less stressful way to plan a wedding. Since most of the planning is done with the on-site coordinator and the travel planner, there is no need to run from place to place looking at wedding sites, talking to caterers, photographers and entertainers. Also since so many families and friends are geographically spread out and need to fly to the wedding anyway, they might as well fly to the destination of your dreams for your wedding.
Once the bride and groom arrive to their chosen destination almost everything has been completed. Some destinations will require a blood test and maybe some signing of official papers. All they need to do is look around the area and choose exactly where they stand to be married. The pre-wedding dinner will most often be held at the hotel or resort as will the wedding. The bride and her wedding party can have their hair and makeup done the morning of the wedding. Since everyone is already in attendance, no one can get lost on the way or should be late! After the ceremony, guests can stroll over to the reception area while the photographer is snapping pictures of the new couple. All this at a leisurely pace with wonderful scenery. Who can ask for more?
Budget is also a reason for many new couples to choose a destination wedding. The expenses for the bride and groom are most often less than a wedding and reception at home. Not only that, but they are already in the destination for their honeymoon. It's a 2 for 1. Sandals Resorts aptly coined the phrase of a "Weddingmoon." What better a combination of your wedding and honeymoon? Some of the Caribbean and Mexican resorts offer the bride and groom a complimentary wedding. Sounds good to me!
Speaking of the Caribbean and Mexico, the weddings held here are usually on the beach or heavenly gardens. This creates a relaxing atmosphere for the less formal couple. No tuxedos or long gowns required. The dress code is as simple or extravagant as the couple chooses.
Some couples choose their wedding based on heritage or faith. Why not be married in an Irish Castle, or choose a peak atop the Amalfi Coast overlooking the sea, or under a canopy on the shores of Israel? Getting married in the country of your family's heritage can be one of the most meaningful experiences in a lifetime.
Choosing the place for your wedding is just as unique as a snowflake...no two weddings are alike. When you decide to plan your destination wedding the first thing you must ask yourselves is will the wedding be on land or sea? To many, a cruise wedding evokes the memories of the old show, "Love Boat." Every ending was a happily ever after moment. While due to legalities, you might not be able to be married while on the high seas, you can be married on the ship before the cruise sets sail or you can be married at a port of call. You still can enjoy all of the same amenities as a resort wedding. Only remember, when you plan your cruise wedding, your family and friends will be with you for the full cruise. This does not have the same flexibility as a resort wedding where your family and friends can choose the amount of time they wish to stay.
A wedding at a resort with minimal travel time (less than a 5 hour flight) is a favorite for many couples. If the resort is within a reasonable travel time, more family and friends will be able to accept your invitation to the wedding. Also, they will be able to choose the amount of time they wish to stay at the destination. Most guests will stay a minimum of 3 nights. Very few will stay at the same resort with the bride and groom for the duration of their stay. We all know the new couple needs time together to celebrate their marriage.
Okay, how do you choose where to have the wedding? The first step in planning your destination wedding is deciding where you want to be married. Sit with your fiancée and make a list of the amenities you want surrounding you during your wedding. Is it the backdrop of beaches, mountains, or ancient castles? Once you have agreed on the type of backdrop, then you must decide what destination can bring you that ambiance. Will it be the excitement of the high seas on a cruise or will it be a resort wedding on dry land? If you are planning to invite guests to your wedding and you really want them to be there, make your decision one that will be affordable for most guests.
Two of the most popular choices for destination weddings is the Caribbean and Mexico. There are several reasons for these choices. The first is the many of the Caribbean Islands and Mexican resorts offer all-inclusive packages and complimentary wedding ceremonies. This helps make the wedding more affordable and the all-inclusive factor makes budgeting the expenses easier. Also these two regions have very short waiting periods for non-citizens to be married. Some islands have no waiting period at all and some have a 72 hour waiting period. Waiting periods are based on business days. Arriving during the weekend will not count for your waiting period.
