This topic is one that is good to bring up again with the phasing in of the TSA Secure Flight program and regulations.
With all the changes, it is best to know what is being required when you purchase airline tickets. I recently had clients who purchased international tickets to Europe. He doesn't use the first name that is on his passport but, instead goes by his middle name. Unfortunately, he purchased the tickets under his middle name and thought he could just include his first name in the area that the airline asks for date of birth, etc. This was a costly mistake since the airline and the TSA would not allow him to just add his first name that way. The tickets had to be changed for a "small fee".
http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=1049&category=13
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
24 hours in Rome
This is an oldie but worth a reprint. It was originally published in Time Magazine back in October 2008:
24 hours in Rome
Your stay in Rome is all about your state of mind. Making every hour count means letting the timeless grandeur and beauty of the place seep into your blood. So, keep your eyes open for the little things that aren't on any list, the nooks and nuances of this ancient city, which remind me that after 10 years of living here my time in Rome has been but a blink in the city's eye.
The best way to see the city is to walk. The sights of London or Paris might be mapped out by a few select subway stops. But in Rome, where you can usually count on good weather and unreliable transportation, you're best off doing as much as possible by foot. On the street is also where you'll unearth those unexpected finds. The warm aroma of a bakery. The handmade leather of a local craftsman. The tucked-away piazza that seems stuck in the 16th century, with grandma hanging the clothes out the window and six-year-olds chasing each other across the cobblestones. Even if it doesn't ever really change, Rome always has the power to surprise.
Read on for 10 things worth (leisurely) cramming into a day.
1. Galleria Borghese
They say the best museum in Rome is the city itself. That may be so, but the Galleria Borghese is still a gem worth seeing. Its collections are housed in a magnificent 17th-century villa and offer a compact course in the Italian aesthetic. In just 20 rooms, you are exposed to antiquities, the Renaissance and the beginnings of baroque art. Visits to the Galleria in the northeast corner of the sprawling Villa Borghese park are by reservation, which allows you the pleasure of seeing the Bernini sculptures from every angle without being crowded out.
2. San Luigi dei Francesi
Once you've gotten a taste of Caravaggio, a late Renaissance master whose work is featured at the Galleria Borghese, you can't leave Rome without seeing what many say is his most powerful work. You'll have to go to church to do it.
The Calling of Saint Matthew hangs in the Contarelli Chapel of the San Luigi dei Francesi church, a reminder that 400-year-old art was provocatively modern when it was first conceived. Two other Caravaggio works — St. Matthew and the Angel and the Martyrdom of St. Matthew — which round out the triptych, are also on permanent display here. Seeing such a renowned work in a church you might otherwise have easily overlooked is proof that Rome really is a living museum.
Like other basilicas, entry is free (come in the morning, since the church closes at lunchtime); you'll have to drop a few coins to light up the paintings in the darkened interior and see how Caravaggio infused his own light into the baroque melodrama.
3. Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum
It's hard to get away from art in Italy. Here's one last solely art-related suggestion, and one that quickly brings us up to the 20th century. The Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum is a chance to get a guided look at some of the signature works of the master of classically fueled surrealism and to get a peek into his sunny attic studio. The pristinely preserved two-level apartment, where De Chirico lived for more than 30 years until his death in 1978, also lets you glimpse how the city's upper crust have lived for centuries. In this case, it's accompanied by about the best view overlooking the splendid Piazza di Spagna. The living area has been left largely as it was during De Chirico's life and displays dozens of his works. Reservations must be made in advance.
4. Via del Governo Vecchio
If you look out ol' Giorgio's living room window (from the Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum) across Piazza di Spagna, you will see the famous Via Condotti, which stacks most of the best-known Italian designers into a 100-m stretch of real estate. For my money, though, I'd go to the other side of downtown for a less well-known, but no less elegant shopping experience on Via del Governo Vecchio, where you can buy everything from fur to bathing suits. It may not exactly be a bargain for American shoppers, but you'll probably find items not yet available in the U.S.
5. Ponte Sisto Stroll
The best way to soak up the city — and to find some of the quainter (and more affordable) shops — is to zig-zag from vicolo to vicolo (alley), piazza to piazza. For a good two-hour stroll, start at the bustling Piazza Navona, then head south through Campo dei Fiori, where you'll find cafés and daily food and flower markets, to the beguiling Piazza Farnese, with its pair of fountains and Renaissance palace. From there, continue toward Ponte Sisto. The ponte (bridge) offers a great perspective on the beauty of Rome, with the Gianicolo hill rising to the west and St. Peter's Basilica to the north. Cross the Tiber to arrive in the utterly charming Trastevere neighborhood, where laundry swings overhead and flowers burst from window boxes; your stroll can continue, and the enchantment (and shops) will keep coming.
6. Pizza al Taglio
By now you're hungry. If you have a lot of ground to cover and don't have time for a sit-down lunch, try some of the best stand-up pizza of your life. Rome is filled with these pizzerie al taglio (sliced), where ordering what you want is as easy as pointing through the glass toward the variety you like, nodding your approval for the width of the serving, then digging in. Feel free to ask for smaller portions of two or three different types. Beside the standard margherita (tomato sauce and mozzarella), most pizzerie will make a mean potato or zucchini pizza, as well as fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
Two of my favorite places are near the Trevi Fountain. Da Michele serves kosher pizza (meat, but no cheese) cooked to crisp perfection with endless varieties. Try sausage and broccoli, or mushrooms and arugula. My other favorite pizzeria is so small it doesn't have a name. It is on Via del Piè di Marmo, near the corner of Via del Gesù. Try the eggplant. Buonissima!
7. Gianicolo
This is known as the city of seven hills, but actually Rome has more than that. Indeed, the Gianicolo (or Janiculum), the hill that affords the best view of Rome, is west of the Tiber and outside the ancient city, so it's not counted among the ancient seven. Still, it's close to the historic center, just above the Vatican and the Trastevere neighborhood — and the panorama (not to mention the silence) from the top takes your breath away. At noon, the quiet is momentarily broken by the single shot of a cannon, to mark the exact time, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
Besides a stunning view of Rome's ancient landmarks, the Gianicolo gives you a quick and slightly more modern history lesson on the Italian Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement (and wars) that unified modern Italy. Busts of the heroes are scattered along the pathways, and looming over everything is a gigantic statue of the great bearded hero Giuseppe Garibaldi on horseback. Viva Italia!
8. The Pope
As for checking out living VIPs, I have found there is almost no one — Catholic or otherwise — who doesn't get a thrill out of seeing the Pope in person. He isn't always in Rome (particularly in summer), but usually he's around, so check with your hotel! Sunday at noon is the Angelus prayer when the Pope speaks from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square. Wednesday morning is the weekly general audience, which is either in the Square or inside the Pope Paul VI auditorium. Tickets are required for the latter, but if you ask the Swiss Guard at the Vatican's Bronze Door entrance at around 9 a.m., he'll slide you the tickets. In any case, best to bring binoculars. (You can also hear the Pope's addresses online at RadioVaticana.org.)
9. Ristorante Al Presidente
You're hungry again? Because of Rome's agreeable climate, lunch and dinner all'aperto is doable up to eight months out of the year. One of the best restaurants with the nicest terraces is Ristorante Al Presidente, flat in the center of town, under the shadow of the Quirinale presidential palace. The indoor dining room is also lovely. I can't help but order the same thing every time: pasta with fresh sardines and pecorino cheese.
