One more reason to travel

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As if you really need ONE MORE reason to travel,  just check out this article from Conde Nast Traveler about how your next vacation could literally save your life!

I agree completely. We Americans work too hard, take too little time off, and need to re-adjust our priorities. We need to spend more time relaxing with family and friends, trying new activities, and exploring other cultures. Coincidentally, that’s exactly the kind of vacation I plan for my clients.

What better way to rejuvenate yourself than a shared adventure with people you love!

Airline Fees

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I may have blogged about this before, because it’s a pet peeve, but I think it’s worth re-visiting the ridiculous add-on fees that the airlines are charging these days — for everything from checked bags and aisle seats to food, drinks, blankets, pillows, and headsets.  One airline (Ryanair) is even considering installing pay toilets!

With so many constantly-changing fees, it can be hard to keep track of what you’ll really be paying for your flight. Especially when you’re trying to compare a low-cost, low-fee carrier like Southwest with one like JetBlue or Spirit (that can initially appear to be low-cost, until you add on the various surcharges).

Want some help keeing it all straight? USA Today published a nice chart today that summarizes the fees charged by the most popular domestic airlines. Just keep in mind that this information will probably be out of date by tomorrow, so be sure to call the airline directly to confirm the fees before you travel!

What’s up with WiFi?

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It seems I’m not the only traveler wondering why the budget chain hotels can provide free wireless service, while the higher-end properties charge some pretty stiff fees for this convenience.

Days after I mentioned it in my blog post, I came across this article in the New York Times on the same topic. The explanations the hotels give seem pretty weak to me. In this day and age, I think that free WiFi is a requirement, not a luxury, and it’s more important to me than “pillow menus”, “spa-quality bath amenities”, and many of the other special services that these hotels are touting.

What do you think? What hotel services and amenities are must-haves for you?

Letting her go

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My “baby” is heading off to Spain tomorrow without me, and I’m bummed.

It doesn’t matter that she’s almost fourteen years old, an experienced traveler, and that this is not her first trip to Europe. I know that she will be with her school group (and her grandmother, if truth be told), but she won’t be with ME.

Can I cram all my professional guidance into her in these last 24 hours before she leaves? Reminding her about exchange rates, airport regulations, and what to do if she loses her passport?

Or should I instead put on my “mom” hat and talk to her about being open minded and polite with other cultures, keeping a close eye on her wallet and other belongings, and maintaining a healthy distrust of strangers (especially boys!)

I’ve tried doing both, but I think she’s already tuning me out and dreaming about cobblestone streets, cathedrals, and cafes. Oh well, I guess I need to just close my eyes and let her go…armed with a camera and a journal so she can share EVERY detail with me when she gets back.

LET THE ADVENTURE BEGIN

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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)