If you choose to be married in Europe the laws for non-citizens may require a longer "residency" time or additional legal paperwork. Unfortunately some countries will not permit non-citizens to be married at all. In cases like this some couples elect to have a civil ceremony at home and then have a ceremonial religious marriage abroad. Have your travel planner check for the restrictions.
So, go ahead, find a travel planner who is experienced in planning destination weddings or call me for help with your wedding. Enjoy planning your dream day.
Why has the destination wedding become so popular? There are so many reasons brides and grooms are choosing to take the show on the road. The destination wedding is perceived as a less stressful way to plan a wedding. Since most of the planning is done with the on-site coordinator and the travel planner, there is no need to run from place to place looking at wedding sites, talking to caterers, photographers and entertainers. Also since so many families and friends are geographically spread out and need to fly to the wedding anyway, they might as well fly to the destination of your dreams for your wedding.
Once the bride and groom arrive to their chosen destination almost everything has been completed. Some destinations will require a blood test and maybe some signing of official papers. All they need to do is look around the area and choose exactly where they stand to be married. The pre-wedding dinner will most often be held at the hotel or resort as will the wedding. The bride and her wedding party can have their hair and makeup done the morning of the wedding. Since everyone is already in attendance, no one can get lost on the way or should be late! After the ceremony, guests can stroll over to the reception area while the photographer is snapping pictures of the new couple. All this at a leisurely pace with wonderful scenery. Who can ask for more?
Budget is also a reason for many new couples to choose a destination wedding. The expenses for the bride and groom are most often less than a wedding and reception at home. Not only that, but they are already in the destination for their honeymoon. It's a 2 for 1. Sandals Resorts aptly coined the phrase of a "Weddingmoon." What better a combination of your wedding and honeymoon? Some of the Caribbean and Mexican resorts offer the bride and groom a complimentary wedding. Sounds good to me!
Speaking of the Caribbean and Mexico, the weddings held here are usually on the beach or heavenly gardens. This creates a relaxing atmosphere for the less formal couple. No tuxedos or long gowns required. The dress code is as simple or extravagant as the couple chooses.
Some couples choose their wedding based on heritage or faith. Why not be married in an Irish Castle, or choose a peak atop the Amalfi Coast overlooking the sea, or under a canopy on the shores of Israel? Getting married in the country of your family's heritage can be one of the most meaningful experiences in a lifetime.
Choosing the place for your wedding is just as unique as a snowflake...no two weddings are alike. When you decide to plan your destination wedding the first thing you must ask yourselves is will the wedding be on land or sea? To many, a cruise wedding evokes the memories of the old show, "Love Boat." Every ending was a happily ever after moment. While due to legalities, you might not be able to be married while on the high seas, you can be married on the ship before the cruise sets sail or you can be married at a port of call. You still can enjoy all of the same amenities as a resort wedding. Only remember, when you plan your cruise wedding, your family and friends will be with you for the full cruise. This does not have the same flexibility as a resort wedding where your family and friends can choose the amount of time they wish to stay.
A wedding at a resort with minimal travel time (less than a 5 hour flight) is a favorite for many couples. If the resort is within a reasonable travel time, more family and friends will be able to accept your invitation to the wedding. Also, they will be able to choose the amount of time they wish to stay at the destination. Most guests will stay a minimum of 3 nights. Very few will stay at the same resort with the bride and groom for the duration of their stay. We all know the new couple needs time together to celebrate their marriage.
Okay, how do you choose where to have the wedding? The first step in planning your destination wedding is deciding where you want to be married. Sit with your fiancée and make a list of the amenities you want surrounding you during your wedding. Is it the backdrop of beaches, mountains, or ancient castles? Once you have agreed on the type of backdrop, then you must decide what destination can bring you that ambiance. Will it be the excitement of the high seas on a cruise or will it be a resort wedding on dry land? If you are planning to invite guests to your wedding and you really want them to be there, make your decision one that will be affordable for most guests.
