Iobst Travel American Express

Traveling with your Beloved Furry Friends…

Written by Julia Marques (Travel Consultant)

Ask anyone that knows me what my biggest obsession is and they will tell you that it is my dog. He is, not for lack of a better term, our baby. And no, before you even ask, we do not have any children of the human kind. Which for right now is fine by us, considering that our biggest expense for our baby will hopefully be the vet bill he incurred when he ate a piece of plastic toy and we had to have it surgically removed. Harvard is not in his future.

In light of what we consider a completely normal attachment to our furry son, we were faced with a whole litany of new challenges. Neither of us had ever had a dog before, so we were clueless about how it really does change your life. Going "out" became a whole new ballgame- and forget considering a vacation-what would we do with our puppy? You can take a baby almost anywhere with you. But what about the pooch? Not everyone loves dogs as much as we do and not everyone welcomes them with open arms.

We decided early on that he would go everywhere he could with us. So began the research. Our first opportunity to travel with our dog actually happened to be a wedding-at the beach. The couple getting married considers their dogs as much a part of the family as we did, so they made it easy and held the reception at a bed and breakfast that had a dog-run on site. GREAT! He was definitely coming. But now-where do we stay? The bed and breakfast was full with the wedding party. I called the different hotels on the list and wah-lah, one allowed pets. How easy, right? Not so much….

Staying on land…

First, finding a pet-friendly hotel might not be that easy. Here is a website that can help you find what you are looking for (http://www.officialpethotels.com). And here are a few things to consider when you are going to be staying at a pet-friendly hotel. There are going to be other dogs there. Not all other dogs have been properly vaccinated or are up-to-date on flea and tick prevention, heartworm medication, etc. It is very important that before you travel anywhere with your pooch that you have them properly vaccinated and do not forget to include a Bordetella vaccine to the list. Bordetella, otherwise known as kennel cough, is contagious and can take a very long time to get rid of. There are lots of different types of Bordetella, but the most severe cases can be prevented by the vaccine. Also, make sure that your dog has had their most recent application of flea/tick prevention and heartworm medication.

One of the most important things to think about is to MAKE SURE your dog's license is up-to-date, rabies vaccine tag, and a tag with their name and your mobile number on it. You might even want to think about getting one of those chips put in your dog, so if they did get lost and are found by the police or a shelter they can scan the chip and get your dog back to you! (http://www.homeagainid.com) It is also wise to take a current photo of Fido with you in case he/she does get lost, you would have something to show people in your search.

I would also do a little research about the area you will be staying in. Find a local vet, or clinic, and an emergency care facility that is open 24 hours-just in case.

For those dogs that have to travel with a front row seat, you might want to consider a harness that attaches to the seatbelt in the car. You can talk to your vet about it if you aren't sure what kind, if any, would be appropriate for your size dog. And for those dogs that can't resist the cool breeze in their face and bugs on their tongues, you might want to consider keeping their head indoors for a long ride on highways and freeways. Sudden impacts can be very harmful, not to mention how dangerous getting sideswiped can be to an animal with their head out the window.

Here is a tip that I found out about the hard way. If your dog has a sensitive stomach, consider bottling water from home. If you use tap water in their bowl or water from a cooler, take some with you to give to them. Changing the water source suddenly, combined with a change in atmosphere, can make for a "runny" situation, if you catch my drift!

Here are a few other things to think about:

• Make sure you have enough food, you never know what can happen to delay your trip, and you wouldn't want to run out of grub!
• Pack all current medications or medications they might need (our dog has allergies so we have to take "doggie Benadryl" wherever we go)
• Make sure you pack an extra toy in case you lose one or it gets destroyed.
• An extra leash and collar can come in handy-you never know!
• Take a can of Lysol disinfectant spray. Let's be honest, there have been other dogs in the room before yours and they may not all be as well groomed!

The mile high club-for dogs…

I will never have the pleasure of taking a flight with my dog. Unfortunately for Bulldogs, just like Pugs and other short nosed breeds, flying is not recommended. This is a great site that includes airline regulations and tips from rescuers who fly dogs all the time. (http://www.bcrescue.org/flying.html) You can also visit http://doglaw.hugpug.com/index.html which has not only good tips for traveling with your dog but other valuable dog information. The AKC is also an extremely valuable resource for all things dog, www.akc.org. If you are considering flying with your dog, make sure that you do your research and are aware of all the airlines regulations and policies. Also, whenever possible, consider taking a direct flight. It might cost you a little more but will cause fewer traumas to your dog, and present less opportunity for something to go wrong with the transport of your pet.

Hitting the high seas…

While most bus companies and Amtrak do not allow dogs, with the exception of service dogs, you can take pampering your pooch one step further and take a luxury cruise on Cunard line, "Queen Mary 2's kennel program is available on all crossings between New York and Southampton in either direction, and is overseen by a full-time Kennel Master who takes care of responsibilities such as feeding, walking and cleaning the ship's 12 spacious kennels. Travelling dogs and cats also receive a complimentary gift pack and other animal amenities. The kennels and adjacent indoor and outdoor walking areas are open throughout the day, enabling passengers to spend significant time with their pet. Reservations for the kennels may be made at time of booking, and are based on space availability. Contact Cunard for fees and additional requirements. For more info go to www.cunard.com.

