Are you ready to Travel for the Holidays?

 

Going to another country for the holidays is a great way to learn about a new culture. In some instances the travel is to visit family that is located there instead of just for a vacation. Regardless of the reason why you are traveling to another country during the holidays, you need to make sure you are prepared for the trip.

For most countries you are going to need a passport with a photo ID. This will allow you to remain in the country for a specified amount of time. Generally, this time frame is from 30 days to 90 days. You can take your passport photo at any post office, but it is going to take several weeks to get it back. There is an expedited option and it is very expensive. If you wait until the holiday time to obtain your passport it is going to take much longer, even for the expedited option.

Make sure you keep your passport and other pertinent travel documents in a safe place. You don’t want them to get lost or stolen as this can delay your travel plans. Make sure you arrive early for your flight so that you can get through all of the necessary inspections and verifications in plenty of time.

There may be vaccinations that you are required to get and others that you are encouraged to get before you can travel to certain countries for the holidays. Plan ahead and find out what these vaccinations are and then schedule appointments with your doctor. Some of the required vaccinations have to be given in a series with a specific amount of time between each shot in the series to be administered. Therefore you don’t want to wait until close to your time of travel to take care of this matter.

Depending on where you are traveling, you may have to deal with a different type of currency. You can get your money exchanged at your local bank before you leave. This will save you time trying to take care of it when you arrive in the other country for the holidays. There may be language differences as well that you need to take into consideration.

Be careful what you pack when you travel for the holidays. Most modes of transportation have strict guidelines on the size of your luggage, how many bags each person can have, and the weight guidelines. They will be enforcing these restrictions during the holidays because of the volume of people traveling. You don’t want to have to get rid of some of your items or purchase more bags at the gift shop.

Make sure you are aware of how much luggage you have for your return trip as well. While it can be fun to purchase items while you are there, think about how you will get them back. It may be a good idea to pack an extra bag in your luggage when you go so you can fill it up for the trip back. Another idea is to have items shipped but that can be quite expensive.

While traveling to another country for the holidays can be exciting, you need to remember that their customs may be significantly different than your own. Be respectful of such differences to avoid any conflicts while you are in that country. It is a good idea to read about the various customs that will be in place so you won’t reach them by accident.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

AA Travel Insurance for Your Insurance Needs

 

There are several major search engines that you can count on if you want to search for information regarding travel insurance. You can go to Google, Yahoo, MSN, and many others. Simply type the words 'travel insurance' and you will be provided with a plethora of enriching information that you can use in your search for the right insurance provider. While you're still hunting for that one insurance provider who can meet all your insurance needs, check out AA Travel Insurance first.

AA insurance is among the leading providers of travel insurance around the world. In fact, AA is also included in the results of your search and maybe you skipped it. AA is a name that you can trust. Don’t hesitate to visit their site because it is open to public.

There are several reasons why you need to choose AA as your insurance provider. If you become a member of AA, you get to enjoy a variety of benefits. It can include roadside assistance in the event of a breakdown, member rates and discounts, and the rewards program to name a few.

It's not that hard to join AA. Once you've joined AA and became a member, you can still renew your membership since the membership is valid for only twelve months. AA will send you a notice if your membership is near expiration and will invite you to renew your membership. Aside from that, AA also allows the upgrade of the membership. If you want to understand all their policies, rules, and regulations, you can visit their online site on the net. There you can find all the valuable information about AA and their insurance plans.

Just like any other insurance provider these days, AA has an official website. This makes it easier for them to deal with clients in distant places where they have no physical office locations. In short, the company is open to the different parts of the globe as long as there is an internet connection. Online transactions are entertained and they have an excellent customer service ready to answer all your questions.

By logging into a comparison website and providing some information about yourself and your insurance needs, you will be provided with travel insurance quotes that answers your needs. See if AA is one of them. If it is, then you can check them out thoroughly. You see, insurance providers offer different types of insurance policies.

