I was trying to think today about some of the important things people need to consider when they are traveling. There are so many depending on where you are going, but here are a few I thought of that apply to pretty much everywhere.
Lock your bags! I can't emphasize this enough! There are TSA approved locks you can get from pretty much anywhere that sells luggage. If the TSA needs to search your bag, they have a key, but it will keep out other airline personnel, and anyone else that may get access to your bags. I can't tell you how many times I have heard of people having the most random stuff taken - one of my clients had all her honeymoon lingerie stolen from her bags on the way to their honeymoon destination. A friend of mine had her CD player and other things taken from her bags. So, the lesson here is LOCK IT UP!
Another thing I offer all my clients and recommend is travel insurance. You NEVER know what will happen before you take your trip that would cause you to not be able to go. A death in the family, serious illness or injury, or even loss of your job can occur unexpectedly. Most travel insurance will also cover you while you're on the trip for things like travel delays, lost/stolen/damaged luggage, medical expense, and emergency medical transportation. A friend of a client of mine was touring some Mayan Ruins in Mexico and fell. She broke her hip and had to take an ambulance back to the US because she couldn't fly. She did not have travel insurance and had a HUGE bill! A new thing with travel insurance if booked with certain companies is they will cover the price difference in the event your package rate drops after you book. Certain restrictions apply, but I've had many clients be very happy they opted for that kind of policy when the rate went down by a very large amount of money. Most insurance is not very expensive, around 50-100 per person, but it can save you big in the event something happens.
One last important tip is to arrive at the airport early! We no longer live in the days when you could arrive at the airport 30 mins before your flight. With the luggage scanning, security, and other airport hurdles we have to go through, most airlines cut off check in at 45 mins to a hour before your flight. I had a client call me at about 6am one day because the airline wouldn't let them check in for her 625am flight - she said her taxi was 5 mins late causing them to miss. 5 minutes should NOT cause you to miss your flight - plan to arrive at least 90 mins before the flight so if some sort of unforeseen delay happens on the way to the airport, you'll be OK arriving a little late.
I hope these tips have been helpful to you! More to come!
About Me
- Michelle's Destinations Unlimited
- We are a full service travel agency located in OK. We specialize in Sandals and Beaches Resorts, El Dorado Resorts, Azul Resorts, Destination Weddings, Mexico, Caribbean, South Pacific, Hawaii, and Cruises! Visit us at www.travelwithmichelle.com or e-mail info@travelwithmichelle.com
Friday, April 10, 2009
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Luggage Fees?
So, I'm going to vent a bit!
A few years ago, a little airline called Spirit Airlines started up and decided it would be fun to charge for every little thing individually - seat assignments, luggage, ect, and since they were a discount airline, it worked OK for them and people didn't seem to mind. Unfortunatly for us, the other airlines (who are not always so discounted) decided "Hey, that's a great idea" and now charge for luggage (due to the extra fuel consumption they say), some charge for seat assignments, and even drinks (although US Air decided to stop charging for drinks when the other big airlines didn't follow suit)
The only airline who didn't do any of this is Southwest. Man, I love that airline! They are the only airline who regulary posts profits when all the other ones don't - how is that? They don't charge for seats, drinks, luggage, or even change fees when you need to make changes to your reservation! Most airlines now charge at least $150.00 in JUST the change fee! Really airlines? You think it costs you that much in processing (when travel agents are usually doing the work - for FREE)?
I'm so sick of having to make sure my clients factor in luggage costs to the cost of their trip. If the airlines need the money, raise the price, don't surprise them at the airport with a luggage fee. The only thing charging fees has done is made everyone try to squeese all their stuff in a carry-on and the cabin is then really stuffed full.
What's next - charging to use the bathroom?