So the moral of the story is if you can take them with you-great-just follow the Boy Scout motto and always be prepared! If you can't take them with you, make sure you choose the best accommodations for your dog's health and for your mental well-being!

Happy traveling!

What happens when you can't take your furry friends along…?

I know there are times when you just are not able to take your 'baby' with you. And in those cases we have been very lucky that we have found willing participants in the pampering of our pooch. His grandparents love him like, well, grandparents! So they have taken him for a long weekend here and there. But we have been itching to go on a real vacation for more than 3 days, which we haven't done in years. We began a search for a kennel. We checked a few different ones out and I just couldn't imagine my spoiled, needy, shadow of a dog staying in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day. None the less, the time came to test one out. We picked one on a recommendation from an acquaintance and we went away for one night- just to see how he would do. When we went to pick him up, he ran so fast to the door he left a trail of smoke behind him. Unfortunately, that was not the only way his high stress level came across. The first time he went to the bathroom, there was a large puddle of blood and his fur fell out for days. So that was his first AND last time at a kennel. Back to square one.

We researched all kinds of options: hiring a pet/house sitter (ok, but you really have to find a person you trust), cage free boarding (great- if you have a dog that is not crate trained), hiring a dog walker (also great if your dog is not crate trained and doesn't require constant attention), etc. Just when I was at the end of my rope, thinking our romantic vacation to a paradise island had no possibility of coming to fruition for 10-12 years…we hit pay-dirt! Out for a stroll at our local outdoor mall, my pooch and I met Lacey. Lacey is also a typical high maintenance bulldog. Lacey's dad told me about this new daycare that she goes to, appropriately named "A Furry Tail Come True". I felt like I was dreaming as he told me about this place where your dog can go and play all day with other dogs and the people and then go in their crate at night-the perfect combination for a crate trained dog. I hate to admit it but it sounded almost better than being at home. And as it turns out, there are days that my dog feels that way and he doesn't want to leave!

Life changed when we took him for his test session and he passed with flying colors! Woo-hoo! We must have done something right! He started going one day a week to get used to the other dogs and the people. Then came the first weekend stay, drum roll please…..he loved it! He got to play all day, eat his food at the normal times he eats, get attention from the people, and sleep in a crate at night-on his blanket with one of his toys! When he came home, he kept all his fur intact and his poop was normal as poop can be!

I am so relieved to have found this place that I can actually start planning my dream vacation knowing that while I am away, I won't have to worry about my baby. I am sure I will miss him like crazy but I know he will be in good hands! I will end my shameless plug for this dream come true boarding facility by giving you the web address so if you do live in this area you can consider it for your baby(ies)! (www.afurrytailcometrue.com).

Whichever option sounds like it might work for you, you can find all kinds of places on ol' faithful www.google.com. I would highly recommend that you ask for references from the clients of the facility or care taker that you choose. If you can talk to other people that have been having their dogs cared for by those places or people, you will get a better idea of what to expect and what goes on when you are not around.

From Canada to the Continent . . . great vacations are on your horizon!

A Whole New Canada – to the East!
• St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick – If you want your next vacation to include relaxing – yet unique – recreational activities, abundant natural beauty, great golf and one of the world's natural wonders – then this is your destination. St. Andrews by-the-Sea is a delightful, picturesque and classy maritime resort community filled with history, charm and very friendly people. For accommodations, the superb Fairmont Algonquin Hotel features every amenity possible, including a superb spa, excellent food and its signature 18-hole Algonquin Golf Course highlighted with stunning seaside vistas. The town is situated on a peninsula and surrounded by the Passamaquoddy Bay. Overlooking the Fundy Isles and serving as gatekeepers to the world-renowned Bay of Fundy, this quaint New England-style town is filled with an eclectic array of shops, galleries and eateries on Water Street – all within walking distance of the Fairmont. Definite "must-sees" besides, of course, Fundy National Park (ranked one of the "50 most intriguing destinations in the world") and the Hopewell Rocks, is Ministers Island – the 50-room historic estate of railway magnate Sir William Van Horne. (This site can only be toured at low tide as you will literally drive across the ocean floor to reach the Island!) Kayak tours of nearby harbors and islands, as well as hiking, biking and whale watching round out some of the recreational activities. (It is interesting to note that the Tides of Passamaquoddy Bay rise and drop more than 28 feet twice a day. Yet at the Bay of Fundy, the Fundy Tides rise and drop almost 50 feet twice a day.) The Fundy Tides are "the highest tides in the world"!

