What Makes Cruising a Great #Vacation

Vacation and Cruising Go Hand in Hand.  Cruising is for all ages and if you pick the appropriate cruise line with exciting destination for your #Vacation you will have a win win situation.  There are cruises for every length of #Vacation that you want to experience.  There are some cruises that are one day up to 150 days which will be your world cruises.  I tell people if you are cruising somewhere for the first time, be sure to pick an interesting destination like Alaska.  Alaska is a fairly easy sell as most people have it on their bucket list.  You can do round trip cruises out of Seattle and airport transfers are quite easy.  If you do a one directional cruise you can always add a tour on to the end of the cruise and see some interesting site and animals that are present around Denali National Park.  You will not be disappointed with an Alaskan Cruise.

With a more active group of Travelers I suggest taking an Caribbean or European Cruise.  The itineraries are endless and you can see many ports within a 7 to 14 day.  My Travel Tip for an European Cruise is to take as much time as you can due to the airfares being high during certain times of the year.  The season vary based on the Ports that you visit want to visit, so now is a good time to start planning for 12 to 18 month in advance.  When you plan for a cruise well in advance it allows you to pay in payments that work with your budget.  Plan Early and get discounts and cabin credits. I highly recommend consulting with a Travel Agent. I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.  Jeanne Felix   http://www.travelatheart.com or find me on facebook at http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix.

Cruising Tip:  You must always be willing to relax and read book in between all the fun activities and ports of call.   You will never be bored on board if you pick a Cruise with lots of Ports.

The beauty of cruising is that you unpack once and will be treated with first class service if you pick the correct Cruise Lines.  I personally like Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and have never been disappointed on any of the itineraries that we have experienced.

Cruising for a special occasion or for a family reunion is the perfect time to book your cruise as a group.  We can assist with making special party arrangements or activities preapproved personally designed for your group.  Group Cruises and help for paying for the Organizer's cruise fare or this is called the Tour Conductor.

Be sure that your passport is up to date and I advise every passenger double check before booking their cruise.  Need to apply for a  US passport find information at this website  for first time passport applicants http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_830.html  If you need to renew your existing passport check the following website http://travel.state.gov/passport/renew/renew_833.html

Time is ticking and you only have One Lifetime to see this wonderful world.

Jeanne Felix
Travel Agent
http://www.travelatheart.com

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

ON A MISSION TO SEE A MISSION - Arizona Road Trip

Arizona has lots to offer for those of you looking for a different type of Road Trip.  You will see some sunsets, Parks, Missions and lots of cactus. 

Rent a car and head on out in search of a few Missions.  We visited Mission San Xavier del Bac and was able to see this beautiful mission from miles away.  It has been known as the White Dove of the Desert.  As you walk around the grounds, you will see different types of Catcus that enhance the beauty of this Church. Mission San Xavier Del BacMission is the oldest intact European Structure that you will find in Arizona.  You can read more about this beautiful Mission at this website.   http://www.sanxaviermission.org/Index.html    Mission San Xavier is just located outside of Tucson about 15 minutes away from Tucson but well worth your trip.    

Tumacacori is a National Historical Park located about one hour out of Tucson.  This mission was established approximately 1691.  It was a beautiful day walking around this well preserved mission.  There was a lady making homemade taco and she does it for donations.  They are very original and she makes them while you wait.  There is plenty of things to keep you busy on your visit.  Hiking down by the river, exploring the museum or just walk around the grounds will give you a wonderful experience for the entire family.

 http://www.nps.gov/tuma/index.htm
I think that a Road Trip to Arizona is a trip that you should plan as a family.  If you want to visit some interesting Historical Parks, check out history or just experience what Arizona has to offer you will not be disappointed. 

Laughlin River Walk - Not completely Handicapped Accessible

On your visit to Laughlin Nevada, there are more things to do than gambling.  The Casino's line the the Colorado River banks and there is a walk called "River Walk".  I walked the entire River Walk and noticed that the walk is all broken up between the hotels. 

Exercise is an important part of life and it is great when an area has possesses a beautiful River Walk.  I was disappointed when walking along the river's edges and found it wasn't completely Handicapped Accessible.  As you walk along the Colorado River Banks you have to wind in and out of the Casinos.  I was very surprised with the lack of availability of elevators to the River Walk in Laughlin.  The walk isn't well marked and unless you are following someone familiar with the walk you can easily get off the Trail.


The Colorado River is very beautiful and I don't think that the Casinos have put the type of money into maintaining the walk to show off the True Beauty.  Walking on the River Walk at Sun Rise is a perfect time to see all the wild life.  Ducks and Koots enjoying the peaceful time of year when all the rafters are not there to share the Colorado River with them. 

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.