We can help you figure out the best option for your cruise! Even if you booked direct!
Getting through to Airlines Customer Service
The simple answer here is to use a travel agent.
See we are here through the good and the not so good times. People that book their vacations directly through the airlines can sometimes be stuck on hold for hours trying to figure out what to do or how to do it.
Our Travel Agents know!
Our team is highly trained and very successful when it comes to handling all aspects of a vacation. While you might have booked a vacation during the time of the quarantine or social distancing, we are here to help. Those that have booked with us definitely have it much easier than those that didn’t. They are trying to decipher all of the airline and hotel policies, while Northcutt Clients already have answers.
The next time that you want to book your travel online and you go to press checkout - choose to send that same itinerary to one of our agents here and we will makes sure to get you the same deal but personal service.
Top 5 Packing Tips
Oh the dreaded packing! These tips will help if you are like me and a last minute packer, because you are always on the go or you are a advance packer that always has the list and checking it off. Here are some of my top Packing Tips!
Use Packing Cubes
I really like packing cubes especially for longer trips when I have to have multiple outfits. It helps keep clothes condensed and compartmentalize your suitcase. There are many packing cubes out there and I have gone through a lot - make sure the zipper quality is good or else you are wasting money.
2. Pill Case - I take this on every trip and it has everything from ibuprofen, allergy, vitamins, cold medicine and prescription pills in it. I always make sure this is in my carry on and with me on day trip excursions because - well you never know!
3. Dryer Sheets - WHAT?! Always a staple when I pack. I normally pack 5-7 in a zip-lock and I leave one out so that when I open my luggage it smells fresh! These have so many great uses for keeping clothing smelling fresh and clean when on the go.
4. Pack a Ziploc Flat Space Bag as Laundry Bag - I don’t like using a packing cube or a cloth bag for dirty clothes, minimizes my laundry from dirty clothes touching clean clothes if that happens on a trip. Also before you use it for your dirty clothes - throw your clothes in there for the next day and use a dryer sheet for great smelling clothes the next day! Double use!
5. Pack Wrinkle Release - sometimes there is not time to iron and not space to pack the steamer so the best thing I have found to pack is Downy’s wrinkle release. I hang it in the bathroom spray it and stretch it and let it stay while I am in the shower for a natural steam and by the next day - that wrinkled dress or shirt is perfect to wear!
My Disney trip was cancelled.... now what?
So you booked a Disney trip and were excited to go in April or May, maybe because it was off season or maybe because it was the last time that you could go before the kids started school. We get it., we too are in the same place personally with our family trip to Disney.
What are your options now that Disney cancelled your trip?
This is an unprecedented time for the World, and there are so many unknowns that we understand the frustration that the phones lines are busy and the wait times are so long. Disney is trying to not only help all of their loyal customers, they are trying to really work their Disney Magic and assist all the cast members across the entire Disney Brand. The one thing that Disney is now offering is Free Dining to those that have been affected by the closures due to the Covid-19..
The great news is you can re-book that trip with us! Your Disney Travel Agency, you won’t have to wait on hold to book your trip. We are here to help you through the entire process of rebooking at no additional cost to you.
Here is the details - if you were originally booked through May 31 then you can reschedule from June 1 through Sept 30, then you can get the Free Dining Offer that Disney has released.
We have so many of our clients that trust us for help with their Disney vacations, even if they have been 20 times. They know that with our assistance they are going to get the answers they need from us right away.
Are you tired of sitting on hold with Disney?
This is another way that one of our Disney Travel Agents can help you out, we are here to get the answers for you and now more than ever, people are turning to Disney Travel Agencies in order to assist them with all the changes.
Disney parks change constantly and we are here to help you with all the new attractions and fast pass tiers that are out there. We have the tips and tricks to use to maximize your time at Disney. Even if you have done Disney before, every time is going to be a different experience.
We have a trip scheduled for May 2020, should we cancel?
The best thing to do right now is to wait and see what Disney releases. We have been waiting up until about 5 days prior to travel to make any type of decisions. If you have questions - let us know!
Let us help you at no extra cost to you! We offer free Disney planning when you book your trip with Northcutt Travel Agency. We are a earmarked Disney agency which means we are highly qualified to help with all things Disney.
Why Use A Travel Agent - Especially a Northcutt Travel Agent
The past month has been bittersweet for Northcutt Travel Agency. We are not going anywhere!
How have travelers been affected by Covid-19?
There have been Family Vacations postponed, Weddings and Honeymoons postponed, so many business and personal trips rescheduled, but the one thing that has been a constant is the communication with our clients to get the best service possible.
