By DAVID A. KELLY July 27, 2010
UBIQUITOUS connectivity has its downside, especially when it comes to the price of using your cellphone abroad. The proliferation of smartphones and the increased use of data have made it easier than ever to rack up huge communications bills while traveling overseas, even on a short trip.
“Many leisure travelers with iPhones are going to Europe, not turning off their data and allowing their apps to continue downloading data,” said Ken Grunski, chief executive of Telestial, a company that provides wireless services for travelers. “U.S. travelers were already getting hammered with expensive voice calls that start at $1 per minute. I know of people that have returned home to $1,000 or more roaming bills.”
Luckily for tech-savvy travelers who want to stay in touch, there are ways to avoid spending a small fortune. Here are some options.
Getting the Right Phone
Many countries outside the United States rely on a wireless network technology called GSM. But two major American carriers — Verizon and Sprint — use different technologies in most of their standard phones. Owners of those devices will need a special cellphone when traveling to many countries.
Verizon users have a fairly convenient way to deal with this problem. If you’ve been a subscriber for six months or longer, Verizon will lend you a global phone free of charge for trips of 21 days or less; the customer pays only the two-day FedEx fee of $9.99. Once you receive the phone, call Verizon to activate it and select an international rate plan (with the $4.99 a month plan, a call from, say, France, will cost 99 cents a minute compared with $1.29 without the plan; texts, which cost 50 cents per message sent and 5 cents per message received, are not included). After the trip, just ship the phone back. AT&T and T-Mobile have GSM networks, so many of their standard phones will work overseas, although you’ll still need to sign up for an international roaming plan to keep rates down. For example, with the $5.99 a month AT&T plan, calls from many Western European countries to the United States are only 99 cents. A package of 50 roaming texts costs $10.
Another option is to buy an inexpensive travel phone from a company like Telestial (telestial.com) or Planet Omni (planetomni.com). They typically cost less than $50. For example, Planet Omni’s Kit V520 ($49) offers a dual-band GSM phone, SIM card with both a United States phone number and a global phone number, and $5 in airtime. The service allows you to receive free incoming calls in France, Italy, Spain and Britain on the global number, and free voice mail in 60 countries. Costs for outgoing calls depend on the country. For example, an outgoing call from France to a United States landline is 99 cents per minute, while a call to a mobile phone is $1.49 per minute. Telestial’s Passport package (starting at $99) provides free incoming calls in Europe, as well as calls back to the United States for 49 cents per minute.
Data Deals
With everything from Internet radio to online maps to multitudes of apps, iPhones and smartphones can consume huge amounts of data. It might not be a big deal at home, but using all those apps on the road can add up quickly. If you plan on using a lot of data services while traveling, make sure you check with the carrier to see if it offers international data roaming plans. For example, AT&T offers data roaming plans for the iPhone and smartphones that provide 20 megabytes of data usage within 90 countries for $24.99 per month, and up to 200 megabytes for $199.99 per month.
These charges are in addition to whatever your usual monthly charge is in the United States, but the cost pays off if you use a lot of data, especially when you consider that the standard international roaming rates for many Western European countries are about $20 per megabyte (according to Mr. Grunski, of Telestial, some Web pages are half a megabyte, so downloading, say, five pages in a single day could cost you $50 without a plan).
In addition, AT&T recommends that iPhone users go to their settings and turn off data roaming and options to fetch new data. They should also reset their usage tracker to zero so they can keep an eye on new charges, and make sure to use Wi-Fi instead of their phones’ 3G services to check e-mail messages or use the Web.
SIM Cards
Frequent travelers may want to consider another money-saving technique: replacing a phone’s American SIM card (the little electronic memory card that identifies and configures your phone) with a local (or country-specific) SIM card. In general, when you do that, all incoming calls will be free and outgoing calls (local or international) can be significantly cheaper. Be aware that replacing the SIM card means that your phone has a different number, so you may want to let your contacts know, or set your phone to forward all calls to the new number before you go. Your phone also has to be unlocked so it can work with other carriers’ networks — your cellphone company can provide information on how to do this — and it needs to be compatible with the wireless services in the country you’re visiting.
