Many of my clients ask me why I recommend Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance.  I will tell you why in a bit, but first I want to clarify that there are different types of insurance for your vacation.

1.  Vacation Waiver - This is generally sold through the Tour Company your vacation is booked with.  You purchase the waiver when you make your deposit.  If you cancel for a covered reason, you will get your deposit back (less the insurance premium) and/or full refund/credit toward another vacation.

2.  Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance - This insurance is something I sell through an independent Insurance Agency.  Should you have to cancel your trip for medical reasons, you will get a full refund.  If you want to cover a pre-existing condition, you must purchase this type of insurance within 14 days of making your deposit.  You are covered not only for medical reasons for yourself, but for your immediate family members and traveling companions.  The insurance also covers trip interruption due to medical reasons, emergency at home, etc. 

3.  Cancel For Any Reason Insurance - Usually sold by certain Tour Companies.  You purchase the insurance when you make the deposit on your trip.  You can cancel for ANY REASON up until the day of departure.  You will get a full refund, less the cost of the insurance.

My clients always tell me they are going on vacation and nothing will stop them or they are going on their honeymoon, why would they cancel?  I know you plan to go, BUT the unexpected can and does happen like...

*  The young man who fell off a scaffold one week before his wedding and broke a leg

*  The couple who's son suddenly began to have seizures and needed medical attention

*  The woman who was on jury duty and couldn't get off

*  The group of girls who were definitely going on a cruise, until one of them started a new job and couldn't go

and so on...

Yes, it will take some time to get your refund - usually several weeks - and you may have to submit doctor's notes and receipts, but it is well worth the peace of mind when you are making that final payment.

In the time when airline tickets are non-refundable and vacations are something you've saved  months for, I think it is wise to take insurance, especially since there are always penalties (up to the total cost) to cancel your trip.  A good travel agent will offer you at least one insurance option; one which will best fit your needs.

Many of my clients ask for vacations, but want to steer away from All-Inclusive Resorts.  They feel they are paying for meals and services they may not use, especially if they do not drink alcohol.  The words, "all-inclusive" do not equate to "food and beverages".

When they ask my advice,  I tell them that All-Inclusive Resorts are some of the best "travel deals" out there!  Gone are the days of the buffet-only and one-restaurant hotels.  Today's all-inclusives offer so much more! 

Keep in mind that not all all-inclusives are created equal.  Resorts like Sandals and Beaches are truly the top-of-the-line.  They have taken the all-inclusive concept to new levels.  Sandals (for couples) and Beaches (for singles, couples and families) offer the broadest array of restaurants with several dining options at each resort.  Many are specialty restaurants, offering fine cuisine - French, Japanese, Italian and other specialties, along with buffets.  These buffets are so vast,  and your choices are endless!  24-hour dining is always available.  Room service is available when certain room categories are booked with Sandals and Beaches.  The rooms are deluxe or better; with suites becoming the norm for most couples.  There are first class Fitness Centers at all the Resorts.  If it seems pricey at first, remember that this all-inclusive offers your deluxxe or better room, meals, snacks, beverages (including top-shelf alcohol), entertainment at the resort, exchange privileges with other Sandals/Beaches resorts, water sports - including scuba diving - certification is available at the resort, your airport transfers to and from the resort and airport, tax and all gratuities are included!  Oh, and I forgot to say that GOLF is (where available).  You only pay an additional fee for your caddy and golf cart.   Most Sandals and Beaches Resorts have full service Spas.  Services are available for an additional fee.  Island tours and excursions are also available for an additional fee.  This is truly a pampered vacation, where you will rarely take out your wallet!

Some resorts offer an all-inclusive-option.  This means you have the option of choosing your vacation to be all-inclusive or EP (no meals).  Here is where it becomes tricky.  When you take the all-inclusive-option, you may have your meals included, but only at certain restaurants.  Other options may be that if you order expensive entrees, such as lobster or steak, there is a surcharge.  You may find yourself eating from a "special menu" or wearing a hotel bracelet which will designate you as a guest who is staying on an all-inclusive program.  Alcoholic beverages may be top-shelf or local alcohol.  24 hour dining may be limited.  When choosing this type of resort, you must know your options!

Many popular resorts are exclusively all-inclusive.  The amenities at these resorts will vary.  Golf is usually not included.  Water Sports are included, but generally are non-motorized.  Choices of restaurants are generally excellent., but reservations may be required.   Airport transfers and gratuities may or may not be included in the price.  These resorts have come a long way since the buffet-days, and are continually adding amenities to make your stay most enjoyable!

The All-Inclusive concept is an excellent choice - just be sure you know what you are getting for the money!  This is why you should always book your vacation with a Travel Agent!  We know the "ins and outs" of all of the all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Central and Latin America and Mexico. 

It has come to my attention that some of my clients have been approached by persons selling TIMESHARES in foreign countries.  Just a word of advice - unless you are seriously planning to purchase a timeshare and have already done your homework on the area, please be aware that there are some unscrupulous people out there who are looking to separate you from your money.  Especially targeted are young honeymooners and younger couples who are so excited to be on vacation and think they will be getting a deal.  I am not saying that all persons approaching you are not legitimate, I am just saying to be careful.

