 |
| CATEGORIES
|
 |
|
| TOUR OPERATOR
|
|
|
CRUISE LINES
|
|
|
|
 |
Archive for the ‘Travel Advice’ Category
Monday, December 28th, 2009
 Starting today, the government of Argentina will charge a reciprocity fee to all American, Australians and Canadians who arrive at the Buenos Aires airport. The reciprocal fee will be $131 for Americans, $100 for Australians and $70 for Canadians. Why the different rates? The fee is equal to what Argentines pay to get to those countries. The fee will be collected upon arrival at the airport and can be paid in Argentinean pesos, US dollars, credit cards or travelers checks. This fee is good for the life of your passport.
Argentina is not the first in South America to implement fees. Chile is $131 for travelers arriving by air, Bolivia is $135 for a visa, Paraguay is $65 for a visa and Brazil is $150 for a visa. Lima and Montevideo are now currently the only ones with “fee-free” entry.
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: argentina fee for us citizens, argentina visa requirments for us citizens, atlas travel blog, travel agency, travel blog, Travel Deals, travel news
Posted in Travel Advice | 2 Comments »
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
 We still have clients that are traveling without passports. Although this is okay on cruises that start and end in the same port for now, you have to take into consideration that should you need to fly home in the middle of the cruise from one of the islands due to an emergency, you would need a passport.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a traditional passport, we suggest the U.S. Passport Card. It is wallet size, and will allow you to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Cairbbean and Bremuda. International air travel would still require a passport. The passport card is convenient, and costs less than the passport book.
The U.S. Passport Card is good for 10 years for adults and 5 years for childen under the age of 16. The card costs $45 for the first application for adtuls and $35 for children. Adults who already have a passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewl by mail and pay only $20.
How to apply:
If you currently have or previously had a U.S. passport book, you might be able to apply for a passport card by mail. Note that in this scenario you will use a passport renewal form (DS-82) even if you’re applying for your first passport card.
If you have never had a passport book, or you do not meet the requirements to apply by mail using Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card in person using Form DS-11.
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: 10 Years, Adults, Apply For A Passport, Bremuda, Canada Mexico, Cards, Childen, Cruise, Cruises, Fly, International Air Travel, Mail Note, Money, Passport Book, passport card, passport cards, Passport Form, Passport Renewal Form, Passport Renewl, Passports, Travel Advice, travel blog, travel documents, travel requirments, travel tips, U S Passport, us passport card, us passport cards, Wallet Size
Posted in Travel Advice | 3 Comments »
Thursday, November 26th, 2009
 It seems so many people gain weight during the holiday season and then spend January and February trying to work that weight off. Since managing your weight can be challenging with all the parties, family festivities and travel, try these tips to maintain your current weight during the holidays:
- Keep consistent with your exercise routine – even when traveling. You can find simple exercises that do not require special equipment and can keep your heart rate up and keep you fit.
- Don’t skip meals – with the thought you can save the calories for more holiday lunch or dinner. This theory only makes you more hungry and tends to make you eat double and splurge on more fattening foods.
- Keep busy – sitting around time tends to be grazing time for snacks and sweets. Create some fun traditions that do not revolve around food.
- Eat a light snack before going to holiday parties – it is not a good idea to arrive at a party famished.
- Stay away from holiday buffet tables – where your eyes become bigger than your stomach and it is too easy to overeat. This is especially important while staying in hotels over the holidays.
- Drink lots of water – always good advice when traveling and all during the year. Water keeps you hydrated, helps detoxify your body, helps your metabolism and most importantly fills you up so you will not overeat.
Happy Holidays!
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: Bigger Than Your Stomach, Buffet Tables, Drink Lots Of Water, Exercise Routine, Family Festivities, Fattening Foods, Gain Weight, Good Advice, Happy Holidays, health tips, Heart Rate, Holiday Buffet, Holiday Lunch, Holiday Parties, Holiday Season, Light Snack, Metabolism, Snacks, Splurge, Sweets, Travel Advice, travel agent, travel blog, Travel Deals, travel tips, Waistline
Posted in Travel Advice | 3 Comments »
Friday, November 13th, 2009
 As you prepare for your adventure, remember that dynamic environments you’ll be exploring, as well as your daily activities, call for different approach to packing. Above all, think comfort first.Packing
When packing, remember that the weather in this part of the world can change dramatically in a very short time – from sunny and pleasant to breezy, cool, and misty. Ensure you’re prepared for any conditions.