“Even with an international roaming package on AT&T, it can cost 99 cents a minute or more for voice calls,” said Philip Guarino, an international business consultant and founder of Elementi Consulting in Boston. “The moral of the story is, dump your American SIM card and buy a local one instead.” When Mr. Guarino travels he simply buys a SIM card at his destination airport and uses it for cheap local calls.
“In a pinch, even if I call directly from my phone using a foreign SIM card, the average direct-dial rates are about 60 cents U.S. per minute, which is cheaper than using my original U.S. SIM,” he said.
The VoIP Option
Internet-based voice services (VoIP) such as Skype (skype.com) or Truphone (truphone.com), which charge as little as 2 cents for calls to regular phones, are among the cheapest ways for international travelers to communicate. This spring, Skype announced support for the iPhone, allowing iPhone users to make or receive Skype calls over either Wi-Fi or 3G connections. One good option for travelers wanting to use Skype or Wi-Fi while traveling is Boingo Wireless. For $7.95 per month, travelers can sign up with Boingo (boingo.com) for unlimited Wi-Fi access in hotels, restaurants, cafes, airports and more in over 70 countries. Coupled with Skype or a similar VoIP product on an iPhone, smartphone or computer, it’s hard to beat the value.
Last, but Not Least
Don’t forget the old-fashioned calling card. When Mr. Guarino travels, he often uses discounted international calling cards from local cafes or newsstands.
“The rates to the U.S. are about 3 cents per minute, plus the cost of the local call,” he said. “It’s a good option for making a call from a land line, especially if you have a conference call to make where you don’t want to worry about call quality.”
Monday, August 16, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Sandals Resorts cuts ties with Apple Vacations
A couple of years ago, Sandals announced that it would cease sales through Apple Vacations. Rumors were flying, at that time, about the reasons. Some said that since Apple owned a stake in AMResorts, the management company for Secrets, Zoetry, Dreams and Now properties, they were in direct conflict with Sandals. Now that Secrets has 2 properties in Jamaica, it is something to consider. Another rumor, back then, that Apple didn't want to classify or rank Sandals properties uniformly equally, as Sandals required. Again, these were all rumors back then. Now, we hear that as of Aug 2010, Sandals is again pulling their line from the Apple inventory:
"Unique Vacations International (UVI), the company that acts as the worldwide sales and marketing representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, terminated its wholesaler agreement with Apple Vacations. UVI said the move is part of an overall strategy to partner with fewer companies that give priority to UVI, particularly Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. Sandals bookings that have already been made through Apple will be honored. The change only applies to new bookings going forward.
UVI said it is investing in the traditional distribution system and will continue to grow this sector and to richly reward wholesalers, tour operators and agents who share its goals. The company did not specify why Apple Vacations in particular would not be included as part of its distribution system going forward. A spokesperson from Unique Vacations told Travel Pulse that the decision to terminate the relationship was made by UVI, not Sandals.
In a statement from Apple Vacations, Tim Mullen, senior vice president, said Apple had been notified on July 20 by Sandals and Beaches Resorts that it would no longer be able to sell their properties. No reason was given, according to the statement. The move was puzzling, Mullen said, because “Apple Vacations continues to increase production to Jamaica each year. Specifically, Apple has increased its 2010 production by 34 percent over 2009 and advanced sales are up more than 20 percent for 2011.”
Mullen said Apple Vacations continues to be optimistic about the growth of business to Jamaica, as well as the continuing improvement in the quality of products at the destination. Mark Noennig, vice president and general manager of Apple, told Travel Pulse that UVI’s move had taken Apple by surprise. “There didn’t seem to be any particular reason for this to happen, but we’ve accepted it and are moving on,” he said. “Apple doesn’t want to speculate on it. Business to the Caribbean has been very good. There’s a lot of new product there. We’ve been doing a lot of business with Couples. Secrets does very well for us, as well as Iberostar, Superclubs and Riu. So we’re not going to feel a lot of impact. Apple has the most charters into the Caribbean of anyone, so we are very committed to the region and will continue to move forward aggressively.”
Will we see Sandals back up in Apple's inventory soon? Time will tell.