Why are travelers who used a travel agent coming out ahead?
While we are sad that so many people’s travel has been rescheduled, we are glad to see the positive light being shown on the travel agent and especially Northcutt Travel Agency.
So many people, especially younger people have joked about travel agencies existing, but now as the world of travel is taking a hiatus, they are seeing the value. We have people daily calling and asking us for advice on how to get ahold of the airlines or a hotel and we unfortunately cannot help them because they chose to book online or with an online travel operator that is just there to get the sale and move on.
Why should you book with a Travel Agent?
We are in the people business and love to see people travel a d make their memories. We are not here to redo your vacation plans we are here to give you any advice you seek or just to be a support system while booking. . If you want to plan out your entire travel plans and then come to us to book it we will be here If you want our help from the very first stages we will be here.
We have seen online booking engines go out of business, take people’s money and not care about them like bookit. Online agencies like Expedia and booking.com are asking their customers not to call them or leaving them stranded by just disconnecting their phones or asking them to handle it with the properties direct. They don’t care or have the capacity of workers to care, instead they are putting out policies that unless you are in the industry and understand what they are saying will not be able to decipher all of the policies that you need to do in order to salvage your trip. We have also seen this in VRBO’s and AirBnb’s where people are not willing to give refunds. This is why we avoid these suppliers at all cost.
If you don’t’ charge a fee, how do you get paid?
You book a cruise online - that cruise company keeps that commission to pay a call center to help if you have to call in.
You book that same cruise at the same price and perks with Northcutt Travel Agency, you have a personal concierge that is there to help you with the entire process. Even if you have done 5 cruises and come to us, you will see a different level of service. You can call, email or text your agent for answers without having to sit on hold to and explain to someone who you are and when and where you are traveling. We know where you are going and we care about you! We get paid a commission from that cruise line to take care of you, but it is on a more personal level.
This is the case not only with cruises, but all types of vacations, destination weddings, Disney or international travel or tours.
It is all about educating the people and letting them know we are here. I use to say there is no difference between booking online and booking with an agent, but that is not true. You get your vacation at the same price or better and get a person that cares about you and your vacation.
So we are here and Northcutt Travel Agency is not going anywhere. We will ride this through and come out stronger on the other side.
Destination wedding help
Here at Northcutt Travel Agency we make it our mission to help you every step of the way. We have been lucky enough to visit over 100 different all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico most of which have Destination Wedding sites.
How do I get Destination Wedding Help?
Our first step in helping you choose a destination wedding location is talking about your wants. We get to know you and what you want on your special day. It is very important to us so we want to make sure that you and your significant other choose the right location. Given our expertise on all of the all inclusive destination wedding locations, we personally help you explore your options.
How do I get all my Destination Wedding Guest to the destination?
Once we secure the right destination wedding resort, we contact them to secure your dates and if there anything special you want for your needing. We take care of reaching out to the hotel to make sure that everything can be secured for you.
We will then secure a room block rate for your anticipated number of guests.
What is the best way to communicate with my destination wedding guests?
Our next step is building a personalized website for you for your destinations wedding. A destination wedding website ensures that all guest have all the information in one place.
Once all of the information is gathered and you have secured your date you will work directly with the wedding coordinator and ourselves in order to make sure the day of ceremony goes completely memorable.
Does Northcutt Travel take care of all destination wedding guest?
Yes, all of the destinations wedding guests will be taken care of directly and individually from our team at Northcutt Travel.
We take care of all of the details from beginning to end with the personalized concierge service to make your destination wedding spectacular!
We cannot wait to make your special day the most important thing in our schedule as we only focus on one wedding each month you are our priority.
10 Simple Ways to Get on a Flight Attendant's Good Side
Walking onto the plane is the final step through the whirlwind that is the modern airport. Between luggage upcharges at check in and the herding of barefoot passengers that is the security check point, by the time you get to the gate there’s no doubt you could be a little frustrated. Fear not, when you cross the threshold into your plane, your feet can finally catch a break and maybe you can even get some shut eye. There are also people there to make sure you’re comfortable and safe, your flight attendants. Here are some simple ways you can get on their good side, because at the end of the day, wouldn’t you want to?
1. Say hi.
Believe it or not, a friendly greeting from a passenger goes a long way these days. Flight attendants are used to seeing disgruntled passengers, many of which don’t even respond to a welcoming smile. Get off on the right foot with the people who will be taking care of you for a couple of hours or maybe more- make a little eye contact and say hello. If you’re feeling friendly, introduce yourself and/or learn their name. Chances are you will be remembered, and this may be to your benefit during the flight. More on that later!
