PACKING TIPS!!!

You have booked a 7- Day cruise to Alaska!  Now what!!!!  Packing for a lengthy trip can be a daunting task.  Especially if you are like me and want to be prepared for ANYTHING!  It just might be cold in the evenings so I must have that sweater or sweatshirt!  I am a notorious "over packer" and yes, I can admit it.  I guess it is the Mom in me wanting to be prepared for ANY situation! If you are driving to your destination, the weight of your suitcase should not be an issue.  However, if you are flying, self-control in regards to packing is a must!  Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your suitcase!





TIP #1

If you need to purchase new luggage, buy a set that "nests" together.  When you are unpacked at your destination, you can nest them together and save space!  Also, do NOT buy a HUGE, MONSTROUSLY large bag.  You will want to over-pack it and it WILL be too heavy to fly with! (Max is 50 pounds before they charge you extra!)  Make sure the retractable handle and wheels are of sturdy construction. 



TIP # 2

Roll your clothes, do not fold them.  This will save you space and will help reduce wrinkles upon arrival.  Roll small items such as socks and underwear and place them neatly in a Ziploc bag.  Place that bag inside a pair of shoes.  This helps the shoes maintain their shape and save space.
 


TIP #3

Make a packing list.  How many days and nights will you be there?  Is the destination cold or hot?  Is there a big swing in the temperature from day to night?  Is there a special occasion you are celebrating that requires specific clothing? (for example, formal night on a cruise).  Do you need to refill any medications prior to departure?  Plan out your outfits before hand.  Wear the same pair of sandals with 2 different outfits to save space.  (This can be hard for us gals who have lots of cute shoes!) 

 

TIP # 5

Travel Size it!  Do not pack full size of any toiletries.  Use refillable bottles where you can and purchase Travel Size of items where you can't.  Place bottles with liquids in side a plastic bag to prevent leaks.  If you need to carry on any items, be sure they are the allowable size.  All liquids brought onto planes must be in 3.4-ounce bottles or smaller and inside a single, clear, quart-size zip-top bag.  Also, do not check your important medications.  Take these in your carry on in case of lost luggage!




TIP # 6

LAYER.  Dress and pack in layers.  For on-the-road, dress in layers for the multiple climates you may pass through.  For your suitcase, pack in layers as well.  Shoes should go on the bottom and around the sides. Then place clothing items from heaviest to lightest.  Remember to roll your clothes to save space.




TIP # 7

Try "roughing" it.  When you are on vacation, you are out of your daily routine.  Embrace a carefree attitude and scale down.  Perhaps you do not need to pack your curling iron AND flat iron.  Choose 1 and go with it!  Scale your makeup bag down to just the basics.  Do you really need to wear a Smokey Eye while snorkeling?  Pack jewelry that goes with most of the clothing you have packed.  Simplify, Simplify, Simplify!

TIP # 8

Pack your Patience and Have Fun!  Sometimes things happen. (This is why we protect our vacation with Travel Insurance!)  Sometimes you have to wait in line.  Sometimes it does rain and plans get changed.  Remember, this is your vacation and it is within your control to either react positively or negatively to a situation.  Embrace each moment and don't let the small stuff get in the way of your fun! 


HAPPY TRAVELS!!!!

A Look Into What A Travel Consultant Actually Does!

When you sit down and really think about it, do you really know what a Travel Consultant/Agent does??  Do you have an image in your head of someone in an office sitting behind a desk all day printing airline tickets?  Yes, some Consultants work in an office.  Yes, some consultants print off airline tickets all day.  BUT, in this day and age, a Travel Consultant does, and is, so much more.  Let's split the two words apart.  TRAVEL.  What does this word mean?  Webster's Dictionary states "to go on a trip or journey : to go to a place and especially one that is far away."  According to Webster, the word CONSULTANT means "one who gives professional advice or services."  Now put the two together.  TRAVEL CONSULTANT= "one who gives professional advice or services regarding trips and/or journeys."  A title you may be more familiar with is Travel Agent. Webster defines this as "
a person whose job is to help people who want to travel by buying plane tickets, making hotel reservations, etc."  So, basically the terms are interchangeable.  I simply decided to market myself as a Consultant. 

So now that you know what I am, just what do I do all day and how can I help you?  It may help by dispelling some myths about Travel Consultants.

     Myth #1: All Travel Consultants and Agencies are the Same      
     Every Travel Consultant is different and has an area in which they specialize.  So depending on the type of trip you are planning, you need to find the right Consultant to suit your needs. It is important to find a Consultant who specializes in where you want to go to ensure you get exactly what you want.  I am a Specialist in the Caribbean region and focus on Cruises.  However, I have the resources to be able to plan any type of trip for you. 