10. Gelato
Like pizza al taglio, gelato is not hard to find in central Rome. Most of the gelato around here is high quality, but arguably still the best in town is at the famous Giolitti, nestled between the Pantheon and the Italian Parliament. Ask for up to three flavors on a medium cone to go, or sit down at a streetside table and savor every moment. Try bacio, pistachio and nocciola for a creamy, nutty, chocolate-touched delight.
24 hours in Rome
Your stay in Rome is all about your state of mind. Making every hour count means letting the timeless grandeur and beauty of the place seep into your blood. So, keep your eyes open for the little things that aren't on any list, the nooks and nuances of this ancient city, which remind me that after 10 years of living here my time in Rome has been but a blink in the city's eye.
The best way to see the city is to walk. The sights of London or Paris might be mapped out by a few select subway stops. But in Rome, where you can usually count on good weather and unreliable transportation, you're best off doing as much as possible by foot. On the street is also where you'll unearth those unexpected finds. The warm aroma of a bakery. The handmade leather of a local craftsman. The tucked-away piazza that seems stuck in the 16th century, with grandma hanging the clothes out the window and six-year-olds chasing each other across the cobblestones. Even if it doesn't ever really change, Rome always has the power to surprise.
Read on for 10 things worth (leisurely) cramming into a day.
1. Galleria Borghese
They say the best museum in Rome is the city itself. That may be so, but the Galleria Borghese is still a gem worth seeing. Its collections are housed in a magnificent 17th-century villa and offer a compact course in the Italian aesthetic. In just 20 rooms, you are exposed to antiquities, the Renaissance and the beginnings of baroque art. Visits to the Galleria in the northeast corner of the sprawling Villa Borghese park are by reservation, which allows you the pleasure of seeing the Bernini sculptures from every angle without being crowded out.
2. San Luigi dei Francesi
Once you've gotten a taste of Caravaggio, a late Renaissance master whose work is featured at the Galleria Borghese, you can't leave Rome without seeing what many say is his most powerful work. You'll have to go to church to do it.
The Calling of Saint Matthew hangs in the Contarelli Chapel of the San Luigi dei Francesi church, a reminder that 400-year-old art was provocatively modern when it was first conceived. Two other Caravaggio works — St. Matthew and the Angel and the Martyrdom of St. Matthew — which round out the triptych, are also on permanent display here. Seeing such a renowned work in a church you might otherwise have easily overlooked is proof that Rome really is a living museum.
Like other basilicas, entry is free (come in the morning, since the church closes at lunchtime); you'll have to drop a few coins to light up the paintings in the darkened interior and see how Caravaggio infused his own light into the baroque melodrama.
3. Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum
It's hard to get away from art in Italy. Here's one last solely art-related suggestion, and one that quickly brings us up to the 20th century. The Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum is a chance to get a guided look at some of the signature works of the master of classically fueled surrealism and to get a peek into his sunny attic studio. The pristinely preserved two-level apartment, where De Chirico lived for more than 30 years until his death in 1978, also lets you glimpse how the city's upper crust have lived for centuries. In this case, it's accompanied by about the best view overlooking the splendid Piazza di Spagna. The living area has been left largely as it was during De Chirico's life and displays dozens of his works. Reservations must be made in advance.
4. Via del Governo Vecchio
If you look out ol' Giorgio's living room window (from the Giorgio de Chirico House-Museum) across Piazza di Spagna, you will see the famous Via Condotti, which stacks most of the best-known Italian designers into a 100-m stretch of real estate. For my money, though, I'd go to the other side of downtown for a less well-known, but no less elegant shopping experience on Via del Governo Vecchio, where you can buy everything from fur to bathing suits. It may not exactly be a bargain for American shoppers, but you'll probably find items not yet available in the U.S.
5. Ponte Sisto Stroll
The best way to soak up the city — and to find some of the quainter (and more affordable) shops — is to zig-zag from vicolo to vicolo (alley), piazza to piazza. For a good two-hour stroll, start at the bustling Piazza Navona, then head south through Campo dei Fiori, where you'll find cafés and daily food and flower markets, to the beguiling Piazza Farnese, with its pair of fountains and Renaissance palace. From there, continue toward Ponte Sisto. The ponte (bridge) offers a great perspective on the beauty of Rome, with the Gianicolo hill rising to the west and St. Peter's Basilica to the north. Cross the Tiber to arrive in the utterly charming Trastevere neighborhood, where laundry swings overhead and flowers burst from window boxes; your stroll can continue, and the enchantment (and shops) will keep coming.
6. Pizza al Taglio
By now you're hungry. If you have a lot of ground to cover and don't have time for a sit-down lunch, try some of the best stand-up pizza of your life. Rome is filled with these pizzerie al taglio (sliced), where ordering what you want is as easy as pointing through the glass toward the variety you like, nodding your approval for the width of the serving, then digging in. Feel free to ask for smaller portions of two or three different types. Beside the standard margherita (tomato sauce and mozzarella), most pizzerie will make a mean potato or zucchini pizza, as well as fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella.
Two of my favorite places are near the Trevi Fountain. Da Michele serves kosher pizza (meat, but no cheese) cooked to crisp perfection with endless varieties. Try sausage and broccoli, or mushrooms and arugula. My other favorite pizzeria is so small it doesn't have a name. It is on Via del Piè di Marmo, near the corner of Via del Gesù. Try the eggplant. Buonissima!
7. Gianicolo
This is known as the city of seven hills, but actually Rome has more than that. Indeed, the Gianicolo (or Janiculum), the hill that affords the best view of Rome, is west of the Tiber and outside the ancient city, so it's not counted among the ancient seven. Still, it's close to the historic center, just above the Vatican and the Trastevere neighborhood — and the panorama (not to mention the silence) from the top takes your breath away. At noon, the quiet is momentarily broken by the single shot of a cannon, to mark the exact time, a tradition that dates back to the 19th century.
Besides a stunning view of Rome's ancient landmarks, the Gianicolo gives you a quick and slightly more modern history lesson on the Italian Risorgimento, the 19th-century movement (and wars) that unified modern Italy. Busts of the heroes are scattered along the pathways, and looming over everything is a gigantic statue of the great bearded hero Giuseppe Garibaldi on horseback. Viva Italia!
8. The Pope
As for checking out living VIPs, I have found there is almost no one — Catholic or otherwise — who doesn't get a thrill out of seeing the Pope in person. He isn't always in Rome (particularly in summer), but usually he's around, so check with your hotel! Sunday at noon is the Angelus prayer when the Pope speaks from his window overlooking St. Peter's Square. Wednesday morning is the weekly general audience, which is either in the Square or inside the Pope Paul VI auditorium. Tickets are required for the latter, but if you ask the Swiss Guard at the Vatican's Bronze Door entrance at around 9 a.m., he'll slide you the tickets. In any case, best to bring binoculars. (You can also hear the Pope's addresses online at RadioVaticana.org.)
9. Ristorante Al Presidente
You're hungry again? Because of Rome's agreeable climate, lunch and dinner all'aperto is doable up to eight months out of the year. One of the best restaurants with the nicest terraces is Ristorante Al Presidente, flat in the center of town, under the shadow of the Quirinale presidential palace. The indoor dining room is also lovely. I can't help but order the same thing every time: pasta with fresh sardines and pecorino cheese.
