Best Seat on the Plane is Sitting With Your Family or Friends

How many people have booked their flight early and received the best seat all at the same time?  One of my travel pointers is to get your seats early.  People don't realize that some people book online and forget to get their seat assignment.  Later when they think about calling the airline, its too late to get your seats together for your well deserved vacation.  Sitting with your favorite friend or family member is worth planning ahead. 


I have travel  clients that have been assigned seats, but they are not desirable.  If people would help to plan ahead with ample time and get the best price at the same this would be the best scenario. 

One of the things I don't understand is how a plane is not full and you try to accommodate a family with  seats together ( magically the seats are gone).  Don't fret as you can call the airlines and talk to a supervisor as no child should have to travel separated from their parent.  The airlines reserve approximately 20% of the seat assignments for day of departure.  There are exceptions will allow the airlines to get into this reserve and be able to accommodate sitting a parent next to their child.

I personally tell my travel clients to grab any seat available and then we work with the airlines take care of the seating problem.  Travel as a family and don't worry about being separated on your flight. 

Helpful Hint avoid being separated from your young passengers.  Book Early and Plan Ahead.  For travel tips check out my Facebook http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix 


A vacation should be stress free and one of my conclusions is that your vacation starts at the planning stage.  Pick the Location, plan the type of transportation and accommodations and then begin your Exploration of YOUR VACATION.  Plan ahead and get the best seats in the house.  Travel doesn't have to be expensive and when you find a good deal, let your Travel Agent help you with all aspects of your travel planning.   http://www.travelatheart.com 

WHY IS YOUR #VACATION SO HARD TO LEAVE - Packing Your Suit Case

Wow this is a hard question to answer. WHY is Your Vacation so hard to leave! I think the idea of packing up is probably the scariest part of your trip. You fit nice and neat on your trip over to your #Vacation Destination, because you have planned out what to bring and what you should leave home. It is true that you plan at least one month in advance and you have time to review what you REALLY NEED.

Surprise, when you get to your destination you will find that all that packing strategy went out the door. If you are traveling to a Beach Destination (you will realize that the best thing to bring and wear is your swimming suit. You will want to stop at every beach you see and swim, snorkel, hike, canoe, kayak etc. Get my point that you will live in and out of the water. Once you are finished with the duration of coming home there are two factors that come into play.  When traveling to Cold Destinations remember to layer up and Wear Your Big Coat and heavy shoes as that will allow more room in your Luggage.

1. I purchased so many gifts and I don't think they will all fit!

2. Did I really need to pack what I brought?

3.  If it doesn’t Fit, then my suggestion is to send your presents and dirty laundry home and then you will have LOTS OF ROOM.

 

Well personally speaking, if you are not a big shopper then you will have no problems with these dilemmas.  You can always throw away all the stuff you brought on your trip with you and put all the new merchandise in your existing bags.  You know this isn’t going to happen, so the next best thing is to check out the local Thrift Stores to see if they have any larger suit cases to fit all the new stuff in.  If that doesn’t work for you, then my old stand- by information may help.

When packing for a Vacation, always pack an extra soft pack collapsible bag or suit case with you so you don’t have to worry about all the extra goodies that you purchased.  Problem Solved.  Not really, as you have to consider the cost of checking your extra bag and take into consideration that fee.  Most Airlines are charging for Checked Baggage except for Southwest Airlines.  Those Check Baggage Fees add up fast and before you know it you could have flown first class.  Pun Intended.  That great price that you paid for your airline ticket is now up to the regular going fares. 

Don’t be at the mercy of the hidden costs of your Vacation Flights, be prepared and when you are ready to come home just be prepared.  Have enough space for all the items that you wish to bring with you.  If you leave the Sand back on the Beach, you will be traveling lighter. 

 

Happy Travels and hope you have a wonderful trip planned in the future and I just like to help you be prepared for the unexpected. 

WHAT IS THERE TO DO ON MY #VACATION? Explore, Picnics, National Parks just to start.

