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              Travel Blog
             512.348.7208

Let's Go Virtually

4/7/2020

2 Comments

 
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With the world locking down and isolating, does it seem an odd time to be discussing travel? I totally understand why travel, per se, is not top of mind for you or anyone else right now. But with the time lots of us have on our hands, I want to spend a few minutes explaining why travel is pretty high on the list of things we might contemplate for a few moments.

Firstly, some of our best memories are of travel. The vacations we took as children with our parents, the trips we have experienced with our own families and friends.

Humans are a pilgrim species. Travel is a part of more than our culture, it is embedded in our very DNA. Travel requires us to endure some discomfort, it teaches us tolerance, patience and perseverance.

There is indeed a spiritual aspect to travel. Though travel is outwardly about transportation, a crossing of borders, lodging and logistics, every journey somehow has an internal component as well, as though some of the borders crossed are interior to our psyche. We long for a horizon that moves one step away from us as quickly as we take a step forward. Yet, when we gaze inward, we find that same horizon there. There is something about travel that involves a defiance of the physical act of travel as though we are participating in a quest for understanding and knowledge as much as accruing milage.

Now, as we find ourselves largely homebound, perhaps it is a good time to evaluate the importance of travel to our psyche, to what it has meant to us in the past to what it will mean to us as things normalize. One way to do so is to use travel to distract us a bit from the day to day routines we are lapsing into in the much smaller world of our homes, and to use the technologies and media to our advantage to visit the world virtually. So for your digital travel adventures over the next few weeks, let me suggest a few of the best opportunities I have encountered as of late:

  • Smithsonian Channel Has Released 68 Free ‘Aerial America’ Episodes - Do some armchair traveling and see the breathtaking vistas of all 50 states while learning about their histories
  • 12 Virtual Disneyland Rides That You Can Enjoy At Home Without A FASTPASS - Thanks to the internet, a Disneyland day is closer than you might think.
  • Google Arts and Culture - Museums from Around the World
  • This Virtual Tour of the Carlsbad Caverns Will Entertain You (and Your Kids) for Hours (Video)
  • Tour the Catacombs of Paris on a Virtual Visit
  • Wondrous Museums You Can Visit From Your Couch Right Now
    Your living room is the perfect place to see the world.
  • Disney, Kennedy Space Center offering free online activities for kids during school closures
  • Virtual Field Trips:
    • The Anne Frank House
    • Buckingham Palace
    • Great Wall of China
    • Holy Land Tour
    • The Louvre
    • Mount Everest
    • Mount Vernon
    • The Statue of Liberty

It’s a big world and we have seen so little of it. Stopping is somehow inconceivable.

Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!

2 Comments

Hawaii To Help With The Mind and Body

3/10/2020

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​
□ Hawaii Six Islands of Paradise - An Introduction
If you are like most who have never been to Hawaii, the state's islands blend into a mass of unpronounceable vowels and indistinct images of a tropical paradise. The geography of the islands is not…
- Voyager Guides
Sunday February 16, 2020
□ Taking a Vacation Is Good For Heart Health, Study Suggests
We all love a good vacation. It can relax you, excite you, and teach you about yourself by experiencing cultures much different than your own. It turns out, it’s also really good for your heart health. Taking a vacation can actually decrease the number of metabolic symptoms in people, according to a study published in the journal Psychology & Health in 2019. The study looked at 63 workers who were eligible for…
- Travel+Leisure
Friday February 14, 2020
HAWAII VACATION PACKAGES
Hawaii is everything you believe it to be and so much more!

There may be no more diverse destination on the planet than Hawaii. Not only is the terrain amazingly varied – deserts, beaches and lush rainforests, mountains and oceans, deep valleys and soaring volcanoes – but the climates there range from sub-arctic to tropical. The available activities are almost without end. The culture is a mix of Polynesian, Asian, European and American. But perhaps the most varied aspect of the Islands is the way that this tremendous confluence appeals to so many different types of people – young, old, active and beach lovers, there is something for everyone in Hawaii. And all of this means one thing above all others – Hawaii is the world’s greatest family destination. There is no shortage of possibility on Hawaii. There is beach time and golf, pools and beaches, biking swimming fishing sailing, surfing hula, dude ranches, shopping, museums, whale watching, volcanoes, eco-tours and kayaking. Did I mention shopping and some of the world’s finest restaurants?