     Myth #2: No One Uses Travel Consultants Anymore
     Travel Consultants still sell 51% of all airline tickets, 87% of all cruises, 81% of all tours and packages, 45% of all car rentals and about 47% of all hotels.*

     Myth#3: It is Expensive to use a Travel Consultant
     While some Consultants and agencies do charge a fee for their services, I do not.  All online booking engines such as Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia add a booking fee.  The only fee associated with booking travel with me is a fee for booking an airline ticket.  Again, every booking engine adds this.  How do I make money?  Once you have completed your travel, I receive a commission from the supplier.  For example, you have booked a 7-day cruise on Royal Caribbean.  You go on your cruise and have a blast!  I get paid from Royal Caribbean after you travel! 

     Myth #4: I can Easily Book the Same Trip on my Own Without Using a Travel Consultant
     Travel consultants have access to all outlets you would use when looking to book travel.  However, they also have access to special pricing and packages that are not normally available to the public.  Your consultant also has more leverage in helping out in situations such as hotels or cruises claiming to be sold out, when in fact they may still have rooms/cabins available that are on hold for Travel Consultant reservations.  So, with my help, I can turn that "No" into a "Yes"!

     Myth #5: Travel Consultants are a Waste of Time
     Although you can find much of the same information that the Travel Consultant provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a lot of your valuable time doing so. A Travel Consultant can save you hours of time-consuming research and price shopping. They have up-to-date prices, hotel conditions, cruises itineraries and interesting new activities at exciting destinations.  Their knowledge and experience gives them the upper hand in trip planning.

     Myth #6: The Need For Travel Consultants is Being Replaced by the Internet 
     There are some things the Internet cannot replace, a personal touch is one of them.  The Internet is a valuable resource, but it cannot replace the expertise, guidance and personal service of a Travel Consultant.  Travelers are stressed out with hectic schedules, work and family obligations.  Why not let a Travel Consultant, who has all the needed information at her fingertips, save you valuable hours of surfing on the web.  Consultants can also offer you insider tips, usually based on personal experience.  Does the online booking engine hand-deliver your travel documents?  Do they include a personal gift in your cabin when you "sail away into the sunset"? Do they call to see how your trip went?  I wouldn't count on it!

     Myth #7: Travel Consultants Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel 
     Travel Consultants can arrange transfers to and from the airport, personalized tours, shore excursions, travel insurance and more in addition to all the basic travel services they provide. They are also an excellent source concerning good restaurants, popular sights to see (or the best secluded beach!) and even tips on packing.


So, you can see that there is more to a Travel Consultant than meets the eye.  Not only do I have copious amounts of resources and knowledge at my disposal, I am a real person that you can call and actually make an appointment to see!  I will provide you with personal, consistent and competent service.  Visit www.escapetravelandcruises.com or call 980-533-1167 today to start planning your dream vacation!

*Source: American Society of Travel Agents

Article was provided by: www.tripology.com

 
   


    

Patience Has It's Perks!

Good Wet Wednesday to you!  We have received some needed rain here this afternoon, but I am sure some pool go-ers are not happy! I have some exciting news!  I took my Caribbean Specialist test this afternoon and passed with flying colors!  I now have enough knowledge of the Caribbean to be able to match you to the right island should you choose to travel there!  From the shopping haven of St. Thomas U.S.V.I to the beautiful beaches of Anquilla, I can find your "paradise", "tranquility" or "ESCAPE"!  My next step is to sign on with my Host-Agency.  For agents new to the industry, and those starting their own business, this is the way to go!  I will have access to all kinds of training, marketing tools, and preferred suppliers.   I am in the process of reading the fine print and should be signing on soon.  My goal is to be "Open For Business" by August 1st.  I have the luxury of taking my time to be sure I "do it right the first time"!  I want to be confident in my skills as a Travel Consultant and be able to provide top-notch service.  The patience of my family and friends (and myself) will pay off in the long run.   I pray Escape Travel & Cruises will be the "go to" agency for family, friends and beyond because of the stellar service they receive. 

Stay tuned for further developments and feel free to contact me if you have any questions/travel needs!  Happy Travels!!!!

Almost There!

Welcome to my new blog dedicated to travel!  I am very close to being open for business so stay tuned for more posts.  I plan to post travel tips, trip reviews from real people who actually went there, destination profiles, current vacation specials and various funny business.  I truly hope you will trust me with you dream vacations!  Keep a Weather Eye and Happy Travels!!

(Capps Family Bahamas trip 2009.  Beach Day Hilton British Colonial)