The Right and Wrong Ways to Get Your Flight Attendants Attention

Original Article by: Bobby Laurie

Your flight attendant is a very popular person! With fewer flights comes fuller planes and a smaller flight attendant to passenger ratio. In fact, the FAA regulates that ratio and says one flight attendant is needed for every 50 seats on a plane. With most aircraft carrying around 150 people, that's only three flight attendants to tend to everyone's drink, food and special requests on your flight. So, I talked with a few flight attendants and came up with the top five right and wrong ways to get your flight attendant's attention!

WRONG (and probably the WORST): Keep your hands to yourself!
You shouldn't poke, slap or tap them to get their attention. Can you imagine walking through a cabin and having someone at every row poke you on either side, on your back, tap your shoulder or even, slap your behind? You can't? Well I can! On a recent flight that's exactly what happened while I was walking through the cabin picking up trash. Trust me, we're not going anywhere! We're stuck in the same metal tube going 500mph together. I will get around to getting your trash and I know you're there! I became increasingly frustrated as I was being treated like the Pillsbury Dough Boy but only resorted to verbally acknowledging everyone saying "I know, I know, I'm coming! I'll get there.. I see you!" but on a recent Air China flight to Shanghai a passenger was arrested for slapping the behind of a flight attendant with a newspaper. He later told police that he wanted her to move so that he could get to his seat.

RIGHT: Be Aware
Flight Attendant Sam Ward told me that the best way for someone to get his attention is to be aware of what he's doing. Of course, it's okay to interrupt and make yourself known if it's an emergency situation.

WRONG: Misusing the Call Button
Sam says: The use of the call button is like nails on chalk board to FAs because it's abused. Use it when it's something urgent. Ringing the call button to have the flight attendants collect your trash will probably have you being told "I'll be right back," which in flight attendant speak means: "I'll be back in about a half hour with a trash bag." The flight attendants I spoke with concurred that it should be used for urgent situations (unless of course your flight attendants aren't doing their job and walking through the cabin checking up on everyone).

RIGHT: Be Polite
This might surprise you, but most passengers don't say please or thank you. Being polite and courteous to a flight attendant will net you everything you want, as quickly as possible. Cabin Crewmember Autumn Jensen stated "I would like to assume that people would like to be treated with respect, so I would like to be treated with the same respect. Please, thank you, may I, and other such phrases will never go out of style. As with anything in life, it's all about how you ask. Politeness will get you everywhere. Ian Funderburg agreed I always acknowledge when people politely make themselves known and let them know I will be there to help as soon as I am able to.

WRONG: Galley Invaders
Your seat is cramped, the aisle is narrow and the galley seems to be the only place where you can stand - that's okay, but don't over-extend your welcome (and please don't perform galley yoga: the art of bending and stretching right in the flight attendant's faces as they're eating or sitting). The galley is the flight attendant's work space, kitchen, sitting area and cafeteria. If it's a busy flight the flight attendants may be prepping drink orders, snacks and food for other passengers and your being there might be in the way and slow down the process. Going to the galley to request a beverage or a snack is okay, but be respectful of the work they're already doing, in other words, be patient, the requests they're fulfilling at the moment come before you.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your next trip!  

Original article can be found here.

10 Tips for Traveling Abroad

Make the best of your international trip with these 10 tips:
1. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date, and make sure it is signed and the emergency information is filled in.

2. Give yourself plenty of time to get any required travel visas.

3. Make at least 2 copies of your passport. Bring one with you, but keep it separate from the original and leave one copy along with a copy of your itinerary with family or a friend at home.
4. Get travel insurance that includes medical benefits.

5. Familiarize yourself with local customs and laws of where you will be traveling.

6. Register with the U.S. Embassy or consulate before you leave, and also keep the number of the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate with you at all times.

7. Learn enough of the language to at least ask for directions or help.

8. Carry some of the local currency with you, but not too much. You never want to travel with very much cash on you.

9. Bring any prescription medications in their original containers in your carry-on bag.

10. Schedule a doctor appointment about 6 weeks prior to your trip to see if you need any vaccines.
Contact a Travel Professional today to start planning your next international trip!

10 Best Places to Honeymoon

Planning your honeymoon, yet not sure where you should go? Below is a list of some of the most popular honeymoon destinations around the globe.

1. Traveling to Hawaii is only a five-hour flight from most U.S. West coast cities, but it feels very much like an exotic oasis far away. Some of the islands’ highlights include the year-round warm weather, beautiful beaches, and ample luxury resorts. Hawaii can be a great honeymoon spot for anyone who doesn’t have a passport and doesn’t want to deal with the hassle of getting one.

