Lake Tahoe At Dusk

Lake Tahoe At Dusk
TIME TO GET AWAY

Friday, September 21, 2012

IS YOU PASSPORT VALID and READY TO TRAVEL?

Open your door to Travel and have a Passport that is ready to Travel to an International Destination.  Being Safe and Prepared by holding a valid passport for everyone in your family is something you can assure with a periodical look to make sure your Passports are Valid and Ready to Travel. 

There are people who have recently booked a Vacation, but their passport is going to expire.  Don't get caught in the cycle of planning your vacation, but not being prepared totally.

If you need to apply for a passport here is the perfect place to read all about the requirements - http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/get_4855.html

Planning an International Vacation requires your passport to be valid for a minimum of 6 months  past the return date of your vacation.  I advise my clients to make sure that their passport is valid for at least 9 months to give them a little lee-way.  All the expense that goes into planning and purchasing a Wonderful Vacation, shouldn't be met with an un expected denial to board. 

Recently the cruise lines have implemented requiring a Passport for certain cruise itineraries.  I try to make sure where the cruise is departing from and advise the clients that it is always a good idea to have a passport.  If you are visiting a foreign country but depart and return to the same US port you will not be required to have a passport.  WARNING NOTICE is if you are just traveling with a government issued ID you might have an emergency and have to depart from a foreign port.  This is where things can be a problem.  WISE to be prepared and just purchase your passport and make sure it is valid.  AN INFORMED TRAVELER IS A HAPPY TRAVELER. 

If you are looking for information on renewing your passport the best website is going right to the State Government Website   http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html


Remember the  Adult Passports are valid for 10 years and Children Passports are valid for 5 years.  If you need to get a passport in a hurry the information is attached. 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

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 

Friday, August 31, 2012

Road Trip through Glacier National Park - Beautiful Summer Vacation

Going on a Road Trip is a favorite of many families.  http://travelatheart.com  There are so many great trips and memories you can build that are personal to your family.  Glacier National Park offers something for everyone. http://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm






Heading up from Kalispell Mt. is the easiest route up Highway 2 -Heading out of West Glacier and drive along the route and will come upon the winding train and water passages throughout the trip.  You will so arrive up to the Marias Pass where you are at the Continental Divide.  Stop and have lunch and admire the beauty of the Glaciers and the valleys below.

As we started down the Mountain Pass we to a little town of East Glacier.  Turning left onto Hwy 49 you will wind around the area and start spotting the photo spots of Two Medicine.  Be sure to stop along the road side and read all the historic markers.  Lots of information that you will miss if you don't stop and read them all.  You will end up at the city of St. Mary.  Here you will begin your entrance to Glacier National Park.

Winding your way up the mountains you will arrive to Logan Pass.  This Station has some interesting information for you viewing.  Time to take a small hike.  Be sure to wear tennis shoes and bring a coat.  It gets cold at the top of the Glaciers even in the summer months.  This hike to Hidden Lake Lookout is about 1 1/2 miles and truly a workout.  You will get your cardio workout for the day.http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/loganpass.htm  Now you start decending into the Valley with breath taking views.

Going to the Sun Road is an amazing 50 miles of sure beauty and must see Glaciers and Lakes.  Wild Flowers dot the road sides with magnificent water falls.   True Beauty that must be captured wih a camera for later viewing.  http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/gttsrfaq.htm

Down in the Valley you will drive along McDonald Lake and be sure to stop at the Lodge and check out the beautiful setting on McDonald Lake. 

Hope you have enjoyed the Road Trip.  This is a perfect Vacation Memory Maker

Saturday, August 18, 2012

What to Do After You Return from Vacation - Plan Your Next Vacation

Unpacking is the first thing most people do when they return from their #vacation.  This seasoned traveler start planning the next trip on the flight home from the vacation that we just finished.   http:// www.travelatheart.   Sounds crazy, but honestly if you start planning right away you will find that you have something to look forward to in the future.

We set up cruise groups well in advance so that people have a reason to travel and the financial means to save up.  If you are a shaker and a mover you might want to plan the next Vacation right away.  Being a Travel Agent I am always ready to go at a minutes notice and I find that if we plan for future trips we will be able to get the best airfares and can check around for the awesome packaged ammenities. 

Time is ticking.  Airfares are running approximately $369.00 from the West Coast to Hawaii.  The smaller airlines are able to be competitive with domestic travel and are always trying to get your business with small booking windows and instant purchase.  Let a Travel Agent sort through all the maze of airfares for you.  http://travelatheart.com for ideas to WHERE TO NEXT.   If you decide to go to Hawaii, The next State Over or International Travel - just plan ahead and you will be able to get the best fares. 