2. Don’t talk on your phone or hold a conversation during the safety demo.
We get it, more than likely you’ve seen this before, and it’s not something you particularly care to think about. But for the sake of your fellow passengers, maybe the one who is afraid of flying and really wants to hear the instructions for escaping the plane, hold the chit chat for those 2 minutes.
3. Keep your feet out of the aisle.
While you may think you’re scoring some extra leg room when the carts aren’t going down the aisle, remember that space is a flight attendant’s walking path. If the lights are dim or set to night, there’s a good chance you’ve created a dangerous obstacle.
4. Be ready to order, or politely decline.
Unless you’re sitting in Business or First Class, chances are your drink choices are always the same. Sodas, juices, water and coffee are the standard, and you will be asked if you want ice or not. If you want something stronger, whip out the plastic and be prepared for your card to be swiped. On long haul flights or in business class you may be offered a meal. Listen to what the flight attendant is offering other passengers or check out the options that are available in your inflight magazine. When they come to you, stop what you’re doing and be ready to tell them what you want. Not interested in ordering? Take a second to politely decline, a friendly head shake will suffice, instead of avoiding eye contact or waving your hands.
5. Don’t hang out in the galley.
While the large space may draw you like a moth to a flame, avoid going into the galley to stretch or do some yoga poses. Think of it as the office for the flight attendants. Not only is this where they work from, it’s also the only place they can sit comfortably, so having someone come in to do downward facing dog is a little strange (oh yes, it happens). Typically, galleys that are large enough for this are on larger aircraft, meaning there are other spaces that are better suited for some toe touches. The areas in front of exit doors in the cabin are a great place to get some blood flowing without being in the way.
6. Not feeling okay? Say something.
The primary job of a flight attendant is to make sure you’re safe, and knowing that there’s potential you may not be, is important. Fearful flyer? Let your flight attendant know, it’s nothing they haven’t seen before, and they will be ready to help you out if things aren’t going well. Feeling queasy? At the very least they may be able to prevent you from losing your lunch all over your neighbor.
7. Wait until the end of service to get up and head to the lavatory.
Have you ever had someone slowly walk very closely behind you for an extended period of time? It’s a strange feeling, and definitely not enjoyable, even for flight attendants. Instead of getting up and starting a Conga line behind the flight attendant as they continue serving other passengers, check to make sure the aisles are clear before you head towards your nearest lavatory.
8. Be Ready.
Before departure and before landing the protocol is always the same. Make sure your seatbelt is on, your chair is not reclining, and your bag is completely under the seat in front of you. While it may seem like a mundane task, the longer it takes for every passenger to comply, the longer it takes the wheels to get on or off the ground. When you do finally touchdown, get ready to leave the plane. Flight attendants are only paid while the aircraft door is closed, and they’re just as ready to leave the plane as you should be.
9. You bring it, you sling it.
This is a popular saying in the industry for a reason, and it requires very little explanation. While flight attendants are there to help with bags, please be aware that if you feel you shouldn’t lift it, they probably shouldn’t either.
10. Simple gifts.
If you haven’t gathered already, this is some advice from a flight attendant and frequent flyer! If you’re coming up on a long haul flight, picking up shareable snacks or candy from duty free will go a LONG way with flight attendants. As in life, being friendly is almost always in your best interest. For instance, say a seat in business class has opened up, guess who’s most likely to be remembered and possibly offered that seat? Flight attendants are known to play favorites when it comes to perks they can offer- and you’d be surprised how far you can get with small gestures.
Christmas at the German Markets
If you’ve ever thought about visiting the German Christmas Markets, this is the guide to help you eat and drink your way through it!
Let’s start with my favorite- the drinks. In my opinion, there’s really only one way to truly celebrate and embrace the culture and it starts with a drink called gluhwein. Gluhwein is a traditional mulled wine that’s usually enjoyed around the holidays. Now, let me add that there are over 20 variations of this delicious beverage.
From adding a shot of vanilla vodka to amaretto (my favorite!) you can pretty much enjoy this drink with any liquor you like. What I love about these little markets is how clever they are about these drinks. When you walk up to purchase your drink they ask for a 2 Euro deposit on top of the price of the drink and hand you an adorable cup to drink it in. When you’re finished you can either take the cup back and get your 2 Euros back or you can keep it without getting your deposit returned. 2 Euros for an adorable festive cup? I’m sure you can assume which one I chose to go with!