Give us a call and ask about a Hawaii vacation for you!
Great promotions and opportunities available
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
2 Comments

Putting Your Vacation on Layaway

3/10/2020

2 Comments

 

When most people think about layaway payment plans, they usually think about toys under a Christmas tree. However; the secret that most don't know about is that vacation layaway payment options can also be a solution for trying to figure out how to pay for that badly needed vacation.

So I guess you want to know, how does it work?  I'll tell you!!

Plan Ahead.  Depending where you are traveling, you can plan your trip out as far as a 12 to 18 months in advance.  Hotels and airlines post their rates about 300 days in advance. Technically, cruise lines and theme parks post their availability and rates 12 months to 15 month in advance. The point here is that in order to create affordable monthly payments, you need to give yourself plenty of time. Here are some quick guidelines as to WHEN to start planning your travel adventures in order to give yourself the best vacation payment options...

Valentines Day: Start shopping for next Thanksgiving and December holiday travel.

School's Out for Summer: Spring Break Holidays for the next school year. Or if you want to travel during the summer, plan at least 6-12 months out to get the best availability on flights and accommodations.

Back to School: Book next year's summer vacation.

Caribbean Travel:  6-8 Months In Advance

European Travel: 6-12 months, even 18 months if it's a big bucket list trip.

I hear you! It's hard to plan that far in advance with everyone's school, activities, sports and work schedules. Many of us don't know our schedules for next week, let alone next year. It's a shocker, but if want the best rates, choice of rooms and airline seats and the ability to make layaway payments on your vacation, time is your friend! Planning ahead will also afford you the best rates and availability choices contrary to everyone's dream of finding that elusive last minute deal.

Make a Deposit: Most hotels, cruise ships and even Disney only require a small deposit to put your vacation on hold and confirm your trip. This normally can range from as little as $50 per person to a percentage of the total cost of your vacation. It all depends on the specifics of your trip.

Set up a Monthly Payment Schedule. Most hotels, cruise lines and theme parks require your vacation to be paid in full about 45-60 days prior to your arrival. The balance of your trip can be divided into installment payments so that you are fully paid by this deadline. This can be done automatically via a credit card that you authorize for these payments.

Can I set up my own Vacation Layaway Online? Some travelers prefer to book their own travel on-line; however, most large major online travel websites that allow the public to book their own trips require payment in full at the time you confirm your vacation and do not offer vacation layaway payment plans. This is one of the perks of working with your trusted Travel Agent.

Your travel agent can also offer other creative ways to help you finance your vacation dreams and turn them into reality. You may even qualify for discounts simply by inviting friends and family members to join in on all the fun.

So what's holding you back, give us a call or shoot us an email to explore options for your Putting Your Vacation on Layaway TODAY!!!
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
2 Comments

Tulips in the Springtime

12/30/2019

1 Comment

 
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Do you enjoy tulips? In 3 months tulips will be in season and blooming for all to enjoy in Europe.  If you have even wanted to tiptoe through them you can in Holland. Are Amsterdam and Netherlands places you would like to visit? Plan your getaway to the Netherlands so you don't miss out. More than 7 million bulbs bloom in spring at the Keukenhof gardens with over 800 varieties of tulips.

Do you know why the tulip is the national flower of the Netherlands?  In the 17th century the tulips were infected by a disease that caused bright colors, lines and flames on the petals of the flower. Many special breeds of tulips were named after Dutch navy admirals.

The Netherlands may be a small country but it is packed with opportunities to explore the fields of flowers, the windmills, cheese markets, wooden shoes, canals of  Amsterdam and much more.  It is very common to see folks enjoying a bike ride through the flowers.

In late April the Bloemencorso is the highlight of the blooming season when the Flower Parade will travel from Noordwidjk to Haarlem. There are a few ways to experience Holland but I like to experience this by a river cruise.  You unpack once and dock close to the cities you will have time to explore.  

If you are ready to plan your trip to Amsterdam or the Netherlands let's talk. The season is fast approaching and it is very brief.  Accomodation go quickly.