"Unique Vacations International (UVI), the company that acts as the worldwide sales and marketing representative of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, terminated its wholesaler agreement with Apple Vacations. UVI said the move is part of an overall strategy to partner with fewer companies that give priority to UVI, particularly Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts. Sandals bookings that have already been made through Apple will be honored. The change only applies to new bookings going forward.
UVI said it is investing in the traditional distribution system and will continue to grow this sector and to richly reward wholesalers, tour operators and agents who share its goals. The company did not specify why Apple Vacations in particular would not be included as part of its distribution system going forward. A spokesperson from Unique Vacations told Travel Pulse that the decision to terminate the relationship was made by UVI, not Sandals.
In a statement from Apple Vacations, Tim Mullen, senior vice president, said Apple had been notified on July 20 by Sandals and Beaches Resorts that it would no longer be able to sell their properties. No reason was given, according to the statement. The move was puzzling, Mullen said, because “Apple Vacations continues to increase production to Jamaica each year. Specifically, Apple has increased its 2010 production by 34 percent over 2009 and advanced sales are up more than 20 percent for 2011.”
Mullen said Apple Vacations continues to be optimistic about the growth of business to Jamaica, as well as the continuing improvement in the quality of products at the destination. Mark Noennig, vice president and general manager of Apple, told Travel Pulse that UVI’s move had taken Apple by surprise. “There didn’t seem to be any particular reason for this to happen, but we’ve accepted it and are moving on,” he said. “Apple doesn’t want to speculate on it. Business to the Caribbean has been very good. There’s a lot of new product there. We’ve been doing a lot of business with Couples. Secrets does very well for us, as well as Iberostar, Superclubs and Riu. So we’re not going to feel a lot of impact. Apple has the most charters into the Caribbean of anyone, so we are very committed to the region and will continue to move forward aggressively.”
Will we see Sandals back up in Apple's inventory soon? Time will tell.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
If you bought too many souvenirs...
We all do it. We go on vacation and feel the need to buy souvenirs for everyone from the person watering your plants on up to your family. Your luggage is now overloaded, overweight or just won't carry anything else. What do you do?
Here are some suggestions that came from an article from the Independent Traveler.
Packing Problem: Too Many Souvenirs
You could always just pack less and leave room in the bag for some extra souvenirs. But who really wants to do that? After all, in the current context of expensive baggage fees, empty space in your suitcase is valuable real estate. And if you only brought a carry-on bag, some souvenirs you might purchase, like liquid-filled snow globes, may be prohibited past the airport security checkpoint. So with no room in your bag for anything larger than a postcard of Tuscany and only a carry-on in which to cart two weeks' worth of clothing, how do you get those bottles of pricey Italian merlot back to the States?
Many travelers ship souvenirs back home -- especially large or fragile things like handmade Moroccan rugs or Waterford crystal. A reputable shop that caters largely to tourists (and sells big and expensive items like furniture) will likely ship your goods back home right from the store. However, without shipping insurance or a tracking number, you have little control over the fate of your purchase.
A second option is to mail the item yourself. We recommend using major international shipping companies like UPS and FedEx as opposed to a local post office because overseas postal services (especially in developing areas) may be unreliable. Check out the major international shipping companies' Web sites before you leave to see if there's a location near where you will be traveling; if so, write down the address and phone number and stick it in your wallet. Also look up restrictions, shipping costs and shipping times. And make sure to get your shipment insured and write down a tracking number!
Your third, probably cheapest option is to pack a squashy, foldable bag that takes up little room in your suitcase. A soft duffel or zippered tote bag will work. If you end up with a mass of bulky souvenirs, you can unfold the extra bag and check it at the airport. Although you may end up paying a checked-bag fee for an extra piece of luggage, this might be a more economical way to cart your souvenirs home than paying for international shipping, which is not cheap. Wrap some T-shirts or sweaters around any breakable items.
I'm going to add another option: Take disposable clothes with you on vacation and throw them out after wearing them. By taking clothes that you have no intention of bringing home, you'll have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs. I've done it with underwear, shoes and more. Rather than packing your best, pack stuff that you are ready to get rid of anyway. Wear them and toss them. It will leave space and weight left in the suitcase for all of the new stuff you are going to buy :)
Here are some suggestions that came from an article from the Independent Traveler.