Two of the most popular choices for destination weddings is the Caribbean and Mexico. There are several reasons for these choices. The first is the many of the Caribbean Islands and Mexican resorts offer all-inclusive packages and complimentary wedding ceremonies. This helps make the wedding more affordable and the all-inclusive factor makes budgeting the expenses easier. Also these two regions have very short waiting periods for non-citizens to be married. Some islands have no waiting period at all and some have a 72 hour waiting period. Waiting periods are based on business days. Arriving during the weekend will not count for your waiting period.
If you choose to be married in Europe the laws for non-citizens may require a longer "residency" time or additional legal paperwork. Unfortunately some countries will not permit non-citizens to be married at all. In cases like this some couples elect to have a civil ceremony at home and then have a ceremonial religious marriage abroad. Have your travel planner check for the restrictions.
So, go ahead, find a travel planner who is experienced in planning destination weddings or call me for help with your wedding. Enjoy planning your dream day.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Choosing The Right Travel Plans
Now that you have found the right travel professional to assist you with your planning, you need to decide where to go. The world is big with many places to visit. If you are not sure where you want to go, take a few minutes with pen and paper, write down the things you would like to do or see. Then consider very carefully your budget and the time you have to spend for vacation.
Share this information with your chosen travel planner. At this point your consultant should ask you a few questions based on your list. However, don't be disappointed if your list is either too ambitious for your budget or time allowance. I have been asked by prospective travelers to help them find a package to places such as Italy for 4 nights with a budget of $2,000.00 for 2 people. Being honest, which I believe is the best policy for the client, it just isn't good planning. Coming from the east coast of the US a 4 night trip will really result in less than 3 days in Italy when including the flights and jet lag. Also with that low budget, most of the money will be spent on the airfare, not leaving much for accommodations, food and excursions.
If your first choice of travel is not realistic, ask your consultant for ideas . Afterall, you are using a travel professional for a reason. A good consultant should be able to look at your travel wish list and come up with other options for your vacation. Many times I find I need to redirect the ideas to another destination, one that may not have been thought about by the traveler. Again, this is the job of the travel professional...to help you with suggestions.
Once the destination has been chosen according to the budget and vacation time, now it is time to choose the accommodations. Share with your travel planner the type of accommodation amenities you prefer. Not all hotels or resorts are for all people. Some are large with many activites and some, more intimate and more sedate. When traveling to other countries you may feel more comfortable in an American style hotel rather than one mirroring the image and culture of the country. Personally, I like the hotels which are in tune with the local flavor...it's all part of the travel experience. Take a look at all of the amenities, including proximately to local areas of interest if you enjoy sight seeing and exploring the local culture. Rule of thumb, the better the location, the more the cost. Sometimes the extra dollars are well worth investment for the proper accommodations.
If you are planning an active sight seeing journey, don't try to see all of the sights in one day. Sometimes eventhough we want to see it all, there just isn't enough time in one week, let alone one day. Choose the sights that are most important to you and schedule those first, then let the others fall in place. Take time to enjooy the local flavor and people. If you are planning to have a lazy beach vacation, but need to do one or two excursions, plan them before you travel if possible. Since you have limited time to vacation, you don't want to be arrive at the destination only to discover the excursion you want is not available.
Planning to do a lot of sight seeing, but don't want to do it on your own? An organized tour may be the best option for you. They may seem busy, but you will get a lot in your day. On a motorcoach tour, everything is done for you by the tour operator...no thinking needed. Up early in the morning, on the bus to sights which are the most popular in the region you are visiting. Usually all meals or most meals are include which also helps with the budgeting. You know ahead of time the cost of your travel. Also, motorcoach tours organized through a tour operator accustomed to receiving groups from the US will have licensed, English speaking guides, who are like walking encyclopedias for the area you are visiting. The motorcoaches are well kept and airconditioned too.