2. Jamaica is a couple’s paradise! Gorgeous beaches that go on for miles; clear, warm waters; quiet alcoves and beautiful waterfalls; lush vegetation; and many couples-only all-inclusive resorts make Jamaica a perfect honeymoon destination.

3. Tahiti is the quintessential exotic island paradise. Whether visiting the island of Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea, the beauty of these islands scream romance and relaxation. Over-water bungalows, tranquil white-sand beaches, clear blue waters, and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities are yours when traveling to Tahiti.

4. Fiji is another tropical island paradise, and the natives are some of the friendliest people on earth. Although made up of 330 islands, many of its islands are still uninhabited, and most of the island resorts are on small, private, boat-in only islands. The beautiful white sand beaches of Fiji have warm turquoise waters, perfect for snorkeling or diving.

5. Mexico is a great honeymoon location for just about any couple who enjoys an easy lifestyle and plenty of sunshine. Head to the Yucatan (Cancun and Cozumel) for white-sand beaches and warm tropical waters ideal for snorkeling and swimming. The Mexican Riviera (Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan) features plentiful beaches, shopping, and accommodations for any budget. For an adventure rich in history, explore the Mayan Ruins, such as Chichen Itza and Tullum.

6. The lush, mountainous island of St. Lucia has tropical rainforests suitable for hiking, as well as abundant marine life for fantastic diving and deep-sea fishing. The soft, tropical air and tantalizing cuisine will make traveling to St. Lucia a vacation to remember.

7. The romantic islands of the Bahamas are suitable for just about any couple as it offers powder-soft sand beaches, crystal blue waters, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, five-star resorts, casinos and ample nightlife.

8. Italy is the top European honeymoon destination and is rich in history with myriad art galleries and museums. Head to Venice for a moonlit gondola ride, relax on the beaches of Positano, or cruise around the island of Capri. Italy is jam-packed with exciting activities for couples of all ages.

9. France, the romance capital of the world, offers travelers a new surprise around every corner. Between world-famous art museums, the French Riviera, and the sights of Paris, it’s a lovers’ paradise.

10. Antigua features powder-white beaches protected by beautiful coral reefs, which make for perfect conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving. Ample luxury resorts offer guests a variety of indulgences, perfect for newly weds.
Check Out Our Website for more honeymoon ideas, or contact a Professional Travel Agent today to get started planning your honeymoon.

Visiting The Great Barrier Reef

If you’re planning a trip to the land down under, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see! The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s single largest coral system. With the broad, shallow continental shelf of tropical northeastern Australia providing an ideal pedestal for growth, this coral complex reaches as far as 160 miles offshore and more than 1,250 miles from north to south. The Great Barrier Reef covers 135,000 square miles and is home to more than 400 types of coral reef, colorful fish and sea life. It can be viewed by boat, plane, helicopter, or underwater observatories.

There are hundreds of tour options available for viewing and experiencing the Great Barrier Reef, something for everyone!

These are some of the Great Barrier Reef Tour options to available:

·Diving. There are several different tours available daily for divers, departing from Cairns and Port Douglas. Tours are typically between 6 – 9 hours, include lunch and the vessels range from small high speed luxury catamarans, to large catamarans that have their own platforms on the outer reef.

·Snorkeling. These tours are very similar to the dive tours, except that you don’t have to know how to dive. They also depart from Cairns and Port Douglas, are usually between 6-9 hours, and have a variety of vessel types to choose from. Many of the snorkel tours can be combined with the dive tours.

·Fishing. While one-third of the Great Barrier Reef park is a no-fishing zone, there are many tours available daily for the other 2-thirds.

·Sightseeing. If you prefer to just relax and stay dry, there are plenty of sightseeing tours available, including semi-submersible boats to platforms featuring underwater observatories.

·Helicopter Tours. Experience a bird’s eye view of the reef with a flight tour! These tours are usually between 30-60 minutes long, and operate year round, subject to weather conditions.

·Great Barrier Reef Cruises. If you want to spend more than just one day on the reef, there are cruise options ranging from 2-7 nights, on sail boats that only hold 10 passengers, or small cruise ships that hold up to 50 passengers.

Contact an Australia Specialist to start planning your dream vacation to Australia today!

World's Longest Bridge Opens in China

China has opened the world's longest cross-sea bridge, which stretches five miles further than the distance between Dover and Calais.