Packing Problem: Too Many Souvenirs
You could always just pack less and leave room in the bag for some extra souvenirs. But who really wants to do that? After all, in the current context of expensive baggage fees, empty space in your suitcase is valuable real estate. And if you only brought a carry-on bag, some souvenirs you might purchase, like liquid-filled snow globes, may be prohibited past the airport security checkpoint. So with no room in your bag for anything larger than a postcard of Tuscany and only a carry-on in which to cart two weeks' worth of clothing, how do you get those bottles of pricey Italian merlot back to the States?
Many travelers ship souvenirs back home -- especially large or fragile things like handmade Moroccan rugs or Waterford crystal. A reputable shop that caters largely to tourists (and sells big and expensive items like furniture) will likely ship your goods back home right from the store. However, without shipping insurance or a tracking number, you have little control over the fate of your purchase.
A second option is to mail the item yourself. We recommend using major international shipping companies like UPS and FedEx as opposed to a local post office because overseas postal services (especially in developing areas) may be unreliable. Check out the major international shipping companies' Web sites before you leave to see if there's a location near where you will be traveling; if so, write down the address and phone number and stick it in your wallet. Also look up restrictions, shipping costs and shipping times. And make sure to get your shipment insured and write down a tracking number!
Your third, probably cheapest option is to pack a squashy, foldable bag that takes up little room in your suitcase. A soft duffel or zippered tote bag will work. If you end up with a mass of bulky souvenirs, you can unfold the extra bag and check it at the airport. Although you may end up paying a checked-bag fee for an extra piece of luggage, this might be a more economical way to cart your souvenirs home than paying for international shipping, which is not cheap. Wrap some T-shirts or sweaters around any breakable items.
I'm going to add another option: Take disposable clothes with you on vacation and throw them out after wearing them. By taking clothes that you have no intention of bringing home, you'll have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs. I've done it with underwear, shoes and more. Rather than packing your best, pack stuff that you are ready to get rid of anyway. Wear them and toss them. It will leave space and weight left in the suitcase for all of the new stuff you are going to buy :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
5 Ways to Upgrade your Vacation
This is an article that I found on the Independent Traveler.
"Most travelers can't afford five-star hotels and first-class airfare, but there are plenty of inexpensive -- and sometimes free -- ways to add comfort and small luxuries to a trip without clearing out your bank account. Things like a leisurely morning meal or a few extra inches of legroom in coach can make a big difference on an otherwise budget-minded getaway. Following is a quick list of five low-cost upgrade suggestions simple enough to try on almost every trip you take.
1. Ask for an upgrade.
You don't necessarily have to have tons of miles or tons of cash to fly business or first class, as many airlines offer low-fee upgrades based on availability at the time of check-in. These same-day upgrades can cost as little as $25, and often check-in agents can upgrade you for any connecting flights -- and in some cases for your return trip as well.
Even if no seats or upgrades for a higher class are available, you may be able to get a better seat, sometimes even for free. As more airlines have designated certain seats in coach as "premium" seats, they may offer you a seat in the front section of coach (where seat widths or pitch may be more generous), or perhaps right behind one of those exit row seats that have one seat taken out so you actually have two full rows of legroom -- more than enough space even you're built like Wilt Chamberlain.
If upgrades are available, the agent can usually tell you the exact cost, and you can accept or decline the offer. (You may not even have to go to the desk, as this option is also becoming more common for both online and kiosk check-in options.) At the very least, most check-in agents will scan their seating charts to try to find you the best available seat at no extra cost, just for the asking. You almost can't go wrong inquiring politely about any upgrade options; if you travel regularly, you'll be pleasantly surprised over time at how well this works.
2. Avoid long lines by buying tickets in advance.
An excruciating wait in a ticket or admission line can tarnish an otherwise great vacation day; shuffling along in the heat (or cold) with a horde of other folks in the same predicament is no one's idea of a good use of precious vacation time. Fortunately, most popular establishments have learned this lesson and now offer ways to purchase advance admission tickets -- which in many cases may offer a set entrance time as well, further reducing time wasted standing around.