10. Gelato
Like pizza al taglio, gelato is not hard to find in central Rome. Most of the gelato around here is high quality, but arguably still the best in town is at the famous Giolitti, nestled between the Pantheon and the Italian Parliament. Ask for up to three flavors on a medium cone to go, or sit down at a streetside table and savor every moment. Try bacio, pistachio and nocciola for a creamy, nutty, chocolate-touched delight.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Taking the Family to Bermuda
Bermuda is one of my favorite travel destinations and we have been to Bermuda a number of times both by cruise and hotel stay. We've taken our kids to Bermuda a few times during cruises and they have gone back since with friends. Regardless of age, Bermuda is a great destination for people of all ages.
Taking the family to Bermuda
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35949227/ns/travel-family/
Taking the family to Bermuda
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35949227/ns/travel-family/
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
What to do if your money is stolen while on vacation?
It is a situation that you never anticipate and, of course, never ever want to happen but you should always be prepared- just in case, your money is stolen or lost while you are on vacation.
These tips were taken from Journeywoman.com, a great resource for female travelers:
Help! my cards are gone!
Ms.Sam Bachand is the Royal Bank's Manager of Retail Foreign Exchange Services. Journeywoman asked what she would do if her credit card and bank card were stolen in a small town in Italy at 11 o'clock in the evening.
Sam writes...if I've prepared properly, this theft would only be a terrible inconvenience, not a huge calamity. Here's a few of my know-before-you-go hints....
1) Diversify your money-- take two $100 travellers cheques (for emergencies only), credit cards, bank cards as well as cash (U.S. cash is best because it's recognized in most places).
2) Be prepared! Before you leave home, record (in triplicate) the numbers on your travellers cheques , credit cards and bank cards. The same applies to all the 800 numbers you might need to report a theft. Leave one list with someone at home, one goes into your money belt and one stays in your suitcase.
3) Be creative! Hide your emergency money in strange places-- a vitamin pill bottle with a few pills in it is great. The bottle isn't see-thru and thieves are generally not interested in your Vitamin C.
4) Be very sure to check the restrictions on your credit cards. Did you know that some cards are not replaceable internationally if they're stolen?
5) Ask your bank for an extra client card. If the first is taken, you still have the second one to withdraw cash with.
These tips were taken from Journeywoman.com, a great resource for female travelers:
Help! my cards are gone!
Ms.Sam Bachand is the Royal Bank's Manager of Retail Foreign Exchange Services. Journeywoman asked what she would do if her credit card and bank card were stolen in a small town in Italy at 11 o'clock in the evening.
Sam writes...if I've prepared properly, this theft would only be a terrible inconvenience, not a huge calamity. Here's a few of my know-before-you-go hints....
1) Diversify your money-- take two $100 travellers cheques (for emergencies only), credit cards, bank cards as well as cash (U.S. cash is best because it's recognized in most places).
2) Be prepared! Before you leave home, record (in triplicate) the numbers on your travellers cheques , credit cards and bank cards. The same applies to all the 800 numbers you might need to report a theft. Leave one list with someone at home, one goes into your money belt and one stays in your suitcase.
3) Be creative! Hide your emergency money in strange places-- a vitamin pill bottle with a few pills in it is great. The bottle isn't see-thru and thieves are generally not interested in your Vitamin C.
4) Be very sure to check the restrictions on your credit cards. Did you know that some cards are not replaceable internationally if they're stolen?
5) Ask your bank for an extra client card. If the first is taken, you still have the second one to withdraw cash with.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Alaska Gov to reduce cruise taxes?
For the 2010 and 2011 summer cruise season, many of the cruise lines have pulled ships out of Alaska due to the high taxes implemented in the last couple of yours. Better news may be on the horizon...
"Alaska's Gov. Parnell Proposes Reduction in Cruise Head Tax
Published on: March 22, 2010
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell proposed reducing the cruise passenger head tax from $46 to $34.50 -- a 25 percent decrease -- three days after meeting with top cruise line executives at a major industry convention in Miami Beach. As reported in Travel Pulse on March 16, Parnell met with ranking cruise executives for an hour while attending the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami convention. Parnell proposed the tax roll-back March 19 at a luncheon meeting of the Resource Development Corp. in Anchorage.
The meeting came after Holland America Line President and CEO Stein Kruse issued a stinging condemnation of Alaska’s taxes and regulations, saying, “The regulations in Alaska are more burdensome and more costly than anywhere else on earth.” Alaska this year is facing a 17 percent reduction in cruise business that Kruse said is a result of “punitive taxes” and “overzealous regulation.”
“Generally speaking, we’re enthusiastic that the governor is hearing our plea in trying to get costs down,” said Charlie Ball, president of Alaska tour operations for Holland America and Princess Cruises. “Absent all the details, it’s hard to make a very aggressive comment on it. But we had some good time with him this week, and he’s understood the issues for while. Conceptually we absolutely support him trying to fix the cost issues.”
In a statement, Parnell said he wants to bring more tourist dollars to Alaska with a comprehensive strategy to reduce taxes, increase tourism marketing and increase regulatory flexibility. In exchange, he said, the state will require more cruise ship deployments to Alaska. The governor’s proposal needs state legislators to move it forward, and the Legislature is currently in session in Juneau.
“We must make Alaska a more affordable destination to travelers from outside,” Parnell said. “I made it clear to cruise ship executives that we would need public assurances about increased deployments and economic activity in Alaska in exchange for these tax reductions.”
The head tax and other regulations -- which cruise executives say are so stringent the technology does not exist yet to comply with them -- came about after a 2006 initiative approved by voters. But as cruise lines reduced capacity in the 49th state, a grass-roots effort was launched by local businesses hurt by the decline in business. An organization called Alaska Alliance for Cruise Travel (Alaska ACT) was formed to fight what it calls inequitable taxation and regulation. Alaska ACT encouraged Parnell to attend the Seatrade Cruise convention, where he met with Carnival Corp. Chairman and CEO Micky Arison, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain, Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan, Kruse and others.
Nine cruise lines last year formed the Alaska Cruise Association, which in September filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the head tax.
Parnell also said he would seek offsets for local head taxes levied by certain cruise ports to eliminate the possibility of taxing tourists twice for the same Alaska destination. Additionally, the governor reiterated his support for corporate income tax credits to incentivize greater Alaska tourism marketing."
"Alaska's Gov. Parnell Proposes Reduction in Cruise Head Tax
Published on: March 22, 2010
Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell proposed reducing the cruise passenger head tax from $46 to $34.50 -- a 25 percent decrease -- three days after meeting with top cruise line executives at a major industry convention in Miami Beach. As reported in Travel Pulse on March 16, Parnell met with ranking cruise executives for an hour while attending the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami convention. Parnell proposed the tax roll-back March 19 at a luncheon meeting of the Resource Development Corp. in Anchorage.
The meeting came after Holland America Line President and CEO Stein Kruse issued a stinging condemnation of Alaska’s taxes and regulations, saying, “The regulations in Alaska are more burdensome and more costly than anywhere else on earth.” Alaska this year is facing a 17 percent reduction in cruise business that Kruse said is a result of “punitive taxes” and “overzealous regulation.”