If you are getting ready to travel outside the continental US please be aware that you will need a valid passport.  Be sure to check the travel adviseries at  http://travel.state.gov/ for latest updates by the US Government.  Travel Happy and Travel Safe.  Hope to see you on the next flight. 









Thursday, August 9, 2012

YOU NEED A VACATION - Your shoes need a vacation also. Travel in Comfort

You need a vacation every year, but the big questions where and what shoes will travel with you.  When you travel I feel that need to take special care as to which shoes get to go on vacation with you.  Your feet have taken care of you all year long and they deserve a little R and R.  Rest and Relaxation is necessary to rejuvenate yourself.

FEET have carried  you to your appointments, walks, daily routines and even let you get to where you are going.  Foot care is important and I truly believe that the best part of a vacation is getting a pedicure and massage.  Your feet will appreciate a little TLC during your vacation.

Now Which Shoes do you Take on vacation with you?  http://travelatheart is a place that you can explore some options for fun vacations.   Depending where you are traveling will dictate which shoes will travel with you.  No Airlines tickets are required for companion Shoes that will accompanying you .  LOL  When traveling to an island or beach location the original thongs are good to allow you to stop by the beach and walk through the water with little hassles.  Sand between the toes acts like a scrub and feels quite good.  Are you going to be on walk ways or trails in the Mountains?  I would recommend taking the best Tennis Shoes that breathe.  You need some support and feet get tired if not supported properly.  Hiking in the mountain of Switzerland or the Sierra?  No matter where you hike mountain trails be sure to bring hiking boots that you have broken in. 


DON'T DO.  Bring a brand new pair of shoes that you haven't even broken in.  Your feet will appreciate the time it takes to get familiar with the shoe and have time to get to know the capabilities.  Feet need to be treated with Heart and Soul.

Best thing is to pick a vacation that is perfect for your family or friends.  Your vacation is -->>  YOUR VACATION.  Plan for a dream vacation and make it happen.  NOT MATTER WHAT DESTINATION YOU PICK -  the idea is to RELAX.  Advising people to start checking there bucket list and pick a destination on that list.

How to pack your shoes can be found at this website.  http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/tips/pack-shoes  Start packing and get ready to go on your next vacation.  http://www.travelatheart.com for some ideas for your next destination.


Happy Feet and Happy Travels to you.  Enjoy your time away from it all.  Paradise is right around the corner and if you plan well in advance - you will get the best prices for your well deserved #Vacation. 



Monday, July 30, 2012

Hearts on the Go Travel: TRAVEL IS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE, not just the place...

Hearts on the Go Travel: TRAVEL IS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE, not just the place...: TRAVEL IS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE, not just the place you pick for your vacation.  Vacation Time is an experience that should be FUN and Exciti...

TRAVEL IS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE, not just the place you pick for your vacation.

TRAVEL IS ABOUT THE EXPERIENCE, not just the place you pick for your vacation.  Vacation Time is an experience that should be FUN and Exciting. http://travelatheart.com   Sample  Hawaii is a beautiful place to relax and regroup for a family vacation.  I forgot to mention that it is filled with all types of opportunities to make it into an even better Vacation.  Activities that can fill your entire vacations are hiking, biking, car exploration, swimming, sunset cruises, SNORKELING many more....  Are you starting to get the picture.  A great website for exploring information about Hawaii is  http://www.gohawaii.com/ 

Sitting in a Beautiful Room with a Fantastic View is Priceless, but the Experience that you will gain when you book a Sunset Cruise, Luau, hiking day trip, camping in the wild, Snorkeling to a remote island are things that will enhance your Precious Time in the Islands or during any vacation.

I use Hawaii as a sample as I am a Hawaii Specialist.  Hawaii is the perfect place to pick up and just plan a last minute vacation.  http://travelatheart.com  If you are looking for general travel tips or travel updates check out my facebook page at http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix 



Cruises are a great way to see the rest of the world.  Cruising the Fjords in Alaska or the River Cruises in Europe and  some experiences that can be enhanced with excursions or site seeing trips.  The secret is to make this the best vacation ever and if you save or plan ahead of time you can include many of these activities by prepaying for them at time of booking your vacation.  Many great deals can be found when you arrive at your destination.

It is YOUR VACATION, YOU NEED TO PLAY YOUR WAY.... Build you memories and take lots of pictures. http://travelatheart.com 

Jeanne Felix
Travel Consultant
Cordially Yours Travel
CST  CST-1013939-40

Website   http://travelatheart.com
Phone:  916 768-0210
Email:  jeanne@thegrid.net