This option is usually best employed at very popular attractions with instant name recognition and broad appeal: the American Museum of Natural History, the Uffizi, Disney. There is usually a small fee for the service (usually in the $2 - $4 range), but getting to skip the mile-long General Admission line and grab your tickets at Will Call -- or better yet, have your tickets mailed to you in advance -- is almost always worth a couple of bucks.
If you are traveling as a family or with a group, you might even find that buying a museum membership pays off, even for a one-time visit. For example, a year-long family membership at the American Museum of Natural History costs $115, and includes unlimited admission for two adults and up to four children all year long. Meanwhile, regular admission for two adults and four children is $92.
If you have even the most remote plans to visit again, the family membership is the way to go. Additionally, the AMNH will even let you have other family members use your membership -- so, for example, I could give my brother and his family my membership card, and they could all attend as well, on their own time. Check out these and similar options when you visit museum and theme parks; potential price savings aside, lines for members tend to be shorter than those for the general public.
3. Upgrade your rental car affordably.
One thing you can rely on about most rental car upgrades is that they're usually an add-on to the amount you are already paying, not a completely "new" price per se. That is, when you upgrade a rental, you are paying only a pre-determined upgrade fee, not necessarily the going full price for the higher car class.
For example, say during booking you see an economy car for $18 a day, and a full-size car for $50. If you book the economy car, and then are offered an upgrade at the rental desk, typically you will be quoted a few dollars per day more for the upgraded vehicle, perhaps $5 a day per rental class -- but not the full $50 you were originally quoted.
When reserving a car online, sometimes you will be offered the option to upgrade during the booking process; on a trip to Cleveland last year, I upgraded three full car classes for $3 a day. Learn more tactics for upgrading your car rental in How to Save on Car Rentals in a Recession.
The risk here is obviously that no upgrade is available, and that you are stuck in the economy car. Unless you are going to be driving a lot, this may not be a deal-breaker.
4. Use a travel agent.
Handling the countless tiny details of travel planning can sometimes feel like torture by 1,000 small cuts. Despite the glut of Web sites that offer endless flexibility and options for booking your own travel, somehow the whole process seems more grueling than ever. If you can find a good travel agent, the hassle of searching for and purchasing airline tickets can be offloaded entirely for fees starting around $35. A good travel agent can quickly filter out all the stuff you don't want and drill down to see things you can't see, such as seating charts, to find you the right flight at the right price with the right seats.
Especially when traveling as a family or with a group, when getting seats together can be critical to a sane and safe trip, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and anxiety by having a pro put together a sensible and reliable flight itinerary.
While your agent is at it, you might have him or her look into rental cars, hotel rooms and more -- and, if the price is right, go ahead and book it. Researching and reserving these yourself usually requires visiting multiple Web sites and can take a few hours of your time, so having a travel agent book them for you can save you time ... and it may not cost you anything more in fees.
5. Use room service.
To many folks, room service sounds like an extravagance, but the truth is that the cost of a meal delivered to your room is almost always exactly the same as if you went down to the hotel restaurant. The menu is the same, the prices are the same, the beer costs the same and the water is still free. The gratuity (usually 18 percent these days) is almost always added automatically, and at most properties you can put the meal on your hotel bill, so you don't even have to pick up your wallet.
Unless the hotel breakfast is included in your room cost, I find this option particularly attractive in the morning. While waiting for and eating breakfast, I can check in at work, dispatch e-mail, read the newspaper or watch the morning news, which for me beats slumping down to a hotel restaurant first thing in the morning by a country breakfast mile. Often you can order your meal the night before and choose a predetermined delivery time.
You will want to take a close look at the menu prices, as hotel breakfasts can be on the pricey side (although not always) and may be a more expensive option than popping down the street to the local coffee shop. But for a morning or two it won't break the bank, and the benefits are worth it. An omelet, buttered toast, some fruit and a pot of coffee delivered right to your room while you are still in your PJ's? There's the lap of luxury for you -- breakfast in bed.
Go Anyway,
Ed Hewitt"
"Most travelers can't afford five-star hotels and first-class airfare, but there are plenty of inexpensive -- and sometimes free -- ways to add comfort and small luxuries to a trip without clearing out your bank account. Things like a leisurely morning meal or a few extra inches of legroom in coach can make a big difference on an otherwise budget-minded getaway. Following is a quick list of five low-cost upgrade suggestions simple enough to try on almost every trip you take.