• HALIFAX, Nova Scotia – Today's Halifax is a cultural center for the Atlantic Provinces. Compared culturally to Boston, it resembles San Francisco physically. Halifax showcases a thriving arts community and a music scene devoted to maritime and folk music, and also features a budding film industry that takes advantage of the city's unique nautical flavor. As the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a thriving metropolis "steeped in history and hospitality." The city is a day's sail from New York and Boston and a major access point to Europe. For cruise passengers, Halifax is considered one of "the friendliest cities to visit."

• TORONTO, Ontario – Toronto has left its demure Victorian past behind! Today's Toronto is a city that vibrates as a cosmopolitan financial, commercial and cultural center that blends "urban chic" with its enviable multicultural heritage (some 100 ethnic groups speak more than 60 languages!). Toronto showcases soaring contemporary architecture alongside Victorian and Edwardian gems. This spectacular city also showcases magnificent museums, performing-arts companies, professional sports teams, fine restaurants, relaxed cafes, trendy shopping centers, a "people-friendly" waterfront and hundreds of parks that keep the city green (most of the year). A couple of tips: Discovery Walks is a viable option for visitors who prefer not to drive. This is an intricate system of trails that runs through ravines, parks, gardens, beaches and neighborhoods within the city.

Europe. . . In Vogue!
PARIS, France – C'est Magnifique! Indeed, "The City of Light" is just that! Although we all seem to think we know Paris – even before we see it – nothing compares to actually being there. The experience of going up the Eiffel Tower, walking along the Seine at dusk, sipping coffee at any elegant sidewalk care – all are uniquely Parisian, real-life experiences – but somehow seem to take on an aura of magical make-believe that makes visiting Paris even more special for not only first-time, but returning visitors as well. Today, as throughout its history, Paris is one of Europe's most important artistic, political, religious, educational and commercial centers. Paris is also a city known for its "constant change" – with many new faces, styles, ethnic groups and different religious persuasions, but Paris is also a city firmly rooted in its tradition. It seems that this constant pull between old and new is what makes it such a vibrant place to visit.

VIENNA, Austria – Founded in 1137, Vienna was once the leading city in Central Europe. Today, it is a modern capital city robed in 18th century charm and 19th century grandeur. A popular stop on river cruises, Vienna's old-world ambience is determined as much by the attitude of its residents as by its architecture. The Viennese invented the café society and they continue to perfect the art of sophisticated relaxation. It's been said that nowhere else in Europe will you be so aware of this sense of a warm and friendly ambience extended to visitors and guests. Compared to some capital cities on the Continent, Vienna is considered safe and clean, with an exemplary public transportation system. Showcasing many world-class museums, galleries and restaurants, as well as parks, Vienna will surely be one of the most delightful cities you will ever visit. Sights not to miss include the Inner Stadt (the historic city center) with its winding back streets and baroque churches, the wonderful imperial buildings along the Ring; the Staatsoper (famed opera house), the Hapsburg tombs in the Kaisergruft, Schonbrunn Palace and gardens and the tombs of famous composers at the Zentralfriedhof.

LONDON, England – The London that we know today began to take shape in the 11th century when Edward the Confessor built Westminster Abbey. Over the next 10 centuries London will have survived William the Conqueror and the Norman invasion in 1066 and the bubonic plague of the 1300s; prospered under Tudor rule of the 16th century (where the city actually almost tripled in size); survived the separation of the English church from Rome and subsequent religious persecution, and welcomed the arrival of one London's greatest artistic
periods and the reign of Elizabeth I. In 1666, the Great Fire destroyed much of inner London but it also put an end to the worst plague outbreak – the Great Plague of 1665. Under the leadership of Queen Victoria, London then grew during the 19th century Industrial Revolution. During WWII, the city was devastated with 57 consecutive days of bombing in 1940 (known as the Blitz). After the war, mass immigration from Britain's former colonies signaled the beginning of the multi-culturalism we see throughout the city today. After a subsequent boom-and-bust period, there is now an unmistakable self-confidence by Londoners! Even more construction is currently underway for the city's hosting of the 2012 Summer Games. With new galleries, stadiums and museums, London once again exudes an air of FUN!

BERLIN, Germany – Berlin has restlessly reinvented itself as a political, business and entertainment center. And the landscape of this German city has changed drastically as its latest transformation has definitely yielded some impressive attractions: For example, the Reichstag's glass dome crowns the government quarter, with its straight band of office buildings and the sleek curving glass hall of its main train station. South of the Brandenburg Gate is a cluster of skyscrapers and an eye-catching tent-like structure that defines the rebuilt Potsdamer Platz – a center of activity in the storied Berlin of the 1920s and now a bustling development built next to the formerly divided city's no-man's land. As well, a rediscovery of the waterfront is in full swing with new restaurants, nightclubs and cafes positioned along the Spree River and the city's many canals. Architecture – much of it in glass and steel – is definitely the "calling card" of the New Berlin, even though to many the city's parks, canals and forest-rimmed lakes are still examples of the city's most beautiful real estate. It's important to note that one of the city's newest attractions is the Jewish Museum – a massive structure that houses two millennia of German Jewish history.