Now, let’s talk food! Once I get you booked for this trip I will tell you everything you need to pack for the best experience, however, after you read the list below you might have an idea (lots of stretchy pants!)
Let’s start with the most popular-Wurst (Sausages)
The ones I tried this past trip were absolutely amazing and I know there are tons more out there that I’m sure are just as good! I know some of these may sound a little out of your comfort zone, but I promise they’re all worth the try!
Bratwurst - pork sausage
Currywurst - they fry the bratwurst and then sprinkle curry on top or curry ketchup (uh yum)
Hirschwurst - reindeer sausage (taste like deer sausage)
Moving on to some of my other favorites from the trip!
Flammkuchen- Think flat bread pizza, but with even more amazing bread and all the yummy toppings you can think of!
Reibekuchen - This is a potato pancake topped with apple sauce and sour cream. It’s basically heaven.
Pommes - Okay, yes these technically are french fries. However, these take fries to another level. They are perfectly crunchy and soft and are usually served with mayo or another special dipping sauce that would put the ones were used to having to shame.
Champignon- These are mushrooms. While it’s a simple dish, it’s one that’s cooked in a giant pot with garlic and then tossed in a delicious sauce.
Rahmklecks or Handbrot - This is basically the best hot pocket I have ever had in my life! You have the option of cheese with either mushrooms or ham and the pairing between the warm bread and the gooey filling is incredible.
Christstollen- Aka fruit cake- don’t roll your eyes just yet! keep reading. This cake isn’t the fruit cake you’re used to finding in the U.S. It’s bread is buttery, filled with raisins and dusted with powdered sugar. To give you an idea of just how good this was, I don’t even like raisins and I ate the entire thing!
Schaumkusse - Of course I had to save the best for last. This is a chocolate covered marshmallow. Trust me when I say these are nothing like the ones back home. These are filled with the creamiest marshmallow filling you can find, not to mention that there are over 40 different flavors including gingerbread and rum!
While I can keep going on and probably write an entire book about this, I think this is a great start! Visiting the German Christmas Markets is an experience like no other. It truly is so magical and my hope is that I can plan the perfect trip for you to experience it as well.
German Christmas Markets
How to Know if a River Cruise is Right for You
While there are so many different ways to travel the world, one way that I had yet to try was a river cruise. After finally taking the plunge and trying it out, I thought I would share my experiences to help you see if a river cruise trip is right for you!
To be honest, I was a little apprehensive at first because from what I had heard from others, they weren’t any fun for the early 40’s crowd. Disclaimer-I’m not your average 40-year-old. I’m the gal who still loves to go and hang out with the younger crowd at least 2 to 3 times a month.
Something I’ve noticed in my several years of travel is that age doesn’t always tend to be the determining factor in the life someone brings to the party. We’ve travelled with people in their 20’s who went to be before 10pm and people in their 70’s who could not only out-drink us, but also partied way past when we we’re calling it a night.
A perfect example of this was the first night of our river cruise. I arrived with one thing in mind-sleeping off this jet-lag. However, we ended up meeting the most incredible group of people and spent the entire night getting to know them over drinks. (Putting us at almost 36 hours without sleep-WORTH IT!)
The following morning we woke up to the most gorgeous morning on the water. We were met with warm coffee and the exciting schedule for the day. Passau was our first stop of the trip and on the schedule included getting to see the most beautiful scene where “The Sound of Music” was filmed. Our day was packed full of adventures which left everyone with no choice but to leave the jet-lag behind and keep up for the fun!
The destinations that this river cruise took us to where out of this world spectacular. The trip included visiting four different countries, all of which I could talk about all day long! (In fact, give me a call! I’d LOVE to tell you where you should go and eat for your next trip there!)
From sitting in the concert hall where Mozart played, to having bread from an amazing ancient bakery, to climbing up to see the castle ruins in Dürnstein to passing through the iron curtain to drink wine in Bratislava, this trip left nothing but the most incredible memories.
After deciding to try it out, I am so thankful I decided to go on a river cruise. Truly, it was one of the most memorable trips we’ve taken yet. If you ask me, the question isn’t “should I do a river cruise” the question is “which river cruise should I do?” And that my friend is where we come in!
5 Things You Didn’t Know about Traveling Outside the Country
The Pro's and Con's of a Really Long Flight
If you’re looking to travel far away for a beautiful dream vacation, more than likely you’ll find yourself on a really long flight. We’ve been on enough really long flights to be able to give you the lowdown on the pros and cons. In this post we’re breaking it all down for you.