1. Ask for an upgrade.
You don't necessarily have to have tons of miles or tons of cash to fly business or first class, as many airlines offer low-fee upgrades based on availability at the time of check-in. These same-day upgrades can cost as little as $25, and often check-in agents can upgrade you for any connecting flights -- and in some cases for your return trip as well.
Even if no seats or upgrades for a higher class are available, you may be able to get a better seat, sometimes even for free. As more airlines have designated certain seats in coach as "premium" seats, they may offer you a seat in the front section of coach (where seat widths or pitch may be more generous), or perhaps right behind one of those exit row seats that have one seat taken out so you actually have two full rows of legroom -- more than enough space even you're built like Wilt Chamberlain.
If upgrades are available, the agent can usually tell you the exact cost, and you can accept or decline the offer. (You may not even have to go to the desk, as this option is also becoming more common for both online and kiosk check-in options.) At the very least, most check-in agents will scan their seating charts to try to find you the best available seat at no extra cost, just for the asking. You almost can't go wrong inquiring politely about any upgrade options; if you travel regularly, you'll be pleasantly surprised over time at how well this works.
2. Avoid long lines by buying tickets in advance.
An excruciating wait in a ticket or admission line can tarnish an otherwise great vacation day; shuffling along in the heat (or cold) with a horde of other folks in the same predicament is no one's idea of a good use of precious vacation time. Fortunately, most popular establishments have learned this lesson and now offer ways to purchase advance admission tickets -- which in many cases may offer a set entrance time as well, further reducing time wasted standing around.
This option is usually best employed at very popular attractions with instant name recognition and broad appeal: the American Museum of Natural History, the Uffizi, Disney. There is usually a small fee for the service (usually in the $2 - $4 range), but getting to skip the mile-long General Admission line and grab your tickets at Will Call -- or better yet, have your tickets mailed to you in advance -- is almost always worth a couple of bucks.
If you are traveling as a family or with a group, you might even find that buying a museum membership pays off, even for a one-time visit. For example, a year-long family membership at the American Museum of Natural History costs $115, and includes unlimited admission for two adults and up to four children all year long. Meanwhile, regular admission for two adults and four children is $92.
If you have even the most remote plans to visit again, the family membership is the way to go. Additionally, the AMNH will even let you have other family members use your membership -- so, for example, I could give my brother and his family my membership card, and they could all attend as well, on their own time. Check out these and similar options when you visit museum and theme parks; potential price savings aside, lines for members tend to be shorter than those for the general public.
3. Upgrade your rental car affordably.
One thing you can rely on about most rental car upgrades is that they're usually an add-on to the amount you are already paying, not a completely "new" price per se. That is, when you upgrade a rental, you are paying only a pre-determined upgrade fee, not necessarily the going full price for the higher car class.
For example, say during booking you see an economy car for $18 a day, and a full-size car for $50. If you book the economy car, and then are offered an upgrade at the rental desk, typically you will be quoted a few dollars per day more for the upgraded vehicle, perhaps $5 a day per rental class -- but not the full $50 you were originally quoted.
When reserving a car online, sometimes you will be offered the option to upgrade during the booking process; on a trip to Cleveland last year, I upgraded three full car classes for $3 a day. Learn more tactics for upgrading your car rental in How to Save on Car Rentals in a Recession.
The risk here is obviously that no upgrade is available, and that you are stuck in the economy car. Unless you are going to be driving a lot, this may not be a deal-breaker.
4. Use a travel agent.
Handling the countless tiny details of travel planning can sometimes feel like torture by 1,000 small cuts. Despite the glut of Web sites that offer endless flexibility and options for booking your own travel, somehow the whole process seems more grueling than ever. If you can find a good travel agent, the hassle of searching for and purchasing airline tickets can be offloaded entirely for fees starting around $35. A good travel agent can quickly filter out all the stuff you don't want and drill down to see things you can't see, such as seating charts, to find you the right flight at the right price with the right seats.