The Jiaozhou Bay bridge is 26.4 miles long and 110 ft wide, and links China's eastern port city of Qingdao to the offshore island Huangdao. Chinese TV reports said the bridge passed construction appraisals on Monday and it, along with an undersea tunnel, would be opened for traffic today.

It took four years to build the massive bridge, which is supported by more than 5,000 pillars across the bay. It is almost three miles longer than the previous record-holder; the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway in Louisiana. At a cost of 1 billion pounds, two separate groups of workers have been building it from different ends of the structure since 2006.

Contact a Travel Agent to book your next trip to China!

300 Year Old Versailles Mansion to Become Hotel

A historic mansion that is located about one hundred yards from the cherished cultural landmark; Versailles is being renovated into a five-star, 23-room luxury hotel, the Grand Hotel de l'Orangerie.

Versailles, home to the French monarchy since Louis XIV, is a monument of royal grandeur. Soon, the palace may also become known for its new five-star hotel.

Starting in January 2012, guests will be able to spend the night for anywhere from $650 to $950. The mansion was built in the 1680s, it was the home and offices of the king's treasurer, where he lived with his family and servants. There is much work to be done on the mansion, as some of the walls are literally crumbling. Renovations are estimated to cost $7 million and should take about a year, according to a news release from the Château de Versailles.

The Belgian company Ivy International has been commissioned to head the restoration and operate the property for 30 years. A portion of the profits will be paid to the Château de Versailles for rent. It will retain its history and culture as the mirrors and floors and chimneys will be retained. The centerpiece of the hotel will be a big library and the main hall. The hotel will be decorated in the style of the Chateau and will be a five star property.

When the Hotel de l'Orangerie is completed, overnight guests will be able to stroll in the gardens of Versailles for the first time in 300 years. Guests will be able to schedule private visits to the Chateau every day after 5:30 p.m. and all day Monday.

To get started booking your trip to France, contact a Travel Agent today!

The Vibrant Little Village of Kuranda, Australia

If you are planning a trip to Queensland, Australia, make sure you visit Kuranda! Kuranda is a vibrant little village located in northern Queensland, in the Daintree National Park, and is a very popular day trip from Cairns. It is about 2 hours from Cairns by rail, or about 1 hour by car.

Making your way to Kuranda can be just as much fun as the actual visit. The most popular means of transportation to Kuranda is the Kuranda Scenic Railway. The railway promises to be a leisurely and scenic trip, going through 15 tunnels and over more than 30 bridges. Another popular way to get to Kuranda is the Skyrail Rainforest Cableway. This runs between Caravonica to Kuranda, above the Barron Gorge National Park. Many visitors combine the two, taking the Railway there and the Skyrail back.

Kuranda is a small village, although somewhat hilly. Walking 3 kilometers will take you from one end of town to the other. It is most famous for its markets and they run every day offering a wide range of handcrafted goods and Aboriginal artifacts. Kuranda is also home to many art galleries and has a variety of restaurants and coffee shops.

Some highlights in Kuranda include:

Bird World is a large mesh canopy, naturally landscaped with waterfalls, lakes, exotic and native plants, in which you can wander among free flying birds. The birds are divided evenly between colorful parrots and drab quails and doves with the addition of some cassowaries fenced away from people wandering around the circuit.

Australian Butterfly Sanctuary is the largest butterfly enclosure in Australia. The all-weather flight aviary is home to some 2000 tropical butterflies. The sanctuary is open every day except Christmas.

Kuranda Koala Gardens is located right in the heart of Kuranda Village, and is a small wildlife zoo housing Australian native animals. In addition to koalas, there are also kangaroos, crocodiles, snakes and lizards. Visitors can hold a koala and have their picture taken. A Free shuttle bus operates from the Skyrail and Kuranda Train stations every 10 - 15 minutes.

Contact an Australia Specialist today to book your trip to Australia that can include a visit to Kuranda!

Some Airlines now Charging for Seat Assignments

Airline fees are on the rise again! On October 7th, British Airways began charging fees for all pre-assigned seat assignments. This even includes discounted business class.

The cost for a pre-assigned seat on a trans-atlantic flight in coach or premium economy class is $30 USD per flight! Passengers traveling on a discounted business class must pay $90 per flight! For exit row seats the fee is $75 each way! These fees are non-refundable.

No U.S. Airlines have started charing for seat assignments yet, but they most likely will start soon.