PROS
1. Your going to get to your destination.
This one may seem like an obvious silver-lining but it’s true! If you want to get to that gorgeous place you’ve been dreaming about forever, you’ve got to get on the flight. The best part-the really long flight gets you to the place you’ve wanted to go to for a really long time.
2. Your not going to have the hassles of airport baggage recheck on the way out.
We all know what a headache airport baggage check can be. Thankfully with really long flights, you don’t have to endure that on your way out!
3. There is so much entertainment on board planes now.
Sometimes I wait to see new movies until I know I have a long flight coming up. Having the opportunity to watch something I’ve been wanting to see for a while or even just enjoying a good classic makes time go by easier.
CONS
1. Its exhausting and you can definitely have anxiety if you are not use to long flights.
This one always tends to take new long flight flyers by surprise no matter how much I warn them. The best advice I can give is to try to get as much sleep as you can while you’re on-especially since you’re more than likely going to be experiencing some jet lag once you reach your destination.
2. Sometimes your seat choice or the people you are traveling near can make the flight longer.
While you can’t control the people around you, you can do your best with a good paid of headphones and trying to rest when you can.
No matter what the cons are, we’ve always come to the conclusion that the long flight is so worth it once you step off and get to explore an incredible new place! If you have any other questions about long flights, be sure to leave them in the comments.
Have you read The Do’s and Don’t’s of Airplane Etiquette?
5 Things to Know About Traveling Out of the Country
One of our favorite types of travel is international. Throughout our years of seeing the world, We’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a trip smooth and the most enjoyable. In this post we’re sharing with you the 5 things you should know about traveling out of the country.
1. Take small bills with you.
This one applies to all travel, but especially international. Small bills make tipping waiters and cab drivers so much easier. It’s also nice to know that if you lose one bill that hopefully it was just a $5 bill instead of a $100.
2. Keep the paperwork that they give you for customers forms, etc.
You never know when you’ll need these. An easy way to keep track of them is to keep them in your passport. Having peace of mind that everything is all together makes for a stress-free vacation.
3. Don’t wander into non-tourist areas without a guide or someone you know.
There are so many ways to get the true explorer’s experience without getting yourself into a situation you wish you hadn’t been a apart of. While we would love to tell you that every location is free of crime or bad areas, reality is it’s safer to stay where the tourists are.
4. Get global entry or mobile passport.
This is something that not everyone knows about but will save you so much time and hassle in the long run.
5. Give a copy of your important contacts and docs to your travel agent.
You Northcutt Travel Agent is on-call 24/7. In the event of an emergency it’s best that we have access to your important contacts to help you out the best we can.
Getting to travel the world is such a magical experience. We hope that with these 5 tips you’ll be ensured the best trip ever.
Be sure to check out The Top 10 Vacations You Need to Take with Friends.
The Top 10 Airport Hacks
1. Get there early.
It doesn’t matter if you think you have an easy or early flight, you never know what could happen.
2. Check your flight status and credit cards for access to lounges.
Amex Priority is one of my favorites to use as well as United Club access with the United Card.
3. Bring a travel cup.
I always have my travel cup filled with ice only before I board because there never seems to be enough.
4. Bring a blanket or light jacket.
Surprisingly, airports and planes can be super cold-even for people who are naturally warm-blooded.
5. Use easily identifiable luggage tags.
If you travel with Northcutt Travel Agency, you will more than likely get a fluorescent bag grip to quickly identify your bag in baggage claim.
We love these from Sweet Grass Prints from Etsy
6. Get your things through security and move to the benches outside.
We all know the frustration of trying to get a laptop back in it’s bag while also grabbing all of the other bags and trying to put on your shoes while the people behind you are trying to do the same and move past you. The best plan of action here is to bundle everything up in your arms and find a bench where you can readjust everything back to normal without the hustle and bustle behind you.
7. Always keep baby wipes and hand sanitizer on hand.
The amount of people and germs going in and out of any given airport is enough to make you want to take an entire bath in hand sanitizer. Something I’ve gotten in the habit of is wiping down the seats I’m going to sit in before getting comfortable in them.
8. Keep your boarding pass and your identification in an easy to find spot.
While yes there usually is an option to show your e-boarding pass on your phone, electronics can fail. It’s good to have a paper copy as well.
9. Always pack an extra change of clothes in your carry-on.
Unfortunately luggage is lost or delayed far too often. You’ll never regret keeping an extra pair of clothes in your carry-on.
