Tuesday, September 29, 2009

New Reason to Celebrate at Disney Parks

New in 2010! Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.

Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization in their communities. So they are celebrating their good works by giving each of them one-day admission to a Theme Park at the Disneyland® Resort or the Walt Disney World® Resort, free.* There’s no better time to make a dream come true for others and let us make a few come true for them.

How will this work for guests who purchase vacation packages with multi-day tickets? When you sign up for “Give a Day. Get a Disney Day.” and complete the volunteer activity, you can choose one of the following options instead of receiving the one-day admission to a Theme Park:

*Disney's Special FASTPASS® card for certain attractions for themselves and up to five additional members of your party+
*A collectible Ear Hat figurine with exclusive trading pins**
*Donate their ticket to a non-profit organization designated by Disney Parks

Throughout 2010, Disney Parks will continue to celebrate all of life’s milestones with special entertainment experiences, occasion celebrations and recognition moments.


This is the fine print:
* Must pre-register and sign up for eligible volunteer opportunity at disneyparks.com. Ticket quantities for this program are limited. Must be at least age 6 to participate. Other terms and conditions apply. See disneyparks.com for details.
+ Participating attractions are subject to change. Valid Theme Park admission required. The number of Special FASTPASS® Cards is limited and may not be available after 11 a.m. All Guests in your party must be present to receive the Special FASTPASS® Cards.
** Available at select locations.
Valid ID and a valid Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® multi-day ticket along with the voucher will be required at the time of redemption. No cash refunds or credits will be provided to multi-day ticket holders who volunteer under the “Give a Day, Get a Disney Day.” program and choose not to redeem their voucher for a one-day admission ticket or exchange it for one of the three options.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Ways to Stay Healthy While Traveling

With the cold and flu season coming up fast, this article just made sense.

With so much focus being put on the H1N1 (swine) flu you will notice a lot of new signs at airports about ways to help you stay healthy during your travels. Be prepared, before during and after your travel.

-Get your shots before you travel - Regular flu shots are available now. H1N1 flu shots are expected in October. Check when booking your travel with http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for suggested shots and schedule when traveling to your desired destination.
-Take your vitamins - There are several immune boosting vitamins available over the counter. Start taking these a few days before your trip to boost your germ fighting ability.
-Medicines and Prescriptions - Be sure to bring your prescriptions in your carryon. Also when traveling aboard it is helpful to have medicine from home that you are familiar with such as : antidiarrheal, antihistamine, aspirin or ibuprofen, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, insect repellent, sun screen , etc.
-Wash your hands frequently - Use soap and water as often as possible. Bring antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizers and use them often especially after contact with others or touching items that lots of others have touched as well.
-Cover your month - Use your bent elbow to catch your coughing and sneezing, not your hands. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, this is the easiest way for viruses and bacteria to enter your body.
-Drink lots of fluids - It is easy to become dehydrated during travel, water is best. Avoid drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine.
-Get lots of rest - The stress of travel through airports and negotiating new surrounding and crowds can take its toll on your body. Make sure you plan little quiet time each day and get a full nights sleep.
-Consider a face mask - Walk around any airport these days and you will be surprised at how many people are using masks to help prevent the spread of germs.
Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/tips-for-healthy-travel/1

Friday, September 25, 2009

8 essential flight tips

Thought you might find this article interesting:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090923/ap_tr_ge/us_travel_flight_plan_travel_tidbits;_ylt=AivjqxP8M40qfps7GXJ.Lsc8sM0F;_ylu=X3oDMTNjcWk3MnA1BGFzc2V0A2FwX3RyYXZlbC8yMDA5MDkyMy91c190cmF2ZWxfZmxpZ2h0X3BsYW5fdHJhdmVsX3RpZGJpdHMEY3BvcwMzBHBvcwM1BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcnkEc2xrAzhlc3NlbnRpYWx0aQ--

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Planning for Holiday Travel

Tips for Holiday Travel

Get the best prices - With the holidays quickly approaching it's wise to book your travel as soon as possible. Your best prices will be available more than 90 days from your desired departure date, after that prices will only rise since airlines have reduced the number and sizes of planes flying. If you have some flexibility in your dates better pricing is based on the off peak travel days. Flying out on the day of the holiday can be the least expensive day to travel.

