I always use Travel Leaders
Be sure to ask for Joni
408-850-8507
Why Use a Travel Agent?
With the advent of the internet, many people are surprised that travel agencies still exist.
I will admit that it is easier to make arrangements for US travel. However, planning a trip to a foreign country always feels better with an expert at the reins. I have tried to "go it alone" and learned the hard way. If your flight is cancelled, your luggage disappears, you are about to miss your connection through no fault of your own, your hotel doesn't recognize your reservation...need I go on? AND, you are in a country where you may not be proficient in the local language. FRUSTRATION!!
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(Besides, they are experts at flights, hotels, cruises, car rentals and events. I am amazed how my travel agent, Joni, is able to beat any price I can find online!)
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I feel like my travel agent wears a cape! The fact that she always has the inside scoop and prior travelers' experiences readily available, allows her to make recommendations we would never have considered. She is constantly aware of changes in policies...which really helps us to prevent catastrophies! When things go awry, she is our first call. With great aplomb, she always comes to the rescue.
Almost without exception, I take advantage of the Hop-on, Hop-off busses in major cities. This is a a great way to get the "lay of the land" and have transportation all over the city. You can buy multiple day passes, and most hotels sell tickets in their lobbies. I especially love sitting up top on the open deck of the bus. Descriptions of the various key points of the city are provided in your language. It's a great way to learn a city!
Buses
I always enjoy train rides! The Chunnel was a bucket list item. Traversing beautiful countrysides on a train (where you can relax and take it all in) is special. Sometimes, it can be a hassle schlepping your luggage up and down stairs; but the Eurail is an amazing means of travel. Book in advance, and you can even request first class. It's always a good idea to get a seating assignment, too. Also, you can buy passes for a certain period of time or a certain number of days. It is quite simple on the internet.
Trains
Sometimes, you just don't have enough miles to upgrade and you are stuck on a long flight in Economy. Did you know that you can upgrade an economy seat for a small fee to have more leg room? Just check with your Travel Agent or your airline.
Planes
I recently checked out a new service offered in parts of Europe called Day Trip. They arrange to send a private car (with a driver/interpreter) to pick you up and deliver you at your next destination. I utilized their services from Prague to Budapest and then from Vienna to Venice. You can even select stops along the way. I can't say enough about their services...their professionalism; their charming drivers and comfortable, clean cars; and the opportunities to side track to take in other amazing sites. Their website is wonderful and easy. I can't wait to use them again. You can see more if you check out "Recent Travels" on this website. ondaytrip.com
...and More Automobiles
Viator is a wonderful. reliable and reasonably-priced means for private transfers to and from your hotels and airports, bus stations and train stations. For little more than a taxi, you are met in your lobby or at the depot at your pre-scheduled time and are treated like a dignitary. I usually call to make these types of arrangements. viator.com
Automobiles...
Bartenders Do Make a Difference
I have yet to travel with a "teetotaler." Part of our social experience can often center around a bar...meeting people from other countries or getting advice from a bar tender. Whether it is in a hotel, on a ship or in a destination city; we always find ourselves enjoying the company of others. We have often picked up tips and recommendations from other travelers. We have even remained friends and keep in contact. Ironically, I was once on a ship in Antarctica enjoying a pre-dinner cocktail when I happened to meet someone who was a former neighbor of mine. We had never met before!
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It seems that, on every trip, we run across a bartender who is unique, fun and genuine. I have a few memories from my travels. Bartenders who deserve mention. I even have some photographs. These people really do make a difference.
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Here are some worth mentioning:
Sitka, from The Red Snapper
in Ketchikan, Alaska
Free Entertainment!!
Teo, from Crystal Cruise
I looked forward to seeing Teo every
afternoon. I will be seeing him again
in December when we sail the
South Pacific! BTW..his book is quite
entertaining!
Princess Baltic Cruise
Rey, Ala Hotel, Venice
Damiano, Ala Hotel, Venice
According to Anton, I am the only person who ever drinks Famous Grouse scotch on the Crystal Symphony. My bottle will probably be waiting for me the next time I board!
I can't believe that Matt Damon served me wine at the Old Government Building in Christchurch. :-)
Fabio...another familiar (and handsome) face from my Antarctica trip.
Teo, from Crystal Cruise
You may recognize Teo from his book cover. It was great to see him again. These are the delightful people who looked after me at the Crystal Cove.
Iury
Iury & Friends
Alvear Art Hotel, Buenos Aires
Iury was a delight! Great conversations and great tips for getting around Buenos Aires.
His friends were special , too. So nice that he stays in touch.
The crazy gang at Pog Mahone's in Queenstown, New Zealand.
ALWAYS have to find an Irish Pub!
The Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, Alaska
I wish I could remember his name, but he served me doubles because he and I were both from Illinois!
I guess that could be why I don't remember!!
Pedro, from The Cow in London
A great guy who is used to serving the likes of Johnny Depp, Prince Harry, David Beckham and Tom Cruise. He was serving Robert Pattinson when I ws there!
Mario, Melk Abbey
Melk Austria
One of my Favorites!
We still exchange emails!
LAND vs CRUISE
I never imagined that I would enjoy cruising as much as I do. I guess my perception was based on episodes of the Love Boat (I know, I am dating myself). There are two key reasons why I find cruising enjoyable.
1) You have time to relax; you can unpack, simply show up for meals and enjoy the many onboard services, and 2) it gives you an opportunity to visit a locale to know if it is worthy of the effort and money to spend time there. Some places have surprised us during our travels. Istanbul was such a pleasant surprise while some other major destinations turned out to be disappointing.
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I have made it a habit to arrive several days before a cruise and take advantage of time on land. I do the same after disembarking. It not only gives you more time to explore a new city, but you also avoid heading to the airport with the hundreds (sometimes thousands) of people who just got off of your ship.
There are some things we have identified as our preferences when we choose to cruise.
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I prefer the smaller ships. Thousands of passangers are just overwhelming.
All-inclusive packages just feel better. You pay for everything up front, and don't walk away from your travels with a bill that is too thick to slide under your door! Also, there is never a need to sign for anything. Thus far, Crystal Cruise has been our all-inclusive cruise line of choice. They don't know how to say "No," and their cuisine is simply amazing!
Not everyone wants all-inclusive. Sometimes, when cruising with other friends, Princess is the cruise line of choice. They are beginning to add packages, such as "all you can drink" for a flat fee, which gives you a better idea of what your trip is going to cost. Also, they sometimes offer land and sea trips. Their Alaska Land & Sea trip is phenomenal!
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Expediting
Passage
Through
Airports
Did you know that you can reduce your time in long security lines at airports? Here are some tips about Global Entry and
TSA Pre✓®
Global Entry: If you do a lot of international traveling, you can apply for Global Entry status. This will expedite your passage through several international airports because you have been pre-screened. There is a $100 fee, and you must appear for an interview. With Global Entry, you also get TSA Pre✓® which puts you through an entirely different screening line and doesn't require the usual removal of shoes, or pulling out laptops, etc. You can get more information here.
https://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry
TSA Pre✓®: If you travel mostly within the US, you can pay a smaller fee (around $80) for this status. TSA Pre✓® puts you through an entirely different screening line and doesn't require the usual removal of shoes, or pulling out laptops, etc. You can get more information here. https://www.tsa.gov/precheck