Especially when traveling as a family or with a group, when getting seats together can be critical to a sane and safe trip, you can save yourself a lot of hassle and anxiety by having a pro put together a sensible and reliable flight itinerary.
While your agent is at it, you might have him or her look into rental cars, hotel rooms and more -- and, if the price is right, go ahead and book it. Researching and reserving these yourself usually requires visiting multiple Web sites and can take a few hours of your time, so having a travel agent book them for you can save you time ... and it may not cost you anything more in fees.
5. Use room service.
To many folks, room service sounds like an extravagance, but the truth is that the cost of a meal delivered to your room is almost always exactly the same as if you went down to the hotel restaurant. The menu is the same, the prices are the same, the beer costs the same and the water is still free. The gratuity (usually 18 percent these days) is almost always added automatically, and at most properties you can put the meal on your hotel bill, so you don't even have to pick up your wallet.
Unless the hotel breakfast is included in your room cost, I find this option particularly attractive in the morning. While waiting for and eating breakfast, I can check in at work, dispatch e-mail, read the newspaper or watch the morning news, which for me beats slumping down to a hotel restaurant first thing in the morning by a country breakfast mile. Often you can order your meal the night before and choose a predetermined delivery time.
You will want to take a close look at the menu prices, as hotel breakfasts can be on the pricey side (although not always) and may be a more expensive option than popping down the street to the local coffee shop. But for a morning or two it won't break the bank, and the benefits are worth it. An omelet, buttered toast, some fruit and a pot of coffee delivered right to your room while you are still in your PJ's? There's the lap of luxury for you -- breakfast in bed.
Go Anyway,
Ed Hewitt"
Travel Review Sites
As a travel consultant, I know that many of my clients will check reviews on the major travel review sites. I also use them as a part of my research but never make them the sole or primary source of reviews but would rather rely on personal experience, client feedback and the experiences of my colleagues from throughout the US and Canada.
I came across this excerpt from an article in the Independent Traveler that really reiterates what I tell my clients as well:
"Travel Review Sites
On both Yahoo! Maps and Google Maps, you can click on a particular hotel to find more information about it, including driving directions, user reviews, photos and a link to the property's Web site for booking.
For a more in-depth view of a property, though, I head to TripAdvisor.com. While Yahoo! and Google both offer reviews and links to reviews, I know of no other site where you can get such candid reviews as you'll find at TripAdvisor.
This can be a mixed blessing. While negative reviews often tell you a lot about the hotel, I have sometimes found they tell you a lot about the reviewer as well; you sometimes need to read with a judicious eye to separate a fussbudget's whine from a valid complaint."
What I always advise my clients to do is take each review with a grain of salt. Put more credence in postings from reviewers who live close to your general geographic area. If you are from the New York Metro region, look more closely at the reviewers who live in the states surrounding NY, like New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania or Massachusets, rather than those from Europe or Alabama, Tennessee or Oklahoma. No offense to anyone who lives in those states or Europe but, particulary, when reviewing an all inclusive resort, food tastes vary greatly by geographic areas.
I also advise my clients to eliminate the glowing reviews- from those who say "I want to stay here forever" and the negative reviews "my luggage was lost and I hated the entire vacation" in favor of the reviews in the middle. You need to read between the lines on many reviews. Was the reviewer a honeymooner- their reviews will tend to be more glowing. Was the reviewer annoyed at an outside source- the weather, airline, travel agent or their spouse?
Travel review sites can help in your vacation planning but please don't make it your only site in deciding upon a vacation destination or resort.
I came across this excerpt from an article in the Independent Traveler that really reiterates what I tell my clients as well:
"Travel Review Sites
On both Yahoo! Maps and Google Maps, you can click on a particular hotel to find more information about it, including driving directions, user reviews, photos and a link to the property's Web site for booking.
For a more in-depth view of a property, though, I head to TripAdvisor.com. While Yahoo! and Google both offer reviews and links to reviews, I know of no other site where you can get such candid reviews as you'll find at TripAdvisor.
This can be a mixed blessing. While negative reviews often tell you a lot about the hotel, I have sometimes found they tell you a lot about the reviewer as well; you sometimes need to read with a judicious eye to separate a fussbudget's whine from a valid complaint."
