EXPECTATIONS

First and most important, you will want to discuss with your bride or groom exactly what they are hoping for when it comes to the honeymoon. Where do you want to go? How much money do you wish to spend? How long should you go away for? These are just a few questions to consider when discussing the type of vacation experience you both want which will be very important when deciding what to do for your honeymoon.

CRUISE VS. ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

As a seasoned travel agent specializing in romantic vacations, I find these are common choices for most newlyweds. If you are the type of people who are looking for a different port of call each day with an exciting agenda and lots of activities, then a cruise is probably the best choice for you. If you prefer to just relax and have a more secluded honeymoon, then choosing an all-inclusive resort would suit your needs best.

If pricing is an issue when you are deciding, the major differences between land travel and a cruise can be broken down this way:

CRUISE:

• Better choice of accommodations (for example, cabin choice can be inside, ocean view, balcony or suite)
• Fine dining included in price of cruise (except for a few specialty restaurants on board most ships which will charge a small fee)
• Multiple ports of call on a luxurious ‘hotel at sea’ with numerous activities on-board and off the ship
• More room for travel agent incentives to enhance your experience
• With a choice of many home ports, airline travel is not necessary and therefore may provide a better value than a land-based vacation

ALL-INCLUSIVE:

• Usually located throughout the Caribbean and Mexico
• Will require air travel to reach destination
• Includes alcohol and non-power activities at most resorts
• Provides a more laid back vacation for those looking to relax and unwind
• Use of a travel agent can lead to added discounts and special amenities
• Because of the great variety of resorts, there is something for every budget

NEW AND EXCITING HONEYMOON TRENDS

Studies show that couples will spend two to three times more on a honeymoon compared to any other vacation. With this being so common, the demand for different types of travel has become very popular.

For example, many weddings are being designed around unique “themes” which is something that is usually carried over to the honeymoon celebration. Exotic themed weddings can lead to an exciting African safari honeymoon or renting a private villa on a quiet tropical island. “Green” weddings have also become very popular and many travel destinations have been designed to accommodate environmentally-conscious travelers. Foodies, sports nuts and wine lovers can also enjoy an individually tailored honeymoon to meet their various needs. Your travel agent can plan the perfect themed vacation to complement your entire wedding!

AVOID STRESS!

No doubt, planning your wedding can been somewhat stressful even in the best conditions. You are going to be looking forward to a nice respite to recharge your batteries. Plan ahead and take advantage of the services of an experienced travel agent who will guide you and give you exactly what you want.

Try not to pack too many activities into any given day when on your honeymoon. Again, good advanced planning and getting the vacation you both want will avoid having the feeling that you need another vacation after your honeymoon! This may mean you must be less micro-managing and more spontaneous with your daily activities so you can enjoy yourself and not feel burnt out.

Don’t feel like you have to jump right into a honeymoon as soon as your wedding is over. Give yourself a day or two after the ceremony and reception before you leave for your honeymoon. Many people even opt to wait and use gift money received at their wedding to find a great last minute deal or be able to afford the luxury of being away longer. Just remember – TAKE A HONEYMOON! Don’t put it off indefinitely because you will always regret it if you don’t!

TRUST YOUR TRAVEL PROFESSIONAL

We are in the business of giving people the best vacation that is perfectly suited for all their needs. We are your best friends, especially when you are dealing with the pressure of planning a wedding!

Be honest and trust your agent – the more information you can provide, the better. I usually conduct a little ‘interview’ for my honeymoon-bound couples, just to get a good feel for exactly what they want. Nothing gives me more pleasure than to plan a dream vacation for two lovebirds starting their life together!

There are many important things to consider and likewise there will be many questions. Feel free to contact me at any time with your concerns and I will be happy to assist you. If you know exactly what you want, you may fill out a cruise quote or simply email me your dates and information and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

In the past, people who were disabled but loved to travel had very limited vacation choices. There were accessibility issues, inadequate facilities and lack of staff training to accommodate special needs. Since the instituting of the ADA however, major cruise lines in particular took notice and implemented sweeping changes in order to cater to those with special needs. The results have been wonderful for all those who thought that it would not be possible for them to enjoy a wonderful, relaxing cruise.