Avoid delays: There are simple rules to avoid delays…Fly early in the morning, select nonstop flights (if you can not fly non-stop then try to connect through a warm-weather airport) and travel via less popular airports.

Avoid crowed destinations - Ski resorts and beach destinations are especially crowded during Christmas to New Year's. Try looking into business hotels, which are off peak and have rooms available at better pricing during the holidays.

Group discounts - If you are traveling with a group ask for discounts and/or special perks wherever you're going. Most cruises and tours have discounts for groups.

Be organized - Traveling during the holidays can be crazy. Try these tips to help you stay less stressed…Check in for your flight a day ahead, print your boarding pass in advance, and confirm any car or hotel reservations to make sure they are not over booked. Reserve your parking in advance since lots fill up fast over the holidays, most airports have a system that allows you to reserve a spot in advance.

Pack light - Check your airline’s baggage policy. If you must check bags, keep each under 50 pounds to avoid getting hit with excess weight charges at the airport. Keep an eye on the liquids and gels you plan to take on the plane. Use the 3-1-1 rule: liquids or gels must be in containers of 3 ounces or less, the containers must be placed in 1 clear quart-size zip-top bag, and only 1 bag per person is allowed. Christmas gifts can not be wrapped. Bring some tissue paper for wrapping when you arrive at your destination. It is light and easy to pack. Is might be easier to ship your items in advance.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Royal Caribbean's Best Price Guarantee

Royal Caribbean is trying increase earlier sales by allowing clients to get prices reduced (if they are eligible) up to 72 hours prior to departure.

My Vacation Lady has always offered this service.
What are your thoughts about it?

"Our Best Price Guarantee is our committment to you. When you book with Royal Caribbean and subsequently find a lower fare advertised by us, we will honor that rate by applying an onboard credit to the reservation equal to the price difference. For reservations outside of final payment period, the onboard credit may be replaced, upon request, with a reduction to the outstanding balance or a refund as applicable.

To be eligible, the fare must be a) available for the same ship, sailing, category and number of guests as the current booking; b) be available at the time the request for rate conversion is made; and c) a rate the current booking would be eligible to receive, if any special restrictions apply. Price protection will not be available within 72 hours of departure. Price protection will be available for most fare types with the exception of Royal Sales Event and Exciting Deals; Travel Agent, Interline or Industry Reduced Rates; Employee rate programs; and a select number of price programs and promotions for new bookings only, as specified in the price program detail. Price protection will be subject to the prevailing taxes and fees and/or fuel supplement, if applicable.

Highlights:
• No forms to fill out
• Book anytime and know you are protected up until 72 hours prior to departure
- Outside of final payment - Upgrade options, Onboard Credit, or price reduction (refund if applicable)
- Inside final payment - Upgrade options or Onboard Credit"

Monday, September 21, 2009

Packing Tips for Women

This is an article from the Seattle Times:

"Packing tips for women
Whether it's a weekend getaway in the car or the trip of a lifetime overseas, some basic guidelines can eliminate the hassle of too much...

Whether it's a weekend getaway in the car or the trip of a lifetime overseas, some basic guidelines can eliminate the hassle of too much stuff.

"Most people do overpack," said Stephanie Solomon, Bloomingdale's fashion director. She doesn't.

"Make it very, very simple. Otherwise, your back will regret it. Your feet will regret it. Everything will regret it," Solomon said.

One basic color: "Pick a palette. A basic, like black. Add two colors. Stick to it!" said Solomon. "Black, white and red. Period."

Gregg Andrews, a Nordstrom national fashion director, agreed:

"You need to think about looks that are strongly color coordinated. What is your neutral? Is it black? Is it brown? Is it navy? Then play off it. Pop it with other bright colors, so it all makes sense."

Pack a few versatile basics: "If you can only wear something one way, one time, don't pack it," Andrews said. "It's about how many outfits you can make with a few pieces, that's the key to great packing."