Wow I think lots of people ask this questions:  "What is there to do on my Vacation" .  My first thought is that we are talking about someone who hasn't traveled much and needs a little help to spark their imagination.   Take one day to gather you travel brochures and travel guides and then start hitting the road and take some qualifty Family Time with your Favorite Family.  The time you spend with your family and friends is so precious, make your vacation a memory worth remembering.  Plan, Explore, Enjoy and Repeat until you are smiling. 

First things first.  Determine where you are traveling and how you are getting around.  Example:  Just arriving in Maui or Kona Hawaii you will realize that you MUST RENT A CAR.  Your condo or hotel will be quite a distance from the airport.  Reminder, if you are staying at a RESORT there are shuttels, but not all resorts offer Supper Shuttels to their property.  If you have rented a car you are 1/2 way to choosing how to best get around an island.  Picking up reference books and local guides will be the other 1/2 way to see the island.

I let my clients know that there are many National Parks no matter where you travel in the USA.  The National Parks in Hawaii can be found at this following link  http://www.nps.gov/state/hi/list.htm?program=parks  Don't let your Vacation just be staying on the Hotel or Resort Property.  Get out and Explore to make the best of your vacation.  If you want to see what is happening in the Hawaiian Islands  If you are visiting the Hawaiian Island example Island of Hawaii "Big Island"  please check out this website:  http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island  You will be surprised how you will fill up your days of your vacation and wished you had booked at least 10 days to explore everything there is to see.

If you are exploring a foreign destination example Europe be sure to check travel advisories with US Department of State.   http://travel.state.gov/travel/travel_1744.html.  Don't forget you will need a passport and you can find the information regarding passports at the following site:  http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html  Make sure your passport is valid for at least 9 months after your return date of Travel.  This is my personal recommendation.  The Government requires that it be valid for 6 months after your return date.  Some countries require a Visa.  You can find all the A-Z's information about VISA's at the following website http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html .

 

Enjoy Life As We Don't Get a Repeat Performance.

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

Cruise Reviews of Cruising on the Disney Magic November 2012

We just decided to try out the Disney Magic Cruise Lines one month ago.  What a fun experience for the entire family.  If you are not a Disney Enthusiast before you left on the cruise, you might be after you return from your week long cruise from Galviston, Texas round trip.  Ports of call are Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  The cruise line has been doing this itinerary for 6 weeks and they are working out the fine tuning. 

Welcomed on board the ship you are welcomed by a few staff members announcing your name and family.  We were shown where our cabins were and that is where we called home for a week.  I recommend Deck 6 (Balcony Cabins) as you will be see pulling in and out of ports. 

The week was filled with lots of ventures and new experiences for kids from ages 2 months up to age 17.  The cruise is truly set up for young families and have kids clubs everywhere to help out with the next week of entertaining your kids.  Kids actually were crying after having to leave the Kids Clubs and Adventure Clubs.  I interviewed several families and they wanted to share their experiences openly.  One family with 3 kids under 5 years old LOVED this cruise, but said that they didn't want the experience to become overwhelming doing a cruise every year.  The Mom thought that the kid activities, entertainment, Disney Characters were well displayed and acessible. 

I personally enjoyed the cruise, but disappointed that there wasn't lots of adult events planned.  There were plenty of pubs and get away spots, but I just thought that there could be more planned activities for Adults Only.  I do like that there is a section designated to Adults Only for Swimming and Night Clubs.  The Family Feel was all over the ship and the staff were very welcoming and polite.

Itinerary was lacking in the Ports of Call.  The Ship stopped in Grand Caymen and this island is full of ideas, activities, and beach time that can be spent all day long.  Great Shopping and a 1 1/2 hour tour around the island was $10.00 per person. Great Deal as you get out of the main town and can see some of the local flavor by a short taxi or van ride into the country side.

