Seven mistakes people make with carry-on bags

 

Here are seven things not to do when packing a carry-on bag.  There is an art to packing a carry-on bag. Travelers must balance the requirements of airlines and airport, security, make sure important items are easily accessible, and remember all the little things that will keep them comfortable in flight.  We’ve gathered seven common carry-on bag mistakes you can avoid to set yourself up for airport. Success steer clear of these, and you’ll save money have a better flight and avoid running a foul of airport security 

One. Don’t bring liquids or gels larger than 3.4 ounces. 

If you’re traveling with a full size bottle of shampoo or sunscreen, it must go in a checked bag. Don’t be that bleary-eyed traveler who shows up at an early morning checkpoint with a cup of hot chocolate, you just bought, only to have it thrown away  

Two. Don’t pack prohibited items. Each country's government has different rules about what can and can’t be brought on board but as a general rule, never put any of the following in your carry-on: firearms, explosives, baseball, bats, or other sporting equipment that could be used as weapons, self-defense, sprays, or sharp objects, such as knives or razors  

Three. Don’t bury your liquids and gels deep into the bag.  Save time in the security line by making sure your plastic bag of liquids and gels is right at the top of your carry-on bag. That way you’re not digging around for it while passengers behind you are tapping, their toes and becoming irritated. The same goes true for a laptop computer . You’ll have to take this out at the security checkpoint for screening 

Four. Don’t pack too much. You are  aware that checked bags  are subject to extra fees if they’re overweight, but did you know that many airlines weigh carry-on bags as well.  Consider buying a small luggage scale to weigh your bag before you leave.  That way you can redistribute or discard items in the privacy of your own home  

Five. Don’t assume your carry-on bag won’t be get checked. Even if your bag is perfectly within the airlines weight and size limits you might still have to check at the gate, if the plane is full or if it’s a smaller aircraft than expected.  Just in case this happens, make sure everything vital -- travel documents, pricey gadgets, and medicine are stowed in the personal item you keep with you, not in the carry-on you might have to check.  Also make sure there’s a luggage tag on your carry-on. Checked bags are occasionally mishandled just as regular check bags are. 

Six. Don’t forget your in-flight essentials. Especially for longer trips, you will want to stock your carry-on bag with must haves such as earbuds, hand sanitizer, and  a travel pillow, a phone charger and plenty of reading material 

Seven. Don’t forget to pre-pay for your carry-on.  Some low cost carriers, including Sprint and Frontier charge fees for not only checked bags, but also carry-ons. You pay the lowest possible fee for the carry-on if you pay it online in advance, rather than when you arrive at the airport. If you know you’ll be bringing a carry-on bag for your flight, pay for it when you book.

Source:  https://www.smartertravel.com/7-things-not-packing-carry-bag/?source=91&u=DNLLCBDMXS&nltv=&nl_cs=54199450%3A%3A%3A%3A%3A%3A&e_send_id=3e646c79-5edb-4323-a2a3-bb66f721a6e0&emd5=42be0b90858c6c76dbaa8eb8d6551b86&esha256=018bec8f2cc1e80690d22a361ac3ced46d66fde721c5cb4ecc2de13df1e3ea69

ETIAS Postpones Travel Authorization Program to 2025

 

Just announced - October 23, 2023:

Beginning in 2025, 30 European countries will require visitors to get a travel authorization in advance. What does this mean for travelers?

The European Travel Information and Authorization System, formed to improve the security of European Union member states in the Schengen Region, has again postponed the travel authorization program until 2025. Visitors from countries that are currently exempt from visa requirements — including the United States — will need to apply for the travel authorization and pay a small fee if they plan to stay in one of the participating countries for fewer than 90 days. Here’s all the information that has been released so far.

When will the program begin?

The exact date has yet to be confirmed, but will be launching sometime in 2025. The system was approved in 2016 with an initial launch date in 2022, which was delayed due to the pandemic and insufficient infrastructure. 