Solomon's musts are a basic black dress, one pair of black trousers "that fit you sensationally" and a black cocktail dress. If it's coat weather, a lined Burberry-style classic trench in black or tan can work in any setting, "including evening," she said.

Those few pieces with some tops, accessories and shoes — a max of one dressy pair, sneakers, flats and flip-flops — "will take you through a month, and you'll always look very cool and chic," Solomon said.

Accessories: "Costume jewelry is very important. Shoes are very important ... the ultimate touch," said Nicole Fischelis, Macy's fashion director. She also suggests a standout belt or a "bold" jewelry statement, either a single piece or an armload of bangle bracelets.

Solomon recommends leaving expensive jewelry at home: "I have been robbed in expensive hotel rooms."

Avoid wrinkles: Skillful packers choose jersey and knits that can be rolled up rather than folded. Or put clothes in dry-cleaner bags before layering flat in luggage.

Frugal fashion blogger Kathryn Finney (budgetfashionista.com) swears by vacuum space-saver bags that she buys online or at Target.

Smart moves: Finney also recommends taking a pashmina, a fringed scarf that also can serve as a plane blanket, beach cover-up or evening wrap."

Friday, September 18, 2009

Newest Pix of Oasis of the Seas still under construction

In November, the Oasis of the Seas will become the largest cruise ship in the world. It is still under construction in Europe but we got a sneak preview of the ship that is still under construction.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/royalcaribbeanintl/sets/72157622252813423/show/

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Changes to Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor benefits

In order to become a member to Royal Caribbean's Crown and Anchor Society, you must have sailed on at least 1 Royal Caribbean cruise.

Afer that first cruise, you can opt to enroll in the Crown and Anchor Society and earn benefits. You are a Gold Member until you complete your 5th cruise, at which point to become a Platinum member. (Once you complete your 5th cruise on Royal Caribbean, your cruises on Celebrity and Azamara will be able to count toward bringing you to higher membership status on all 3 lines.) After 10 completed sailings, you become a Diamond Member and after 24 you become a Diamond Plus. Cruises longer than 12 days will count for 2 cruise credits instead of 1.

This info was taken from the Royal Caribbean website:

Member Benefits as of September 1, 2009
Starting September 1st, 2009 Crown & Anchor Society offers the following benefits. Crown & Anchor members continue to receive valued benefits such as discounts on cruises, savings certificates and priority boarding and departure. Our Platinum and Diamond members also will continue to receive discounts on balcony and suite category staterooms including the recently introduced upgraded services and amenities for suite guests.

For Diamond members, the changes include:
• A new exclusive nightly event for Diamond and Diamond Plus members to meet and mingle with other fellow members on ships without a Diamond Lounge. This will feature complimentary wine, champagne and a happy hour discount of 25% off beer, liquor and soda fountain drinks.
• A continental breakfast with a crew member available to provide services such as obtaining ice show tickets and other assistance.

Now we offer either the Diamond Lounge or a Diamond Event on every ship in our fleet. On ships with a Concierge Lounge, it will be limited to Diamond Plus and Suite guests.

One of the benefits that I know my clients will be very interested in is DISCOUNTS OFF BALCONY OR HIGHER CRUISE PRICES.

As a Platinum Member you will get $50 off your balcony or higher stateroom for a 3-5 nite cruise, $100 off for a 6-9 nite cruise and $200 off your 10+ nite cruise.

As a Diamond Member, those discounts increase to $100, $200 and $300 off your next cruise.

These discounts will not be taken off automatically for you. As your travel professional, I will need to know your crown and anchor status so I can ensure you receive the correct discounts on your cruise. These discounts apply to balcony cabins or higher.

For info on Royal Caribbean cruises, contact me at mindy@myvacationlady.com.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Important to read- TSA rules on names, etc

I have brought this up before but it is important enough to revisit.

If you are planning a trip that includes air line tickets, some changes have recently taken place that you need to be aware of. You will now need to provide your legal name- EXACTLY as it reads on your photo ID or passport as well as your DATE OF BIRTH. I am not being a nosey travel agent. This is now required by the TSA. You can be denied boarding if this information is not provided.