We think you will agree: Berlin is full of history and charm – but "with a rebellious attitude." The city is also generally considered less expensive than its European counterparts, is a lot more spacious and showcases a unique mix of cultural and countercultural extravaganzas. In other words: History, politics and social preferences collide here, and that's precisely what gives Berlin its unique and diverse character. Enjoy!

Whether you prefer to visit the New Canada or one of the many in-vogue cities of Europe – wherever you want to go . . . we can get you there! Please give us a call or stop by; we look forward to helping you plan your NEXT vacation.

Travel Version of ‘Twas the night’

'Twas the night before Christmas and far out at sea
Our vessel was sailing as smooth as could be

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool nice and shallow

When up in the sky there arose such a clatter
I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter

To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash
Well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash

When, what to my skeptical eyes should appear
But a big shiny sleigh and eight flying reindeer

They circled our ship from starboard to port
And the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort

Who called to his team in a happy retort,
"Now Dasher, now Dancer," so on and so forth

I raced through my cabin and into the hall
To the very top deck, in time for us all

To be awed by the sight of Old Santa's sleigh
As he lightly touched down by the midnight buffet

With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back
He climbed up the side and dropped down the smokestack

From insides to oceanviews, balconies, suites
Santa filled every stocking with toys and with treats

Until all the deliveries had been handled with care
Then he noted he still had a minute to spare

So he surfed the Surf Park, with nary a fall
While Dasher and Dancer scaled the rock-climbing wall

And Prancer, who was actually fond of the cold
Tried the ice-skating rink, a sight to behold

And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team
And he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams

And I heard him exclaim as he flew out of view
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.

 

Written by a member of the Travel Industry

You Don’t Say…

When asked if she had a seat preference for her flight, the client responded with,

"I don't want to sit by the window…I'm having my hair done."

"Can I take my car on the airplane?"

A client called on April 22^nd and said, "My daughter heard the radar is out in Pittsburgh. Will this cause delays for her? Can she be rerouted? She is traveling on May 20^th."

I explained to someone several times that she would change planes in Pittsburgh and she asked, "So I have to go up and come back down and go back up again?" Yes, unfortunately they haven't figured out how to change planes in mid air yet!

A client wanted to know, "How do the pilots know where they are going in the sky? I know it's like roads but how do they know?"

"Why can't I take a cruise to Alaska in January?"

"Can I take the train from here to England?"

"I heard that when a family member dies the airline will pay for you to go to the funeral…"

A client called for a family of five to take a trip to the Bahamas. He asked if they could be put on separate flights in case the flight crashes. When he was told that they would have a five hour delay to do that, he said it was ok to put them on the same flight but could they all be seated in different parts of the plane "in case it crashes someone might survive."

A client called to reconfirm his flight. I told him to call AirTran to get that information. As I gave him the number, he began to dial while we were still on the phone together. I could hear him dialing the number as I was still talking.

A client called for a fare to Dallas from Allentown. He was given a rate and then asked how long it would take to get there. When he was told it would take about four hours with a stop in Pittsburgh, the client replied "Is that all? I thought it would take a couple of days!"

Unspoiled Hidden Treasures

By

Maryellen Iobst, CTC

Gene and I had an invitation to attend a National Travel Conference in the Bahamas. The plan was for 4 days of intense training and camaraderie including some golf and then we were to choose one of the Bahama "Out Islands" for a few days of "detoxing". We had no idea the scope of the adventure we were about to take.

Our friends, Jack and Ann were going to the conference also. We collaborated on which island we should choose for our detoxing and came up with South Andros.

Everything went according to plan. The conference was good, with plenty of information. The parties were extravagant and the golf, well the golf was golf.

We headed to the local airport for our small plane and short hop to South Andros. We arrived at the very small terminal with luggage that practically filled the terminal. You see we had party clothes, business clothes, and golf clothes (not to mention the golf clubs). In all 8 pieces of luggage, 4 carry ons and 4 sets of golf clubs! I believe the person behind the counter said something like "you are going where?" The plane holds 8 people. Each person is allowed 25 pounds. Oh my gosh! Ann and I looked at each other. We then looked at Gene and Jack. We then broke out in hilarious laughter, sat down on the floor and proceeded to move dirty laundry and non – essentials into all the "other bags". Gene and Jack talked the guy behind the counter into storing our golf bags in the employees lunch room. (we would not need them in South Andros). Would we see them when we returned???We then hauled the rest of the luggage to the main terminal where there were lockers. Whew! What a project.

OK, we are all set. Load ourselves and what is left of our luggage into our tiny plane. We shared the plane with 3 other people. Stowed my purse in the wing! Our cabin mates were going bone fishing. We learned that South Andros is famous for bone fishing. Bone fishing, I never heard of bone fishing before!