How can travelers apply?

Through the ETIAS website once it begins accepting applications.

Which countries are participating?

Austria, Bulgaria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland

How long will it take to be approved?

The ETIAS application will be processed electronically within 96 hours, and authorization will be delivered by email.

How much does the application cost?

The fee is 7 euros, or US$7.79, which will be waived for visitors under the age of 18 or over 70.

How long is the authorization valid?

Once approved, the travel authorization will last for three years or until the travelers’ passport expires, whichever comes first.

https://www.northstarmeetingsgroup.com/News/Industry/ETIAS-Europe-travel-authorization-program?utm_source=eNewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=eltrMtgNews&oly_enc_id=5689H9246556J2Z

Avoiding SeaSickness on a Cruise

 

Will I get seasick if I go on a cruise? That question was, unfortunately, not something I asked myself when I packed for my first ever sailing to Greece. And that ship rocked. It bounced. It rolled over the waves in a way that made my stomach feel like a water bottle being spun round and round.

As I approached the windy shores of Mykonos, I wondered how I could be so unprepared to feel so queasy — and desperately wished for some magic potion that would make my motion sickness go away.

Luckily, that first Greece cruise didn't dissuade me from setting sail. I love being on a boat. I even got married on a yacht in the New York Harbor. And my sea legs are usually pretty strong.

However, as every seasoned traveler knows, being prepared is the most important part of travel. Even those of us not prone to mal-de-mer can find ourselves in storms and rough waters that bring on those unpleasant queasy feelings. If you can't avoid seasickness on your sailing, you can at least be ready to minimize its ill effects.

In my attempt to seek out the best remedy for seasickness on a cruise, I reached out to Dr. Jenny Yu of Healthline (a subsidiary of TPG's parent company Red Ventures). She offered in-depth guidance on how to prevent seasickness on a cruise, along with great tips on how to keep your stomach from flip-flopping should the waves start rocking and rolling on future journeys.

Seasickness, mal-de-mer, motion sickness: It's all the same thing. It's that funny feeling in your stomach and cloudiness or dizziness in your head that can sometimes turn to nausea when you're traveling by car, plane, train, bus or boat.

When suffering from seasickness on a cruise, you could just feel a bit "off," start to feel sick to your stomach or, in its worse form, vomit. You may also feel like you've lost your sense of balance and stumble a bit as you walk around the ship.

Motion sickness, in general, is caused by conflicting signals that are sent to the brain by the eyes, ears and our neuromuscular system," said Dr. Yu. "Our eyes and ears (the vestibular system) senses motion while our neuromuscular system senses stillness. When these signal systems send conflicting information to the brain, it can cause the symptoms of dizziness, nausea, irritability, fatigue, sweating and inability to concentrate."

Dr. Yu says this can happen not only while you are on a ship, but also in a car, plane or train or even playing VR and/or video games.

We get seasick when our sense of motion and balance get out of sync. When your ship starts sailing, it will transfer motion to you. If you're inside and away from a window, you're not seeing the motion, but you're feeling it. This creates a dissonance that can be problematic for your body.

Who's at risk to suffer from seasickness?

Some people are more prone to seasickness than others and doctors can't explain why. But they do know that children ages 2 to 12 are more apt to suffer from the illness, as are pregnant women. Therefore, it's more important for those groups to try to avoid getting seasick in the first place.

How to prevent and treat seasickness

How do you prevent seasickness on a cruise so you don't have to feel ill and treat the symptoms? Old salts will give you all sorts of tips to avoid getting sick while at sea. These are TPG's favorites:

Once your cruise ship has set sail from its embarkation port, you might feel compelled to go explore the ship or relax in your room. Resist the urge; instead, spend some time on an open deck, watching the horizon. This "helps the eyes visually process movement," says Dr. Yu.