“Generally speaking, we’re enthusiastic that the governor is hearing our plea in trying to get costs down,” said Charlie Ball, president of Alaska tour operations for Holland America and Princess Cruises. “Absent all the details, it’s hard to make a very aggressive comment on it. But we had some good time with him this week, and he’s understood the issues for while. Conceptually we absolutely support him trying to fix the cost issues.”
In a statement, Parnell said he wants to bring more tourist dollars to Alaska with a comprehensive strategy to reduce taxes, increase tourism marketing and increase regulatory flexibility. In exchange, he said, the state will require more cruise ship deployments to Alaska. The governor’s proposal needs state legislators to move it forward, and the Legislature is currently in session in Juneau.
“We must make Alaska a more affordable destination to travelers from outside,” Parnell said. “I made it clear to cruise ship executives that we would need public assurances about increased deployments and economic activity in Alaska in exchange for these tax reductions.”
The head tax and other regulations -- which cruise executives say are so stringent the technology does not exist yet to comply with them -- came about after a 2006 initiative approved by voters. But as cruise lines reduced capacity in the 49th state, a grass-roots effort was launched by local businesses hurt by the decline in business. An organization called Alaska Alliance for Cruise Travel (Alaska ACT) was formed to fight what it calls inequitable taxation and regulation. Alaska ACT encouraged Parnell to attend the Seatrade Cruise convention, where he met with Carnival Corp. Chairman and CEO Micky Arison, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chairman and CEO Richard Fain, Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan, Kruse and others.
Nine cruise lines last year formed the Alaska Cruise Association, which in September filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the head tax.
Parnell also said he would seek offsets for local head taxes levied by certain cruise ports to eliminate the possibility of taxing tourists twice for the same Alaska destination. Additionally, the governor reiterated his support for corporate income tax credits to incentivize greater Alaska tourism marketing."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Putting Mexico's Travel Warning in Prospective
"Tourism to Mexico appears largely unfazed by the U.S. State Department Travel Warning, issued on March 14 as a result of violence along the U.S.-Mexico border. Travel sellers told Travel Market Report that once travelers realize the distances between the crime locations in the travel warming and the tourist spots, most are ready to travel, and one of the most important tasks facing Mexico’s new Secretary of State, Gloria Guevara, is making sure consumers are aware of this.
“We’ve had very few calls regarding Mexico travel concerns and cancellation levels have been normal,” reported Funjet Vacations manager of marketing and public relations Michelle Burmeister. Nor has Funjet needed to revise any of its offerings.
Similarly, Travel Impressions has seen very few cancelations — just one group and a few individual reservations — but nothing compared to last year around this time when a rise in the crime rate along the border was followed in May by the H1N1, said Sallie Rawlings, senior director corporate communications for Travel Impressions.
Rawlings said that the education that was done last year by tour operators and government groups might account for the fact that the industry is seeing fewer cancelations due to the travel warning this year.
“The entire tourism industry did a huge education push last year with the trade media. We got together on panels where we talked about how far the crime locations were from the tourist areas. We showed maps. We would ask, for example, if you were planning to visit Las Vegas and heard about crime in NYC, would that convince you to cancel your trip to Las Vegas? That is the distance between the border areas referred to in the warning and Cancun, for example,” Rawlings noted.
Rawlings stressed the important role of travel agents in educating with their clients. “Travel agents have gotten better at talking with their clients.”
Patrice Stafford, owner of Where 2 Now Travel, Brooklyn, NY is a case in point. She has clients going to Cancun in April. “They don't wish to cancel, but were concerned about the latest killings of the three Americans, so I assured them that Cancun to Juarez (more than 1,400 miles) is much farther than from Buffalo to New York City and they were fine with that,” said Stafford.
Those heading to Acapulco should be aware that there has been drug-related violence reported there as well.
The State Department warning includes safety suggestions for travelers throughout Mexico. “Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.” For more specific suggestions based on destination and modes of transportation, visit Mexico Country Specific Information.
The U.S. State Department also offers Spring Break ("Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!") and Visiting Student memos reminding visitors of the harsh penalties for drug possession, and the dangers of excess alcohol consumption. Heeding beach warnings, avoiding unlicensed taxi and the need for proper insurance for drivers are among the other admonishments.
Travel Impressions’ Rawlings and others pointed out that caution and common sense are still required when traveling. “Think about all the other places you travel. If you are traveling in other parts of the world, or even in the U.S., there are areas that you wouldn’t go into,” she pointed out.
“We advise that travelers use common sense and always be aware of their surroundings when vacationing anywhere, not just Mexico,” added Funjet’s Burmeister.
Linda Cahill of Travel by Land or Sea said she believes that it is important to educate clients. “Safety and health come first with me,” she said.
She said that her advice to clients includes: “Never leave the hotel by yourself, always buddy up, don’t go far distances in a taxi by yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and never sit on the beach by yourself late at night.”
“Nothing is totally safe, no matter where you live. When we go somewhere we have to have a little bit of common sense. If you don’t advise of health conditions and security alerts it will come back and smack you in the face,” Cahill said."
To see where the drug violence is vs. the tourist areas, please take a look at this http://twitpic.com/18v1uv
“We’ve had very few calls regarding Mexico travel concerns and cancellation levels have been normal,” reported Funjet Vacations manager of marketing and public relations Michelle Burmeister. Nor has Funjet needed to revise any of its offerings.
Similarly, Travel Impressions has seen very few cancelations — just one group and a few individual reservations — but nothing compared to last year around this time when a rise in the crime rate along the border was followed in May by the H1N1, said Sallie Rawlings, senior director corporate communications for Travel Impressions.
Rawlings said that the education that was done last year by tour operators and government groups might account for the fact that the industry is seeing fewer cancelations due to the travel warning this year.
“The entire tourism industry did a huge education push last year with the trade media. We got together on panels where we talked about how far the crime locations were from the tourist areas. We showed maps. We would ask, for example, if you were planning to visit Las Vegas and heard about crime in NYC, would that convince you to cancel your trip to Las Vegas? That is the distance between the border areas referred to in the warning and Cancun, for example,” Rawlings noted.
Rawlings stressed the important role of travel agents in educating with their clients. “Travel agents have gotten better at talking with their clients.”
Patrice Stafford, owner of Where 2 Now Travel, Brooklyn, NY is a case in point. She has clients going to Cancun in April. “They don't wish to cancel, but were concerned about the latest killings of the three Americans, so I assured them that Cancun to Juarez (more than 1,400 miles) is much farther than from Buffalo to New York City and they were fine with that,” said Stafford.
Those heading to Acapulco should be aware that there has been drug-related violence reported there as well.
The State Department warning includes safety suggestions for travelers throughout Mexico. “Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.” For more specific suggestions based on destination and modes of transportation, visit Mexico Country Specific Information.
The U.S. State Department also offers Spring Break ("Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!") and Visiting Student memos reminding visitors of the harsh penalties for drug possession, and the dangers of excess alcohol consumption. Heeding beach warnings, avoiding unlicensed taxi and the need for proper insurance for drivers are among the other admonishments.
