Lake Tahoe At Dusk

Lake Tahoe At Dusk
TIME TO GET AWAY

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Choosing the Right Hotel for Your Vacation - Be Aware of Hidden Costs.

There are so many hotel choices in the world and how do you choose the right hotel for your Family Vacation.  First you need to determine location of your next vacation and then the rest is up to the planning process.  Pictures can be deceiving so you need to stick with a Theme for your vacation or national brands for consistancy.  The Brands that I work with are Marriotts, Hilton, Hyatt, Wydham Hotels.  When dealing with Condos I work with Known Tour Companies for Assured Reliability.

1.  Hotel or condo? LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION.  Hotels with locations near the beach or city views tend to run more than a hotel outside the city limits. With so many promotions and booking engines it can be down right overwhelming.  Do your online research and then get the help from a Travel Agent to help narrow down the best deals.  I can't stress enough how the help of a Travel Professional will make this experience more pleasant.

2.  Amenities - This is the most important factor in picking out your hotel.  Is breakfast or hotel parking included?  Is ground transportation complimentary?  Is there a charge for the internet per day or by the minute.  These are called hidden Costs.  You can find a GREAT DEAL, but if the the amenities are not included you will be surprised that you will be paying TOP DOLLAR for that Room.  BEWARE OF RESORT FEES.  The hotels have found a way to tag on fees for the internet, phone calls, parking and occupancy charges, so beware to get to the bottom of their rate charts.  KNOW THE CANCELLATION POLICY. 

Happy Travels and hope this helps to narrow down what hotel is the right choice for your next family vacation.

Friday, January 13, 2012

How to Get Through The Airports Quicker

Have you waited in long lines at the airports?  If everyone took a little extra preparing before they got to the airport the lines would be more shorter.  Here are my travel tips:   If you are taking a lap top computer make sure that it is easily available to take out plus your cell phones.  Be sure to put your liquids in a clear plastic bag. Pack large coats in your check in luggage.  Wear flip flops or sandals for easy removal.  Do not take wrapped gifts through TSA Check Point.  When there is a doubt about taking something on board the plane, just leave it behind.  Put all coins and belts into your carryone.   Consult this site for any questions on regulations.  http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm

Friday, January 6, 2012

What Family Destination is the Right Vacation Choice

Some people want to throw up their hands up in trying to find the Perfect Destination for their next Family Vacation.  Never fear.  The first thing I think you should consider is the ages of the kids.  Do you need babysitting services, Kids Clubs, Teen Events?  Destination Vacations for your Family may be closer to you than you think.  Pick a location that will meet the entire family's travel needs and wants.

If you like the beach then I suggest you find a region or island that has variety.  Some Caribbean Islands are very small and might not fit the bill for an active family.  Activity Vacations offer something for everyone.  Being busy keeps the kids interest up.

A Travel Agent can help makes a great family travel experience for both the parents and the kids.  Consider an All Inclusive to save money all around.  Food will be expensive so the All-Inclusive Resort might be the best choice (in the long run) for your family.

Remember your Family Vacation is something personal and it is important to get everything that you are wanting from your vacation not what I the Travel Agent thinks what you are looking for.  Happy Travels.