Give your eyes, body and brain a chance to "sync up." As you feel the ship moving through the water, and see the horizon bob in the distance, your brain can "reprogram" its sense of balance and normalcy. This helps a lot. Just be sure to sit parallel to the horizon or face the same direction as the ship's movement. You don't want to face the opposite direction — that can confuse your sensory inputs.

If you are somewhere inside the ship and start feeling sick at any point during the voyage, head right to an open deck for some fresh air as you train your eyes on the horizon. It will give your brain a chance to correctly interpret the signals it's receiving from all your senses.

Take the right medications

If all of the precautions above don't stop the onset of seasickness symptoms, it's time to take medications, says Dr. Yu.

Dramamine (dimenhydrinate, an antiemetic), scopolamine (a patch that you affix behind your ear for up to three days) and antihistamines are all medications that can help when you're treating motion or seasickness.

Many cruisers pack over-the-counter Bonine or Antivert, which are just the brand name for the antihistamine meclizine. Your doctor can also provide a prescription for meclizine that you can get filled at your pharmacy. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) also works for some people.

The key with these drugs is to take the first pill about an hour before the ship starts moving.

Not all antihistamines reduce the symptoms of motion sickness, so if you pack one, be sure it will work for this purpose. Talk with your doctor to pick the best option for you and your family.

Note that there can be side effects — like dry mouth and drowsiness — with each of these drugs.

You'll want to bring seasickness prevention products from home, so be sure to pack them in your travel first-aid kit. Some cruise lines will give out certain remedies at the reception desk for free, but if you need to buy them at the onboard boutique, be ready to pay an inflated price.

If you get very sick, make an appointment with the ship's doctor, who may give you any of the above drugs or promethazine (a combined antihistamine and antiemetic) or ephedrine.

Your regular health insurance will not cover visits to the ship's doctor or prescriptions obtained on board; you'll need to pay out of pocket and file a claim with your regular or travel insurance when you return home.

https://thepointsguy.com/guide/avoid-cruise-seasickness/

Introducing Journeyings.org

 

We have created a new website called "Journeyings.org" to give details of our upcoming travel opportunities and a way to sign up for these cruises and accompanying extension tours.  We invite you to visit https://www.journeyings.org and explore our travel offerings for 2024.  They include a trip to Provence in France on a River Cruise, a cruise along the Inside Passage in Alaska, and another experience in the West Indies (Caribbean).  Details and prices are available on this website.  Please know that you will not find a special deal on the internet lower than the prices we are offering.  All your payments go directly to the Cruise Line or Travel Insurance Company or excursion vendors/hotels.

Carry On Luggage

Yesterday, I posted a tip from Rick Steves about using carryon luggage no matter where you go.  When my wife and I lived in Trinidad for 3 years, we traveled 60% of our time and never checked luggage.  We have seen far too many complications surface when luggage is checked.

Last year I hosted 2 three-temple tours.  Part of the tour included a cruise from Barcelona to Rome.  On that trip several couples, who had lost their luggage in London, did not have luggage until we arrived in Rome over a week later.  This was unthinkable, but it happens far too often.

What those who  travel do not realize is that many airlines do not work well in passing off luggage between their airline and a competing airline.  A great example is transferring from American Airlines to British Airlines during a connection.

My advice.  Go back an read Rick Steves' suggestions from my post, October 5th, and figure out a way to travel lighter.  You will not regret this decision.

We have found that "Away" luggage works well for us as do the packing cubes.  We make good use of a backpack or large purse to carry valuables, medicine, and more fragile items.

Rick Steves' Best Piece of Travel Advice and Mistakes to Avoid

Rick Steves never checks a bag when traveling — and he strongly encourages all of his fellow globetrotters to do the same.

“It’s more important than ever to travel light,” he said. “Two weeks, two months, man, woman, winter, summer, it doesn’t matter, you just need a carry-on bag.”

Steves is known for his popular European guidebooks, tour company Rick Steves’ Europe, and public television travel show. As a professional international traveler, Steves is an expert at avoiding common travel mistakes like lost luggage, overbooked restaurants, and crowded sights.