10. Pack important medications in your carry-on.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Keeping your medicine on you or as close to you as possible in your carry-on is recommended.
Want to read more about What It’s Really Like to Fly United Polaris?
The 5 Reasons You Need a Travel Agent This Year
1. Time saving
I’m going to take a guess and say that if you’re looking to take a vacation, more than likely it’s the only time you’re planning off. Most people underestimate just how long planning a vacation can actually take. Using a travel agent who knows the ins and outs of the best deals and tips and tricks for how to have the best vacay can save you an immense amount of time.
2. Trying to sift through all the information on the internet is overwhelming.
When you choose to allow one of our trained NTA experts to plan your trip you’re getting the best of the best around the world. We have either been there or have a great relationship with the people on-site all over the world. This is how we have the most up-to-date knowledge to give you the here and now facts about the destination you are looking at.
3. Personalized service!
We are as hands on as you want or need us to be. We are triple checking your arrangements and calling our partners with tours and accommodations to make sure all ready to go for a unique and special experience for your vacation.
4. You only have to deal with one point of contact.
We know how frustrating it can be to wait forever on the phone only to find out that the person you’re calling is going to tell you that you actually need to call someone else. Because we truly care about you and your trip, we are on call 24/7 - we don’t give you excuses of being too busy to take your calls for travel emergencies like we have seen in the industry!
5. Using NTA for your travel needs doesn’t cost you any more money!
Thats right all of the above for no extra cost
Whether it is a cruise, a Disney trip, a trip to Australia or Europe - we are your team to turn to!
Be sure to check out The Conversation Everyone Needs to Have with Their Travel Agent
The Do's and Don't's of Airplane Etiquette
When getting on a plane, settling in to find your seat and get comfortable is usually a top priority-putting your bags up, sitting back in your seat, and kicking off your shoes for a long ride ahead of you. However, one person’s comfort can be (and usually is) another person’s biggest pet peeve. While most of these listed may seem like not a huge deal, it can make a huge difference to those around you who are also in it for the long haul.
Keep You Devices at a Reasonable Sound Level
Keeping your devices at silent or choosing to use headphones is always the best option when in public, but especially the option to take when boarding a flight. Others around you most likely don’t want to hear the “dings” from your phone or your child’s game on their iPad.
Keep Your Seats Where They’re At
This is a big one. I personally don’t enjoy reclining for the simple fact that the pros just don’t outweigh the cons- it gives me 3 extra inches and makes the people behind me miserable. Instead, if you’re looking for comfort, try getting a really great neck pillow. This one is my favorite!
Sit in Your Assigned Seat from the Beginning and Don’t Hold Seats That Aren’t Assigned
Most airlines have designated seating, therefore it is best to sit in the seat you’ve paid for. When the doors are closed you can normally ask to move if you need to. While we may not realize it at the time, it’s rude to ask others to move just to benefit you. Lastly, if you are on a carrier that doesn’t assign seats the rules state you are not allowed to hold seats or tell a person they are not allowed to sit in a seat.
Do Not Argue with the Flight Attendants.
While in the heat of a frustrating moment it can be tempting to want to argue back, it actually helps no one. Sometimes people mistake flight attendants for waiters which can lead to conflict. Their job is to keep you safe while on board.
Show Your Children the Respectful Way to Fly
Something I run into time and time again is the frustration of parents letting their children run up and down the aisles of the plane or kick the back of the seats. This one is a quick trigger for most people’s pet peeve’s and can easily be avoided with early prep entertainment. Pack something for your kids to do to keep them amused-a coloring book, a gaming device, snacks, etc.
Limit the Amount of Alcohol You Consume
While most airlines do serve alcohol, it’s recommended that you don’t treat it like a bar. Getting drunk in a public setting where no one around you has the choice to remove themselves from the situation is inconsiderate.
We hope that by sharing some of these tips on the do’s and don’t’s of airplane etiquette that you’ll be able to have a more pleasant flight for yourself and those around you.
Be sure to check out What It’s Really Like to Fly United Polaris!
5 Friend Vacations You Won't Want to Miss
Have you been thinking about taking a group trip somewhere but aren’t sure exactly where to go or what to do? Here are my top 5 favorite things to do whether with a group of friends, family members, or a fun combination of both!
Group cruise! One of the best parts about taking your group vacation on a cruise is that you have so many activities going on that everyone has the freedom to do their own desired thing while still getting to dine together every night. Something I see happen more often than not on group trips is that everyone, individually, wants the most bang for their buck for what they want to do (which may not be what everyone else wants to do!). The best part about a cruise is that everyone gets to experience a fun trip together while getting to meet every person’s individual desires.
