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!

Of course, Vegas is known mostly for being the gambling capital of the world. But even if you are not a gambler, a wonderful and luxurious vacation can be found in this famous Nevada city. Here are some helpful tips for planning the ultimate trip to Las Vegas!

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

Vegas does have a peak season when you will pay top dollar for everything. However, this time can fluctuate for various reasons. Mainly, you want to avoid planning a trip to Vegas from March through May, and then after Labor Day through November. Keep in mind, that since Vegas is a desert town, visiting during the summer months will be extremely HOT!

It’s also best to avoid flying or booking your stays for Fridays and Saturdays. You will always get the best deal if you can stick to a Sunday through Thursday itinerary, weekends can cost you up to three to four times more!

Vegas is also an extremely popular location for holding major conventions and conferences. This will usually drive up prices for hotels and activities if you happen to hit a time when a large event is being held at one of the resorts. The Las Vegas Convention website will usually be your best resource to check before you make your arrangements.

What if I don’t gamble?

No problem! Each opulent casino on the Vegas strip offers plenty of action for “non-gamblers” such as top-rate shows and entertainment, activities, gourmet restaurants, even some amazing freebies!

When considering acquiring tickets for shows, look for locations offering discounted tickets for sale. Since many of these shows are very popular and will be difficult to get ANY tickets to, I recommend purchasing your tickets from a reputable ticket agency before you travel so you know for sure that you will be able to see everything you want.

Each resort does it’s best to lure visitors by offering unique activities. My favorite, by far, has to be the Gondola Ride at the Venetian, where you are transported to Venice on an authentic gondola floating gently through the Venetian landscape (very romantic!). You will also find a variety of amusement park rides and resort-appropriate attractions at various locations on the Las Vegas strip.

The best part about the luring of crowds are the amazing free attractions that should not be missed. The famous Bellagio Fountains are probably the most popular free attraction in Las Vegas, with over 1 thousand dancing fountains, set to music and light that are simply breathtaking. You will also want to check out the Rainforest exhibit at the Mirage where you will find cascading waterfalls and lagoons, beautiful tropical plants and trees. The Mirage also has a famous volcano display which recently re-opened after a major renovation. Don’t miss this icon of Vegas history, erupting every 15 to 30 minutes!

For the best selection of Las Vegas gourmet restaurants, you can’t go wrong with the variety offered by Wynn Resorts. Not only will you enjoy luxurious lodging, but the food is phenomenal. The Wynn is one of only five resorts in North America to have a five star rating for both it’s lodging and dining.

If you want something, ask for it!

Las Vegas management needs you and will bend over backwards to get and keep your business! You will be amazed at what you can get for free if you ask for it. I’m not making any promises, but if you politely go to the resort manager or concierge with a request, the worst that can happen is that they say ‘no.’ Taking advantage of this star treatment, especially if you travel to Las Vegas in their off-season, may bring you some pleasant surprises!

Las Vegas has so much to offer, and I hope this article has given you some helpful information to plan an amazing trip!

First, try to narrow down where you would like to go. Would it be fun to travel to Vermont or Colorado in the summer? Sure, you won’t be going to ski, however you could stay in a 4 or 5 star luxury hotel at 75% off of the regular winter rate! Winter resorts still offer many activities such as hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Many resorts have wonderful spas where you can treat yourself to an afternoon of pampering. With the money you are saving, the possibilities for a relaxing and luxurious vacation are all yours.

Europe will do its best to lure tourists in the winter months, offering fantastic package deals where you could take advantage of a more “cultural” vacation. While enjoying luxury and fantastic savings, you will also enjoy less crowded museums and restaurants, and more than likely be able to take in more local flair than a high-season traveler.

I recommend that you do your homework regarding where you would like to go. Every country has a department of tourism website which offers valuable information such as weather conditions and if there will be enough attractions and activities open and available for you to visit.

Keep in mind, weather conditions are probably the #1 determining factor for seasonal travel. It is cheaper to visit the Caribbean in the fall, however, this is usually peak hurricane season so try to keep your vacation plans flexible. Taking advantage of great last minute travel deals will usually alleviate this problem and at the same time get you a great deal!

As you move closer to your reservation process, keep in mind that hotels do not like having empty rooms no matter what the season is. Call a couple of hotels that you are interested in directly and ask to speak to the manager (do NOT call the 800#). You will find that you will have more freedom to haggle for added amenities, upgrades, and most important, a great nightly rate!

A word of caution when choosing an off-season hotel – ask them if they are planning on any renovations or construction when you plan to visit. Many hotels use their slow season to spruce up the facilities, and the last thing you want is to be surrounded by scaffolding and noise!

As always, check out reliable on-line booking sites such as Priceline that will compare rates for on and off seasons. It may be more cost-effective for you to bundle your vacation by booking air, hotel and rental car all in one package using their services.

The bottom line for traveling off-season is to do your homework and plan accordingly. You may find you are able to travel to your dream destination for pennies on the dollar and have an amazing experience!

Important Documents

You cannot travel anywhere without a passport or visa these days, so safeguarding your travel documents are a priority. Always have a photocopy or two of your passport/visa located somewhere safe in your luggage, not in a carry-on. It is also a good idea to scan your passport and leave it with someone trustworthy back at home, like a family member or a close friend. This way, if your documents are stolen or lost, you will have an electronic copy on file.