In the air the Caribbean was beautiful! We marveled at the clear water dotted with tiny islands. The plane started a decent. Couldn't understand why, because there was nothing to land on and then as if by magic a landing strip came into view with a really small cinder block building at the end of it. OOOK! The building is the terminal! Thank goodness a van from the hotel was waiting for us. Did not look like rental cars were anywhere near this island.

We had a friendly conversation with our lady driver who doubles as the front desk clerk, waitress and maid. Our accommodations were clean, oak four poster beds, air conditioned and comfortable. Meals were different every night and you could always order steak (it was frozen) Great pool right on the beach. This was the smooth part. Now we decided to "explore" this really small part of paradise. We struck a deal with the maintenance man to rent his pick up for the day!. Only two seats, so Ann and I decked out in our bathing suits sat on plastic lawn chairs in the bed of the pick up and off we go exploring! Now picture this, two very white women in the bed of a pick up truck on a very black person island. Adventure???? It was actually awesome. We stopped at a small inn for lunch. Now this local spot had card tables and folding chairs and a kitchen that was surround cooking. One room, one stove, one fryer, 6 tables and enough chairs to accommodate the most discerning customer. The guys ordered fish and chips! Touted as the specialty of the house it sounded safe. We were a little surprised when the cook, waiter brought the boys the front half of the fish!

We truly hated to leave that lovely island. It was much more than we ever imagined and our Golf Clubs were right where we left them!

Contrary to popular belief, relatively uncharted territory in the Caribbean is not a paradox. Untapped islands like Cuba's Isla de la Juventud offer the lax tropical environment for which the region is known, sans eyesores like piercing parlors and tacky T-shirt shacks that litter its more popular neighbors. Other lesser-known chains near South America have yet to be touched by the onslaught of cruise ship passengers.

The Windward Islands (home to Dominica and Grenada), are not as popular as destinations like the Bahamas, Caymans and Virgin Islands. These may take longer to get to from the mainland U.S., but the reward is a more intimate experience.

Major airlines from the U.S. may not go there direct but this also allows for fewer people and sometimes less expensive lodging. Getting to secluded Les Saintes, for example, is not simple but it is perfectly manageable: Three flights–from New York City to San Juan, San Juan to Guadeloupe, Guadeloupe to Les Saintes–and you find yourself in the lap of luxury.

Another way to avoid lots of tourists is to plan your trip around the Caribbean's high season — December through April — when the fares are lower and the crowds fewer.

 

Grenada Tourism A major source of nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa and cloves, Grenada — dubbed "the Spice Island" — has more spices per square mile than anywhere else in the world. It's also one of the Caribbean's most lush islands, with its mountainous interior and volcanic origins. "Grenada has it all: nice people, sandy beaches, good snorkeling and beautiful nature trails that wind through a colorful jungle," William Travis, editor of Frommer's Caribbean guide, says. "It's a very mellow, relaxing spot."

If you are in search of a thrill-seeking vacation try Virgin Gorda, Tobago or a shark mecca like Andros (unlike South Andros) where provided is a rush splashing around with bloodthirsty marine monsters.

Désirade and Les Saintes, with their wide varieties of animal and plant species, appeal to those looking for eco-tourism during their time away. Similarly, islands like Grenada are extremely friendly places for nature lovers of all walks of life for their lush, leafy, green foliage, and likewise, tourist operators are starting to take note.

 

 

St. Kitts Tourism Saint Kitts the larger of the two islands that composes this sea-locked state has, unfortunately, turned into a stop on several cruise routes. It probably will turn into the next household name of Caribbean Islands. Nevertheless, this tropical locale has maintained the hip, unassuming air that helped it gain popularity in the first place

At the moment, Grenada is popular with Europeans but less so with Americans because of a lack of direct flights. That will probably change as international developers and resort companies move in. You can expect more convenient and more frequent airlift from the United States as this evolves. If you want to sample the traditional charm of these islands, the time to go is now."

Holiday Travel Sense

 

The holidays are steeped in family traditions—opening presents at first light on Christmas Day, napping during the football game on Thanksgiving, lighting the menorah during Hanukkah, inching the car through a traffic jam on the interstate and standing in an airport line that just doesn’t move.

To maximize holiday happiness and minimize coal-in-the-stocking grief, follow these helpful tips compiled by the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA)

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas—Before the Trip Begins
Contact a travel agent well in advance of your trip to secure the lowest-priced airline seats, hotel rooms and rental cars that usually sell out quickly for holiday travel. Be aware that prices generally escalate during the holiday season, as demand is higher.

Packing light saves time and energy when it comes to filling the trunk with fragile bags packed with gifts or racing to fill the last empty space in the overhead bin. Some airlines place special restrictions during the holidays and allow only one carry-on, less luggage is vital. One tip for packing lighter is to ship your gifts to your destination ahead of time. Allow at least two to three weeks for your package to arrive, for the holidays are hectic times for courier services like UPS and Federal Express.

