Dream Destinations

If you could vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?  When Travel Leaders/ The Travel Exchange recently asked consumers to name their ultimate international vacation, Australia was the top choice, followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and cruising the Mediterranean.

Australia's gorgeous beaches perfectly symbolize the continent's laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle that's so welcoming to visitors.  The vast interior is full of attractions as well, including the stunning natural features of the Red Center, such as Ulura (Ayer's Rock) and the Olgas.  Australia also has acclaimed wine making regions,mountain ranges that yield diamonds, and the coral wonderland of the Great Barrier Reef.

Australia's cosmopolitan cities reflect a wonderful mix of Aboriginal, European and Asian cultures in their museums, restaurants and sports. While in Australia, take in an Australian rules football match - a fast-moving game that's very different from American football.  The season runs from March through September (the last month of Australia's winter), and is played in stadiums in all of the major cities.

Keep in mind that Australia is such a large and diverse dream destination that it's difficult to see everything you want to see in one trip.  Your travel professional can help you plan a manageable itinerary.

Italy isn't as large as Australia, but also has so much to see that you may want to select a focus for your trip.  For example, you could concentrate on the incredible artistic and archaeological treasures of Rome or Florence; the historic buildings and ornate bridges along the Venetian canals; the relaxing and stunning Amalfi Coast and the nearby island of Capri; o the amazing fashion capital of Milan.

Ireland's scenic beauty ranges from ancient castles to smooth green pastureland to craggy mountains.  Picturesque villages, charming pubs and shops full of fine Irish linens and other keepsakes see to be everywhere.  The west coast is wonderful for sailing; on the east coast, you can enjoy a pint of beer in the Dublin pubs once frequented by legendary writers like James Joyce.

New Zealand is a terrific destination for outdoor enthusiasts - you can indulge a passion for hiking, whitewater rafting, bungee jumping or parasailing.  If you're not an extreme athlete, don't worry.  New Zealand offers plenty of laid-back activities, too, such as wine tasting, beach combing, learning about native Maori culture and browsing through art galleries.

Finally, the great advantage of a Mediterranean cruise is that you don't have to pick just one country to visit.  Depending on your available time and budget, you could visit Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Turkey and Greece, all while enjoying the many comforts of a modern cruise ship.

While these are the international destinations most Americans want to visit, you may have something quite different in mind.  Whatever and wherever your dream vacation may be, your travel professional can help you get there.

Tips for Summer Flights

Memorial Day marks the beginning of the summer travel season, which is traditionally the busiest time of the year for travel.  Families and students who can take some time off from the routines of school and work stream into airports, bound for their summer vacations.

Unfortunately, the warm temperatures of summer can lead to hot tempers- not to mention thunderstorms – and frustration when air travel doesn’t proceed as planned.  The good news is that you can take some practical steps to minimize stress and maximize your enjoyment of summer air travel.

The most important thing to do is to book your air travel as far in advance as you can.  Recent airline mergers have reduced the number of flights or even the size of aircraft available to some destinations, so the sooner you can make your reservations the more likely you are to get the best flights and prices.  If your travel dates are flexible, you may be able tot find some good values closer to the time you want to go.  However, if you’re locked into specific vacation dates, it’s essential to book as early as possible.  Early booking may also protect you from higher ticket prices that can result from rising fuel prices.

Be sure to secure a seat assignment at the time of booking, or as soon thereafter as possible.  When a flight is overbooked, passengers without seat assignments are more likely to be bumped off the flight.

Also, check in for your flight as early as possible.  Many airlines allow on-line check-in starting 24 hours before departure.  You can confirm your seat assignment at that time, too, or perhaps even find a better seat that’s opened up at that time.

To minimize luggage, pack light – no one at your destination is likely to care or even notice if you wear the same outfit more than once.  And, remember that Travel Security Administration rules still limit liquids or gels (shampoo, toothpaste, lotion, lipstick, etc.) in your carry-on luggage to containers of three ounces or less- and, all of these containers must fit comfortably in a single quart-size, clear plastic zip-top bag.

Be aware that some common “summertime” items, such as fireworks; sports equipment (baseball bats, lacrosse sticks, golf clubs) and camping equipment (tent stakes, jackknives) are not permitted in carry-on baggage.  (Fireworks, of course, are not permitted in checked baggage, either.)

In addition to assisting you with your travel planning, your travel professional can give you more tips that will help your summer air travel proceed smoothly, helping to ensure an enjoyable, relaxing vacation.

The Perfect Solution to Your Summer Gift Needs

The Perfect Solution to Your Summer Gift Needs

Before winter holidays, people put a lot of thought into their gift giving.  The summer gift-giving season, however, tends to sneak up on us.  Suddenly, you may be faced with the dilemma of what to get your loved ones for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day – not to mention summer graduations, weddings, and wedding anniversaries and birthdays that are sure to bring party invitations your way.

                Fortunately, there’s a wonderful gift that’s great for all of these occasions, and always fits perfectly: TRAVEL.  There are many ways to give travel, and this flexibility means that you can find a travel gift that’s within your budget for just about anyone on your list.

                1^st Option is to give an airline gift certificate, which allows the recipient to choose a destination.  If you’re a traveler with a supply of frequent flyer miles, you may be able to convert some of your miles into a gift certificate.  Certificates are available in denominations as small as $10 or $25 dollars and can be as large as your budget allows.  One caution: make sure that you don’t create a dilemma by presenting a certificate that covers part of the cost of an airline ticket if the recipient can’t afford the rest.  If that’s the case, consider teaming up with family and friend to give enough certificates to purchase a round-trip ticket.

                2^nd Option is to provide a gift certificate for a hotel, resort or bed-and-breakfast that you know the recipient enjoys.  Again, make sure the recipient can afford to get there – or, ask another friend or family member to provide a gift of air, rail or ground transportation.

                3^rd Option if the recipient has already booked a trip, do some investigating to find out how you can add to it.  Once you know the destination, a gift certificate to a restaurant, spa or attraction there would make a great gift.

                4^th Option if you can afford to give a loved one a complete travel experience – perhaps a cruise, a tour of France or a stay at a tropical resort – your gift will be fabulous indeed. 

 Most local agencies have gift certificates to purchase and can be used on any of the options above.  And it is always good to sit down with an agent to get ideas of what they can use their certificate for.  When giving travel, as with other gifts, remember that the thought will count for more than the cost, especially when the memories you’ve helped to create will last a lifetime.                                                                                                                                                  Give the Gift of Travel!!