When you plan travel carefully, your vacation will be a great experience. Also, it will take the stress out of your planning. Who needs stress?
Share this information with your chosen travel planner. At this point your consultant should ask you a few questions based on your list. However, don't be disappointed if your list is either too ambitious for your budget or time allowance. I have been asked by prospective travelers to help them find a package to places such as Italy for 4 nights with a budget of $2,000.00 for 2 people. Being honest, which I believe is the best policy for the client, it just isn't good planning. Coming from the east coast of the US a 4 night trip will really result in less than 3 days in Italy when including the flights and jet lag. Also with that low budget, most of the money will be spent on the airfare, not leaving much for accommodations, food and excursions.
If your first choice of travel is not realistic, ask your consultant for ideas . Afterall, you are using a travel professional for a reason. A good consultant should be able to look at your travel wish list and come up with other options for your vacation. Many times I find I need to redirect the ideas to another destination, one that may not have been thought about by the traveler. Again, this is the job of the travel professional...to help you with suggestions.
Once the destination has been chosen according to the budget and vacation time, now it is time to choose the accommodations. Share with your travel planner the type of accommodation amenities you prefer. Not all hotels or resorts are for all people. Some are large with many activites and some, more intimate and more sedate. When traveling to other countries you may feel more comfortable in an American style hotel rather than one mirroring the image and culture of the country. Personally, I like the hotels which are in tune with the local flavor...it's all part of the travel experience. Take a look at all of the amenities, including proximately to local areas of interest if you enjoy sight seeing and exploring the local culture. Rule of thumb, the better the location, the more the cost. Sometimes the extra dollars are well worth investment for the proper accommodations.
If you are planning an active sight seeing journey, don't try to see all of the sights in one day. Sometimes eventhough we want to see it all, there just isn't enough time in one week, let alone one day. Choose the sights that are most important to you and schedule those first, then let the others fall in place. Take time to enjooy the local flavor and people. If you are planning to have a lazy beach vacation, but need to do one or two excursions, plan them before you travel if possible. Since you have limited time to vacation, you don't want to be arrive at the destination only to discover the excursion you want is not available.
Planning to do a lot of sight seeing, but don't want to do it on your own? An organized tour may be the best option for you. They may seem busy, but you will get a lot in your day. On a motorcoach tour, everything is done for you by the tour operator...no thinking needed. Up early in the morning, on the bus to sights which are the most popular in the region you are visiting. Usually all meals or most meals are include which also helps with the budgeting. You know ahead of time the cost of your travel. Also, motorcoach tours organized through a tour operator accustomed to receiving groups from the US will have licensed, English speaking guides, who are like walking encyclopedias for the area you are visiting. The motorcoaches are well kept and airconditioned too.
When you plan travel carefully, your vacation will be a great experience. Also, it will take the stress out of your planning. Who needs stress?
US Airways Flight 1549
Just a quick note about today's emergency landing event in New York today.
First, kudos to Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III and his flight crew for safely landing his plane in the Hudson River. Once landed the cabin crew did an excellent job evacuating all passengers and fellow crew. It goes to show, preparation and cool heads prevail.
When traveling it is important to be aware of emergency procedures. For some who fly often, it seems redundant to listen to the emergency procedure speech, but the complacency may hurt you. After being seated in the flight, look for the two closest emergency exits. Count the rows to that exit. You may need to know it if there is an emergency and the plane is dark. If you are in the emergency row, read the information about the window or door release. Some one's life may depend on your actions.
At a hotel, look at the emergency map on your room door. Know which way the emergency stairs are located, you may not be able to use an elevator if there is a problem.
Cruises always have a muster before the sailing. Pay attention and learn where your muster station is located. Again, be aware of emergency exits and procedures.
Though no one likes to think about an emergency while on vacation, it is better to be safe than sorry.