Special access cabins are available with refrigerators to store medicine, bathroom grab bars, ramped thresholds, low sinks and roll-in showers. It is always a good idea to book your travel plans early to insure that you will have the best cabin to suit your needs. Tender systems are in place for boarding and disembarking with careful V.I.P. treatment and assistance given to each guest with any limitations. The good thing is that you will NOT be charged any extra for these services.

The #1 disability worldwide is hearing loss. Changes were made to make cruise travel for the hearing impaired such as under-pillow vibrating alarms and staterooms with a special indicating light system which will alert guests to a fire alarm, doorbell, smoke detector, and telephone. Cabins are sometimes equipped with Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) which will advise the guest of fire, smoke, door knock, telephone and a wake-up service. Most ships are equipped with audible arrival sounds and infrared lighting systems in common areas of the ship. With advance notice, sign language interpreters can also be provided.

About a quarter of those with a disability also have some form of vision loss. You will find Braille in most locations on a ship on stateroom doors and elevators, as well as large print braille menus in the dining areas. Service animals are also allowed on the ship, such as guide-assisting dogs and surprisingly many other animals designated to help people with vision or mobility issues. It is important to check with the cruise line you are interested in sailing with to see if they have any special requirements that will need to be met to accommodate service animals, for example a “puppy passport.”

Great changes have been made for guests with mobility issues. Wheelchairs are available on board ship, however if you have your own wheelchair or motorized scooter, you will be encouraged to bring those with you. Ships now have wider doorways and special bathroom facilities to make sure all ADA requirements are followed. The result is a safe, comfortable, stress-free vacation for passengers to enjoy themselves on and off board ship.

There are some travelers who suffer from very serious food allergies. Since a cruise is also an experience in gourmet dining, can a cruise ship meet any dietary restrictions you may have? The answer is yes, however you will have to let them know ahead of time so that they will be prepared with delicious food for you when you set sail. Meals such as vegetarian entrees, low sodium, low cholesterol, sugar-free and fat-free are also available upon request. For guests on a gluten, glucose, lactose, sodium or dairy-free diet, you will have to give the cruiseline approximately 2 months notice so they may make the necessary provisions for you.

There is also state-of-the-art medical facilities onboard most major cruise lines in the event you need medical attention. Most of the time, medical care can be conducted successfully for a customary charge. In the event that a more serious condition arises, you may need to be airlifted to a land-based hospital. For either case, it is wise to purchase travel protection insurance “just in case.”

As you can see, many wonderful policies have been implemented for cruise travel for people with disabilities thanks to the ADA. Most major cruise lines have an ‘access desk’ that handle special reservations in advance. Careful, advance planning is necessary so that you will have the best vacation possible. Modern ships are well equipped with everything you will need to be comfortable and have fun. It is strongly recommended that you utilize the expertise and knowledge of a professional travel agent who can do the majority of your planning for you. I am well trained in the planning of cruise vacations with special needs, and would be happy to help you travel – feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.

1) What if there is a hurricane or storm while I’m at sea?

Hurricane season usually begins June 1st and ends in November. This is also the busiest and most reasonably priced season for cruising, so will bad weather affect your vacation?

When you purchase your cruise tickets, you will be told that the cruise line reserves the right to deviate from any destination due to a natural disaster. The ratio of cruises that are affected by this are very slim considering how many ships set sail each day.

My advice, if you have your heart set on any given destination, plan your trip when there is no threat of bad weather. On the bright side, if your itinerary changes you may have an unexpected adventure!

2) Will I need a passport?

Yes. On June 1, 2009 the United States Department of Homeland Security issued a change in the need for American’s to have passports. This included travel to Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. If you are planning a cruise to ‘nowhere’ then you will not need a passport, just a valid photo ID.

Get Your Passport in 24 Hours!

3) Will I get seasick?