Travel Impressions’ Rawlings and others pointed out that caution and common sense are still required when traveling. “Think about all the other places you travel. If you are traveling in other parts of the world, or even in the U.S., there are areas that you wouldn’t go into,” she pointed out.
“We advise that travelers use common sense and always be aware of their surroundings when vacationing anywhere, not just Mexico,” added Funjet’s Burmeister.
Linda Cahill of Travel by Land or Sea said she believes that it is important to educate clients. “Safety and health come first with me,” she said.
She said that her advice to clients includes: “Never leave the hotel by yourself, always buddy up, don’t go far distances in a taxi by yourself, be aware of your surroundings, and never sit on the beach by yourself late at night.”
“Nothing is totally safe, no matter where you live. When we go somewhere we have to have a little bit of common sense. If you don’t advise of health conditions and security alerts it will come back and smack you in the face,” Cahill said."
To see where the drug violence is vs. the tourist areas, please take a look at this http://twitpic.com/18v1uv
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Best National Parks to Visit in the Spring
The United States is filled with so many beautiful National parks that come to life in the spring. You can enjoy the beauty of the national park along with the beauty of spring wildflowers in these parks:
Arches - Moab, UT - Features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches as well as many other unusual rock formations. Weather has exposed millions of years of geologic history in a landscape of contrasting colors and textures. Desert annuals like grasses and wildflowers are adapted to the arid environment and can be seen here in April and May.
Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, TN - well known for its mist-shrouded ridges of forest which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity including over 1,660 varieties. It is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.”
Yellowstone - Yellowstone, WY - Famous for Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, along with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This park was established in 1872, and is America's first national park. In the spring you may see Wild Strawberries, Glacier Lilies and Bluebells among many other wildflowers.
Yosemite - Yosemite, CA - is best known for its stunning waterfalls and Half Dome. The best time to visit is late May and early June, when mountain snowmelt and waterfalls are at their peak. In Yosemite Valley & Wawona: you will find flowering dogwood and California Poppies beginning in May. More Wildflowers begin in early June such as Sierra Onion, Lupine, MariposaLlily, and Pentstemon.
Zion - Springdale, UT - Includes towering cliffs and small narrow canyons in unique sandstone ranging in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. With elevations ranging from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, Zion National Park has a diversity of plant communities, supporting more than 900 species of plants. In the early spring, many plants take advantage of the seasonal rains, to flower such as the Desert Marigold or Slickrock Paintbrush.
Arches - Moab, UT - Features over 2,000 natural sandstone arches as well as many other unusual rock formations. Weather has exposed millions of years of geologic history in a landscape of contrasting colors and textures. Desert annuals like grasses and wildflowers are adapted to the arid environment and can be seen here in April and May.
Great Smoky Mountains - Gatlinburg, TN - well known for its mist-shrouded ridges of forest which straddles the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity including over 1,660 varieties. It is sometimes referred to as the “Wildflower National Park.”
Yellowstone - Yellowstone, WY - Famous for Old Faithful and a collection of the world's most extraordinary geysers and hot springs, along with the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. This park was established in 1872, and is America's first national park. In the spring you may see Wild Strawberries, Glacier Lilies and Bluebells among many other wildflowers.
Yosemite - Yosemite, CA - is best known for its stunning waterfalls and Half Dome. The best time to visit is late May and early June, when mountain snowmelt and waterfalls are at their peak. In Yosemite Valley & Wawona: you will find flowering dogwood and California Poppies beginning in May. More Wildflowers begin in early June such as Sierra Onion, Lupine, MariposaLlily, and Pentstemon.
Zion - Springdale, UT - Includes towering cliffs and small narrow canyons in unique sandstone ranging in color from cream, to pink, to red. They could be described as sand castles crowning desert canyons. With elevations ranging from 3,600 to 8,700 feet, Zion National Park has a diversity of plant communities, supporting more than 900 species of plants. In the early spring, many plants take advantage of the seasonal rains, to flower such as the Desert Marigold or Slickrock Paintbrush.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Passport Day- Saturday March 27,2010
If you are planning to travel outside the United States, one of the first things you should do if you haven't already gotten is apply for your passport. The US Passport offices will be open on Saturday March 27,2010 to get you started.
On this day only, you will not need an appointment to apply for a U.S. passport at a regional passport agency. You will be able to apply for either routine processing or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing.
Passport-themed events for adults and children will take place at regional passport agencies and thousands of passport acceptance facilities around the country. If you’ve been waiting to apply for your U.S. passport, this is the time. Apply on Passport Day in the USA 2010!
To find the location nearest you visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
On this day only, you will not need an appointment to apply for a U.S. passport at a regional passport agency. You will be able to apply for either routine processing or pay an additional $60 for expedited processing.
Passport-themed events for adults and children will take place at regional passport agencies and thousands of passport acceptance facilities around the country. If you’ve been waiting to apply for your U.S. passport, this is the time. Apply on Passport Day in the USA 2010!
To find the location nearest you visit http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
How to make international calls from a cell phone
Click on this link for a video of how to make calls to an international phone # from your cell phone.
http://www.howtocallinternationally.com/mobile.html#video
OR
To make an international call from a mobile (cellular) telephone you must dial the "+" sign before the country code. This works differently depending upon the model of phone you have but is fairly simple to do - try both ways and see which one works!
.
Find the "+" key on your phone. On most phones it is with the asterisk.
For a Nokia telephone, you will press this key twice quickly and the plus sign should appear.
For Motorola and other phones, you must hold the zero key and it will change to a plus.
The plus key (+) on a Motorola is used by holding down the "0" until the plus sign appears.
Other phones will work by using one of the two methods shown here.
How to call internationally from a stationary telephone (landline)
This is done differently from each country, as each country has its own IDD (International Direct Dial) code. This is the number you must dial to get a line outside of your country. For the USA, this number is 011.
For the UK, Continental Europe, and most of the world, the IDD code is 00. For some countries, you need to pause after dialing the first zero and wait for another dial tone. This is indicated in writing by either 0~0 or 0**0. To see a list of IDD codes, click here.
If you are in the USA and are dialing numbers in Canada or the Caribbean, you do not need to dial a country code as many of these countries belong to the "North American Numbering Plan (NANP). They all share the same country code of +1; so when you call from say the USA or Canada to Bermude, you simply dial 1, the area code and then the local number.
Calling internationall from a cordless landline (not mobile)
International numbers are often written with a + sign in front of them, as shown below:
+44 (0) 12 3456 789
The best way to dial internationally from a cordless telephone is to turn the phone on and press the "call" or green button first. This will slow down the dialing enough so that the international switch can make the connection.
This is not necessary for all countries, and you may only need to do this if standard dialing is not giving you the desired results
Click here for International Dialing Codes or cut and paste this link http://www.howtocallinternationally.com/codes.html
http://www.howtocallinternationally.com/mobile.html#video
OR
To make an international call from a mobile (cellular) telephone you must dial the "+" sign before the country code. This works differently depending upon the model of phone you have but is fairly simple to do - try both ways and see which one works!
.
Find the "+" key on your phone. On most phones it is with the asterisk.
For a Nokia telephone, you will press this key twice quickly and the plus sign should appear.
For Motorola and other phones, you must hold the zero key and it will change to a plus.
The plus key (+) on a Motorola is used by holding down the "0" until the plus sign appears.
Other phones will work by using one of the two methods shown here.
