Our theme today is how you can make things EASY on yourself when travelling. To do that, we’ve turned to some of our clients who travelled recently for their best advice:
Tracy Travelled to Provence, France for a River Cruise
Tracy’s tips:
- Arrive at the airport extra early – things are taking much more time, and people ARE missing their flights if they don’t allow enough time.
- In normal times, I would try to minimize layover times for connections. Now I consider it part of the journey, and the extra time can take a lot of stress away.
- Print all documents and organize them in a folder. People are trying to provide documents on their smartphones, and that really doesn’t work.
- Pack as if there is a 75% chance that one of your bags will be delayed.
- Don’t count on your carry-on for a change of clothes, as it may be gate-checked through to your final destination.
- Take a “chill pill” – you may need to show your documents multiple times at multiple locations; everybody is doing the best they can under the circumstances. Your entertainment console on the plane might not work (take a book!) or your luggage may not make it at the same time you do. These are all minor disasters – don’t let them ruin your trip. Losing your patience is a self-inflicted stressor.
- Be thankful you can travel and share that gratitude – it’s an excellent way to lift your spirits.
Mark Travelled to Malta for a Mediterranean Cruise
Mark’s tips:
- There were fewer people on the ship and on shore excursions, as well as fewer tourists on land, so this led to an experience beyond expectations.
- Navigating all the covid requirements can be challenging, so travellers need to carefully read all the communications from the cruise line, both before AND during the cruise.
- I saw people (who apparently didn’t do their reading) wait in long lines for their return trip home, and then were stunned to find out they needed a passenger locator form, or a CDC form before they could board their flight. This information was all provided in advance. Scrambling at the last minute at the airport to locate and complete the forms is not a good way to end a cruise or vacation experience.
- I had some questions and the guest relations staff on the ship were very helpful in providing guidance and printing out the forms. Of course, you have to read the instructions provided by the cruise lines to be able to ask questions.
- Travellers should expect to assemble their required documents for their outbound AND return journeys
Robert Travelled to New Orleans for a Mississippi Cruise
Robert’s tips:
- Give yourself lots of extra time airports and airlines are not adequately staffed. You WILL be waiting.
- Pack a snack in your carry-on in case the airline doesn’t feed you.
- Read the checklist from the cruise line thoroughly prior to departure
- Print all documents out in hard copy and bring them with you.
- Expect flight delays and cancellations – leave a day early.
- Include a margin of error in your planning – don’t fly home the day before a wedding or other important event… there will be delays.
- Don’t let the idiots drag you down. People who don’t like mask mandates shouldn’t be travelling, but they are… and they’ll make sure everyone else knows they’re opposed to masks. You can’t argue with people with no respect for those around them – let the airlines or local police teach them that lesson. There’s no need for you to become emotionally involved.
- If you’re a control freak, then you should wait a few more months to travel. Those who are enjoying travel now are those who can roll with the punches.
If you have travel tips from a recent experience, please send them along, and we’ll revisit this in a few weeks.
A Note about Winter 2021 Travel
200 million Americans who live in parts of the country where it’s dark and cold in the winter months are wanting to get out. We are seeing evidence of this in spades, as warm weather cruises, resorts, and land tours are significantly booked up. If you are booking now for this January, February, or March, we can find you something, to be sure. However, keep in mind that you will be getting what staterooms are available, and there may not be a wide variety of choice. Please get in touch as soon as possible for best selection.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
Continuing the EASY theme, today it’s all about EASY TRIPS. Let’s look at some easy close-to-home trips in the next few months for those just needing to get away:
EASY Middle of the Country: Lower Mississippi with American Queen
There are still a few cabins left for sailings in the next few months.
For example:
- Travel between New Orleans and Memphis, OR round-trip from New Orleans
- 8-night packages from $1599 per person for December 2021 departures
- Includes pre-cruise hotel night, transfers, unlimited shore excursions, open bar, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi.
EASY East Coast with Regent Seven Seas
- Miami round-trip. 7-nights at $3799 per person, departing Feb 14th, 2022.
- INCLUDES $250 per person On Board Credit, PLUS a $125 per person personalized experience credit.
- Visit Costa Maya, Harvest Caye (Belize), Roatan (Honduras), Cozumel.
- Includes round-trip air, transfers, unlimited shore excursions, open bar, gratuities, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi.
EASY West Coast with Viking Cruises
- LA to Vancouver (or Reverse). 8-nights for $2499 per person
- Optional round trip flight add-on starting at just $199 per person.
- Visit San Diego, Santa Barbara, San Francisco, Portland, Victoria.
- Includes transfers, shore excursion in every port, beer/wine with meals, specialty dining, Wi-Fi.
Viking World Cruise – Availability for December 2021!
OK – World Cruises don’t fall into the EASY theme, but a few highly sought-after staterooms just became available on this journey leaving in 2 months. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re ready to travel, this is a great opportunity:
- Departs December 24th, 2021 from Fort Lauderdale for 136 days, visiting 27 countries. Veranda suites start at $59,995 per person and include:
- All taxes and port fees
- Round-trip business air
- 55 guided tours
- $1000 Shore Excursion credit per person
- $1000 On Board Credit per person
- Fees for all VISA processing
- Unlimited Silver Spirits Beverage Package
- All transfers
- Gratuities on the ship, Wi-Fi, and alternative dining
- Luggage shipping
Have something to say about this?
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