This is a perfect example why to use a Travel Agent for international travel. Most Travel Agencies can still book British flights without charging for seat assignments.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to get started booking your next trip!

Trip Advisor Warns About Phony Hotel Reviews

TripAdvisor, the giant of user-generated hotel reviews, is now posting a message on some of their hotel reviews warning they may have been posted by individuals affiliated with the hotel and could be biased.

The warning reads: "TripAdvisor has reasonable cause to believe that either this property or individuals associated with the property may have attempted to manipulate our popularity index by interfering with the unbiased nature of our reviews. Please take this into consideration when researching your travel plans."

This doesn't come as a surprise to most, as it's a good opportunity to promote your properties. Beat of Hawaii, an Expedia owned company, and Arthur Frommer have been complaining about TripAdvisor for a long time, for failing to police against fake reviews.

It's always a good idea to double check any property with a few different websites, or with your Travel Agent, to make sure you're making a good choice.

Best and Worst Airlines 2008

By Travelandleisure.com Staff

Feel like you’re spending more and more time at the gate or on the tarmac? It’s not just your imagination. Delays are bedeviling air travel these days; the carriers with the poorest records averaged nearly one-hour delays on their latest flights, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

That’s just some of the data we uncovered researching on-time percentages from September 1, 2007, to August 31, 2008. Mining that data, we put together a list of the best and worst airlines for delays. This list has changed quite a bit from 2007, even more so than our list of the Best and Worst Airports—there are newcomers in both categories, and some airlines have changed dramatically. How come?

While there are industry-wide efforts to improve on-time performance, perhaps more effective are the steps that individual airlines are taking. US Airways, which had the lowest on-time performance in 2007, with just 68 percent of domestic flights taking off on schedule, began offering its employees bonuses for improving conditions. In 2008, its punctuality record ranked near the top. And the worst offender, American Airlines (running last during the first eight months of 2008), is also changing its ways. The carrier has scheduled longer periods between flights to give staff more time to prepare planes, and it’s building up its spare-parts inventory so that repairs can be made more quickly.

Ultimately, airlines save money by being punctual. And in this economic environment, it’s clearly in an airline’s self-interest to get to the gate on time.

So who’s acting self-interested? Certainly not the two airlines that dropped off our best carriers list from 2007, Aloha and AirTran. But one of the airlines that moved into the list did so in a big way: US Airways was No. 3 on the worst carriers list last year, with fewer than 68 percent of its flights arriving on time. This year it’s at 79 percent and No. 3 on the best list.

And the worst? Last year’s worst carrier, Atlantic Southeast, dramatically improved its on-time performance from 2007, moving from 63 to 72 percent. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep them out of the top five. Gone from the 2008 list are JetBlue and US Airways, but taking their place are two other large carriers: American and United.

Original Article: Best & Worst Airlines 2008

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to get started planning your next vacation!

The Most Luxurious Cruise Ship in the World

Hapag-Lloyd’s MS Europa has been rated as the only 5 star-plus cruise ship in the world for the eighth year in a row by the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships.

Just what sets this ship apart from all the others? Quite a few things actually, but service and space are the two biggest. The Europa has the highest passenger-space ratio in the cruise industry, with the smallest cabins starting at 290 square feet! Every guest cabin is a suite, with separate living and sleeping areas, walk-in closets (which are unheard of in the cruise industry), spacious bathrooms that feature a bathtub and separate glassed in showers, and over 80 percent of the cabins have their own balconies. Also, each guest cabin has a mini bar stocked with complimentary beer, juice and soft drinks.

This ship also has the highest staff to passenger ratio of any cruise ship, with a crew of 280, and never more than 408 guests on board. All of the staff must have years of experience in the hospitality industry to even be considered as a crew member on board the MS Europa.

Every day aboard this ship is a spectacular dining experience. There are 4 restaurant choices, and fare includes Haute Cuisine, Euro-Asian and Italian, as well as the Lido cafe, and a very extensive wine list that includes vintages from some of the finest wineries in the world. International show stars perform in the ballroom and concert hall regularly.

Some other amenities aboard include a saltwater pool with a retractable roof, spa and salon, fitness room, 21 course golf simulator, bars and lounges, library with internet access, a boutique and jewelry store.

The MS Europa offers 10-20 day cruises all over the world, including Europe, South America, South Africa, Australia, Tahiti, China and the Caribbean.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent today to book your next Cruise Vacation!