While a few travel problems are inevitable, Steves advocates for flexibility, which is at the core of his travel philosophy. In a recent interview with Travel + Leisure, Steves shared some of his best tips to help alleviate frequent travel issues and reduce trip anxiety.

Pack Light and Skip Tight Connections

Besides the occasional need to pack his hiking poles, Steves is adamant that travelers should only bring along a carry-on bag. Every year, Rick Steves’ Europe takes 30,000 people on small-group tours, and all travelers are limited to just a carry-on — no checked luggage allowed. 

“If you don’t check a bag, you’re much less likely to get ensnared in all of the airport chaos in Europe,” Steves said.

Carry-on luggage is less likely to get stolen, lost, or broken, and Steves also loves that it helps with flexibility — you can easily switch flights without worrying about leaving your whole wardrobe behind. Plus, he said, if you are worried about limited space, packing cubes are a worthwhile investment to help organize and compress clothes in a smaller bag.

“You need to roll with the punches,” Steves said.

Steves is also a proponent of scheduling airline connections with plenty of time, especially for international trips. For instance, U.S. travelers visiting countries in the European Schengen Zone have to go through passport control when arriving in their first Schengen country. So, if your final destination is Greece, but your layover is in Germany, make sure the connection timing in Germany accounts for the possibility of long immigration lines.

Book Your Top Reservations, Then Go With the Flow

Steves believes 2023 is going to be a busy travel year, with sales of his guidebooks currently matching where they were at this time in 2019, previously the company’s best year ever. With the coronation of King Charles in London in May, and the Olympics in Paris next year, Steves wants travelers to understand that some crowds are going to be inevitable.

“People really need to respect that there are going to be a lot of crowds in Europe,” he said.

Travelers who don’t do any planning in advance often end up waiting in long lines, wasting valuable time queuing outside of a museum, rather than spending than extra time inside. Steves recommends using a guidebook, like his own, that has been researched after the worst years of the pandemic to account for any changes to reservation systems and updated hours.

“More than ever, people are going to the same famous places,” he said. “Museums want to moderate their mob scenes.”

A notable change these days, he said, is many sights are still requiring online bookings to help control large crowds, which they started doing during the pandemic and have kept up in order to mitigate the chaos of long lines outside. In updating his guidebooks, Steves said he is focused on making sure there is a sidebar for each chapter reviewing what visitors need to do in advance.

For instance, Steves said well-organized travelers visiting Amsterdam have just four things they need to book ahead of time: the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum, and one trendy restaurant for a nice dinner.

“The flip side of that coin is that everything else is fine. You don't need reservations for all the other stuff,” he said. “If a serendipitous opportunity presents itself, the answer has always got to be 'yes.”

Once you have the core set of reservations you need, the rest of your trip can easily fall into place, Steves said. Don’t worry about making a dinner reservation every night — instead, visit a street with local eateries and pick a delicious, non-touristy spot.

“We tend to be too figured out these days,” he said. “It takes away some of the joy of travel, which is letting things unfold in an unpredictable way.”

Avoid Overcrowded Spots

Steves said he's noticing that so many travelers now source recommendations from social media — and that has repercussions. The consequence, he said, is that when everyone goes to the same place, trying to get the same picture, it becomes overcrowded and hard to enjoy. 

“There might be a place that's just as good, maybe 90 percent as good, but with no crowds at all just down the street,” he said.

Instead of relying on Tripadvisor or Instagram, Steves said, try to embrace the local culture and you’ll have a less stressful experience.

“I don’t go crazy over what’s No. 1,” he said. “No. 1 is the company that is deemed best in the system. [Instead], we try to find these little mom and pops, these labors of love, these creative adventures — that’s what distinguishes my books and tours.”