I would say this depends on how well you travel by other means, such as on airplanes and in cars. Seasickness usually occurs when there is a constant rocking that will upset your equilibrium and your stomach. Modern cruise ships are equipped with state of the art stabilizers so you more than likely won’t even realize that your are gliding across the ocean!

As a measure of precaution, bring along some non-drowsy dramamine pills or you can purchase a seasickness relief band. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe for you a “Transderm” patch that can be worn through the duration of your cruise. If you are looking for a more natural approach, try bringing some ginger capsules.

My worried clients have often returned from their vacation and happily told me that they were fine, so chances are you will be as well!

4) If I want to bring my children, will they be bored?

Not likely! I’m sure you have seen the many commercials where children are happily splashing in the pool or racing down waterslides. All the major cruise lines have age-appropriate “clubs” for children and young teens that offer so many activities they will never be without anything to do! The nice part is that while the professionals that run these programs keep your children entertained, you will have the opportunity to relax without worry! Each cruise line offers different programs so you will want to check with your travel agent to make sure you are sailing on the right cruise for your entire family.

5) What if I have to cancel my cruise?

Life and unforeseen events may creep up just when you are getting ready to set sail and you find yourself in a position of having to cancel your vacation. I always offer my clients the option of purchasing travel protection insurance just to be on the safe side. There are usually two types of insurance you can purchase: insurance that covers illness and a policy that covers cancellation for ANY reason. The any-reason cancellation policies are usually a little bit more money, but do offer greater peace of mind. It’s always best to have some sort of coverage so you don’t lose your money and can re-book another cruise once you have a chance to!

6) Are there measures of safety and security in place for cruises?

As with any mode of transportation today, ships must also follow an extraordinary number of rules and regulations that assure their passengers and crewmembers safety while onboard. The Coast Guard conducts rigorous, quarterly inspections of all ships that operate from U.S. ports, looking to make sure they comply with emergency-response requirements.

Many people worry about the ship sinking but usually fire is the biggest concern. When it comes to fire safety, ships operate under international rules, known as Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). The rules require most ships to have smoke detectors, sprinklers and low-level emergency lighting for escape routes.

Within the first 24 hours of sailing, everyone on your ship is required to participate in a safety drill (called a Muster Drill) that includes trying on a nifty orange life jacket and locating your assigned lifeboat on the odd (and rare) chance that you need to use it.

Keep in mind that modern cruise ships are like mini-cities, and you should take the same general precautions you would take on land. Keep any valuables in your cabin’s safe (or leave them at home), don’t open your cabin door without verifying who’s there, and be cautious when allowing your children to roam the ship without adult supervision.

7) What type of cabin should I choose?

This is definitely a personal preference. Most ships offer the following categories: inside (no window), ocean view (window that does not open), balcony (usually with a private balcony), mini-suites and grand suites (larger than most cabins, nice balconies, and extra VIP service).

Usually, the higher the deck on the ship that your cabin is, the more it will cost you. Many of my clients enjoy cruising so much, they don’t mind taking an inexpensive inside cabin because they usually say they are so busy doing things on the ship they just want a place to rest their head at night!

Many of the newer ships feature private verandas or balconies on most cabins, so they are getting less expensive. When determining your cruise budget, be sure to check to see how much more one of these cabins might be. It might be worth your money to upgrade!

When deciding on what type of cabin accommodation you would like, you can always go to the website for the cruise line where they list all the deck plans for each ship in their fleet.

8) What if I have special needs?

More and more cruise lines are going out of their way to accommodate travelers with special needs. Here is another area where you will want to use an experienced travel agent because they can guide you in the planning of your vacation and make sure you have everything you will need.

If you use a wheelchair, one consideration is getting you the proper cabin that will accommodate the wheelchair. This would involved making sure the cabins doorways are wide enough for a wheelchair and that the bath area is also ‘handicap friendly.’ Getting around on the ship itself via wheelchair has also been addressed by putting in ramps so you can navigate your way around the ship with ease.

Provisions can also be made for guests who may be hearing impaired such as a visual smoke detector, visual door knocker and text based telephone equipment. As always, please alert your travel professional with any special needs to make sure that before you cruise you will have everything that you need.