Rave Reviews from Oprah about the epic movie "Australia"

From: The Australian
By: Ashleigh Wilson

FRESH from her endorsement of Barack Obama, influential American television host Oprah Winfrey has enthusiastically thrown her weight behind Baz Luhrmann's epic film Australia.

With Luhrmann scrambling to complete the much-anticipated film before its official release in two weeks, Winfrey dedicated her show on Monday to the production starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman.

And while Kidman used the show to reveal a photograph of her daughter Sunday Rose, and Jackman spoke about his love of Sydney Harbour, it was Oprah's celebrity endorsement of Australia that will be credited with building excitement for Luhrmann's film in the US market.

"Congratulations on your imagination, your vision, your creativity, your direction," she told the director.

"Our hearts are all swelling because, my God, it's just the film we needed to see. I have not been this excited about a movie since I don't know when."

Winfrey dedicated her entire show to Australia ahead of its November 26 general release. The show was pre-recorded last month, and featured a specially constructed replica 1930s outback cattle station where the film is set.

Winfrey's endorsement will also delight Tourism Australia, which has based its advertising campaign around the film.

"It's the best movie I've seen in a long, long, long, long time," Winfrey said. "It is epic, it is magic, it is a spectacle and the scenery is so gorgeous you can barely stand it. Australia is going to make you jump on a plane and go Down Under."

Luhrmann's movie received more valuable publicity when he appeared with Jackman in New York yesterday at a Museum of Modern Art film benefit honouring the director.

In his interview with Winfrey, Luhrmann told how, as a child, he fell in love with "sweeping epic" films.

"I'm not pretending we're Gone with the Wind, but a film like Gone with the Wind has something for everyone," he said. "It's a really inclusive, big film. It has comedy and romance and action and drama."

During the show, Kidman said she had agreed to do the film without seeing the script because of Luhrmann's involvement.

He views the world, she said, in a "very unique way".

"He just called me up and said: 'I'm thinking about this film'. And I'm like: 'I'm in. I'm yours', because I feel also that there are directors that bring out something in you that nobody else brings out," she said.

Jackman said Kidman convinced him to do the same.

After months of shielding her daughter from the media, Kidman flashed a photo of Sunday Rose that her husband, Keith Urban, had taken. She said her daughter looked so much like Urban she called her Keithette.

Original Article: Rave Review of the Movie "Australia"

For all your international travel needs talk with a Travel Agent especially if you'd like to go to Australia!

Need Some Sun This Winter?

Most of us here in the U.S. spend our winters in cold, wet weather which can be a bit… well, depressing. I know many people, including myself, who always try to make sure to get at least one “sun break” during the winter. If you’re thinking about taking a vacation to a sunny destination this winter, this is a great time to start planning!

Our winter is the ideal time to travel to pretty much anywhere in the South Pacific, including Australia, New Zealand , Tahiti or Fiji, since it is their summer! While airfares to these places can be a little higher during these months, keep in mind that with the current exchange rates between U.S. dollars and Australian or New Zealand dollars makes it very affordable once there!

Same thing goes for South America, whether it be Brazil, Argentina, Peru or Chile, our winter is their summer. If it is a laid back, sunny getaway with great food and wine that you crave, any of these countries are a great choice!

Hawaii is a good place to vacation during the winter too, as long as it is not over major holidays or mid-winter school breaks. Those weeks tend to book up about a year in advance and are very pricey. Otherwise, it’s a great location for a winter getaway, with average temps in the low – mid 80’s, beaches not as crowded as other times of the year, and hotels often have lower rates. Besides, it’s just a 5 hour flight from most west coast cities!

The Caribbean has a year round tropical climate, and hurricane season is over by mid-November. Some of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean include Jamaica, the Bahamas, Puerto Rico and Barbados. Many hotels on the islands offer promotional rates in the winter months, too.

Southern California is a great place for those who don’t want to leave the country, or travel very far. Los Angeles/Anaheim/Disneyland area is always a good choice for families. While it’s not going to be as warm as the Caribbean, you can usually be on at least mild weather. Also, January-February is usually the slowest time of year for Disneyland, meaning little to no lines.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent to get started booking your winter vacation today!

New Travel Rules and Regulations You Should Know About

There will be some changes in 2009 that travelers should know about, including some new rules and regulations.

The biggest change for U.S. citizens will become effective on June 1, 2009, passports will be required for all U.S. citizens re-entering the United States. This includes entry from Mexico, Canada and all sea ports (such as cruises). From what I understand, the US Passport Agencies are pretty backed up right now. If you are planning a trip outside of the US over the next year and do not currently have a passport, or need to renew yours, make sure to allow ample time, like 2-3 months.