Don’t Get Ripped Off by Exchange Rates

Before you leave for your trip, call your credit card companies and ask them if they charge any special fees for international charges. Keep in mind that exchange rates at border crossings and embassies will offer you better rates also.

Let Credit Card Companies Know Your Plans

If you are suddenly using your card like crazy in another country, your credit card supplier may suspect theft and freeze your account. It is always a good idea to let them know you will be out of the country so they don’t “flag” your account so you cannot use it.

Pack Your Carry-On Luggage Wisely

You must have your essentials with you, such as your identification, boarding passes and passports. Also keep any jewelry you want to bring, a change of clothes, and any important medication you may need just in case your luggage is lost.

Blend In Like A Local

Whatever you do, don’t act like a tourist! Be aware of how you dress and carry yourself so you don’t stand out. Tourists are often unfortunate targets of thieves, so it is vital you stay aware of your surroundings. I recommend having a “decoy” wallet with you with a few useless credit cards and a small amount of money in the event you are robbed.

Show Respect To Local People

Remember – you are on THEIR soil, so behave yourself like you are a guest in their home. Before you leave for your trip, learn as much as you can about local customs and traditions, perhaps even learning a little of their language. I always like to ask local residents to recommend their favorite places to eat and visit and they will love you for this. They typically take a lot of pride in where they live and love to share information with you. This is a perfect opportunity for you to soak up a unique travel experience!

Miscellaneous Tips

Before you leave, check out websites such as the U.S. Department of State International Travel Information. Make sure you are aware of any and all warnings or travel alerts.

Protect yourself by purchasing a good travel insurance policy, especially when traveling internationally. Register your credit cards with one company that specializes in protecting you if your cards are lost or stolen, such as Holiday Secure. This way, one simple process will protect you and your family from fraud, identity theft, or criminal use.

When traveling internationally to a new location, thinking ahead and careful planning is a must. I hope these tips help you have a wonderful and safe vacation!

There are some tips you can try to get that precious upgrade into luxury airline seating. I have compiled some ‘off the record’ ideas for getting into first-class without it costing you a penny. While this will not guarantee you success, it doesn’t hurt to try!

Tip #1 – Avoid the kiosk and speak to a ticket agent!

Keep in mind, airline ticket agents are mostly the unfortunate target of irritable, tired passengers who are looking for handouts. A little courtesy and kindness will go MILES with a beleaguered agent!

Tip #2 – Mention any “Special Occasions”

As I checked in for my honeymoon flight to the Caribbean, I casually mentioned to the ticket agent the purpose of the flight we were about to board. As she tapped away at her keyboard, she smiled and told us that there just happened to be some room left in first-class and would we like a complementary upgrade? Of course, we did not turn this fabulous offer down, and could not thank our agent enough.

Tip #3 – Avoid looking too casual

My greatest upgrade success stories have come when I was traveling the country for trade shows. Not only did my little rolling carry-on luggage look the part, but I was also dressed like a first-class passenger, which helped my case tremendously!

Tip #4 – Take advantage of your “Frequent Flyer” Program

Don’t be afraid to flash your airline loyalty ID card and ask if you can cash in some miles for an upgrade. If there is availability, you will be surprised how often your friendly ticket agent will move you to a better seat.

Tip #5 – Be aware of empty first-class seats while boarding

We are all familiar with boarding procedures when your flight is ready to leave. First-Class passengers always get to board leisurely before anyone else. Then row by row, the remaining seats in coach are announced. As you make your way to the seat all the way in the back that doesn’t recline, keep your eyes open for space in the first-class section. It can’t hurt to ask the flight attendant for an upgrade at that time, especially if you are traveling alone.

Tip #6 – Weigh the cost of paying for that upgrade

As I mentioned earlier, I have taken advantage of the offers of upgrades from time to time at the do-it-yourself kiosks. I’ve paid as little as $25 to as much as $150, depending on the length of the flight and how many passengers have reserved seating. If you know you have a lousy seat, in the middle of a row of 6 people, go for the extra fee!

There are great resources for booking discount airfare that you should definitely consider when booking your next flight, whether it is for business or for pleasure. Online booking allows you not only the option of securing a great price, but you can select your seats at that time as well. With this information in hand when it is time for you to fly, you can hopefully do so while sitting in first-class!

My #1 travel planning recommendation is, and will always be, to purchase trip protection insurance in the event something like this happens to you.

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind in so many ways. If your trip has to be canceled as a result of sickness or if you have suddenly lost a loved one, all the costs that you incurred to that point would be refunded to you.

You will also be covered while you are ON vacation. Minor inconveniences, such as lost baggage, delay of travel, even if the airline you chose goes on strike are covered. For more serious matters, travel insurance will take care of you if you become ill or injured while away.

I cannot tell you all of the horror stories I have heard throughout the years from people who chose not to listen to my advice and ‘take their chances.’ For example, I arranged a cruise for a couple who declined purchasing travel insurance. While they were sailing in the Mediterranean Sea, the husband had a heart attack and was seriously ill. The only option they had to help him and save his life was to have him air-lifted off the ship and taken to a hospital. The bill for the evacuation alone exceeded $30,000.

While I always encourage good travel planning, I can’t stress enough the importance of purchasing insurance to protect your travel investment. Instead of having an unfortunate circumstance wipe you out, you will be able to reschedule your vacation at a later date.

A good, reputable travel insurance agency will be able to tailor the perfect policy for your needs, anywhere from basic plans to more comprehensive coverage. Don’t let unforeseen occurrences ruin your vacation!