If you are flying within the US, you only need your driver’s license. Don’t know the last time you checked yours but I had no clue if my middle name or initial was on mine until I checked in order to purchase airline tickets. Well, now I know- driver’s license has my middle initial. Passport has my middle name spelled out.

Until a couple of weeks ago, there was no place to even enter a middle name or initial on your airline tickets. Most airlines and all of the tour operators that I use for my clients now have included spaces for that information.

So far, the only travel suppliers that have not adopted these rules are the cruise lines. Carnival Cruise Line, for instance, will not allow you to put a middle name, initial or even a Jr. on the cruise documents even if it is on your passport. So if you are George Smith traveling with George Smith Jr, your son, both of you will be listed as just George Smith. How can they tell the difference, you might ask? I was told that the 2 will be differentiated by dates of birth.

Just another FYI, when it comes filling out online registration forms for Carnival, if you add a middle name to the registration form and since that middle name can’t be added to your cruise ticket, your past guest status may not be applied correctly. So for now, at least with Carnival Cruise Lines, leave off your middle names.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Disney Lovers- Fantasyland upgrades

If you can wait until 2013, Fantasyland at Walt Disney World will be getting an extreme make over.

By 2013, Disney World will transform Fantasyland into a magical fairy tale forest with new and upgraded rides, character meet-and-greet areas and a themed restaurant, Disney announced today.
The centerpiece of the expansion, the largest in Magic Kingdom history, will be a new Little Mermaid dark ride that will take visitors on a musical journey under the sea with Ariel and her friends. Disney’s California Adventure in California will get an identical version of the ride in 2011
.


read more at
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/fantasyland-disney-w-5359/

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Dreams Riviera Cancun to open

Joining its well received siblings in Cancun, the Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas and Punta Cana and La Romana, AMResorts is opening its newest Dreams resort.

"Dreams Riviera Cancun to Open Next Month
Published on: September 10, 2009
Dreams Resorts & Spas is getting ready to open the Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa in the Riviera Maya next month. The company is celebrating the opening in partnership with Lifetime Network’s “The Balancing Act.” Viewers of the morning show, as well as online users, will have a chance to win a three-night Unlimited-Luxury vacation for 10 at the resort via the Build Your Own Beach Party promotion. Contestants must visit www.dreamsbeachparty.com by Oct. 15 at 5 p.m. PDT to start their own virtual beach party. The winner will be announced during a taped episode of “The Balancing Act,” shot on location at Dreams Riviera Cancun, to air in November. All participants are automatically eligible to receive opening discounts off an Unlimited-Luxury vacation at the resort, guaranteed upgrades, $200 in resort coupons and special rates for premium rooms where every third night, third massage, third bottle of wine and third dinner is free.


A member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the Dreams Riviera Cancun will offer 486 octagon-shaped guest rooms and suites with Jacuzzis. All rooms and suites will feature ocean views, plunge pools or gardens, and private balconies. Hotel amenities will include nine international restaurants and six bars and lounges serving unlimited, premium brand beverages; an array of day and evening activities; unlimited, complimentary rounds of golf at El CamaleĆ³n Mayakoba Golf Club, a PGA course; the Dreams Spa by Pevonia; a fitness center with cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, as well as free weights; 24-hour room and concierge services; the Explorer's Club for kids supervised by Red Cross-certified staff; and 7,196 square feet of meeting space."

For info and reservations, contact us at 732-418-0819 or mindy@myvacationlady.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

End of Summer- not end of vacations

Labor Day typically means the end of summer to most but it certainly doesn't mean the end of vacation season. Fall usually means some of the best travel values. The kids are back in school so there are less families traveling. Hotels and cruise ships tend to offer highly discounted prices to fill their rooms and ships between September and mid December.

This year the specials are even more prevalent with free nights, resort credits, on board credits and some of the lowest rates in years. The hardest part will be getting availability on the airlines since many have cut capacity to make up for the lower demand.

We have access to the best travel values available. Give us a call or contact us at mindy@myvacationlady.com to plan your next vacation.