As of January 12, 2009 the Department of Homeland Security will begin the Pre-Travel Authorization Program for U.S.-Bound Travelers from Visa Waiver Countries, as part of the 9/11 Commission Act. It will be mandatory for anyone planning to visit the U.S. to have an electronic visa before boarding the plane. This will allow screening of passengers before they travel to the U.S.

Another change coming in early 2009 is that all airlines will be required to quote the TOTAL price for all tickets to or from Europe. They will no longer be able to quote the airfare and the taxes separately. This includes all airline taxes, airport fees and fuel surcharges.

This year the State of New York enacted the New York State Passenger Bill of Rights. This means that airline passengers in New York who are delayed on planes for more than three hours will not be without basic amenities including: water, snacks, fresh air and working restrooms. And if they feel their rights are violated, they can report it and the airline could face penalties of up to $100,000 per passenger per violation. It’s possible that those same standards could eventually go into effect nationwide.

Contact a Professional Travel Agent for more information regarding current travel rules and regulations, or to start planning your next trip!

Considering a Trip to South America?

A client of ours just returned from a trip to Argentina. This is his review of the country.

The Argentina trip was fantastic. It was way beyond my expectations. My itinerary was just about perfect for my interest level.

Buenos Aires is a great city. Mendoza wine, food, and scenery are spectacular. Iguazú Falls is one of the natural wonders of the world.

The Hotel Bel Air in Buenos Aires was very nice. It was clean and the staff members were attentive and helpful. English was spoken by all front desk staff, although some staff members were more helpful than others. The hotel probably would be 4 star ranking. The location in Recoleta is good but not close to the subway system.

Buenos Aires tours were good. The ½ day city tour is a good idea for a first time visitor. Buenos Aires can be a little overwhelming and it is good to have an orientation to various areas of the city. Tourists only visit a small portion of the city anyway.
One final thing I did in Buenos Aires was taking the boat to Uruguay (Colonia del Sacramento). This is worth a day trip to experience another country. I would not do this if you have only a few days in Buenos Aires, but with the enough time, it was worth a visit.

The trip to Iguazú Falls was well worth the time. This is a sight than cannot be appreciated just by the photos. It is like the Grand Canyon, spectacular in pictures but even more awesome in person. Puerto Iguazú is probably the best option to stay in.

The tours in Mendoza were spectacular. There are two English language tour companies, Ampora and Trout & Wine. Both are excellent small tour group companies. I took two wine tours and one Andes tour. The food, wine, and scenery are absolutely amazing. I would recommend either of these companies to your clients.

My overall impression of Argentina was extremely positive. I like the people, food, wine, and scenery. The cost was very inexpensive in US dollar terms. In other words, what a great place to visit! Safety and security were not significant issues (of course common sense is always necessary when traveling). I was comfortable walking the streets of Recoleta at night but I do not stay up late. The late time for dinner was a struggle for me to get used to. I may be back to visit the southern part of Argentina in the future.

I would recommend Argentina without reservations to your clients!

Call a Travel Agent today to get started planning your trip of a lifetime to South America, or anywhere else in The World!

Affordable Family Vacations

Trying to figure out a way to afford a family vacation this year? There are some great promotions for family travel this fall and winter! Some of the best deals and promos include:

All Club Med Resorts offer Kids under 2 stay & eat free, kids under 4 pay just 30% of the adult price, and kids between 4-12 pay just 50%. Also, many Club Med Resorts have free kids clubs to keep the kids busy and offer daycare (at additional fees). Club Med has resorts all over the world, including Mexico, the Caribbean and the US.

Beaches Family Resorts is offering a Fall Promotion, of Stay 7 Nights, Get 1 Night Free! This resort chain is very family friendly, featuring the Sesame Street characters live at the resort! Beaches have locations in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

Atlantis Resort, located in the Bahamas, has some huge price drops for stays this Fall and Winter, not only for accommodations, but also for dining options.

Universal Orlando is offering a Kids Stay & Play Free promotion with at least a Four Night stay. The hotels in this promo include Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Royal Pacific Resort. All are located within walking distance to the Universal Studios Park.

Dreams Resorts is an all-inclusive luxury resort with properties in Mexico and Dominican Republic. They are currently doing a Kids Stay, Play & Eat Free! Two kids can stay, play, and eat free when traveling with two paying adults. This offer is good for travel completed by Dec. 19, 2008.