First, kudos to Captain Chesley B. "Sully" Sullenberger III and his flight crew for safely landing his plane in the Hudson River. Once landed the cabin crew did an excellent job evacuating all passengers and fellow crew. It goes to show, preparation and cool heads prevail.
When traveling it is important to be aware of emergency procedures. For some who fly often, it seems redundant to listen to the emergency procedure speech, but the complacency may hurt you. After being seated in the flight, look for the two closest emergency exits. Count the rows to that exit. You may need to know it if there is an emergency and the plane is dark. If you are in the emergency row, read the information about the window or door release. Some one's life may depend on your actions.
At a hotel, look at the emergency map on your room door. Know which way the emergency stairs are located, you may not be able to use an elevator if there is a problem.
Cruises always have a muster before the sailing. Pay attention and learn where your muster station is located. Again, be aware of emergency exits and procedures.
Though no one likes to think about an emergency while on vacation, it is better to be safe than sorry.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Choosing The Right Travel Plans
Now that you have found the right travel professional to assist you with your planning, you need to decide where to go. The world is big with many places to visit. If you are not sure where you want to go, take a few minutes with pen and paper, write down the things you would like to do or see. Then consider very carefully your budget and the time you have to spend for vacation.
Share this information with your chosen travel planner. At this point your consultant should ask you a few questions based on your list. However, don't be disappointed if your list is either too ambitious for your budget or time allowance. I have been asked by prospective travelers to help them find a package to places such as Italy for 4 nights with a budget of $2,000.00 for 2 people. Being honest, which I believe is the best policy for the client, it just isn't good planning. Coming from the east coast of the US a 4 night trip will really result in less than 3 days in Italy when including the flights and jet lag. Also with that low budget, most of the money will be spent on the airfare, not leaving much for accommodations, food and excursions.
If your first choice of travel is not realistic, ask your consultant for ideas . Afterall, you are using a travel professional for a reason. A good consultant should be able to look at your travel wish list and come up with other options for your vacation. Many times I find I need to redirect the ideas to another destination, one that may not have been thought about by the traveler. Again, this is the job of the travel professional...to help you with suggestions.
Once the destination has been chosen according to the budget and vacation time, now it is time to choose the accommodations. Share with your travel planner the type of accommodation amenities you prefer. Not all hotels or resorts are for all people. Some are large with many activites and some, more intimate and more sedate. When traveling to other countries you may feel more comfortable in an American style hotel rather than one mirroring the image and culture of the country. Personally, I like the hotels which are in tune with the local flavor...it's all part of the travel experience. Take a look at all of the amenities, including proximately to local areas of interest if you enjoy sight seeing and exploring the local culture. Rule of thumb, the better the location, the more the cost. Sometimes the extra dollars are well worth investment for the proper accommodations.
If you are planning an active sight seeing journey, don't try to see all of the sights in one day. Sometimes eventhough we want to see it all, there just isn't enough time in one week, let alone one day. Choose the sights that are most important to you and schedule those first, then let the others fall in place. Take time to enjooy the local flavor and people. If you are planning to have a lazy beach vacation, but need to do one or two excursions, plan them before you travel if possible. Since you have limited time to vacation, you don't want to be arrive at the destination only to discover the excursion you want is not available.
Planning to do a lot of sight seeing, but don't want to do it on your own? An organized tour may be the best option for you. They may seem busy, but you will get a lot in your day. On a motorcoach tour, everything is done for you by the tour operator...no thinking needed. Up early in the morning, on the bus to sights which are the most popular in the region you are visiting. Usually all meals or most meals are include which also helps with the budgeting. You know ahead of time the cost of your travel. Also, motorcoach tours organized through a tour operator accustomed to receiving groups from the US will have licensed, English speaking guides, who are like walking encyclopedias for the area you are visiting. The motorcoaches are well kept and airconditioned too.