If you want to see tulips and don't want to travel internationally to see them you can go to Holland, Michigan in May from Austin, TX.  The festival there boast over 5 million tulips to see and enjoy.

Springtime is a great time to experience the beautiful colors. Let me know how I can help you!  This is great for Garden groups and those that love flowers especially tulips. There are 2020 and 2021 itineraries available to choose from.
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 
512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
1 Comment

Are You Wasting Your Vacation Time?

10/24/2019

2 Comments

 
Are you leaving vacation days on the table in your job in Austin, TX? In 2019 there was a whopping 768 MILLION vacation days that went to waste, despite Americans taking more trips than the year before according to the research by the US Travel Association. That is a lot!  236 million days were forfeitied which resulted in $65.6 billion lost benefits.

The forfeited days not only wasted opportunies for workers, but also the economy. This means $15.5 billion in travel spendings went unused which would create two million American jobs, according to the study.  WOW!

The average amount of PTO increased to six and half days from six days in 2017. You will never get the time back. Your time spent with family and friends is IMPORTANT! It is unfortunate that cost is the main reason many don't travel much. There are affordable experiences within the US whether it be a drive up the coast or a day trip to another city from Austin, TX.  Take time for yourself. You deserve it!

We are down to the last 3 months of the year.  You still have time to plan a trip and make that vacation count!
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
2 Comments

Booking Online vs Working with a Travel Advisor

10/3/2019

2 Comments

 
Online is for looking and travel advisors are for booking!
I was a vendor at a wedding venue and one of the food vendors jokingly asked me if she could ask me a question I probably get asked all the time.  What do you think it was?  She asked, "Are travel agents real and how do I compete with the online services?"  Here is what I shared with her and thought it would be helpful for you:

1. We have the connections and knowledge to make sure your trip is right for you and that you get treated well.
2. Booking online may or may not be what you actually purchased. Your view could be a dumpster!
3. Some online services can cancel your booking for any reason without notifying you so you better read the terms and conditions.
4. When booking online you get what you pay for and have to pay in full.
5. If you have something go wrong with your reservations the online service won't help you. You are on your own.
6. I provide personal service you won't get online.
7. If you book in advance you can set up a payment plan with a travel advisor like myself.
8. I help you before, during and after your travel.
9. I will visit with you to get to know you more in order to find a match.
10. How many online services reach out while you are traveling to see how you are doing?  I do!
11. I communicate to the hotels/cruise line prior to you traveling with the specifics they need to know.
12. When working with me you have one point of contact instead of a call center.
13. You can email, text or call me with any questions you have.
14. I work directly with our preferred suppliers to get the best package for you.
15. I am here to take the stress away so you can just pack and enjoy your vacation!
16. I am in the travel industry to truly help you experience some great destinations if you are truly serious about traveling.
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
2 Comments

Tips for Group Travel

9/12/2019

4 Comments

 
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​Are you wanting to travel with a group but don't know how to get started?

Here are some Group Travel Tips to help you get started:
1.You will need someone to be the decision maker for the group.
2. You can have others in charge of different aspects of the group trip so it is not so stressful for the leader.
3. You want to decide on accomodations, activities, and things to do up front so you can decide what the group wants to do so you are not wasting your time on your vacation deciding on what to do.
4. Agree on a budget and adhere to it. You want to make sure to be realistic about the cost. 
5. Decide how long you want the trip to be.
6. You want to book your trip, flights and transportation early in order to get the best pricing and selection for the group.
7. Hotels are not always the easiest for groups.  You have more options with all inclusive resorts for groups. Villas can work for groups as well. Cruises work well, too.
8. As your travel advisor for your group I will help you with all the payments, arrangements and travel documents for the trip. Everyone needs to be on board to make the group a success. Communication is key. I am available before, during and after your trip for any questions.
9. Be sure to consider excursions in your destination in the planning stage but don't plan something for every second of your trip. You need some down time.
10. Split up during your trip. Not everyone is going to want to do the same thing. Half may want to do one activity and the other half something else. If there is something you really want to do and no one else wants to go then go  do it on your own. Don't go home from vacation regretting you didn't get to see something.