What I always advise my clients to do is take each review with a grain of salt. Put more credence in postings from reviewers who live close to your general geographic area. If you are from the New York Metro region, look more closely at the reviewers who live in the states surrounding NY, like New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania or Massachusets, rather than those from Europe or Alabama, Tennessee or Oklahoma. No offense to anyone who lives in those states or Europe but, particulary, when reviewing an all inclusive resort, food tastes vary greatly by geographic areas.
I also advise my clients to eliminate the glowing reviews- from those who say "I want to stay here forever" and the negative reviews "my luggage was lost and I hated the entire vacation" in favor of the reviews in the middle. You need to read between the lines on many reviews. Was the reviewer a honeymooner- their reviews will tend to be more glowing. Was the reviewer annoyed at an outside source- the weather, airline, travel agent or their spouse?
Travel review sites can help in your vacation planning but please don't make it your only site in deciding upon a vacation destination or resort.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Before you buy your airline tickets...
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 taken place in the last year 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 and gender. 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 have a redress #, please make sure you give it to me. If you don’t know what one is, don’t worry about it.
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 few months 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, that 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.
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 and gender. 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 have a redress #, please make sure you give it to me. If you don’t know what one is, don’t worry about it.
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 few months 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, that 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.
Monday, August 2, 2010
All Inclusive Resorts-Great Vacation Value!
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a worry-free family holiday, or simply a relaxing vacation where you can leave schedules and decision-making behind, consider an all-inclusive resort.
Picture postcard beaches, comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and a variety of activities await you at the all-inclusive resort of your choice. And the best part is just about everything you eat, drink, or do is included in the price of your vacation—along with gratuities, entertainment and hotel taxes. All-inclusives offer value, convenience, and comfort. You won’t be presented with a check every time you order drinks or food, so you can safely leave your credit cards and wallet in your room safe.
Because of the variety of activities available, vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is an economical way to experiment and find new interests you might like to pursue at home. For example, you can learn to scuba dive while your traveling companion takes an aqua aerobics class or practices her golf swing. Most all-inclusives offer professional instructors and top-of-the-line equipment, making learning fun and easy.
Planning a wedding or a honeymoon? All-inclusives provide picture perfect, romantic settings. In some cases, weddings are free and include the assistance of a wedding coordinator who handles all the details, including making arrangements for a minister, a marriage license, champagne, a wedding cake, flowers, and music.
From ultra-luxurious resorts to family-friendly properties, there is an all-inclusive resort for every type of vacationer. Most of the all inclusive resorts are in the Caribbean and Mexico and the options seem endless. Because of the differences among all-inclusive resorts, it is important to work with a knowledgeable travel counselor who can match you with the resort that best fits your needs. Please contact us today for advice on which all-inclusive resorts are right for you.
Picture postcard beaches, comfortable accommodations, friendly service, and a variety of activities await you at the all-inclusive resort of your choice. And the best part is just about everything you eat, drink, or do is included in the price of your vacation—along with gratuities, entertainment and hotel taxes. All-inclusives offer value, convenience, and comfort. You won’t be presented with a check every time you order drinks or food, so you can safely leave your credit cards and wallet in your room safe.
Because of the variety of activities available, vacationing at an all-inclusive resort is an economical way to experiment and find new interests you might like to pursue at home. For example, you can learn to scuba dive while your traveling companion takes an aqua aerobics class or practices her golf swing. Most all-inclusives offer professional instructors and top-of-the-line equipment, making learning fun and easy.
Planning a wedding or a honeymoon? All-inclusives provide picture perfect, romantic settings. In some cases, weddings are free and include the assistance of a wedding coordinator who handles all the details, including making arrangements for a minister, a marriage license, champagne, a wedding cake, flowers, and music.
From ultra-luxurious resorts to family-friendly properties, there is an all-inclusive resort for every type of vacationer. Most of the all inclusive resorts are in the Caribbean and Mexico and the options seem endless. Because of the differences among all-inclusive resorts, it is important to work with a knowledgeable travel counselor who can match you with the resort that best fits your needs. Please contact us today for advice on which all-inclusive resorts are right for you.
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