When you plan travel carefully, your vacation will be a great experience. Also, it will take the stress out of your planning. Who needs stress?
Share this information with your chosen travel planner. At this point your consultant should ask you a few questions based on your list. However, don't be disappointed if your list is either too ambitious for your budget or time allowance. I have been asked by prospective travelers to help them find a package to places such as Italy for 4 nights with a budget of $2,000.00 for 2 people. Being honest, which I believe is the best policy for the client, it just isn't good planning. Coming from the east coast of the US a 4 night trip will really result in less than 3 days in Italy when including the flights and jet lag. Also with that low budget, most of the money will be spent on the airfare, not leaving much for accommodations, food and excursions.
If your first choice of travel is not realistic, ask your consultant for ideas . Afterall, you are using a travel professional for a reason. A good consultant should be able to look at your travel wish list and come up with other options for your vacation. Many times I find I need to redirect the ideas to another destination, one that may not have been thought about by the traveler. Again, this is the job of the travel professional...to help you with suggestions.
Once the destination has been chosen according to the budget and vacation time, now it is time to choose the accommodations. Share with your travel planner the type of accommodation amenities you prefer. Not all hotels or resorts are for all people. Some are large with many activites and some, more intimate and more sedate. When traveling to other countries you may feel more comfortable in an American style hotel rather than one mirroring the image and culture of the country. Personally, I like the hotels which are in tune with the local flavor...it's all part of the travel experience. Take a look at all of the amenities, including proximately to local areas of interest if you enjoy sight seeing and exploring the local culture. Rule of thumb, the better the location, the more the cost. Sometimes the extra dollars are well worth investment for the proper accommodations.
If you are planning an active sight seeing journey, don't try to see all of the sights in one day. Sometimes eventhough we want to see it all, there just isn't enough time in one week, let alone one day. Choose the sights that are most important to you and schedule those first, then let the others fall in place. Take time to enjooy the local flavor and people. If you are planning to have a lazy beach vacation, but need to do one or two excursions, plan them before you travel if possible. Since you have limited time to vacation, you don't want to be arrive at the destination only to discover the excursion you want is not available.
Planning to do a lot of sight seeing, but don't want to do it on your own? An organized tour may be the best option for you. They may seem busy, but you will get a lot in your day. On a motorcoach tour, everything is done for you by the tour operator...no thinking needed. Up early in the morning, on the bus to sights which are the most popular in the region you are visiting. Usually all meals or most meals are include which also helps with the budgeting. You know ahead of time the cost of your travel. Also, motorcoach tours organized through a tour operator accustomed to receiving groups from the US will have licensed, English speaking guides, who are like walking encyclopedias for the area you are visiting. The motorcoaches are well kept and airconditioned too.
When you plan travel carefully, your vacation will be a great experience. Also, it will take the stress out of your planning. Who needs stress?
Choosing A Travel Professional For Your Vacation Planning
You already know you need a vacation. The question is not if, but when and where. Like most people you begin searching the web during lulls at work (even though you shouldn't be) or at midnight after everyone has gone to sleep and it's quiet.
Let's take a look at those 2 scenarios. Your vacation most likely will cost you more than you spent at the supermarket last week. For that decision, you sat down, made a list and gave it thought while you were not distracted at work and not dying to go to sleep at midnight. Doesn't your vacation deserve the same loving care? Your vacation decision should really have your undivided attention and concentration.
Searching the web can give you some insight about the travel you want to do. That really is only scratching the surface. Trying to do the research about where to go, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do can be daunting. You finally realize you need help. Now what? You heard the sister of a cousin of your brother-in-law's stepmother has a friend who "does travel part time on the side." Hmmm, do you think that is the best person to call? Consider the amount of money you will be investing in your vacation and you might want to think again.
