Country Roads - Take You Home on Your Next #Vacation

Have you ever wanted to go on a Road Trip?  Well it is not to late to start planning. a fantastic Vacation that will spark the interest of every family member.    Many people don't know where to start and this is where I can help you.

Get out an Atlas or your computer and plot out an area that you would love to explore.  It always help if you have some land marks, points of Interest, Lakes or National Park and Monuments.  The US is so filled with National Treasures that you will find a Nation Park in almost every state. Some people are taking trips and doing Genealogy and studying some family History.  There are lots of Road Trips that will allow you to do some Winery Tours, Cave or Caverns exploration, State or National Parks, checking out lighthouses.  What Interests YOU and just expand on it. 

One sample of a Great Road trip is to plan on attending a Family Reunion, but you can always include some sites of interest along the way.  To have a Great Road Trip there are just a few helpful hints.  Country Roads Take you home to where your Family Ancestors came from.  Secondary Roads offer a chance to get off those Freeways and start seeing what this country is all about.

Road Trips Tips:

1.  Rent a Car.  This will allow unlimited mileage and these vehicles are well maintained for less mechanical problems

2.  Get an updated Road Atlas, don't use a 20 year old Atlas as there will be some New Roads that have been created

3.  Drive a long distance on your first day of your trip,.  Most families aren't use to driving long hours, but if you do it mostly over a two day period then you will have more time to see the sites

4.  Always have your passport along with you.  You Can Not drive into Canada or Mexico without one.  You will be very disappointed if you are going along and then you find out for example that you would like to explore the back side of Glacier National Park, and you realize it is in CANADA. Be prepared to make some changes in your route.

5.  Hotels.  This is my best advise.  Be sure to know what discounts that you qualify for and when planning a route, estimate where you might need to stop for the night.  Call ahead around 12:00 noon - 2:00 pm.  Having an advanced reservation will allow you to get the best rate, plus you will find availability.  We found that when you are traveling across country and you come to a Large Cross Roads out in the middle of NO WHERE Hotels will be FULL.

6.  Cell Phones, First Aide Kits, extra Blankets and pillows.  If you have two drivers it is very helpful to have some comforts of home to get some sleep before you have another driving shift. (don't forget those chargers, Computers and traveling apps to help you get the driving times between Major Cities.

7.  Site Seeing is a personal thing so I will have to leave that up to your imagination.  We enjoy the National Parks as they provide learning experiences for the kids, magnificent beauty for the Camera Buffs and some amazing learning centers to become educated on wild life and wild flowers native to the area.

These are just a few tips I, as a Travel Agent would like to provide for that Road Trip that you put off until now.  Happy and Safe Travels.

Jeanne Felix, Travel Agent
Hearts on the Go Travel,
Division of Cordially Yours Travel
California registered Seller of Travel #1013939-40
http://www.travelatheart.com
http://www.facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Traveling and Making Use of Your Free Time on Vacation

When sitting at an airport is a perfect time to keep you informed about my Travel Thoughts.  You have lots of free time at the airport and in between your flights.  International Flights offer the best quality time to make great use of your personal travel needs.  The Idea is to make use of your Free Time on Vacation.

Make sure that you have signed up for the Frequent Flyer programs and pay attention that you have called in the Frequent Flyer Number.  Most airlines have several Travel Partners that will give you mileage for your flights.  Example  US AIR is a partner with United, so you can earn Mileage Plus credits for you US AIR itinerary.  Every flight adds up and I highly recommend signing up for the larger carrier Frequent Flyers Programs to take advantage of increasing your value of your flight.  Lots of Mileage earns you a free flight.

Arrive early enough so that you can check your last minute emails and get caught up with your social media platforms.  There are some great platforms that offer you the opportunity to post information while you are away.  Hootesuite.com and Bundlepost.com are some of the ones that I use and are great for keeping you live while you are on Vacation.  Try them out and you will be amazed how can keep current with the Media World.

Call last minute reminders to family and friends (take time to make sure that you have wished your best friends a Happy Birthday etc or plant an ideas of traveling with you friends next trip).

Get the latest news and travel updates.  Example flooding in Europe that has caused the cancellation of a River Boat Cruise.  Recently there have been 3 sailing dates that have been cancelled due to weather and Flooding.  Keep in front of your itinerary with weather and travel advisories.

Check in for your flights early and allow some time to start reading that great book that has you name all over it.

Keeping informed is the best thing you can do to make your travels go smoother and hassle free.  Happy and Safe Travels

Jeanne Felix, .
Travel Agent
http://www.travelatheart.com
http://www.facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix
@travelatheart - Twitter

We are Thankful for Good Health, Perfect Family and Friends and Traveling the Globe

What are you Thankful for this Holiday Season?  We feel that good health, quality time with the family, great friends and the ability to Travel the World are some things to be Thankful for. 

We have been in the Travel Industry for over 32 years and have seen some beautiful places in our Travels and Vacations.  One of the things that I alway say Travel with your family and friends as it is a perfect time to get re-aquainted.  Plan a Vacation or Get Away that concentrates on something fun for the Kids of all ages. Check out my website for some travel ideas.   http://www.travelatheart.com

Parent and Kids enjoy different things during a vacation, but I feel that a compromise of trying different things to include something fun for all ages is the perfect solution to a successful trip.