We can help with student groups, adult groups, social groups, niche groups, destination weddings, seminars at sea, etc. If you need help or know of anyone that would like help with their group near Austin, TX please share our information with them. Let's start planing your next group trip.
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
4 Comments

Benefits of Working with a Travel Advisor

9/12/2019

1 Comment

 
As a travel advisor near Austin, TX there are so many things we can help you with. I start off with finding out more about you and your family. Your wants and needs for your trip. I will ask many questions in order to get enough information to help me be able to put your trip together for you. Your probably thinking OMG! This is an important process I need to go through especially if anyone has any medical needs, etc. for their trip.  The more information you can share with me the better. 

Benefits of working with a real travel advisor:
I work hard to find the best package for your travel needs.
I will be available to you before, during and after your travels.
I work directly with our preferred suppliers to ensure a great trip.
Our suppliers have our backs.
I will save you time researching. 
I am a live human being available to talk to and bounce ideas off. 
You have one preson to talk to and not a call center.
We can meet in person, face time via FB messenger, Whats App, etc.
I respond in a timely manner to your emails and questions.
I have destination and resort knowledge.
I keep you up to date with any major changes in itinerary.
I will guide you every step of the way to make the process as simple as it can be.
No stress!

Why am I sharing this with you?  It breaks my heart when someone loses their money for their trip to a scam.  The internet is for looking but agents are for booking!  Well, here is another news story about a person losing lots of money going through an online booking service.
https://www.tmj4.com/news/local-news/milwaukee-man-loses-thousands-in-online-booking-fraud?fbclid=IwAR2ShXvLTx6zTSyutHTGShQy8FsReBqQO2w7KvkAqmxJ9VSBNnemFCM40fQ

I have had a similar situation with booking hotels and I didn't fall for it.  If there is one thing you take away from this is please work with a travel professional.   I know many think it cost more to work with a travel professional but it doesn't. I work with a "Good Faith Deposit."  This lets me know who is serious about their travel. It is applied at the final payment. I know many want to find the cheapest deal you can but keep in mind you get what you pay for.  I work hard to find the best package and the price may not be exact but this also has to do with the time of year you are wanting to book your trip. 

Let me help you with your next getaway!
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
1 Comment

Why Travel Insurance is Important

8/5/2019

0 Comments

 

Reasons Why Travel Insurance is Important

Recently I had a client fall on one of their tours, one getting sick and ending up in the hospital with pnemonia, another having their flights cancelled due to weather. 2 out of the 3 had insurance. The one that didn't have insurance was lucky that the airline rebooked their flights for the next morning. They could have been out of pocket for the flights.

1. We never plan for things to happen.
2. We can't afford to lose our vacation investment.
3. Emergencies overseas can be expensive.
4. Your current medical coverage or Medicare won't cover your medical needs.
5. Insurance can help with travel delays, baggage delays, missed connections, and flight cancelations.
6. Death in the family.
7. You get sick before you travel.
8. There is a hurricane situation.
9. There is a terrorist attack.
10. Bottom Line:Purchase Travel Insurance.
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
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How To Be Happy After Your Vacation

8/5/2019

0 Comments

 

​When Vacation is Over​

We all dread it when our vacation is over and have to head back to work. Here are somethings you can do to lift yourself up:

*Bring back something from the trip that helps remind you of where you were.
*Take time to adjust being back home and getting things done.
*Return to work later in the week so the weekend comes much sooner.
*Organize your photos and share with family and friends.
*Start planning your next adventure.

Your kids don't have many school breaks so look at your calendar and let's start planning your next vacation.
Start planning your next trip today!
​Call 512.348.7208 or complete this form and we will be in touch!
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    Author

    I love to travel and explore the world. My goal is to help others actually experience their desired destination(s) whether they are traveling solo or as a group.  The world has so much to offer.
    ​ “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

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  • Home
  • About
    • Blog
    • Reviews
  • Travel Services
    • Destinations
    • Group Travel
    • Special Needs Services
    • Travel Insurance
    • All-Inclusive
    • Luxury
    • Destination Weddings/Vow Renewals
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      • Romance Gift Certificates
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