A Professional Travel Consultant is one who is working in the travel industry full time and has over the years garnered travel certifications through educational classes through recognized vehicles in the travel industry. Some courses may be physical classroom courses, others may be given through Destination Tourism Boards, resorts / hotels, cruise lines and other venues. Along with that, travel consultants take part in organized trips to locations with the intent to have a deeper understanding of the destination, the accommodations and activities available. These same travel professionals are privy to the latest travel details, best pricing and more.
Now, how do you choose the right travel professional? Yes, ask around through family and friends. Ask where they have traveled and if they were satisfied with the planning process, knowledge and overall service of the planner they used. Is there an agency near your home or business? Is there a travel professional in you business or social network? Did you go on the web and see someone you think you like? There are so many choices.
Is bigger always better? I met a young lady who chose a large, mall style travel agency to plan her destination wedding. She did not qualify the travel agent before her booking. Well, from the day she made the deposit, her life was filled with issues. The first thing that happened, and most important problem was the agent called to tell her there was a mistake in the pricing and added $200.00 to the price per person. That should have been the first red flag. Unfortunately there was more...issues with wrong names and dates on air tickets and issues at the resort because of mistakes made. Luckily the resort solved everything and the wedding happened. Moral of the story, bigger is not always better. You need to consider the true interest of the travel consultant helping you. Are you working with a professional travel consultant or a travel agent who is interested in the sale, not you?
Once you have narrowed down the choices, interview that travel consultant. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the length of time in the business, their credentials, and references. They are going to be performing a service for you. Would you hire any other professional without asking questions? When you are speaking with them, do they seem interested in answering your questions or do they deflect them? Are they listening to you? Is there a chemistry between you and the travel consultant? Even if hiring someone you have found via a website, look carefully at the site. Is there a page for references or client testimonials? If not, I would continue looking. Also, find out which professional organizations membership either the consultant or the agency has.
You want to look for IATAN, ASTA and CLIA at the very least. Many agencies are members of consortia as well. Ask about their consortium. You can also call these organizations for verification.
You may be thinking, I can do it by myself on the web. Think again, the travel professionals know the ins and outs. If the web price looks too good to be true or lots and lots cheaper, then think again. More often when it looks too good to be true, there's most often a good reason. Also, if you have a problem once you make the reservation through a website, is there someone in your corner to help you? Most likely not. Building a solid relationship with your travel professional will make all the difference in the world. Go ahead, try it, you'll like it!
Let's take a look at those 2 scenarios. Your vacation most likely will cost you more than you spent at the supermarket last week. For that decision, you sat down, made a list and gave it thought while you were not distracted at work and not dying to go to sleep at midnight. Doesn't your vacation deserve the same loving care? Your vacation decision should really have your undivided attention and concentration.
Searching the web can give you some insight about the travel you want to do. That really is only scratching the surface. Trying to do the research about where to go, how to get there, where to stay, and what to do can be daunting. You finally realize you need help. Now what? You heard the sister of a cousin of your brother-in-law's stepmother has a friend who "does travel part time on the side." Hmmm, do you think that is the best person to call? Consider the amount of money you will be investing in your vacation and you might want to think again.
A Professional Travel Consultant is one who is working in the travel industry full time and has over the years garnered travel certifications through educational classes through recognized vehicles in the travel industry. Some courses may be physical classroom courses, others may be given through Destination Tourism Boards, resorts / hotels, cruise lines and other venues. Along with that, travel consultants take part in organized trips to locations with the intent to have a deeper understanding of the destination, the accommodations and activities available. These same travel professionals are privy to the latest travel details, best pricing and more.
Now, how do you choose the right travel professional? Yes, ask around through family and friends. Ask where they have traveled and if they were satisfied with the planning process, knowledge and overall service of the planner they used. Is there an agency near your home or business? Is there a travel professional in you business or social network? Did you go on the web and see someone you think you like? There are so many choices.