Before leaving, be sure to secure your house. Lock all doors and windows, and don’t forget to set the alarm. Also, give your home that lived-in look to repel potential burglars by having a friend collect your mail, setting lights on timers and not leaving details of your trip on the answering machine.

Now Dasher, Now Dancer—Flying During the Holidays
Without a sleigh and eight reindeer, your travel plans will most likely bring you, and millions of others, to the airport. But fear not—with a few precautions and a little TravelSense, your pre-flight schedule will be absent of anxiety.

First, avoid peak travel days. As your travel agent will tell you, the busiest days to fly are those immediately before and after the actual holidays. Book your flights two days before and after Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's.

Your travel agent can secure you a non-stop flight, or one involving the fewest connections and stops. Every time your plane touches the ground during peak travel times, the possibility of delays due to inclement weather or air-traffic problems increases. Also, aim to book morning flights, which tend to be delayed less often than afternoon departures.

If possible, have a friend drive you to the airport, or take a shuttle or public transportation. Shuttle services generally pick up guests early to ensure a timely arrival. If you drive and park at the airport lot, do not leave any valuables, such as CDs, in plain view. Also remember to put jumper cables in the trunk in case the battery dies during your trip.

Take the worry of getting to the airport completely out of the equation by staying at an airport hotel the night before an early flight. The additional sleep is well worth it. In some cases, hotels will allow guests to leave their car in the hotel lot for the duration of their trip, your travel agent can advise you on which hotels offer this package.

As flights are sometimes overbooked during the holidays, it’s critical to check in early. Domestic travelers should arrive at the airport two hours prior to departure, while international travelers should arrive three hours in advance. Spending an idle hour in the gift shop is much more fun than missing your flight by ten minutes.

If you do not send your gifts ahead, then do not wrap them before the flight. With safety a priority for all airlines, security personnel will need access to all items. Pack collapsible gift bags to be used as wrapping upon arrival.

Keep a positive attitude, but also be mentally ready for setbacks. Delays happen, and airlines do the best they can to keep their schedules on time. Bring water and snacks, an inflatable pillow and eye mask, a good book, ipod, or portable DVD player and a deck of cards. Boredom is the true enemy in these situations, so be prepared to conquer it!

Giving Thanks—Arriving Safely Is Thanks Enough
If Santa can travel safely year in and year out, so can you and your family. Just remember these tips from the friendly travel agents at ASTA. With a little TravelSense, everyone will be home for the holidays with warm memories to share.

 

Choosing a Travel Professional

HOW TO FIND THE BEST TRAVEL AGENCY FOR YOU!

Here are questions you should ask:

• Has the agent been to the place you want to go or have other specialized knowledge about the place? Has he been selling the destination and received feed back from other clients?

• Has he traveled the way you want to travel (on a cruise, escorted tour, via package or on your own)?

• What professional organizations and affiliations does the agency have?

• How long has he been in the travel agency business?

• Are most of their clients’ casual travelers? Families? Sophisticated travelers?

• Are they familiar with the price range at which you want to travel?

• What services do they offer, and what fees do they charge for those services?

• Are there companies they do not do business with as a matter of policy?

• Can the agent's relationship with the supplier earn you benefits, like upgrades or resort credits?

• Can the agent help you after hours if a problem arises, and how will you contact them? (Don't abuse that contact, though. Save it for true crises.)

Communication is key-The agent should ask you a lot of questions, just to be sure you're on the same page. In that conversation, you should share the following information:

• Ages and preferences of your party- Be as specific as possible. (If your children are high energy, savvy older teens, don't assume the standardized children's programs are going to appeal.)

• Financial commitment for the trip.

• Primary goal-(Bonding with family? Visiting every European capital? Rest and relaxation?)

• Style of travel you desire- Be as specific as you can. It helps to talk about your favorite hotels and why you liked them, and explain your least favorite travel experiences, and why they went awry.

• Pace of your trip- Do you hate down time, or do you want to take things slowly?

• Trip ambience- This is a combination of service attitude, decor and programming (music in the lobby, other programs aboard ship or at the resort). Ask about all three.

• Hassle factor.-Are you the kind of traveler who will travel two days to get to a remote destination -- if the experience is exactly what you want? Or do you want to stick with direct flights only? Be sure we understand your comfort level.

No agent wants a dissatisfied client-And no traveler should have a bad vacation because he didn't want to share his feelings

 

Flying the Friendly Skies

I had the pleasure of being asked to sit on the Inside Sales Advisory board for Royal Caribbean International.  They flew me to Fort Lauderdale and put me up at the Diplomat Country Club and Spa.  It was a beautiful resort, especially for those golf and tennis lovers. That evening Royal Caribbean took us to their production studios, the only one of its kind in the industry, where they produce their amazing on board shows.  We had the privilege to see a show that will be debuting on the Explorer of the Seas very soon.  The cast has never preformed in front of an audience, but without costumes and fancy set work, the performance was incredible!  It is called the West End to Broadway, for those of you not familiar with London, The West End is their version of Broadway.  Anyone sailing on the Explorer in the coming year should not miss this show! 