On another note - when "transfers" to and from your hotel are included in your package, do not let anyone else pick up your luggage to bring it to a vehicle.  When an airline lands and you've come through customs, you could be inundated with people asking where you are staying and picking up your bags.  Keep your bags with you until you are absolutely certain you are going with the Transfer Company or Hotel Jitney you are supposed to travel with.  You will have vouchers with the name of the company.  There is usually a desk when you leave customs where you can check or a uniformed person who will assist you.

Travel Smart.  Travel Safe.  Have a wonderful vacation!

I've just been informed about the cleanliness of airplane seats.  Yes, the seats are cleaned - about every 500 flights or so.  Makes you wonder what you are resting your head on, doesn't it?  Think of all the "wee beasts" that could possibly be on your headrest!  Even if you are not germ-phobic, it is disconcerting, isn't it?

So, with necessity being the mother of invention, a company called, TravelKleen, has come up with a wonderful headrest protector so you can rest (your head) in peace!  These are lightweight, reusable sheets that attach with velcro to your headrest (even leather).  They come two to a package and they are reasonably priced. 

To get a better look at the product, go to www.TravelKleen.com

Give me a call if you are interested in them.  I plan to get some for myself.

I just returned from a Destination Wedding on the Island of St. John, US Virgin Islands!  What a perfect venue for a wedding.  My niece was married at Caneel Bay Resort and it was a perfectly flawless ceremony and reception!  There were 63 guests in attendance, from all over the country and we turned the wedding into a wonderful vacation.  Some guests chose to stay at Caneel Bay Resort, others like myself, chose to stay in a condominium/villa near town.  Even others rented magnificent villa homes overlooking the beautiful blue waters of St. John, St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands.

The Virgin Islands are absolutely beautiful.  If you are in to beaches, sailing, snorkeling, diving, shopping or just chillin', this is the place for you!  There are many fine restaurants available and travel around the islands is relatively easy (you just need a 4-wheel drive vehicle and you're off!).  US Citizens do not need a passport to travel to the US Virgin Islands, unless you plan to visit Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Jost Van Dyke or any other British Virgin Islands.

If you are looking for a perfect setting on a perfect island, consider St. John!  From the northeast, it is quite easy to get to.  There are many non-stop flights to St. Thomas from JFK, Newark, Boston and other major cities - and a short ferry ride to St. John. 

This truly was a beautiful and memorable experience!

"In this day and age, why on earth would someone use a Travel Agent?", you ask.

Well, there are just so many options out there, you really cannot be sure you are getting what you are booking.  Travel Agents are dedicated to selling travel; that's what we do!  We have a vast knowledge of most destinations and will work hard for you to be sure you are getting what you want in a vacation.  We not only provide the best packages, cruises and trips, we also provide the best service in the industry!  Professional Travel Agents are continually updated on destinations around the globe.  We know when hotel chains have been sold, when a resort is undergoing renovations and many things you would not know to ask when you are booking your own trip on line.  There is just too much left to chance without a professional to assist you. 

We know how hard you work for your money and we won't squander it!  We want your business and we want you back.  We are dedicated to you and want you to be dedicated to us.  It is so much more than price.  I think we are priceless!

What do you think?  I'd like to hear your comments... 

Are you concerned about what you are hearing about illness on cruise ships?  It seems there are so many reports coming through the news and internet about this noro-virus spreading through cruises like wildfire.  

My opinion on this...

Cruise Ships are floating cities.  Many of these magnificent vessels have over 2,000 passengers + crew.  There are bound to be some germs or viruses (travel bugs!) floating around, especially when so many guests and children are in such close quarters.  I think the reports of these illnesses are up because the amount of cruise ships has increased substantially over the past few years.

I would never let these news reports deter me from traveling on a cruise.  There are some steps you can take to lessen your chances of contracting illness while vacationing onboard a cruise ship or any other vacation.  The cruise lines have ample containers of "purell" or alcohol based hand cleaners around the ship.  They take every precaution in disinfecting public areas to limit the spread of germs.

Here is a list of precautions all guests should take:

#1  Wash your hands as often as possible - always before meals and always after using public bathroom facilties 

#2  You can take something like, "airborne" which is supposed to ward off germs.  Take this if you are taking a lengthy flight prior to a cruise or vacation.  Clients have told me this works for them.

#3 Only drink bottled or purified water when visitng a port

#4  Be especially careful when eating at a buffet.  People handle the spoons you will be using to serve yourself.  Bring a napkin with you so you don't actually touch the spoon with your hands.  Always get a new dish or glass for refills.

#5  Be wary of swimming pools where children are wearing diapers - although most ships have children-only pools, sometimes parents let their children swim in the adult pools.

#6  If you hear of illness onboard, avoid the hot tubs.  Even though they are heavily chlorinated, I would just avoid them.

I have no medical history and make no claims that any of the above suggestions will prevent or cure you from any virus, infection or illness.

I am not endorsing "airborne" or "purell", just using those names because I think you will recognize the type of products.

I think if you follow the above advice, you will have a very enjoyable time on your vacation, knowing you've taken proper precautions.

I'd like to know what you think.  Send me your opinions in the comments section of the web site...