They differ in terms of coverage, exclusions, deductibles, etc. You must know what you want to be covered and if in case, you can't find all your desired coverage, you must choose the policy that covers most of your needs. After doing this, you can already check out the price of the policy. If you can't afford it, look for other alternative plans. Perhaps you can still find one that is closest to your desired insurance policy.

It would be best to talk to someone with a great knowledge about travel insurance so that he or she can help you in the selection process. An agent can be of great help to you. See if AA has a qualified agent that you can talk to about your insurance needs.  After careful consideration of the different factors in selecting the right travel insurance provider, you can arrive at a decision. You can also tell now if AA has the right travel insurance plan for you.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Booking Your Summer Vacation: What Are Your Options

This year a large number of couples and families intend to take a summer vacation.  Summer vacations are popular.  In fact, they are so popular that it is likely that you are interested in taking one.  When it comes to booking a summer vacation, there are a number of ways that you can make your reservations. 

Before making summer vacation reservations, you will have to select a summer vacation destination.  Without a destination in mind, it is impossible to make reservations.  When selecting a summer vacation destination, it is important that you consider a number of factors. These factors should include whether you are traveling with children, the age of your children, and the cost of travel.  Keeping these factors in mind will enable you to select the summer vacation destination that will best fit your needs.

After you have selected a summer vacation destination, you can begin to make reservations.  A large number of amusement parks, campgrounds, and hotels in the United States do not require reservations.  Despite the fact that reservations may not be required, it is still advised that you make them.  Popular summer vacation “hotspots,” quickly fill up with vacationing tourists.  Without the proper reservations, you may be left without the necessary accommodations. 

When it comes to booking a summer vacation, a large number of travelers use the assistance of a travel agent.  Travel agents are individuals who specialize in researching and arranging vacations for their clients.  Travel agents are popular because they allow clients to spend more time completing their daily activities, instead of having to research and plan a summer vacation. 

If given the opportunity most families would prefer to use the services of a travel agent.  Unfortunately, services of a travel agent do not come free.  If you are interested in planning a summer vacation, on a budget, you may want to consider making your own reservations.  In a few simple minutes, you could easily make reservations online or over the phone.  Not only should your reservations include hotel accommodations, but travel accommodations as well.

Aside from car travel, air travel is one of the most preferred methods of travel for arriving at summer vacation destinations.  If you are interested in booking your airline reservations online, you need to find the online website of the airline you wish to fly with.  Popular airlines include, but are not limited to, Delta, United Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and Northwest Airlines.  Each of these airlines has an online website that should allow the online booking of reservations.

Unless you are camping outdoors, it is likely that you will need to reserve a hotel room.  Unless you plan on staying at smaller resort, you should be able to make online reservations.  Most of the well known hotel chains, including Holiday Inn, Hampton Inns, Super 8, and Motel 6, have online websites.  Specialty resorts that are located in popular summer vacation destinations, including California or Florida, are likely to also allow online booking.

When it comes to overnight stays, most individuals would prefer to stay at a hotel, but not everyone.  A large number of families enjoy vacations that are centered on the outdoors.  These vacations often involve camping outdoors.  Even if you plan on vacationing at a state park or a public campground, you are still urged to make a reservation.  Public campgrounds and state parks are often limited on the amount of camping space they have.  Making a reservation will ensure that you are guaranteed a place to set up your tent or park your RV trailer.

To book a popular vacation destination, but at a discount, you may want to looking the services offered by online travel websites.  These websites tend to offer discounts on popular hotels, airlines, and restaurants all around the world.  The only downside to using the services offered by an online discount travel website is that they tend to focus only on popular summer vacation destinations.  If you are looking to vacation at an unknown resort, you may be unable to use the services of a discount travel website.

Whether you choose to use the services of a discount travel website, a professional travel agent, or you intend you make your own vacation reservations, you are encouraged to take the appropriate steps.  Anticipating room at the hottest summer vacation destinations is a costly mistake that could possibly ruin your vacation.  Don’t make that mistake; book your reservations ahead of time. 