Second Stop Costa Maya is just a tourist trap as far as I am concerned.  Short stay will allow you to rent a golf cart for $40.00 total and we crammed onto this little golf cart.  Best Part is that you will be gifted a free drinkat Senor Frog's upon arrival into the old city.  You can spend all day eat and drink for $45.00 per person if you choose to get your beach day in.

Third Stop was in Cozumel which is an island off the cost of Mexico.  This island is heavily populated with vendors and high priced items on the main Avenue.  Just by shopping off the main streets you can find some local charm and Mexican Flavor.  Great stop and very popular with the Cruise Lines.

Days at Sea.  Lots of time to swim, take a hot tub dip, walking the decks, relaxing with your family, or find a little get away to read that book you have brought with you from home. 

Great Staff, Lots of Restaurants that you will get to experience as you are on a revolving restaurant schedule.  Your waiters and wait staff follow you around to the different restaurants.  Great idea and makes it a rememberable experience. Food Variety for every taste buds.

On a scale of one to 10 being the best, I rate the Disney Magic about an 8.    Happy Travels and Hope you find my personal review helpful when choosing a cruise for your entire family.  http://www.travelatheart.com or http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Disney has done a wonderful job with the detail that they paid attention to everyone's likes and dislikes.  Job Well Done Disney.  You created MAGIC for the ENTIRE FAMILY.  
  

Transfers and Transportation for Cruise Vacation

Getting You to Your Cruise Line and making sure your vacation is a memoriable experience is our goal in the Travel Industry.  .

Transportation to and from the cruise lines is an important function for the Travel Industry.  I know people who have had a perfect experience and some that were horror stories.

Some of the horror stories have been people not making their  LAX Departure in time for their cruise down to Mexico.  The couple were in the 80’s and they had to be carted to the first port, and because of weather they were shipped to port number 2.  The couple were out of 3 days of their cruise and the cruise line spent lots of time trying to get them re-accommodated.  Lesson learned that they had to book a pre hotel stay prior to departure.

When planning on boarding a ship I always try to talk our clients into at least adding one day (Pre Stay) so that they will not run into problems.  May flights have been cancelled before the customers begin their trip and then the anxiety begins.  Travel should be hassle free and when preparing ahead of time you can make sure that you allow lots of free time prior to your cruise departure. 

 Travel is Fun is you are prepared ahead of time for your Vacation and Family Get Away.  Be sure to purchase insurance on your trip as there are natural disasters  (acts of God) that can happen and make travel impossible.  Look at the recent devastation on the East Coast during Hurricane Sandy.  You just never know what to expect every day of the week.

Happy Travels and may your #Vacation be and Magical Experience for the entire family. 

Blogging above the earth during a Flight on Vacation

Blogging above the earth above about 30,000 feet Is a great thing.  Unfortunately not every flight is equipped with the WIFI options.  I am flying to meet up with a Disney Cruise Experience .  Never have had the situation where I couldn’t be connected on our flight.

It is hard to imagine that you can actually communicate with people at a high altitude, but yes it is possible when you have the right flight and just pay a small fee to sign up.  There are times when you can continue to do business on your flight.  I have sat next to editors, publishers, attorney’s, moms, vacationers and many other business travelers.  When you have some time to actually sit down of a flight is a perfect time to be productive and connected with your public. 

I can say being a Travel Agent and being connected on a flight is really not necessary but something I enjoy.  When I experience something first handed,  it makes me want to write and tell you all about it.  Good experiences are things that should be shared.  

Crying children is a thing of the past.  Most parents are well equipped with the newest electronic gadgets and they sure keep the kids busy.  I believe that this technical world we live in has helped the travelling parents.  I feel the Adult Kids are just as entertained as the Kids with all the Ipad, Ipods,  electronic books, movies and games available.  Personally speaking, I am pre-writing my blog, my husband is watching 3 movies, my brother is listening to some great music and mom is just visiting with her neighbors. 

The Flights are perfect on Southwest and I have to take my hat off as the customer service and smiles are well received by all passengers.