For 2009, Disneyland Parks in California is offering Free Admission on your birthday to either Disneyland or Disney California. You must register and receive confirmation online ahead of time.

Disney Cruises have reduced their rates for families cruising in November, December and January. Cruises are a great option for family vacations, as there are activities for everyone, including free kids clubs.

Costa Cruise Lines are offering a winter 2008-2009 promotion of Kids Sail Free! This offer is valid on any of their winter cruises, including Christmas and New Years.

Every January and February, Alaska Airlines brings back there very popular Kids Fly Free to Disneyland Promotion! This is typically valid for travel to any of the Los Angeles area airports, and is for travel between January-June, but must be booked by the end of March.

To get started planning your next family vacation, contact a Professional Travel Agent today!

Why Fly Business or First Class?

Do you think Business and First Class Airfares are just too expensive and not worth the extra money? If so, we urge you to take just a moment - before you plan your next trip half-way across the world - to learn about some of the perks of business class. We believe you'll find, as many others have in the past, that with the considerable benefits over economy seats, business class is often the intelligent choice.

Consider the benefits of business class:

• Speed of check-in, security, and boarding
• Increased Comfort
• Personal Service
• Privacy

These days, probably the most obvious reason to book business class is the ease and speed of checking-in and getting through security. With your own business class lines, you’ll quickly be checked-in, through security, and on your way to relax in the Business Class lounge. While conversely, due to the increased security measures, economy passengers may be held-up for hours!

After enjoying a pre-flight drink or snack, or even grabbing a quick shower or nap, you’ll leave your business-class lounge for your gate, where you’ll be the first to board the plane. While everyone in economy is fighting over luggage storage space to the sound of babies crying, you’ll be peacefully relaxing in your comfy chair in the privacy of the business class section, sipping a glass of complimentary wine or scotch.

One of the main benefits of choosing business class is the added comfort it brings to air traveling. By now, most of us travelers have seen pictures of the famous British Airways Flat Seats: airline chairs that fold full-back into a 180 degree bed. (Also available on airlines such as Qantas, Air France, Lufthansa, and SAS are Angled Lie Flat Seats which recline to a slightly less 170 degrees.) And don’t forget: along with these flat seats comes increased seat-width and legroom, to give you plenty of space to stretch out, even when seated upright.

Not only is the sleeping better, but the food is tremendously better, as well—choose your meals from menus prepared by world-class chefs. And don’t forget: alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as snacks, are complimentary during your whole trip.

Providing great personal service, flight attendants will be there to attend to your every need, with one attendant serving 3-5 passengers, compared to economy, where the ratio is—as we all know—significantly higher.

Enjoy video and music on your personal player, with most airlines offering Audio and Video on Demand (AVOD) for their business class passengers. Power-up your laptop or cell-phone, or even surf the web, as more and more airlines are offering an internet connection.

Remember the bathroom lines in economy? Well, no need to worry about that, since business class has its own bathrooms.

Once you land, you’ll be the first off the plane and into the customs lines. Thanks to your flat seat, you’ve a had good night’s sleep, so rather than wasting your first few days of vacation recovering from jet lag, you’re refreshed and ready to see the sights and enjoy your vacation!

And so, why not choose business class for your next trip? Why fly half-way across the world, only to waste the first few days of your valuable vacation time, only to recuperate from the flight? Enjoy yourself; you deserve it! Look into flying business class—you’ll find the added investment is well-worth the comfort and relaxation you’ll get in return.

Still not convinced business class can be affordable? Check out our website for our Business and First Class Airfares to anywhere in Europe and the South Pacific or contact a Travel Professional today!

Benefits of Utilizing a Travel Agent

Travel Agents have been helping travelers plan their vacations and trips for decades.
Now that almost every home in America has a computer and internet access, many people are trying to do it all by themselves. For an international trip, the typical person will spend many, many valuable hours online doing research and making reservations if they do it alone. Why not just go to a Travel Agent? That’s what they are for.

There are many benefits of using a Professional Travel Agent.

Your time is valuable. Instead of spending your precious time searching the internet, going from website to website, comparing prices, itineraries, hotels and destinations, you can make just one call, and have a Travel Agent do all the planning.

Service. There is something to be said for good, old-fashioned service. This is something that you will not get with an online booking. Travel Agents are happy to help you with your travel arrangements.

Knowledge. Travel Agents have the most up-to-date information about specials, promotions and rates. Because they are professionals in the industry, they are usually notified of all current special rates and promotions.