How to call internationally from a stationary telephone (landline)
This is done differently from each country, as each country has its own IDD (International Direct Dial) code. This is the number you must dial to get a line outside of your country. For the USA, this number is 011.
For the UK, Continental Europe, and most of the world, the IDD code is 00. For some countries, you need to pause after dialing the first zero and wait for another dial tone. This is indicated in writing by either 0~0 or 0**0. To see a list of IDD codes, click here.
If you are in the USA and are dialing numbers in Canada or the Caribbean, you do not need to dial a country code as many of these countries belong to the "North American Numbering Plan (NANP). They all share the same country code of +1; so when you call from say the USA or Canada to Bermude, you simply dial 1, the area code and then the local number.
Calling internationall from a cordless landline (not mobile)
International numbers are often written with a + sign in front of them, as shown below:
+44 (0) 12 3456 789
The best way to dial internationally from a cordless telephone is to turn the phone on and press the "call" or green button first. This will slow down the dialing enough so that the international switch can make the connection.
This is not necessary for all countries, and you may only need to do this if standard dialing is not giving you the desired results
Click here for International Dialing Codes or cut and paste this link http://www.howtocallinternationally.com/codes.html
Vacation Pricing in 2010
2010 is going to be the year of economic recovery and travel prices are on the upswing. In the last couple of weeks, 2 cruise lines, Carnival and Norwegian Cruiseline, have announced price increases of 5 and 7% respectively. Was this a marketing ploy on their part to pump up first quarter sales? Some think so but, in my opinion, this is a sign of supply and demand. If they can get the higher prices because people are willing to pay it, they will be successful with their strategy and other cruise lines will follow suit.
Let’s compare 2009 and today:
Last year, I was reducing cruise prices on Mediterranean sailings by 50% or more. This year, for the cruises that I have currently booked, the prices have remained steady or even increased.
Last year, I was reducing Alaska cruise and cruise tour prices by up to $1000 per cabin. This year, the cruise and cruise tours that I have booked, in peak season, are holding steady.
Last year, we couldn’t give away Caribbean cruises cheap enough. This year, prices on some have decreased by as much as $300 per person in October (hurricane season) while others have increased.
Last year, clients were booking very close to the departure date- even honeymoons! One cruise line representative told me that the average booking window had dropped from 10 months to less than 6 months out. This year, I am booking well into the 2nd half of 2010 and already into 2011. Yes, I’m still getting the clients who are booking last minute but the greater majority seem to be planning further out.
If I had a crystal ball and could predict travel industry sales for 2010, what would it be?
1. Less price reductions
2. Continuation of special value add promotions, like free nights, free breakfast, spa credits and on board credit
3. Prices holding steady or increasing in many destinations as demand increases
4. Higher interest in travel
5. Earlier bookings
My suggestion is to book early to get the best availability. In many cases, if prices drop, My Vacation Lady can work to get the prices reduced.
Let’s compare 2009 and today:
Last year, I was reducing cruise prices on Mediterranean sailings by 50% or more. This year, for the cruises that I have currently booked, the prices have remained steady or even increased.
Last year, I was reducing Alaska cruise and cruise tour prices by up to $1000 per cabin. This year, the cruise and cruise tours that I have booked, in peak season, are holding steady.
Last year, we couldn’t give away Caribbean cruises cheap enough. This year, prices on some have decreased by as much as $300 per person in October (hurricane season) while others have increased.
Last year, clients were booking very close to the departure date- even honeymoons! One cruise line representative told me that the average booking window had dropped from 10 months to less than 6 months out. This year, I am booking well into the 2nd half of 2010 and already into 2011. Yes, I’m still getting the clients who are booking last minute but the greater majority seem to be planning further out.
If I had a crystal ball and could predict travel industry sales for 2010, what would it be?
1. Less price reductions
2. Continuation of special value add promotions, like free nights, free breakfast, spa credits and on board credit
3. Prices holding steady or increasing in many destinations as demand increases
4. Higher interest in travel
5. Earlier bookings
My suggestion is to book early to get the best availability. In many cases, if prices drop, My Vacation Lady can work to get the prices reduced.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Bad weather and travel insurance
The winter of 2009-2010 will be known as one of the worst and snowiest that we, in the north east, have ever seen. Washington DC got more snow than Buffalo, NY. Philadelphia got blasted with one blizzard after another. New York and New Jersey recorded near record snowfalls. In other words, the weather played havoc with traveler’s plans.
One of my colleagues called me after a horrendous storm that affected her clients to the point that 2 out of 3 couples missed their cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas set to sail from Fort Lauderdale on Feb 27, 2010. The third couple drove down to Florida from NJ and left early enough to miss the storm. They were able to embark on the cruise as planned- but without their friends.
I decided to devote my March Feature of the Month to the topic of how travel insurance can play an important role in bad weather. I used my colleague’s client’s example as my basis for the questions that I posed to 3 of the travel insurance companies that I offer to my clients. Only 2 of the three responded to the scenario and questions. The policies that were compared were Travel Insured’s World Wide Travel Protection and Travel Guard’s Gold Plan (Protect and Assist). Access America did not answer since their communications department was working on a special project.
Here was the scenarios and questions posed:
Couple #1 and Couple #2 were flying down on Continental. Due to the storm that hit Newark on Thursday Feb 25 into Friday Feb 26, thousands of flights on Continental were cancelled. To the best of my knowledge, the airport was NOT officially closed. Since they were flying out on the day of the cruise, they scheduled the first flight out of the day. None took insurance, which I always recommend to my clients.
On Friday Feb 26, they were told that their flight was cancelled for Saturday 2/27 and that they could NOT be re accommodated on ANY flight that would get them to the ship in time for embarkation. They checked multiple airlines flying from all of the major NY/NJ airports as well as Philadelphia.
Question #1- could they have cancelled their cruise at this point had they taken out your insurance policy?
Next, scenario: the agent was able to get them flights to St Thomas (the first port of call). The flight is on Monday 3/1. The ship gets into St Thomas on Tues. 3/2. The clients were required to pay a fee to change the tickets to St Thomas (since they were originally set to fly to Fort Lauderdale). The change fee was $250 per person. They are now staying in a hotel for 1 night in St Thomas prior to embarking on the cruise. The hotel cost is $250 per room. With this change, they are still missing 2 full days of the cruise which cost $1400 per person, with all taxes and fees.
Question # 2: What can the clients claim on their policy for reimbursement for these out of pocket expenses? Again, which category does this fall under?
Question #3: What does your insurance company offer to the client to assist with making all of these changes?
These were the responses from my sales managers at Travel Insured (TI) and Travel Guard (TG):
Question #1: Could the clients have cancelled the vacation since their flight was cancelled and they would miss the cruise.
TI- Based on the info provided it appears that they would have coverage under Trip Cancellation and would be able to claim for the entire cost of their cruise. The time frame for weather delays/cancellations is as follows (details of each will be answered in the remaining questions):
3 hour+ delay – eligible for missed connection coverage
6+ hour delay – eligible for trip delay
24 consecutive hour delay – eligible for trip cancellation
The key for trip cancellation is not being able to be rebooked within 24 hours of the original scheduled departure time. In this example, they would not have been eligible for trip cancellation had Continental been able to get them on a flight later that same afternoon, even if it meant missing the cruise departure. Clients need to be conscious of time frames and flight schedules; just because the gate agent tells them they will be covered by insurance does not mean they will be. The key thing to remember with weather events is that they cannot be accommodated within 24 hours of their originally scheduled departure time.