Is bigger always better? I met a young lady who chose a large, mall style travel agency to plan her destination wedding. She did not qualify the travel agent before her booking. Well, from the day she made the deposit, her life was filled with issues. The first thing that happened, and most important problem was the agent called to tell her there was a mistake in the pricing and added $200.00 to the price per person. That should have been the first red flag. Unfortunately there was more...issues with wrong names and dates on air tickets and issues at the resort because of mistakes made. Luckily the resort solved everything and the wedding happened. Moral of the story, bigger is not always better. You need to consider the true interest of the travel consultant helping you. Are you working with a professional travel consultant or a travel agent who is interested in the sale, not you?
Once you have narrowed down the choices, interview that travel consultant. Don't be afraid to ask questions about the length of time in the business, their credentials, and references. They are going to be performing a service for you. Would you hire any other professional without asking questions? When you are speaking with them, do they seem interested in answering your questions or do they deflect them? Are they listening to you? Is there a chemistry between you and the travel consultant? Even if hiring someone you have found via a website, look carefully at the site. Is there a page for references or client testimonials? If not, I would continue looking. Also, find out which professional organizations membership either the consultant or the agency has.
You want to look for IATAN, ASTA and CLIA at the very least. Many agencies are members of consortia as well. Ask about their consortium. You can also call these organizations for verification.
You may be thinking, I can do it by myself on the web. Think again, the travel professionals know the ins and outs. If the web price looks too good to be true or lots and lots cheaper, then think again. More often when it looks too good to be true, there's most often a good reason. Also, if you have a problem once you make the reservation through a website, is there someone in your corner to help you? Most likely not. Building a solid relationship with your travel professional will make all the difference in the world. Go ahead, try it, you'll like it!
Friday, January 2, 2009
Major Airline Testing Biofuel
Hats off to Air New Zealand. While we were getting ready to celebrate the New Year, Air New Zealand was getting ready to begin a new era of fuel usage which will be more environmentally friendly.
On December 30, 2008 Air New Zealand along with partners Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell's UOP flight tested a new biofuel. This was the first commercial flight test using a second generation sustainable biofuel. The fuel is a derivative of Jatropha which produces seeds containing an inedible form of lipid oils.
Below is information from Air New Zealand's website describing the testing and the factors about choosing the Jatropha plant for the biofuel. Hopefully more airlines will consider adding more eco-friendly sources of fuel in the near future.
" ...the fuel source must be environmentally sustainable and not compete with existing food resources. Secondly, the fuel must be a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel and technically be at least as good as the product used today. Finally, it should be cost competitive with existing fuel supplies and be readily available.
The criteria for sourcing the jatropha oil required that the land was neither forest land nor virgin grassland within the previous two decades. The quality of the soil and climate is such that the land is not suitable for the vast majority of food crops. Furthermore, the farms are rain-fed and not mechanically irrigated."
For more information, visit Air New Zealand's site:
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/aboutus/biofuel-test/default.htm
On December 30, 2008 Air New Zealand along with partners Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Honeywell's UOP flight tested a new biofuel. This was the first commercial flight test using a second generation sustainable biofuel. The fuel is a derivative of Jatropha which produces seeds containing an inedible form of lipid oils.
Below is information from Air New Zealand's website describing the testing and the factors about choosing the Jatropha plant for the biofuel. Hopefully more airlines will consider adding more eco-friendly sources of fuel in the near future.
" ...the fuel source must be environmentally sustainable and not compete with existing food resources. Secondly, the fuel must be a drop-in replacement for traditional jet fuel and technically be at least as good as the product used today. Finally, it should be cost competitive with existing fuel supplies and be readily available.
The criteria for sourcing the jatropha oil required that the land was neither forest land nor virgin grassland within the previous two decades. The quality of the soil and climate is such that the land is not suitable for the vast majority of food crops. Furthermore, the farms are rain-fed and not mechanically irrigated."
For more information, visit Air New Zealand's site:
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/aboutus/biofuel-test/default.htm
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