-Layers, including a waterproof and windproof jacket and knit shirts.
When conditions change, you’ll appreciate having the ability to add or shed a layer.
-Lightweight shorts and pants as well as both long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts.
-Comfortable pants and dress slacks.
-Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and warm socks.
-Hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunblock, as you’re going to be spending a majority of your days outdoors.
Other Essentials
Passport; camera, with extra film of memory cards; insect repellent for shore excursions; resealable plastic bags to prevent water damage to certain items; bathing suits; workout clothes; evening wear.
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: packing for a transatlantic cruise, packing tips, Travel Advice, travel blog, travel packing tips, travel tips
Posted in Travel Advice | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 26th, 2009
 Over the past several years, we have found a consistent trend where customers can find better prices by booking their airfare separately on-line, & just purchase the cruise or land tour portion of their trip.
In most cases, booking your own airfare is fine, but I want to remind you to keep a few things in mind.
When you book airfare with the cruise line or tour operator, transfers are included to & from the airport. When calculating how much money you are saving, make sure & factor in the additional cost for transfers.
Tours can cancel due to lack of participation. If you book your own air, we suggest booking a tour that is “guaranteed” to operate. Many suppliers have added hundreds of guaranteed departures on their popular tours so it should not be a problem to find a date that works within your schedule.
If you experience a problem with your flight being cancelled due to weather or other circumstances, when you book your airfare along with your travel package, you will have assistance in booking the next available flight to meet up with your trip. If you book your flights online, how difficult will it be to get someone on the phone to assist you in rebooking another flight?
If you book airfare with a cruise line and miss your flight, they will assist you in flying to the first port to meet up with the ship. If you book your own airfare, you are on your own trying to get to the first island, or miss the boat altogether.
Insurance is another consideration. If you book your own air, normally the cruise or tour operators insurance will not cover the value of your flights. Make sure to speak to an agent about outside insurance coverage so that your entire purchase is protected.
Book early & save. Many suppliers offer air promotions for bookings made well in advance. This may make the airfare price the same or cheaper than booking online.
The bottom line is, on many occasions we do advise (& encourage,) travelers to buy airfare separately, but make sure to take the time to discuss your options with a travel agent to ensure you are receiving the best value and have factored in all of the pros and cons.
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: Air travel, airfare, Cruise travel, tour travel, travel insurance
Posted in Air travel, Travel Advice | 2 Comments »
Monday, October 19th, 2009
If you are worried about losing important documents while traveling, be sure to check out a new web site which offers you an online safe-deposit box. You can upload copies of your passports, credit card numbers, insurance policy numbers or any other vital documents should you need them while on your trip. You will have easy access to your records and your information is protected by the same encryption technology used by the U S military to protect top secret information. Your basic online safe deposit is free. For more information visit: http://keepyousafe.com/
Does anyone out there use this or a similar service?
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: Online Safe Deposit, Travel Advice, travel blog
Posted in Travel Advice | No Comments »
Sunday, October 18th, 2009
Want to book a cruise, but worried that prices might go down?
Good news for people booking a cruise now but wondering what would happen if the cruise line lowers the price between now and the sailing date. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines will give you shipboard credits (money to spend on the ship) for the fare difference if the price drops. The benefit is that you don’t have to wait until later on to book, thinking the price may be lower at that time. You can still book early and get the best choice of cabins. I really like having the larger choice of cabins by booking early. And, of course, if the price goes up you are protected at your original rate. Sounds like a win-win situation!
Many other cruise lines have similar policies. Call 800-942-3301 for details
Written by: LG sslois@shipshop.com
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: cruise advice, cruise blog, Cruise Booking Tips, cruise tips
Posted in Cruises, Travel Advice | No Comments »
Sunday, October 4th, 2009
Planning your first trip to a foreign country? Leave all of the travel details to a tour operator. They provide you with comfortable transportation, several meals, a rich sightseeing program and much more.
Traveling can be stressful, especially if you are traveling to a country where English is not their first language. Something amazing happens when you feel comfortable. Your senses have the luxury to stray from the detail and worry, finding in their place anticipation and wonder. You’ll feel comfortable staying in first class hotels located in clean, safe areas.
Save time and money. Spending hours in line to get into major attractions such as the Louvre or Vatican Museums can take all day. Groups have a separate entrance, and get to go in with little or no wait so that you have more time to enjoy the sites, and more free time in the city.