Perhaps the most important piece of advice Steves shared is that often, travelers put a lot of pressure on themselves to check off the top museums, historic sites, restaurants, and shops from every “best of” list. But that pressure can lead to a lot of trip anxiety and the feeling of rushing around to go somewhere just because it’s famous.

His best advice? “Assume you will return,” he said. “Never try to do everything on one trip, because you can't.”

https://www.travelandleisure.com/rick-steves-tips-to-avoid-common-travel-issues-7367914

Why travel insurance?

Purchasing travel insurance for your trips can provide several advantages and benefits, helping to protect you and your investment in various ways. Remember to purchase travel insurance at the time you book a trip.  This avoids insurance company concerns should you need to cancel due to sickness and they argue that it was a pre-existing condition. 

Also ask your travel agent about the best way to calculate travel insurance needs.  If you are responsible for a large group, it is best to divide up the insurance amount the group member ages rather than insurance for a lump sum total.

Here are some key advantages of buying travel insurance:

1. **Trip Cancellation and Interruption Coverage**:
   - This coverage can reimburse you for non-refundable trip expenses if you need to cancel your trip or cut it short due to covered reasons, such as illness, injury, or unexpected events.

2. **Emergency Medical Expenses**:
   - Travel insurance can cover medical expenses incurred due to illness or injury while traveling, including hospital stays, doctor's visits, and prescription medications.

3. **Evacuation and Repatriation**:
   - In the event of a medical emergency, travel insurance can arrange and cover the cost of evacuation to the nearest appropriate medical facility or repatriation to your home country.

4. **Baggage and Personal Belongings Coverage**:
   - Travel insurance can reimburse you for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage and personal items during your trip.

5. **Travel Delay Coverage**:
   - If your trip is delayed due to reasons like weather, strikes, or mechanical issues, travel insurance can cover additional expenses incurred during the delay, such as meals and accommodations.

6. **Trip Interruption Benefits**:
   - If your trip is interrupted for reasons beyond your control, travel insurance can help cover the cost of returning home and any additional expenses.

7. **Coverage for Missed Connections**:
   - If you miss a connecting flight or cruise due to a covered delay, travel insurance can assist with rebooking and related expenses.

8. **Protection Against Natural Disasters**:
   - Travel insurance can provide coverage if your trip is disrupted or canceled due to natural disasters, like hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires.

9. **Coverage for Terrorism and Political Unrest**:
   - Some policies include coverage for trip cancellations or interruptions caused by terrorism or political unrest at your destination.

10. **Emergency Assistance Services**:
    - Travel insurance often includes 24/7 emergency assistance services, such as a helpline to provide support and guidance in case of emergencies.

11. **Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) Coverage**:
    - CFAR is an optional upgrade that allows you to cancel your trip for reasons not covered by standard policies, providing more flexibility.

12. **Financial Protection**:
    - Travel insurance can help protect your financial investment in your trip, particularly for non-refundable expenses like flights, accommodations, and tours.

13. **Peace of Mind**:
    - Travel insurance offers peace of mind, knowing that you have financial protection and assistance when unexpected events occur during your travels.

It's essential to carefully review the terms, conditions, and coverage limits of any travel insurance policy to ensure it meets your specific needs. Travel insurance can be especially valuable for international trips, cruises, adventure travel, and trips with non-refundable deposits. Before purchasing, consider factors like your health, destination, trip cost, and any existing insurance coverage to determine the right policy for your trip.

Getting Local Currency

 

Getting local currency when traveling is essential for covering expenses like transportation, meals, and small purchases in the destination country. Here are some of the best ways to obtain local currency while traveling:

1. **ATMs**: Using a local ATM is often one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to get local currency. Most ATMs accept major credit and debit cards, and you can withdraw cash in the local currency. Be sure to check with your bank regarding any foreign transaction fees or ATM withdrawal fees.

2. **Currency Exchange at Banks**: Local banks or currency exchange offices in the destination country can provide you with local currency. While banks may offer competitive exchange rates, they may also charge fees or commissions.