Specialized. More and more Travel Agents are becoming specialized in a specific geographic region or type of travel. This means that if you are traveling to Australia, for instance, and want assistance from someone who really knows that country, the best places to visit, the climate, the exchange rates, etc, a Travel Agent is a great resource.

One-stop shopping. With a Travel Agent you can book all your reservations and services in one place. Travel Agents can book everything from airfare to car rentals, to tours and show tickets. This also means you only have to give your personal information, like credit card details to one business.

Someone to call in case of an emergency. If you should have some type of a glitch or emergency while abroad, trying to get through to an actual person at an airline or online agency can be practically impossible. It can be very reassuring knowing that you have someone that you can call in case of an emergency.

Unique Travel Itineraries. Travel Agents can help you put together a trip and itinerary based on your interests. Tell a Travel Agent what you like to do during vacation, how active you want to be and your budget, and she will give you suggestions based on that. This usually results in a more enjoyable vacation that following an itinerary of a friend or family. Just because your friend enjoyed a specific tour doesn’t necessarily mean that you will.

Current information on hotels. Most Travel Agents have up-to-date information on hotels that are under construction or being refurbished. You do not want to arrive at your hotel, only to find that the reason why you got such a great deal is because they are doing construction on the pool.

To book your vacation of a lifetime, contact a Travel Agent today, or visit us on the web.

Saving Money on Travel This Season

Almost every American is feeling the effects of our current economic situation in some way or another. We all seem to be finding ways to save a little cash wherever we can, whether it be eating out less, riding our bikes more, carpooling, or making our coffee at home.

If you are due for a much needed vacation, or really just need a getaway, fall is often the best time to get the most trip for your money. This year the sales seem to be better than ever! Some of the best specials going on now include:

- Some international airlines, such as SAS, have substantially marked down their Airfares to Europe for their Fall Sales.

- Hawaiian Airlines is having a sale on Airfares and Packages to Hawaii, with savings up to $400 off of some of their air + hotel packages.

- Cruise lines, such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean are offering some of their lowest prices of the year on their Caribbean Cruises for the fall and winter.

- Many hotels are doing "Free Night" promotions, such as "Pay for 3 Nights, Get the 4th Night Free!".

- Some tour companies, such as Trafalgar, are offering discounted South Pacific Escorted Tours for the fall, with saving up to $500 per couple!

Most of these special promotions need to be booked by mid October. Many of them are for travel in October - November.

Contact Us for more information on these and other fall travel specials! Many travel promotions need to be booked through a Professional Travel Agent.

Best and Worst Airports to Sleep In

No one ever plans to sleep in an airport. Unfortunately, sometimes due to flight delays or cancellations, we are forced to. According to www.sleepinginairports.com, these have been rated the best and worst airports to sleep in by travelers.

The Best:

1. Changi (Singapore) International - The airport hotel rents rooms by the hour, free massage chairs in the Oasis Lounge, free internet kiosks, showers (for a fee), pool and sauna, free movie theater, comfortable seats, clean bathrooms and 24 hour restaurants.

2. Seoul Incheon International, South Korea – This airport features long couches, luggage lockers, clean bathrooms, free internet café, Korean Sauna, wide variety of shops and restaurants.

3. Hong Kong International, China – Clean bathrooms and showers, seats with massagers, 24 hour buffet, 24 hour internet café, comfortable, padded seats, and a nursery/kid’s area.

4. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Finland – Clean and quiet, soft benches, clean bathrooms, friendly, helpful information staff.

5. Auckland, New Zealand - Internet kiosks, long couches near gates, kid’s play area, luggage storage, clean bathrooms, telephones which offer free local calls!

The Worst:

1. Paris Charles de Gaulle, France – Cold metal benches, and bucket seats with arm rests, some gates do not have seats, dirty, smelly bathrooms, noisy, expensive food.

2. Mumbai (Bombay), India – Restrooms are filthy and smell bad, food is awful, no services at night, mosquitoes, check-in areas crowded, lack of signs/information.

3. Indira Gandhi (New Delhi) International, India – Lack of seats, dirty bathrooms, lack of signs, mosquitoes, rats, crowded, minimal services and restaurants.

4. Jakarta, Indonesia – Uncomfortable seats, very few restaurants, many peddlers/beggars, dirty, squat toilets.

5. Kiev, Ukraine – Cold and noisy, restrooms do not have toilet paper, hard plastic seats with arm rests, dark, customs officials try to bribe.

Contact an International Travel Specialist today to start planning your next trip!