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations  

School Is Out – Keeping the Kids Busy

 

It’s the end of June, school is out and the kids are ecstatic.  You may be a bit overwhelmed not knowing how you are going to entertain you children for the entire summer.  They are used to being in school for the majority of their days and now they are free and clear to do as they please and it is up to you that they stay busy.  Or is it?

Yes, children need activities to learn and have fun but it is also just important for them to have some free play time too.  So while you are planning all of the activities and outings for them to participate in remember that they need some free play time too.  Depending on the age of your children and their level of independence the free play time may take different forms.  For younger children independent time will have to be supervised but for older children it can be a nice break for both of you to let them play alone in their room or outside in the yard. 

Let your kids have a say in what goes on too.  Have a couple of options ready; let them help plan how you will spend the day. Letting your kids plan what goes on in the day is a sure way to get their buy-in and participation.  Just be sure that if there isn’t any wiggle room in what you have planned for the day you make it clear from the beginning.  When there are choices (limit them to two to three) ask and when there isn’t a choice simply tell them what is planned for the day.

A good balance between planned activities and free play or independent time will make for a fun-filled summer for the kids and for you too.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

A List of The Things to Bring on Your Sailing Vacation

 

You should make a list of things you will bring on your sailing vacation. This will make it easier for you to pack only the essentials even if you will only be away for a few days.

The first thing you have to get is a bag. You must never use hard sided suitcases because of the limited space. Instead, use a duffel bag or back pack. The nice thing about them is that they can be folded when you have transferred your clothes into the closet.

The most important thing you should pack for your sailing vacation is your travel documents. Without the, you will not be able to go anywhere so make sure that these are stored in a secure place. You should also make a few photocopies of these documents so in the event they get lost, you still have something to show.

What is a duffel bag without clothes? Chances are you don’t have to bring much during the trip if most of the time, you will be wearing a swimsuit and have something to cover yourself. But if there are formal events on board or on land, it will be a good idea to bring one dress trouser and jacket for the men and nice dress for the women.

The rule of thumb when it comes to clothes is to find out what will the weather be like when you are at sea. What you bring is different when your sailing vacation takes you to the Caribbean or in Alaska. If you will be out in the sun a lot, make sure you have sun protection so your skin is not burned. If it is cold, you should have Chap Stick for your lips.

Passengers who are on medication should not forget to bring their prescription for the voyage. These should be packed in their original containers to avoid any problems when these are inspected by customs. You should also bring some extras in case there are delays when it is time to go home.

It also wouldn’t hurt to bring a first aid kit just in case you get hurt. You can buy these from the supermarket and also a flashlight so you are prepared in the event that there is a power outage.

For those who are going to the Caribbean, it will be a good idea to bring your own water gear. This will save you money because you have to pay a certain amount just to borrow them.

Another important thing you should pack for your sailing vacation is a camera. This will allow you to take pictures so you have something to show the people back home. Since digital cameras are the trend these days, bring an extra memory card and batteries so you don’t miss anything even if you forgot to recharge it the night before.  Don’t forget to put this in a waterproof bag like a Zip lock so water or dust does not damage it.

A bag, travel documents, clothes, water gear, first aid kit, medicine and a camera are just some of the things you should put in your list for things to bring on your sailing vacation. If there are others you are thinking of bringing, think about it first before adding it to the list.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

Get Back To Nature In Mexico: Explore Sian Ka'an Biosphere

 

There are 27 United Nations World Heritage sites in Mexico and only three of them made the list primarily for their natural significance, as opposed to historical. The most beautiful and diverse is Sian Ka'an Biosphere, a 1.3 million acre ecological park filled with lagoons, forests, marine habitats, and wetlands. It is the largest marine protected area in Mexico and offers one of the few natural treasures of the Yucatan peninsula that is accessible to tourists.

Added to the UNESCO list in 1987, Sian Ka'an translates as "Origin of the Sky". It provides a habitat for a diverse population of flora and fauna, as well as over 300 species of birds. There is a small ecotourism and education center there that serves as a model for sustainable development in sensitive tropical ecosystems. The center is funded by the various tours, fishing, accommodation on-site, and various other activities offered there. Some of the ecologically responsible techniques the center uses are rainwater collection, using wind and solar power, and employing systems for wetland waste management. It also provides educational outreach and biological research opportunities.