9) What can I expect when I check in for my cruise?

Checking in for a cruise is a lot like checking in for a flight so you will want to keep that in mind and leave yourself enough time for the check in process. If you are going on a relatively short cruise and have bags that are small enough to fit through an airport style x-ray machine you should be ok handling them on your own. If not, there are groups of porters available to help you check in your larger pieces of luggage, which will be delivered right to your cabin for you. It’s always important to attach the luggage tags provided by the cruise line to each of your belongings. These tags contain your name and cabin number so you will be assured that your bags will arrive safely to your cabin.

Another very important regulation is that the cruise lines all require advance online guest registration. Make sure you have completed this and have copies printed out to present when you check in. When you complete your guest registration in advance, you’ll just have to present that paperwork, along with your passport and the credit card you choose to use for onboard expenses to the check-in agent. If you prefer to pay onboard charges with cash rather than a credit card, you’ll have to pay a cash deposit at check-in (minimums vary, but at least $250 will be required). During the cruise, if your account is getting close to the amount you deposited, you’ll be called to the Guest Relations Desk and required to deposit more cash.

10) Is there anything I am not allowed to bring on the ship with me?

Most major cruise lines forbid guests from bringing their own liquor onboard, sometimes with an exception made for wine (usually a 2-bottle limit). However, if you would like it served to you in the dining room with dinner, they’ll charge you a corkage fee (usually around $12-$25).

You will never make it past security with items like candles or knives, and again, when you are preparing to board the ship you should think of it as the security measures that are in place when you fly. With the cruise lines concern over fires on board ship, they may take extra caution with things as innocuous as hair dryers, flat irons and electric razors. If they feel that you can potentially ‘overload’ electrical outlets, they do have the right to confiscate your electronic belongings until the end of your cruise.

Check with your cruise line before you sail to see what provisions they have for your cabin as far as personal needs go and also what you are allowed to bring (such as wine, etc.). Each website will also have a list of restricted items that you can review before you pack. This way, there will be no surprises when you board the ship!

I hope this answered some of your questions if you are considering booking a cruise. If you have anything to ask that has not been addressed here, please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to answer your questions! I do recommend that first-time cruisers take advantage of the planning expertise of a seasoned travel agent in order to have the best experience possible. Please fill out a ‘cruise quote‘ so I can assist you! Happy sailing!

While the oil spill is a terrible environmental disaster, so far it has not affected the cruise industry. Carnival Cruise Lines and its ship the Triumph will be the most on top of its game during this crisis. The Triumph is currently the only ship utilizing the port of New Orleans, but to date has been able to navigate successfully around the oil.

Cruise ships will often deviate their course in the event of bad weather and captains have opted to do this if necessary as a result of the accident in the gulf. A spokeswoman for Carnival said that no changes to any itineraries are expected at this time with any of the associated ports of call.

With the summer vacation season approaching quickly and no end in sight to capping the 200,000 gallons per day that is leaking into our ocean, tourists and travel professionals are understandably concerned. One plus to arranging a cruise at this time is the ships ability to relocate if necessary. However, this is not the case for innkeepers, resorts and others who rely on this season for the bulk of their income.

My advice for travelers is to make sure you have purchased travel protection insurance for vacation coverage in the event the oil spill ruins your plans. The cost for a policy is a small price to pay versus losing thousands of dollars on your trip. The beauty is that you will have the option and the money to rebook your holiday at another time.

British Petroleum, for their part, announced that it will compensate people for ‘legitimate and objectively verifiable claims’ made as a result of this explosion and resulting oil spill. What that means for the tourism industry remains to be seen.

No doubt, this disaster will cost billions of dollars in damages for BP and I’m sure the effects will be felt by many for a while. I will update this post with new information as it comes in, so please check back!

You can visit Travel Insurance Center for more information on purchasing travel protection.

The most important event which occurred during the first year of Echelon Travels was joining forces with American Discount Cruises and Travel. This alliance will provide clients with discount cruise and vacation options and the “perks” that only an experienced travel agency can bring.