The two day event was packed with knowledge, a little bit of "WOW", and networking. I truly feel honored to have been asked to participate.

Here comes the good part!  They transported us back to the airport for our return flights, as we all hated to say goodbye, we were certainly tired and ready to return to reality.

As I approached gate E5 for my US Airways flight, I realized this is going to be a very full flight.  It was 5:30pm, and our flight was to depart at 7:25p.   Around 7:00pm, the gate agent announces the plane has a slight pressurization problem, which they are hoping will fix itself.  Not sure how it fixes itself, but what do I know...  He also mentioned there were weather issues, so of course, I whip out my blackjack and start checking the weather.  Only to find out there are no weather conditions, but as we all know, that is a standard reply from the airlines when there is a delay.  At 8:00pm, he announces the plane is definitely broken and another plane is on its way from Philadelphia arriving at 10:40pm.  If they can find a pilot, we will be taking off at 11:30-11:45pm, which means everyone will miss their connecting flights in Phila. requiring them to spend the night.  He promises to update us in 30 minutes as to the exact details.   Guess what transpires next?  You guessed it... a line of angry, tired, irate passengers screaming what are you going to do for ME!

I decided to stay seated on the floor by the counter to have front row seats for the show.  A teenager traveling alone is crying to her Mom on the phone, a Mother is trying to get to her daughter's wedding, a lady who just likes to yell and scream is in the middle of the line, all while a mother with her three very young children waits patiently for the news.  It turned into complete chaos with everyone screaming at once and kids crying.  The amazing gate agent never raised his voice and listened to each and every one of their stories.  He was a SAINT! 

Meanwhile, as I hear each persons plea I think to myself, I am supposed to be chaperoning my daughter's 1st field trip in the morning.  My daughter was so excited and looking forward to it.  Guilt is setting in, but I know in my mind, these things happen!  I called my friend and co-worker Shannon to see what my options were, and she volunteered to pick me up in Philadelphia at 2:00am.  Is that a great friend or what?   

HERE IS WHERE KEEPING A POSITIVE ATTITUDE HELPS ALL SITUATIONS! 

All of a sudden, I hear a woman at the counter telling the SAINT in a nice calm voice "just get us a mini-bus and forget the hotel vouchers",  there are eight of us that need to get to Binghamton,NY.  US Air could not offer them a flight until 1pm the next day!  By the way, none of the eight knew each other until they commiserated in the line.   

The Saint says that is a great idea, I will take care of it!  Now this is delivering the "WOW"... 

After it is all arranged and they are calmly sitting down, one of the women(irate screaming woman in the line) asked me where I was going.  I told her Allentown and that a great friend was picking me up.  She said "you are coming with us".  As I look at her in bewilderment, she explains that the bus is dropping another woman off at the Allentown airport and there was plenty of room for me!  Needless to say, my great friend was happy to return to her cozy bed. 

Midnight arrives and we are finally seated on the plane and ready for take off...  After a bumpy ride we land in Philadelphia at 2:30am, the "bus crew" claims their luggage and away we go.

4:00am I arrive at the Allentown airport and say goodbye and well wishes to my new friends! 

Moral of this story:There are truly nice caring people in this world trying to make a difference and make the best of a bad situation!  Stay positive, remain calm, and never judge a book by its cover!

p.s. high five to US Airways

Shopping for a Swimsuit

Travel Lines by
Maryellen Iobst, CTC
Choose That Swimsuit

Swimsuit-shopping may never be painless, but if you know what suits will
look great on your shape, it can be bearable.
Here, the best styles for different body types:
If you're pear-shaped... Try a tank suit with a bright color block on the
top half. This will draw the eye up, minimizing your lower half. High-cut
legs work well to make your legs look longer and leaner. Also, look for
two-piece suits where the tops and bottoms are sold separately, since you
might be a size smaller on top.
If you're petite... A triangle-top string bikini will look great on you, as
will a sportier two-piece with boy shorts and a bandeau top. Or go for a
simple tank in a bright color or medium to small print.
If you're straight up and down... A tankini or bikini with boy shorts is
surprisingly flattering, as the shorts give your hips a bit of width. Or go
for a tank with a belt or detail like a cutout at the waist, to give the
illusion of a shapelier middle. Small bust too? Try a suit with details or
patterns on top, which can make a small bust look fuller.
If you're big on top... Try an athletic-inspired suit, or one that has a
not-too-low scoop neck in front. Look for suits with built-in bras for
support. If you're curvy or plus-size... Forget the plain black tank!
Instead, go for a one-piece with a deep V-neck to show off cleavage, a
halter top to maximize your feminine shape, or a two-piece with an
adjustable string-tie bottom (you can customize the fit so it doesn't pinch
or pull). Separately sold tops and bottoms can also help you get a perfect
fit.
If you have a bit of a tummy... Try a strapless tank in a dark color with a
subtle tone-on-tone pattern. Or go for a trendy style this season: a shirred
tank, with camouflaging gathers across the belly or to one side. A suit with
details down the sides also takes the emphasis off your belly.
Now get out and find the suit that flatters you the most!

