The Living Desert - Amazing Day Trip Excursion in Palm Desert CA

Everyone has been to a Zoo or a Botanical Garden, but have you visited The Living Desert.  We were hosted by the Administration to visit and learn more about The Living Desert first hand.  The Living Desert is quite up to date with their social media.  Please find them located at  https://www.facebook.com/TheLivingDesert or one their webpage   http://www.livingdesert.org/

You enter the welcoming grounds and you will not believe the variety of displays that you will see.  One of my favorite exhibits was the Palm Oasis and Walk Through Aviary.  The variety of birds that you can admire and you feel like you just walked into a Oasis.  Before we arrived to the Palm Oasis, we walked through the Butterfly Garden.  This time of year we didn't see very many butterflies but the ones we did see where following us all over the place.

 The Palm Oasis was one of my personal favorites.

The other Exhibit that caught my attention was the Eagle Canyon Aviaries and the magnificent birds on display.  This park has something for every family member.  There are plenty of hands on exhibits for the little kids and large animals to entertain the older kids.  The park has many resting places for everyone to enjoy lunch or just grab some cool to drink.

It was fun to see families taking their time wandering in and out of different Animal Exhibits.  Another great exhibits was the Sand Cat.  This little guy has adapted to the Desert surroundings and looks like your everyday house cat.   When you head south you will walk by Big Horn Mountain and there was a good number of Big Horns and the written information helps you to understand how old each animal is by their horns.

My only disappointment was that the Giraffe's and ostrich's take themselves off display around 4:15 pm and during the winter/spring you will miss them if you don't start there first.  Why not make a full day trip out to The Living Desert.  There are some Special Exhibits and currently there is a Garden Railroad Exhibit that is quite interesting for ages from the infants all the way up to the Senior -Big Kids. The Living Desert is a grand place to spend some quality time with you favorite family and friends. There are several ways that you can help to keep Exhibits going is to donate by visiting or you can get involved with their programs.  No matter how much you enjoy parks, you will NOT BE DISAPPOINTED in the beauty of the natural flowers, exhibits or hands on programs for the kids.  Happy Travels and enjoy the Living Desert for your Self.    The hours vary during the different seasons so be sure to contact them to make sure that the exhibits are open. Here is a schedule of events that is located on their webpage:   http://www.livingdesert.org/calendar.php

Thank you for a Wonderful Experience

Jeanne and George Felix
Hearts on the Go Travel
http://www.travelatheart.com

Where to Next - Your Next #Vacation

Where do YOU want to go for your next #Vacation.  It is always a question we need to ask ourselves.  I have clients that ask me to help them with this decision.  

There are always a few questions you can start with in your search for your next Vacation;

1.  What destination is on the top of my bucket list?

2.  Is a specific time you have to take your vacation or can you be flexible with the dates

3.  If you can't afford to go to your first choice of destinations, is there a second choice that will work?

4.  If there is a really good special going on are you maybe willing to discover a new location with many

     discounts?

5.  Who will you be traveling with on this next vacation?  Family Travel or Adults only All Inclusive.  

When you go through this list and start your search for YOUR NEXT VACATION you can eliminate some frustration in the planning process.  I recommend consulting a Travel Agent to help you narrow down your choices and let them do the research for you.  Some Travel Agencies will charge you for the research, but I don't think there is a price that you should pay for this information.  By Traveling the World, it allows me to obtain first hand knowledge to assist clients with Live and Accurate Information,

When there is a good deal, your Travel Agent can let you know that it is a good deal. If Clients have access to Frequent Flyer Mileage and discounted Flights it will help them afford to spend their money on better accommodations.   

If you own a time share,  you are on your way to affording a very discounted vacation.  The Time Share companies regulate the availability of their inventory so I suggest checking when you can get the resort booked.  Once your resort is booked with the Time Share Company then is the time to start looking for your airfares.  Booking Air Line Tickets with a Rental Car can offer best rates possible.  Working with a Travel Agent can help you with this search.  

If you will be Cruising or Going on an Escorted Tour you will benefit by traveling on Great Discounts in the Off Season or Shoulder Season.  When you travel during High Season you pay top dollar for the same accommodations you get must less during the off season.  

It is YOUR VACATION so don't let anyone make this important decision for you, allow people to give you input but make you own decision.  Vacation is an important time and you need to be assured that you get the best vacation and so a destination you want to see. 

If you are traveling Internationally, be sure to have a current passport.   Be sure to check out the following Website for Passport information.   http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you are camping this year I suggest checking out the National Parks as they offer wonderful experiences for your entire family.   http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

If you would like some help discovering some Vacation Ideas check out my website http://www.travelatheart.com    Facebook site is http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix         Hope your Next Vacation is Truly Where You Want to GO.

Happy Travels

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 

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

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.

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.