Super Sale at Atlantis

The Atlantis Resort (Paradise Island, Bahamas) has offered some very attractive rates over the past few months, but their newest promotion is one of the best I’ve seen!

atlantis

From April 19th through July 1st, you can stay four nights for the price of three — starting at just $399 per person for a four night stay in the Beach Tower. Plus, kids age 11 and younger stay and play for free, and dining plans start at just $69 per person per day.

Restrictions apply, and availability is limited.  If you’re interested, let me know!

The U.K. is looking a little better this year

I was just reading an article in one of the travel trade magazines that confirms what I’ve been seeing first hand — travel to London is more affordable this year.

Why? Well, it’s a combination of things. 

The (global) economic situation has led to discounting (on hotels, tours, sightseeing packages and more) in many destinations, including London. Plus, the dollar has been steadily gaining on the British pound (it was at $1.38 in mid-March, a low not seen since 1985). The end result is that the average room rate (in dollars) has fallen by up to 30%.

If you’ve always wanted to see Big Ben, watch the changing of the guard, ride on the London Eye, and grab a pint at a pub, now is the time!

National Passport Day

In case you have not heard, the passport regulations are changing as of June 1st (just 65 days away!)

In anticipation of increased demand for passports for summer travel, the U.S. State Department is holding a nationwide “National Passport Day” tomorrow — Saturday, March 28th.

For the first time, many post offices (and some other passport processing locations) will be open on a Saturday and accepting passport applications. To find a location near you, use the State Department’s search function.  Here in Rhode Island, six communities are taking part in the Passport Day with Saturday hours available in Bristol, Greenville, Pawtucket, Providence, Wakefield, and Warwick.

Why should you care? Because processing times are in the four-to-six week range right now, and the summer travel season is rapidly approaching. Since this is the year of travel bargains, you won’t want to miss out on that trip to the Caribbean, Europe, etc.

Smart advice on how to use a travel agent

I came across a great article today.  It’s written by a former travel agent, and it offers some solid advice on how to best take advantage of a travel agent’s knowledge, expertise and service.

To me, the key points he makes can be summarized as be upfront with your agent (discuss your real budget, explain where you can make tradeoffs, disclose any research or price/shopping you’ve already done, etc.) and treat your agent as you would any professional consultant (understand why he/she might charge a fee, respect their advice, develop a trust-based relationship)

Today’s travel consultant is an educated, experienced guide who can make your vacation experience so much richer if you just work hand in hand!

You provided excellent guidance for us. I appreciated that you really had us think about what was most important to us when we were selecting the right cruise – and not to totally focus on what other people had to say. THANK YOU for helping to make this a memorable trip for our family! It really was a trip of a lifetime!

Clare and Mark (family cruise to Alaska)

The level of service we experienced was out of this world (and we did NOT make it easy on Ann). We weren’t quite sure where we wanted to go, when we would be able to go, or what “vibe” we were going for. After asking us some key questions (what we liked, didn’t like, why, etc.) Ann helped us narrow down our trip details and planned the honeymoon of our dreams. She helped book some of our excursions, answered some emergency questions while abroad and was always available/willing to help. I think it’s safe to say we won’t be using anyone else for future travel planning – Ann is a rockstar!

Carli (Italy and Spain)