A few years ago, a little airline called Spirit Airlines started up and decided it would be fun to charge for every little thing individually - seat assignments, luggage, ect, and since they were a discount airline, it worked OK for them and people didn't seem to mind. Unfortunatly for us, the other airlines (who are not always so discounted) decided "Hey, that's a great idea" and now charge for luggage (due to the extra fuel consumption they say), some charge for seat assignments, and even drinks (although US Air decided to stop charging for drinks when the other big airlines didn't follow suit)
The only airline who didn't do any of this is Southwest. Man, I love that airline! They are the only airline who regulary posts profits when all the other ones don't - how is that? They don't charge for seats, drinks, luggage, or even change fees when you need to make changes to your reservation! Most airlines now charge at least $150.00 in JUST the change fee! Really airlines? You think it costs you that much in processing (when travel agents are usually doing the work - for FREE)?
I'm so sick of having to make sure my clients factor in luggage costs to the cost of their trip. If the airlines need the money, raise the price, don't surprise them at the airport with a luggage fee. The only thing charging fees has done is made everyone try to squeese all their stuff in a carry-on and the cabin is then really stuffed full.
What's next - charging to use the bathroom?
Saturday, April 4, 2009
My 1st Blog
So, I'm pretty new at this whole blogging thing, but I'm going to give it a try! Something that has been on my mind for the past month or so is Mexico. I get at least a call a day asking me if it's safe to travel there. Like anywhere in the world, there are bad parts and good parts. The tourist areas are generally safe. Obviously you would want to use caution, like anywhere else, but if you look at the numbers, you're safer being in the tourist areas of Mexico than some popular US cities. Crazy, but true!
I feel like going postal sometimes when I hear the things some people say. Look, Mexico is a beautiful country and has some really great resorts, fun and interesting things to do, and the people are generally very friendly. Yes, bad things happen there - bad things happen EVERYWHERE! Even my hometown of Norman, OK has it's share of drugs, crime, and murder. Does that mean I want to hole up in my house and never leave? NO! I use my brain and normal safetly precautions!
If you don't want to go to Mexico because you've been tons of times, I get that, but don't cross it off the list because you think there's a good chance you'll get kidnapped, shot at, or murdered. You have an almost 100% chance of coming home safe and sound - and probably sunburned! I found a great blog site that says it all- do the math!
http://www.thetruthaboutmexico.com/2009/03/spring-break-in-mexico-do-the-math-kids/
Another blog about Mexico that I think is GREAT is these 2 Canadian guys who when to all the tourist areas looking for trouble - what they found will surprise you - nothing but fun in the sun!
http://www.whatisreallyhappeninginmexico.com/
Anyway, my point is, stop listening to the media who only wants to blow things way out of proportion - think for yourself, and use common sense! The current travel advisory is basically about the border towns and isn't new, it's an update to one issued about a year ago. Honestly, I would never reccomend going to a border town, unless it was the border of Canada!
I hope this has helped give you some prespective on the whole thing, and maybe you'll think twice before you give someone going there a hard time or before crossing it off your possible vacation list.
I feel like going postal sometimes when I hear the things some people say. Look, Mexico is a beautiful country and has some really great resorts, fun and interesting things to do, and the people are generally very friendly. Yes, bad things happen there - bad things happen EVERYWHERE! Even my hometown of Norman, OK has it's share of drugs, crime, and murder. Does that mean I want to hole up in my house and never leave? NO! I use my brain and normal safetly precautions!
If you don't want to go to Mexico because you've been tons of times, I get that, but don't cross it off the list because you think there's a good chance you'll get kidnapped, shot at, or murdered. You have an almost 100% chance of coming home safe and sound - and probably sunburned! I found a great blog site that says it all- do the math!
http://www.thetruthaboutmexico.com/2009/03/spring-break-in-mexico-do-the-math-kids/
Another blog about Mexico that I think is GREAT is these 2 Canadian guys who when to all the tourist areas looking for trouble - what they found will surprise you - nothing but fun in the sun!
http://www.whatisreallyhappeninginmexico.com/
Anyway, my point is, stop listening to the media who only wants to blow things way out of proportion - think for yourself, and use common sense! The current travel advisory is basically about the border towns and isn't new, it's an update to one issued about a year ago. Honestly, I would never reccomend going to a border town, unless it was the border of Canada!
I hope this has helped give you some prespective on the whole thing, and maybe you'll think twice before you give someone going there a hard time or before crossing it off your possible vacation list.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)