All inclusive resort! My favorite ones are a tie between Mexico + Jamaica. If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck and would rather explore one location instead of a few on a cruise, considering an all inclusive resort might be the right choice for you. There are so many great ones to accommodate groups. I personally love to book fun, lively resorts that offer activities, the option to relax at the beach a pool bar, and great food.
New Orleans, LA. I’m a huge fan of New Orleans! There’s so much to do and doing it with a group makes it all the more fun. I know the exact places to stay where your group can get the most bang for their buck and be close to Canal Street. (trust me, you’re going to want to be close to Canal Street!) You can do everything from cooking classes to exploring the city and end your night out and about at the best entertainment and bars in the city.
Napa Valley, CA. If you have a group of wine lovers this is the place to go. There’s so much to do that is all encompassing. Between the amazing food + drinks and activities to do as a group, this is one of my top favs!
Nashville, TN. If you haven’t been yet, you are missing out! Broadway Street is full of shops, bars, and amazing barbecue. If your group is into country music, adding the Country Music Hall of Fame, Gaylord Hotel, and the Grand Ole Opry to your list of things to do is a must!
Whether you’re looking to take a group trip to any of the spots above or you have your own place in mind, I would love to be the one to take the stress of planning it all out off of your plate (for free!).
Click here if you’re ready to have your dream group vacay planned out and ready to rock ‘n roll!
Be sure to check out THE TOP 10 VACATIONS TO TAKE AS A GROUP
Why Barcelona Needs to Be Your Next Trip
I always say that each place I travel to can bring me to my knees in awe of wonder of what an amazing world we live in. With each piece I see I am so humbled by my experiences and wish to share them with each and every person. My latest wonder had me in Barcelona and I’m over the moon excited to share with you why it needs to be on your bucket list!
Culture and churches
From the incredible art to the gorgeous chapels, the history that thrives in this city is at every turn.
Walking into the cathedral in Barcelona will bring to you an emotional state whether you are religious or not. The beauty of the stain glass and sculptures are beyond moving.
There are definite must-see-sites that we can help you arrange not only in the city but all around Spain as day trips such as the Monserrat or Sitges are an easy trip to make!
Beaches
The beach in Barcelona is very popular for fitness, surfing, and water sports. Laying on the beach is sure to be fun and full of activities. Some of our partners even offer the catamaran rides and yacht charters.
Shopping
La Rambla among other special areas are the best for local shopping in the markets. We were so kindly pointed in the right shopping area where the locals go and found some of the neatest boutiques!
Gaudí
Artists have influenced the spirit of many aspects throughout the city. In fact, the whole experience at the parque Güell is inspired and built by the famous artist and architect, Gaudí, who was very religious. Going through the city, it felt almost like he had created God’s work in the buildings.
The Olympic village from 1992 rebuilt the city. Most people don’t know that the skyline wasn’t nearly what it is now before the Olympic Games. Being the host city, meant a boost in the economy and helped to put this gorgeous destination as a more prominent tourist destination.
Hotels
I got to visit several amazing Marriott properties while I was visiting! From the smallest boutique factory turned hotel at the cotton house to the Ritz Carlton - Hotel Arts!
Check out my blog post on the W Barcelona (one of my favorite places to stay)!
Food and Wine
Tapas, tapas, tapas!
From the amazing sauced potatoes to the Burrata and croquettes, there was never a lack of want for the amazing small bites that we experienced. I’m personally allergic to seafood so I didn’t get to try the paella that others raved about, but what I did get to indulge in some amazing steak.
I also had the opportunity to visit the most amazing estate at the Torres winery. This winery has a beautiful museum and we were presented with beautiful white and red wine tastings. I loved their red blend so much that I bought a half a case to meet my arrival back home.
Overall, this amazing destination can definitely take up a full week with all of the day trips that you can make from Barcelona!
If you loved this, be sure to check out 7 VACATION SPOTS FOR THE INNER BEACH GODDESS
What It's Really Like to Fly United Polaris
Being from Houston, we have our choice of carriers that want to be loyal.
That for me personally has always been United- even before I helped people with travel!
Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot more international travel trips where I’ve gotten to experience some different seating arrangements.
When I flew back from Rome a few weeks ago, I choose to upgrade my seat to first class. It was my first Polaris first class experience on the B764. I have to say that the lie flat seats are something to rave about. While some have individual pods, this particular aircraft had two seats together, so I had someone next to me.