The primary goal was to become an information resource on luxurious, affordable travel. This was accomplished through blog articles on timely subjects along with travel destination reviews. There will be more to come in the future, so check back often for the latest news, reviews and travel tips!

There were articles that covered travel topics such as the current Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) regulations for safer air travel, the importance of purchasing trip protection insurance and the advantages of using an experienced travel agent. It is our goal to keep the traveling public informed of any changes in travel policies and general helpful vacation tips.

Echelon Travels & Cruises is proud to provide quotes for luxury cruising at discounted prices. If you are interested in obtaining a quote, feel free to fill out the “Cruise Quote” form provided at the top of this page. You will receive a discount cruise quote sent to the email address you provide within 24 hours.

Thank you to all the great “fans” of Echelon Travels & Cruises! Please feel free to leave a comment, question or suggestion for Echelon Travels. We look forward to another great year!

From a customer service aspect, arranging a vacation using a bulk travel website can be a nightmare. Most of these discount websites require that once you go through the stages of making a reservation you have to pay in full right up front. I do not agree with this for many reasons:

* First, these payments are non-refundable – if you are unable to travel for some unforeseen reason, you lose 100% of your money.

* Second, should you need to contact someone regarding your reservation you will more than likely be run through the mill of trying to find a human being to talk to about your problem or concerns.

* Third, a computer-generated reservation program will not “have your back” and will not provide you with the quality and personalized service that you receive when you utilize the services of a seasoned travel agent.

As an experienced travel agent for many years, I have seen and heard it all. So many of my clients have come to me at one point or another with horror stories and have begged for my help. Unfortunately, once the discount travel websites have your money there is very little I can do to resolve any issues that arise.

When I am involved in the planning of my client’s vacations, I can offer many beneficial extras that you will never see when booking through a discount Internet travel website. For example, if you book a cruise with me and the price of the cruise drops before you sail, I can turn this into valuable shipboard credit or a cabin upgrade. The professional relationships that I have cultivated over the years with cruise line representatives give me a great advantage to giving my clients the best vacation values and extras that cannot be found online.

The bottom line is that travel agents are better informed and are able to make appropriate recommendations based on their expertise and experience. They bring their knowledge of travel to their clients and are in a better position to become a valuable part of travel planning and arranging, ensuring a worry-free vacation. There may be a small cost difference using a travel agent, but from a customer service aspect, this service is definitely worth it.

For more information and assistance on travel planning and the best discount cruise pricing in the industry, feel free to contact me!

It has always been the goal of Echelon Travels to provide information on how to experience luxurious yet affordable vacation destinations. This new endeavor with American Discount Cruises will take that mission statement one step further. We will now be able to give you access to the best discounts available in the travel industry along with personalized services and unmatched customer satisfaction.

For instance, if you are interested in booking a cruise to the Caribbean, Echelon Travels & Cruises will not only be able to provide you with discount pricing but can also extend dedicated personal service as well. Most travel experts recommend that you deal with an experienced agent when booking your vacations. This is not something that you can get with an online “bulk” travel website. There are many perks I can offer such as shipboard credit, a nice bottle of champagne waiting for you in your cabin and much, much more!

Echelon Travels & Cruises can offer you an extensive selection of luxurious cruise options, hotels and land tour packages at considerable savings. You can also take advantage of a wide variety of last-minute travel bargains and specials if you are ready to pack your bags and travel within 30 days.

Planning your dream vacation? Please feel free to Contact Echelon Travels & Cruises with any questions about destinations, activities, and discount pricing. Whatever your travel goals, I can help you get the most for your money and ensure that your vacation will be one to remember!

Make sure to sign up for email updates that will keep you informed of the latest vacation adventures and deals. If you’re on Facebook, please become a fan by visiting our Echelon Travels & Cruises page!

Most notably, security for International air travel will be affected the most, especially for flights that will arrive in the United States. Travelers can expect to be subjected to more vigorous screenings before boarding a plane. These increased gate screenings may include searching your personal belongings or pat downs, inspections by bomb-sniffing dogs, and an increase in the presence of airport police and TSA agents. International travelers will want to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to allow for the extra time these screenings will take at security check points.