Airline Complaints

Travel Lines by:
Maryellen Iobst, CTC
COMPLAINTS
Common sense on airlines and how they choose to handle complaints.

A common mistake: Telling an airline you'll never fly them again. If so,
then the airline no longer has an incentive to try to win back the customer,
some airline officials say.

Another tip: Always tell the airline what you want in compensation, and be
realistic. A one-hour delay won't get you anything, but if the airline
canceled your flight because of a mechanical problem, forced you to spend
the night in a cheap motel and miss your important morning meeting, then
lost your bag the next day, you can ask for something meaningful, like a
free ticket.

Sorry doesn't cost the airline anything, and there's no reason for them to
give you anything if you don't ask.

Federal rules require airlines to reimburse customers for lost luggage and
compensate them for bumping them from overbooked flights. After that, as
with most any business, consumers are on their own seeking redress for bad
service.

There are differences in how airlines handle customer complaints. United and
Continental Airlines, for example, still have phone lines to field
complaints.
More than 200 Continental employees are trained to resolve problems and
compensate passengers on the spot, a spokeswoman says. Most other carriers
don't take complaints by telephone - mail, fax or email only. Once airlines
respond to a written complaint, you typically can't talk to the customer
service agent to appeal, either.

In general, most airlines pay more attention to complaints from top-tier
frequent fliers, especially customers who spend lots of money each year with
the airline. Airlines track customers not by miles flown but by dollars
spent, and high-dollar customers get more generous compensation when they
complain.

But airlines say all complaints do get heard, many get investigated and all
get a response of some sort, even if it's only a formulaic apology. Most
carriers say they track complaints and compile monthly summary reports for
executives, and many say they forward the complaint to the employee involved
and supervisors. The most efficient way for them to field complaints is by
email - letters get scanned electronically into computer systems, and
airlines generally respond quicker to emails than to mailed letters.

Automation is changing the airline complaint business. Many carriers now
have systems that flag flights with lengthy airline-caused delays or
nightmarish conditions, then generate letters of apology to passengers, some
with offers of additional frequent-flier miles or vouchers offering
discounts on future trips.

There's a lot more airlines could do in the future, too. New systems are
under development that will track passenger experience in airline computers.
If airlines spend the money to install the systems, reservation computers
could flag previous bad experiences. When you check in, the agent could
apologize for the six-hour delay on your last trip, or your lost baggage,
and offer a free upgrade or coupon for a snack or drink.

Carriers say customers don't need to send complaints to the offices or
emails of high-ranking executives - complaints routinely get forwarded to
the complaint department no matter how they come in. Some travel experts
question that, suggesting that a slew of complaints to a CEO might catch the
eye of an assistant doing the forwarding, and the trend might get mentioned.
But there's little follow-up at airlines - executives rarely follow
complaints and inquire if they were ever resolved.

American Airlines has 100 customer-service specialists to field complaints,
but only those via letter, email or fax - they don't take phone calls. Less
than 5 percent of customers who complain send a second complaint saying they
aren't happy with the response, something the company tracks closely, says
the president of American's frequent-flier program who also handles customer
service.

One who did send a second angry letter over a nightmare trip was Patrick
Swann, whose wife, Chelly Bouferrache, had a laptop computer stolen from a
bag that American lost during their honeymoon trip to Europe. The
Alexandria, Va., couple endured late flights, missed connections and a night
in an airport hotel.

American paid more than $1,400 for the computer, even though its rules say
the airline isn't responsible for electronic gear, and responded to the
couple's initial complaint by offering them 10,000 extra frequent-flier
miles each. Mr.Swann, particularly angry that American wouldn't take complaints by phone,
fired off a second complaint asking for more. American said no. "We won't
fly American Airlines again, except to use up 300,000 frequent-flier miles,"
Ms. Bouferrache said.

American says it ended complaint phone banks to save money, and because the
phone lines often had long waits, further angering customers.

If a second letter doesn't get the desired response, the only recourse
travelers usually have is small-claims court. An airline ticket is a
contract for service, and if the airline failed to live up to the terms
spelled out in its "contract of carriage" (available on airline Web sites),
you can pursue a claim in court. You have to demonstrate some real loss, not
just be mad that the flight attendant was snotty to you.

Indeed, some consumer experts say traveler expectations are often out of
sync with the reality of today's low-fare travel. With airlines still
struggling for survival, "no one should expect a complaint to be adequately
responded to," says Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer
Federation of America.

Consumers are wise to protect themselves from potential problems - avoid
checking bags and connecting flights, if possible, or at least closely timed
connections ripe for problems with delays. Don't book the last flight before
a big meeting or a cruise-ship departure. Fly at off-peak times, give
yourself plenty of time for security, and check complaint statistics and
flight reliability.