3. **Currency Exchange Services at Airports**: Currency exchange counters are commonly found at international airports. However, these services often charge higher fees and offer less favorable exchange rates compared to other options. It's advisable to exchange only a small amount of currency at the airport for immediate expenses and then seek better rates elsewhere.

4. **Credit Cards**: Credit cards are widely accepted in many countries for larger purchases and at hotels and restaurants. You can use your credit card to pay for expenses and receive your bill in the local currency. Just be aware of potential foreign transaction fees and notify your credit card company of your travel plans to avoid security holds.

5. **Prepaid Travel Cards**: Prepaid travel cards, such as prepaid debit cards or multi-currency travel cards, allow you to load funds in various currencies. These cards can be a convenient way to access local currency and often offer competitive exchange rates.

6. **Local Banks Before Departure**: Visit your local bank before traveling and inquire about purchasing foreign currency. Some banks offer competitive rates and can order the currency you need in advance.

7. **Online Currency Exchange Services**: Online currency exchange services may offer favorable rates and allow you to order foreign currency online and have it delivered to your home or a nearby branch for pickup.

8. **Hotel Concierge**: While not the most cost-effective option, hotel concierges can often provide you with local currency in a pinch. However, the rates may not be as favorable as other methods.

9. **Peer-to-Peer Currency Exchange Apps**: In some destinations, you can use peer-to-peer currency exchange apps to exchange money with locals at competitive rates. These apps connect travelers with individuals looking to exchange currency.

10. **Traveler's Checks**: While less common today, traveler's checks can still be used in some countries. They offer security because they can be replaced if lost or stolen, but not all places accept them, and fees may apply.

Before your trip, research the currency exchange options available in your destination and the fees or rates associated with each method. It's often a good idea to have a mix of payment options, including cash and cards, for added flexibility while traveling.

Worried about the food or water when you travel?

When we travel to places where we are uncertain about the quality of the water, we take certain precautions:

1. We used bottled water even for brushing teeth.

2. We avoid foods that have been rinsed in local water such as lettuce or certain vegetables

3. We also avoid foods we are unfamiliar with.  This is not the time to discover or experiment.

4. We have a yogurt each day.  Yogurt from the local area helps you build immunities.

5.  We are cautious even about ice.

6.  In some countries, street vendors sell repackaged water bags filled with the local water.  Be careful.

7. We take a Pepto-Bismol table daily just for the time we are away

 Here are cautions about Pepto-Bismol tablets:

Taking Pepto-Bismol tablets daily as a preventive measure to avoid upset stomachs may offer some advantages for specific individuals and situations. However, it's essential to use this medication as directed and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any long-term medication regimen. Here are some potential advantages:

1. **Digestive Relief**: Pepto-Bismol contains bismuth subsalicylate, which can provide relief from common digestive issues such as indigestion, heartburn, and upset stomach.

2. **Preventative Use for Travel**: Some travelers take Pepto-Bismol before trips, especially to regions with a higher risk of foodborne illnesses. It may help reduce the chances of getting traveler's diarrhea or other stomach issues.

3. **Antibacterial Properties**: Pepto-Bismol's active ingredient, bismuth subsalicylate, has mild antibacterial properties that can help inhibit the growth of certain harmful bacteria in the digestive tract.

4. **Reduction of Nausea**: It may help reduce nausea, which can be beneficial for those who experience motion sickness or morning sickness during pregnancy.

However, there are important considerations and potential disadvantages to keep in mind:

1. **Potential Side Effects**: Taking Pepto-Bismol daily or long-term may lead to side effects such as constipation, darkening of the tongue or stool, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

2. **Salicylate Allergies and Interactions**: Some individuals may be allergic to salicylates or may experience interactions with other medications they are taking.

3. **Not a Long-Term Solution**: Pepto-Bismol is not intended for daily, long-term use. If you consistently experience digestive issues, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional to identify the underlying cause.