Nothing introduces you to the true flavors of your destination like fine local cuisine. Included three course dinners are carefully planned to avoid the repetition of entrees. From the tapas bars of Spain to the vineyards of Italy and France, the tour operator will include on your trip optional specialty dinners and plenty of free time to venture out on your own. For the evenings when dinners are not included, your tour director will have a number of suggestions for favorite nearby restaurants. After all, one of the best ways to learn about a foreign culture is to eat like the local do!
The tour buses are air conditioned are are equipped with emergency washrooms. The bus normally accommodates 53 seats, but they install fewer seats (44) for extra leg room.
If buses are not for you, tour operators have many other options including city stays, rail packages and river cruises through Europe.
There are hundreds of tour operators you can choose from, however some have been in the business for over 50 years and have proven over time that they offer consumers the best value and service. Check with a travel agent if you need assistance finding a reputable operator.
For more on escorted tours, click here:
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: best way to see europe, best way to travel europe, best way to travel in europe, best way to travel through europe, europe tour, europe travel
Posted in Travel Advice | 3 Comments »
Thursday, October 1st, 2009
 With so much focus being put on the H1N1 (swine) flu you will notice a lot of new signs at airports about ways to help you stay healthy during your travels. Be prepared, before during and after your travel.
Get your shots before you travel – Regular flu shots are available now. H1N1 flu shots are expected in October. Check when booking your travel with http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for suggested shots and schedule when traveling to your desired destination.
Take your vitamins – There are several immune boosting vitamins available over the counter. Start taking these a few days before your trip to boost your germ fighting ability.
Medicines and Prescriptions – Be sure to bring your prescriptions in your carryon. Also when traveling aboard it is helpful to have medicine from home that you are familiar with such as : antidiarrheal, antihistamine, aspirin or ibuprofen, cough drops, hydrocortisone cream, insect repellent, sun screen , etc.
Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and water as often as possible. Bring antibacterial wipes or hand sanitizers and use them often especially after contact with others or touching items that lots of others have touched as well.
Cover your month - Use your bent elbow to catch your coughing and sneezing, not your hands. Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes, this is the easiest way for viruses and bacteria to enter your body.
Drink lots of fluids – It is easy to become dehydrated during travel, water is best. Avoid drinks with lots of sugar or caffeine.
Get lots of rest – The stress of travel through airports and negotiating new surrounding and crowds can take its toll on your body. Make sure you plan little quiet time each day and get a full nights sleep.
Consider a face mask – Walk around any airport these days and you will be surprised at how many people are using masks to help prevent the spread of germs.
Source: http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/tips-for-healthy-travel/1
Other useful tops not included in Travel and Leisure:
Ask for bottled water instead of drinking out of a glass on flights.
Avoid blankets & pillows offering by the airline.
Don’t put personal belongings in seatback pockets.
Don’t read magazines or items in seatback pockets.
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: stay healthy while traveling, Travel Advice, travel health, travel tips
Posted in Travel Advice | No Comments »
Monday, September 28th, 2009
When I traveled to Spain in 2005 on an Escorted Tour with Trafalgar, I did my currency exchange at the airport upon arrival in Madrid. Little did I know that when they gave me the funds in Euros, that I would have problems while traveling. When we were mid-tour, I had used all of our Euros except for a 500 Euro bill. We tried to use it at stores, restaurants or even a hotel, and no one was able to make change. The only place we could have make change was at a bank, and the hours never seemd to match up with our tour schedule. We were blessed that people we had met on the tour were kind enough to loan us some Euros until we were able to get the bill changed.
Needless to say that it was a major inconvenience for me and my family. Now when I change currency, I will only ask for small bills and suggest it to family, friends or anyone traveling abroad.
Other currency exchange tips: If you don’t want to carry a lot of cash round, use your credit card to make exchanges at ATM machines in the country you are visiting. Make sure you have your pin code with you before leaving the U.S. Also, inform the credit card company you will be traveling aboard so they don’t free your account for suspicious activity, and ask for a toll-free number that works outside of the U.S. just in case you need to contact them.
Another alternative to cash is to bring travelers checks with you. Travelers checks can be replaced if they are lost or stolen, and can be used at exchanges to get the currency of the country you are in.
Written by: Brend B brenda@atlastravelweb.com
http://www.atlastravelweb.com
Print, Share or Bookmark this post..
Tags: currency exchange tips, Travel Advice, travel blog, travel tips
Posted in Travel Advice | 3 Comments »
|