TG- Travel Guard’s Gold plan covers for cancellation of travel arrangements due to severe weather conditions. So in this particular situation, the insureds would have been covered for cancellation of their cruise since their air transportation was cancelled due to inclement weather. There is no requirement that the airport be shut down for a determined amount of time such as 12 or 24 hours before benefits would be payable.
Question #2: What can the clients claim on their policy for reimbursement for these out of pocket expenses?
TI- The clients would have Missed Connection, Travel Delay and Trip Interruption available to them. First, Missed Connection (after 3 hour delay) would reimburse the change fees and additional fare up to $500/person to help the client reach the first port of call. It is important to note that there is a maximum limit on this coverage so the client may not receive the entire additional cost. The maximum on Worldwide Trip Protector is $500 per person.
Trip Delay (after 6 hours) would provide reimbursement for hotel expenses, meals, etc up to $200/day/person maxing out at $1,000/person.
Lastly, they would have trip interruption available to cover the unused days of the cruise. Assuming the cruise is 7 days, and they missed 2 days cruising, they would receive $200/day for the missed days on the ship. This is determined by taking the total per person cost of the trip and dividing by the number of days traveling. In this case, $1,400/person divided by 7 days is $200/day.
TG- The insureds would be covered for the air ticket change fees under their Trip Cancellation/Interruption benefit. The two “lost” days of the cruise would also be covered under Trip Cancellation/Interruption. Travel Guard would pro-rate the daily cost of the total cruise to come up with the per-day amount. The hotel charge for the night in St. Thomas would be covered under the Trip Delay benefit of $150 per person/per day up to 5 days.
Question #3- What does your insurance company offer to the client to assist with making all of these changes?
TI- We always recommend the clients contact their travel agent to help them make arrangements but our 24 hour assistance that is included in the policy will help them rebook the flights, book hotels and any other related services that they would need help with.
TG- Travel Guard’s GOLD plan includes 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Services at no additional charge. Travel Guard’s assistance reps will make emergency or last-minute travel changes such as rebooking flights, hotel reservations or ground transportation, as well as tracking lost luggage. In addition all policyholders receive a full menu of concierge services, emergency medical assistance, pre-trip advice, email and telephone message relay, assistance for replacing lost travel documents, obtaining cash advances, or language translation.
I want to thank both of my sales managers for the responses and their assistance in helping me to post this blog. It is important to remember that with both policies, these clients would have been able to cancel their cruise OR get reimbursed for the out of pocket expenses that they incurred (some limits do apply).
In this case, since the clients did not have insurance, they lost a considerable amount of money (over $1500 in lost days on the cruise, change fees plus hotel in St Thomas). In both cases, for these clients who are 65 years old with a trip valued at $1700 per person, the insurance would have cost less than $260 per couple. Prices are much less for younger travelers since travel insurance is based on the age of the traveler and the price of the trip.
The morale of the story- both couples now swear that they will take out travel insurance the next time they book a vacation.
Please realize that bad weather is not only for hurricanes and blizzards. Many times, flights will be cancelled due to very high winds or very heavy rain.
What do you think- would you rather lose $1500+ or spend $260 to begin with?
One of my colleagues called me after a horrendous storm that affected her clients to the point that 2 out of 3 couples missed their cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas set to sail from Fort Lauderdale on Feb 27, 2010. The third couple drove down to Florida from NJ and left early enough to miss the storm. They were able to embark on the cruise as planned- but without their friends.
I decided to devote my March Feature of the Month to the topic of how travel insurance can play an important role in bad weather. I used my colleague’s client’s example as my basis for the questions that I posed to 3 of the travel insurance companies that I offer to my clients. Only 2 of the three responded to the scenario and questions. The policies that were compared were Travel Insured’s World Wide Travel Protection and Travel Guard’s Gold Plan (Protect and Assist). Access America did not answer since their communications department was working on a special project.
Here was the scenarios and questions posed:
Couple #1 and Couple #2 were flying down on Continental. Due to the storm that hit Newark on Thursday Feb 25 into Friday Feb 26, thousands of flights on Continental were cancelled. To the best of my knowledge, the airport was NOT officially closed. Since they were flying out on the day of the cruise, they scheduled the first flight out of the day. None took insurance, which I always recommend to my clients.
On Friday Feb 26, they were told that their flight was cancelled for Saturday 2/27 and that they could NOT be re accommodated on ANY flight that would get them to the ship in time for embarkation. They checked multiple airlines flying from all of the major NY/NJ airports as well as Philadelphia.
Question #1- could they have cancelled their cruise at this point had they taken out your insurance policy?
Next, scenario: the agent was able to get them flights to St Thomas (the first port of call). The flight is on Monday 3/1. The ship gets into St Thomas on Tues. 3/2. The clients were required to pay a fee to change the tickets to St Thomas (since they were originally set to fly to Fort Lauderdale). The change fee was $250 per person. They are now staying in a hotel for 1 night in St Thomas prior to embarking on the cruise. The hotel cost is $250 per room. With this change, they are still missing 2 full days of the cruise which cost $1400 per person, with all taxes and fees.
Question # 2: What can the clients claim on their policy for reimbursement for these out of pocket expenses? Again, which category does this fall under?
Question #3: What does your insurance company offer to the client to assist with making all of these changes?
These were the responses from my sales managers at Travel Insured (TI) and Travel Guard (TG):
Question #1: Could the clients have cancelled the vacation since their flight was cancelled and they would miss the cruise.
TI- Based on the info provided it appears that they would have coverage under Trip Cancellation and would be able to claim for the entire cost of their cruise. The time frame for weather delays/cancellations is as follows (details of each will be answered in the remaining questions):
3 hour+ delay – eligible for missed connection coverage
6+ hour delay – eligible for trip delay
24 consecutive hour delay – eligible for trip cancellation
The key for trip cancellation is not being able to be rebooked within 24 hours of the original scheduled departure time. In this example, they would not have been eligible for trip cancellation had Continental been able to get them on a flight later that same afternoon, even if it meant missing the cruise departure. Clients need to be conscious of time frames and flight schedules; just because the gate agent tells them they will be covered by insurance does not mean they will be. The key thing to remember with weather events is that they cannot be accommodated within 24 hours of their originally scheduled departure time.
TG- Travel Guard’s Gold plan covers for cancellation of travel arrangements due to severe weather conditions. So in this particular situation, the insureds would have been covered for cancellation of their cruise since their air transportation was cancelled due to inclement weather. There is no requirement that the airport be shut down for a determined amount of time such as 12 or 24 hours before benefits would be payable.
Question #2: What can the clients claim on their policy for reimbursement for these out of pocket expenses?
TI- The clients would have Missed Connection, Travel Delay and Trip Interruption available to them. First, Missed Connection (after 3 hour delay) would reimburse the change fees and additional fare up to $500/person to help the client reach the first port of call. It is important to note that there is a maximum limit on this coverage so the client may not receive the entire additional cost. The maximum on Worldwide Trip Protector is $500 per person.