Accommodations at Sian Ka'an consist of tents that are raised off the ground to allow ecological and hydrological processes to continue.  They have gorgeous views from private patios, as well as plenty of shade and cooling breezes. Bathrooms are shared, but they are always clean and also have stunning views over the water. The dining areas and kitchens are designed to maximize comfort while minimizing impact on the surrounding environment. The menu for the restaurant is wide and varied, but the best choice would be the fresh seafood dishes that are offered.

Activities in the park include fishing excursions, kayaking, or taking one of several tours that will highlight the canals and the Mayan ruins, abundant flora and fauna, and the history of the reserve. There is also a sunset tour that centers on bird watching where you will float along in an open-air boat through beautiful lagoons while viewing birds, plants, and diverse ecosystems. The tour then culminates in watching the sunset over the mangrove forest and lagoon.

The kayaking tours are designed to give visitors a more intimate access to the natural splendor of the park. Single or double kayaks are available and expert guides, who speak both English and Spanish, can accompany you through the reserve to bird watch and explore the wetlands. Free basic training is provided if you have never kayaked before. If you would like to explore alone, the guides can give you directions and information on where to go to use ancient trading routes through the park used by the Mayans. This is an excellent option for experienced kayakers, but an additional fee can give someone basic training to undertake this more advanced tour.

Sian Ka'an is a beautiful ecosystem to visit and learn about history, ecology, and sustainable technology that will open your mind to possibilities you may never have otherwise known about. At the very least it will give you an appreciation of conservation and natural beauty that should stay with you forever.

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations

A Mauritius Vacation Does Not Need To Be Expensive

 

You may believe that taking a vacation in a faraway place such as Mauritius must cost a small fortune;  or, at the very least, that anything affordable would not be up to very good standards.  If you have put off planning a trip because of these beliefs, you will be pleasantly surprised to find that not only can a Mauritius vacation fit into your budget, but also that everything you need in order to make your visit the most perfect vacation you have ever had can be the very best without being accompanied by an extreme cost.

For example, depending on your personal needs for accommodations, there are a number of hotels which will provide beautiful suites and all of the amenities that you would expect to only find in a high-priced hotel.  Being lower in cost does not mean that they offer anything less than the finest services.  You can find hotels which offer such features as a fitness room, sauna, tennis, lovely restaurants with specialty meals, and many other features that you would love to have but may have been afraid that you could not afford. 

You can lower the overall cost of your Mauritius vacation considerably if you select a travel package which includes both your flight and your hotel accommodations.  When you have taken this first step, you will be pleasantly surprised at exactly how affordable the vacation of your dreams can really be! 

When you check into these packages, you will also find that such important "extras" as car rental and numerous activities can all be nicely achieved within your budget.  Instead of spending a small fortune on your hotel accommodations and other such necessities, you can have them at a much more reasonable price, which will leave you and your family with more spending money for your entertainment and souvenir-shopping. 

Reviews of these trip packages make it clear that many people have found them to be more than satisfactory.  Whether you are an individual, a newlywed couple, an elderly person, or planning a trip for your entire family, a vacation on Mauritius is equally suitable and enjoyable for everyone.  There are virtually no negative concerns--  unless you count having too many wonderful things to do and exciting things to experience than will fit into your time schedule!  The costs, and the standards of the accommodations, however, are very reasonable.

If you have been procrastinating about making any solid vacation plans, your worries are over!  There is a Mauritius vacation travel package available to fit nearly every budget.  If you already know all of the experiences and adventures that are waiting for you on the island, you do not need to simply dream about all of the good times you could have on your vacation, you can easily find vacation packages that are much lower than you may have thought, without having to sacrifice the great service and fine quality that you and your family deserve.  You can save money and have a wonderful vacation on Mauritius at the same time. 

Until Next Time,

Jeané Elliott Bennett

Elliott Exquisite Vacations