Some families have grown up traveling and have the packing down to a science.  Here is a good article to get some travel tips for Families that Travel alot.  Please check the website for travel tips. http://todaytravel.today.com/_news/2012/02/01/10138570-tips-from-well-traveled-families?lite

One of my websites I like to share with Clients traveling with children around the world is as follows:   http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/places/  There are some sections of this website that will help the kids see what a country looks like before you all travel to this destination.  You can look up information on animals, games and just some travel information that is great for entertaining them while on the road or flight.

I am Thankful to be able to help you find a perfect vacation and get the best price.  If you need help planning your next vacation or just need some travel tips please check out my facebook site http://www.facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix 

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family

Donner Lake in Truckee CA Has Something for Everyone.

Have you ever visited Donner Lake, located in Truckee California?  This lake has a feeling of small community.  People come from all over the world to see our lake.  Truckee is a small town with a big heart.  There are lots of things to do and see while you visit our wonderful community.  #VACATION TIME.

Donner Lake has been a destination favorite by many travelers.  Wedding are very popular with all the natural beauty that surrounds the lake.  The lake is glass in the mornings with whitecaps in the afternoons.  The activities on the lake are paddle boarding, fishing, water skiing, swimming and just hanging out on a pier.  For camping information check out the website of  Donner State Memorial Park http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=503

The weather is varied with the four seasons.  Right now we are experiencing the Fall colors and it is very beautiful. In the Fall the weather is approximately 61 - 80 degrees during the day.  In Summer  Donner Lake offers opportunities for camping, picnicking, boating swimming, fishing, water-skiing, and easy hiking.   In Winter with the Heavy Snow Fall it is a great place to stay and plan a Winter Vacation of Skiing, Cross Country or Down Hill, Sleding or just relaxing in nature.  One must be bundled up in appropriate clothing so to avoid Frost Bite.  Please make sure that you come prepared to the mountains with Chains for passage during the Winter
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I walk around the lake and it takes about 2 hours if you are walking briskly.  Bike riding will take you less than 45 minutes if you don't stop to take pictures.  Most of the time when walking around the lake I allow 3 hours due to the fact of the beauty I see and want to take a picture at every vista point.

Donner Lake is the site of the Donner Lake Triathlon and they have been going strong for 31 years.   http://www.sierrasun.com/article/20120713/SPORTS/120719941

For more information on the Town of Truckee consult the Chamber of Commerce and the California Welcome Center at http://www.truckee.com/  For more information on the history of Truckee check out  http://www.truckee.com/history/

 There is so much history and things that you and your family can experience that it will last a life time.   We always welcome and hoping you will come soon and visit our Great Town.  For Ideas of what to do or see give me a call  Jeanne Felix, 916.768.0210  Travel Agent  Cordially Yours Travel - Hearts on the Go Travel Division -California Seller of Travel CST-1013939-40 WEBSITE http://www.travelatheart.com oron FACEBOOK  http://www.facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Activities for the Family - The Great Reno Balloon Race

The Great Reno Balloon Race

Rancho San Rafael Park by the University of Reno
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012

Activities for the Family that you must put on your bucket list for next year.  Attending the Great Reno Balloon Races should be on the top of your list.  Packing up the family with a breakfast picnic seemed to be very popular at the Balloons usually are ready to take off anytime ofter 5:00 am. 

Have you ever been to The Great Reno Balloon Races?  There were cars all over the hill parked to see the event.  You must be up early to see the Dawn Patrol.  The Balloons are lite up with the dark sky all around.  This is truly a beautiful sight as the hissing of the gas is used to get the Balloon Drifting and using the air currents.

A few Balloons were able to take off this morning but I found that they drifted way up North of the Landing Area by University of Reno.  The Event was packed and well attended.  There is just something peaceful and beautiful watching the balloons in the sky.  I felt lucky to be right underneath one of the balloons that were actually able to take of this morning. 

There is a great website to help you find information about parking, events, donations and the schedule of activities.  Find the information at http://www.renoballoon.com/  I found this site helpful in deciding where to watch the balloons without having to deal with  all the traffic.

Rancho San Rafael Park by the University of Reno is the Location of the Balloon Races.
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012.  If you are coming up to Reno there are several good deals for hotel rooms aat the end of the summer.  Next year book ahead and enjoy this activity with your family and build some new memories.  For hotel reservations give me a call and I will set you up with the perfect weekend package.  http://travelatheart.com 

Proper Legal Name on Travel Documents - Very Important Information

Travel Tip: Take the Hassel out of Traveling be taking a few minutes for preparation. Before making your reservations, check that you have the proper documentation. Cruise Lines and Airlines are very strict on having your name on the reservation as it appears exactly on the passport. Make sure the expiration is at least 9 month past the date of your return. Just a good thing to remember - if your passport is expiring soon apply for a new one. Happy Travels and hope your family vacation is truly hassel free.

Vacation Planning

Travel needs are something very personal to each individual.   The areas in the world that interest you are completely different than a person that lives in the same house.  Compromise is the Key.  Try to pick a destination that will have similar interests and activities so that everyone is happy.

 A popular vacation is traveling to a warm or beach destination.  Once you plan the destination of your choice then it will be easy to find activities in the area.  We always recommend that you check with the local Chamber of Commerce and she what attractions are in the area and then decide what interests the entire family.  A family that travels together builds lasting memories.

Free Honeymoon Bridal Registry

Here is a free honeymoon and cash gift registry. You have everything and now you would like to make your dream vacation a reality.  A great alternative registry where you can pick and choose different things you would like to do for your Honeymoon and share it with your guests and have them contribute. This is a sample of how I would like to save you money and inform you of different destinations.
Free Honeymoon Bridal Registry at: http://travelatheart.honeyfund.com/