4. **Masking Symptoms**: Regular use of Pepto-Bismol may mask underlying health problems that need medical attention. It's essential to address the root causes of digestive issues.

5. **Cost Considerations**: Daily use of over-the-counter medications can add up in terms of cost, especially if you're using them as a preventive measure.

In summary, while Pepto-Bismol can provide relief from upset stomachs and related symptoms, it should not be used as a daily or long-term solution without consulting a healthcare professional. If you experience recurring digestive issues, it's crucial to seek medical advice to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Sent from my iPhone

Use A Travel Agent When You Book A Trip - Featuring Marcie Ewing

 

Using a travel agent to book your travel can offer several advantages, depending on your preferences and needs. Here are some of the benefits of using a travel agent:

1. **Expertise and Knowledge**: Travel agents are often well-trained and experienced in the travel industry. They can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and insider knowledge about destinations, accommodations, and activities.

2. **Time Savings**: Planning a trip can be time-consuming, especially for complex itineraries or group travel. Travel agents can handle all the research, booking, and logistics, saving you time and effort.

3. **Personalized Service**: Travel agents can tailor your trip to your specific preferences and budget. They can suggest options that match your interests, whether it's a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or an adventure tour.

4. **Access to Exclusive Deals**: Travel agents often have access to special promotions, discounts, and packages that may not be readily available to the general public. This can result in cost savings for travelers.

5. **Convenience and Support**: Travel agents provide a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs, including flights, accommodations, transportation, tours, and travel insurance. They can also assist with any issues or changes during your trip.

6. **Detailed Itinerary Planning**: Travel agents can create detailed itineraries, including activities, restaurant reservations, and transportation schedules, ensuring a smooth and well-organized trip.

7. **Emergency Assistance**: If unexpected issues arise during your trip, such as flight delays or cancellations, travel agents can provide assistance and help you make alternative arrangements.

8. **Group Travel Expertise**: Planning group travel can be complex. Travel agents can coordinate group bookings, negotiate group rates, and handle logistics for family reunions, weddings, or corporate events.

9. **Destination Knowledge**: Travel agents can offer information about visa requirements, local customs, and safety considerations for your chosen destination, helping you avoid common travel pitfalls.

10. **Peace of Mind**: Having a professional travel agent by your side can provide peace of mind, knowing that your trip is in capable hands, and you have a point of contact for any questions or concerns.

11. **Travel Insurance Guidance**: Travel agents can explain the benefits of travel insurance and help you select the right coverage for your trip, providing financial protection in case of unexpected events.

12. **Customization**: Travel agents can create custom itineraries and unique experiences, such as special celebrations, cultural immersions, or off-the-beaten-path adventures.

It's important to note that while travel agents offer numerous advantages, their services may come with a fee or commission. Be sure to discuss any fees upfront and inquire about the travel agent's expertise and credentials before making a decision. Additionally, some travelers prefer to book their own travel online to have full control over the process. The choice between using a travel agent or booking independently depends on your individual preferences and needs.

I met Marcie Ewing, when I directed Alumni Travel in 1999.  She is the travel agent that I have worked with since that time and you will find that all her reviews are excellent.  I recommend you reach out to Marcie to make your travel dreams a reality.  She will exceed your expecatations.

Marcie Ewing

New Sights Travel, an independent affiliate of Travel Experts, Inc.

(772) 519-7800

marcie@newsightstravel.com

"Drawing upon almost 30 years of travel experience and first-hand knowledge of many of the top vacation spots in the world, I am dedicated to providing you with the best vacation possible. My specialty is in leisure group travel, specifically incentive groups, destination weddings, family groups and personalized individual vacations. My decades of experience have resulted in an unrivaled degree of vacation-planning prowess. I am a master planner who has orchestrated vacations and personally traveled to  familiar and exotic locations."

Marcie is the travel agent who arranged the West Indies Cruise in November 2023 and the French River Cruise in 2024 as examples of her work.