Trip Delay (after 6 hours) would provide reimbursement for hotel expenses, meals, etc up to $200/day/person maxing out at $1,000/person.
Lastly, they would have trip interruption available to cover the unused days of the cruise. Assuming the cruise is 7 days, and they missed 2 days cruising, they would receive $200/day for the missed days on the ship. This is determined by taking the total per person cost of the trip and dividing by the number of days traveling. In this case, $1,400/person divided by 7 days is $200/day.
TG- The insureds would be covered for the air ticket change fees under their Trip Cancellation/Interruption benefit. The two “lost” days of the cruise would also be covered under Trip Cancellation/Interruption. Travel Guard would pro-rate the daily cost of the total cruise to come up with the per-day amount. The hotel charge for the night in St. Thomas would be covered under the Trip Delay benefit of $150 per person/per day up to 5 days.
Question #3- What does your insurance company offer to the client to assist with making all of these changes?
TI- We always recommend the clients contact their travel agent to help them make arrangements but our 24 hour assistance that is included in the policy will help them rebook the flights, book hotels and any other related services that they would need help with.
TG- Travel Guard’s GOLD plan includes 24/7 Emergency Travel Assistance Services at no additional charge. Travel Guard’s assistance reps will make emergency or last-minute travel changes such as rebooking flights, hotel reservations or ground transportation, as well as tracking lost luggage. In addition all policyholders receive a full menu of concierge services, emergency medical assistance, pre-trip advice, email and telephone message relay, assistance for replacing lost travel documents, obtaining cash advances, or language translation.
I want to thank both of my sales managers for the responses and their assistance in helping me to post this blog. It is important to remember that with both policies, these clients would have been able to cancel their cruise OR get reimbursed for the out of pocket expenses that they incurred (some limits do apply).
In this case, since the clients did not have insurance, they lost a considerable amount of money (over $1500 in lost days on the cruise, change fees plus hotel in St Thomas). In both cases, for these clients who are 65 years old with a trip valued at $1700 per person, the insurance would have cost less than $260 per couple. Prices are much less for younger travelers since travel insurance is based on the age of the traveler and the price of the trip.
The morale of the story- both couples now swear that they will take out travel insurance the next time they book a vacation.
Please realize that bad weather is not only for hurricanes and blizzards. Many times, flights will be cancelled due to very high winds or very heavy rain.
What do you think- would you rather lose $1500+ or spend $260 to begin with?
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Passport prices to increase?
Now that the travel industry is on the upswing and more people are traveling again, the powers that be in the US State Department think that this is a good time to raise the cost of passports by $35 per person.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/your-passport-may-so-6478/
Send in your comments online until March 9 or 10.
http://travel.latimes.com/daily-deal-blog/index.php/your-passport-may-so-6478/
Send in your comments online until March 9 or 10.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Spotlight on the Big Island of Hawaii
This weekend Hawaii was in the news about the approaching tsunami that was triggered by the earthquake in Chili. Luckily it was averted and the waves were just slightly above normal. On our last vist to the Big Island, our tour guide for our Grand Circle Hawaii tour spoke in detail about tsunamis and how serious they can be and how Hawaii reacts to tsunami warnings. This was definitely in effect this weekend.
There are great reasons to visit Hawaii and this article just brings up a bit about the Big Island- Hawaii:
Spotlight on Hawaii’s Big Island
Shaped over the course of several hundred thousand years by five volcanoes, the Big Island is the youngest and largest in the Hawaiian archipelago. And even today, Kilauea, a volcano that has been erupting nearly continuously since 1983, continues to change the terrain of Hawaii. To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the island of Hawaii is called “Hawaii’s Big Island.” Eleven of the world’s thirteen climactic zones are within the Big Island’s shores, and its varied geography makes for an unforgettable vacation. From lava fields to lush valleys, historical sites to sanctuaries, the Big Island has something for everyone. And those with an appetite for action can participate in activities such as hiking, horseback riding, jet skiing, diving, and sport fishing.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park –
With its dramatic landscapes and ever changing lava show, Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park is the number one visitor attraction in Hawaii. Kilauea Volcano
has earned a reputation as the world’s most active volcano, and if you visit
here, you can explore the steam vents, lava tubes, and old lava flows on foot or
take a helicopter tour to feel the lava heat.
Kohala Coast – The Kohala Coast boasts upscale resorts, a dramatic black
lavascape, and exceptional golf courses—plus rare flowers and picture perfect
beaches. Let's not forget the near picture perfect weather along the Kohala Coast and some of my favorite hotels- the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Orchid.
Waipio Valley – Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley (Valley of the Kings) was a significant center for political and religious life in Hawaii. In addition to its importance as a site for Hawaiian history and culture, the Waipio Valley is a place of dramatic tropical beauty, highlighted by cascading waterfalls.
Mauna Kea – This seasonally snowcapped mountain is a haven of spirituality to the native Hawaiians and is considered to be the highest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor. You can join a tour to travel to the top of Mauna Kea to see for yourself why stargazing atop here is such an unforgettable experience.
Black Sand Beach – A popular hangout spot for Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Black
Sand Beach is located on the south shore of the Big Island, just below Hilo town.
For more information on each of the islands of Hawaii, click here
There are great reasons to visit Hawaii and this article just brings up a bit about the Big Island- Hawaii:
Spotlight on Hawaii’s Big Island
Shaped over the course of several hundred thousand years by five volcanoes, the Big Island is the youngest and largest in the Hawaiian archipelago. And even today, Kilauea, a volcano that has been erupting nearly continuously since 1983, continues to change the terrain of Hawaii. To avoid confusion with the name of the entire state, the island of Hawaii is called “Hawaii’s Big Island.” Eleven of the world’s thirteen climactic zones are within the Big Island’s shores, and its varied geography makes for an unforgettable vacation. From lava fields to lush valleys, historical sites to sanctuaries, the Big Island has something for everyone. And those with an appetite for action can participate in activities such as hiking, horseback riding, jet skiing, diving, and sport fishing.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park –
With its dramatic landscapes and ever changing lava show, Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park is the number one visitor attraction in Hawaii. Kilauea Volcano
has earned a reputation as the world’s most active volcano, and if you visit
here, you can explore the steam vents, lava tubes, and old lava flows on foot or
take a helicopter tour to feel the lava heat.
Kohala Coast – The Kohala Coast boasts upscale resorts, a dramatic black
lavascape, and exceptional golf courses—plus rare flowers and picture perfect
beaches. Let's not forget the near picture perfect weather along the Kohala Coast and some of my favorite hotels- the Four Seasons and the Fairmont Orchid.
Waipio Valley – Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley (Valley of the Kings) was a significant center for political and religious life in Hawaii. In addition to its importance as a site for Hawaiian history and culture, the Waipio Valley is a place of dramatic tropical beauty, highlighted by cascading waterfalls.
Mauna Kea – This seasonally snowcapped mountain is a haven of spirituality to the native Hawaiians and is considered to be the highest mountain in the world when measured from the sea floor. You can join a tour to travel to the top of Mauna Kea to see for yourself why stargazing atop here is such an unforgettable experience.
Black Sand Beach – A popular hangout spot for Hawaiian Sea Turtles, Black
Sand Beach is located on the south shore of the Big Island, just below Hilo town.
For more information on each of the islands of Hawaii, click here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
