~Travel Tip~

According to Conde Nast...Visit the Islands during the Shoulder Season!

Peak-season rates on islands often reflect nearby countries' vacation schedules rather than the best time to visit. In low season, many businesses shut down. Shoulder season - when crowds are thinner but the weather is still good - is the solution.

~Beer River Cruise~

To all of you Beer lovers out there... there is now a River Cruise that is all about the Beer!

Beginning in the fall of 2014 Avalon Waterways will offer a Beer Tasting Special Interest cruise. A visit to Austria and Germany is made even better when it includes a full schedule that revolves around the regional beers! This cruise will offer onboard tastings, a food and beer pairing dinner, visits to local breweries and lectures about European beer-brewing techniques.

Individual and group travel can be accommodated! If your interested give me a call or shoot me an email.  It's never to early to begin planning!

~Airlines...The Good, The Bad and the In Between~

Planning on flying anywhere this year? Want to be sure that receive great customer service?

According to the Huffington Post and the most recent Airline Quality Study Virgin America is the best airline in the United States. The airlines were ranked using the data that focused on four main criteria: on-time arrivals, denied boarding, mishandled baggage and customer complaints. Ranked just behind Virgin America were Jet Blue, Air Tran, Delta and Hawaiian Airlines. Ranked at the bottom of the list were American Airlines, American Eagle, South West, Express Jet and United Airlines.

Just some food for thought when booking your next flight!

~Honeymoons~

Spring means the beginning of wedding season here in the States and I for one have been planning my fair share of honeymoons lately. Can I just say, I LOVE planning honeymoons! It is supposed to be the one trip that you and your beloved will never forget, the one trip that should be perfect.

Ladera Resort, St Lucia

I remember my honeymoon as if it was yesterday, but looking back I might have done a thing or two differently. I did not own a travel agency at the time. In fact, like most young couples, I had never really been out of the country. There was so much I didn’t know, so much I didn’t even think of. I was just lucky that we honeymooned without anything going wrong. That said, our experience allows me to pass on some much needed advice to honeymooners everywhere.

The most important thing I will tell you… Avoid the temptation to book an Internet 

special to some resort that you have never heard of and know nothing about. Instead, sit down with your soon-to-be-spouse and a travel agent, preferably me! I assure you that I can find a better rate than “cheap caribbean”. Working together as a trio we can discuss your wants and needs and plan an idyllic week or more in paradise.

Matachica, Belize

 Here are some tips to help you started:

When: Do you want to honeymoon right after your wedding or do you want to wait? Every month of the year has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to travel. Some destinations will work better during certain months. This is something that a seasoned travel agent can discuss with you.

Where: Do you have a place in mind? Most honeymooners opt for a beach somewhere, typically a Caribbean island. Some want to stay in the US and explore while others long to go far away, think Europe or the South Pacific.

Cruises: Do you all want to see several places all in one trip? Cruising might be your best option. Cruises range from 3 days- on and there is a cruise for every budget.

Resort: Most of the couples I work with opt for a resort, most often an all inclusive. These resorts are convenient as everything, including alcohol, food and day-to-day activities, are included in the price. Also, for those who love kids but just don’t want to honeymoon around them, there are many all inclusives that are Adult only.

Cost: What is your budget? Consider how long you want to be gone and leave a bit of a cushion for spending money. Be honest with your agent. I personally work hard to ensure that every couple gets the most for their money no matter what their budget is!

Insurance: I am a strong supporter of travel insurance. Things happen, weather doesn’t always cooperate, people get sick, ect. Travel insurance is worth your piece of mind.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

Ready to plan your honeymoon …. Call me at 704-458-7493 or email me at Jess4Dootravel@aol.com

I’d love to assist you!

~Travel Quote~

~Africa and Europe for the Price of 1~

Europe has been a hot destination for travelers over the past few years but African travel is on the rise! My suggestion... take both trips for the price of one! AMA Waterways is running a special this month that is out of this world! When you book an African Safari and Wildlife cruise you receive a 7 night European River cruise for FREE. It's two vacations for the price of one! 

AFRICA

Your African Safari and Wildlife cruise includes 3 nights in Cape Town, 3 nights in Kruger National Park and 1 night in Johannesburg

Followed by a 4 night Safari Cruise and ending with 2 nights at Victoria Falls

EUROPE

Your European cruise will include 7 nights on your choice of one of Europe's beautiful rivers

Including the option of taking a holiday cruise in 2013 or 2014.    

If you love a good 2 for 1 deal give me a call so that we can set up your African and European Vacations!

~BRUGES, BELGIUM ~

I spent a beautiful spring day in Bruges last year thanks to the suggestion of a friend. The little historic city of Bruges won me over instantly. It is charming, historical and postcard picture perfect! The city can be enjoyed by boat, cruising through the cities canals, it can be enjoyed on foot or you can hop in a horse drawn carriage.

The Historic Centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great place to start your visit. Spend your day walking the winding streets, visiting the lovely churches and museums and exploring the charming little shops. Don’t forget to try a Belgium waffle and grab some famous Belgium chocolates to go!