In-flight requirements were immediately put in place for added safety measures, but have since been relaxed, causing some confusion for travelers. These included restrictions that were implemented one hour prior to landing, such as having passengers stow any personal items (including blankets and pillows) and remaining seated until the plane landed. The TSA has lifted these restrictions, however the agency has stated that it will leave the enforcing of these suggested restrictions up to the flight crew.

As mentioned, the strictest guidelines were implemented mostly for in-bound international flights. Domestic flights within the United States will also see some security reinforcements as a result of this latest terror threat. If you are traveling domestically, give yourself some more time to check in just to be on the safe side. A helpful tip for getting through security check points a little smoother-carefully pack any carry-on bags to make it easier to be searched by just taking with you the essentials for travel.

Air travelers are also being asked to be more aware of those around them and report any suspicious behavior to the police, a TSA agent or the flight crew. Please note that this raised level of awareness will apply to everyone and you want to make sure that you follow all directions given to you. I realize we frequent air travelers have seen airline safety demonstrations and could recite them verbatim, however it is important to pay close attention to any instructions given both before and during the course of your flight.

The TSA has not expressed how long these added security measures would be in place, but they have stated that these new restrictions will be continuously reviewed in order to ensure the highest levels of passenger security.

For up-to-date travel restrictions and new policies, please visit the TSA’s website.

For a wonderful and thoughtful gift for the romantics on your list, I recommend giving a gift certificate for a cozy retreat at a bed and breakfast. BedandBreakfast.com allows you to purchase gift cards for use at one of their 4,000 recommended locations for any amount you wish. There are no fees or blackout dates and the certificates come with free shipping or can be emailed to the recipient. This gift can be used at any participating Inn from the US and Canada. I have personally received these as gifts and have always enjoyed trying new places and the new experiences that come with visiting a luxurious bed and breakfast inn.

If you have someone special on your list who could use some pampering, why not send them to a nice Spa? SpaFinder.com features unique spa getaways for your choice of one day or one week at over 5,000 locations worldwide to choose from. Gift certificates start at only $50, or you could send a Spa Gift Set starting at around $30.00 to $150 for the “Ultimate Spa Anti-Stress Experience.” Anyone who leads a hectic and stressful life would certainly enjoy getting some TLC!

A fun and unique gift idea could include tickets for hard to get events such as sports, concerts or theater tickets. RazorGator offers the best selection at the best prices for many events with the convenience of one-stop shopping. This is a great option when you are looking to give something personal that will be a great experience and remembered forever!

Echelon Travels has many worldwide tours and activities recommended for pre-purchase, which makes an excellent gift for the travelers and adventure seekers in your life. This is the perfect gift to give someone you know will be traveling in the future and will be much appreciated to help stretch their travel budgets!

No matter what your budget, you can provide a wonderful gift uniquely tailored to please your loved ones. Why spend money on a sweater that will never be worn when you can give the gift of luxury travel instead!

First and foremost, you want to secure those hard to get tickets to major sporting events. I recommend using RazorGator because they are a good, reputable company that will get you the best tickets possible.

RazorGator also has some great Sports Fan Packages that will make your experience even more memorable. For example, Super Bowl XLIV 2010 is being played at LandShark Stadium in Miami, Florida. You can select from a variety of hotel packages, such as a 3-night stay at the luxurious Fontainebleau Resort in Miami beach. This package includes your Super Bowl tickets, breakfast each morning, transfers, and many very cool extras. You can find a Fan Package for just about any sport of your choice and many can be customized to suit your needs.

Another great feature from RazorGator is that in the event you have tickets but are unable to use them, you can list them for sale right on their website.

If you need a flight, check out what Priceline has to offer to get you where you need to go. They do not charge any booking fees, unlike other travel websites, and they have the best comparable flight prices for all major airlines.

If you are a true sports aficionado and also love to travel, now is the perfect time to incorporate both into your schedule. So pack your favorite team jersey and enjoy a once in a lifetime experience!