In order for the person next to me to get out, he had to step over me or I had to put up my seat for him to get over. Luckily he slept most of the time!
The Comforts of United Polaris
The bedding they provide are out of this world. You get a comforter, blanket, and two pillows including a memory foam one. Talk about flying in comfort and luxury!
I love the new amenity kits that you receive at each one of your chairs, as well and has everything you need for a flight duration. They include goggles and the spray mist for your face as well as socks for your feet.
They provide you with a large screen TV as well as headphones. Access to USB ports and outlets are all there at your fingertips to use for any device that you might have.
Once you’re all settled in and comfortable, the flight attendants come in for your pre-flight drink and your food order. Once in the air, the flight attendants come back to make sure everything is OK giving you another beverage and a warm assortment of nuts.
Before serving dinner, a warm towel is given to refresh your hands. On this flight I chose to do the manicotti and Italian wine. I couldn’t recommend it any higher.
Once dinner is over, they lower the overhead lights so you can rest. The level of comfort was even better than I had imagined.
United Gets Better
This past week I left out of Newark to Barcelona. I was upgraded from premium economy to premium plus. Let me tell you about these premium plus seats, or as you might see them referred to as, the purple seats. I like to refer to them as the old first class seats.
This particular aircraft was a 2-3-2 layout. Their spacious seats included a foot rest with seat power, a recline, and a little bit larger of a TV screen.
I was very happy with the seat and excited to fly in it until the flight attendant came and pulled me to Polaris class-thank you United! When I moved to the Polaris class in this particular aircraft- they had the single pods rather than the double ones I had flown with before.
This was my first time to experience the single pods. I was in my own little world just flying to Spain without a care in the world. I love that the windows had dimmers but you still had a window and not a shade. I loved being in my own little pod and not being afraid I was going to disturb somebody when I got up to go to the bathroom or stretch my legs. It was just like I was in a Marriott hotel bed!
The service on this flight was nothing short of perfect. This flight I decided to go with the short ribs. I don’t think I’ve ever once gotten off of a plane and said to myself oh my gosh I’m craving that meal again but this one, my friends, was excellent.
I almost thought I was crazy to think so but when we got off everyone was talking about how wonderful the short ribs were. Pair of those with the great Spanish wine and it makes for that Polaris class worth every penny of the upgrade.
If you’re wondering if it’s worth it to upgrade to the United Polaris class, my question for you is, are you ready for the best airplane experience of your life?
If you loved this, be sure to check out THE PERKS OF USING A GUIDED TOUR
Exploring Barcelona, Spain
I recently had an amazing opportunity to travel to Barcelona, Spain that was hosted by United Vacations and Marriott.
I had the privilege of getting to stay at the world renowned W Barcelona. The hotel itself stands out in Barcelona amongst any other hotel for its magnificent outside aesthetics. The architecture of the hotel is intentionally built to look like the sail of a sailboat.
Photo Credit: Marriott
If the outside of this hotel didn’t wow me enough, I certainly couldn’t deny it by the time I walked in the doors. The vibe is very beach resort and you feel that immediately when you walk in with the hanging chairs and the decor of pink and black.
I didn’t get into my room right away because we had arrived early. This meant I had a couple of hours to explore the hotel and see the sights. You would have thought that this was the new coffee shop in town. Young professionals enjoyed working and connecting. It was the mid-day hang out spot for sure. I was pleasantly surprised to see that on a Monday afternoon how many people were at the beach or having brunch and wine out on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Not a bad way to spend Monday afternoon if you ask me!
Something I really value in beach vacations are hotels that have direct access to the sandy shores. The hotel I stayed in has a direct pathway that walks straight out onto the beach. You can leave your room, go to the lobby, take a right and you’re at the beach. It’s the only hotel that has a dedicated spot on the beach with chairs exclusively for their guests. (Certainly another win in my book!)
Once you’re on the beach it’s like you’ve been transported to one of the most relaxing and beautiful places you can imagine. The warm sunshine on your skin and the sound of the crystal clear waves are something I could never grow tired of. I loved getting to see people laying out on the beach, working out, running skateboarding, and biking. It’s a very popular spot for all kinds of outdoor and water activity.
Why I’ll Definitely Choose the W Again!
The Rooms
W at this hotel definitely stands for WOW. Being a travel agent and having a love of exploring the world means I’ve seen quite a few hotel rooms in my life. Because of this, it now takes a lot for me to be awestruck by an initial walk in. However, this room was one of those moments!
Photo Credit: Marriott
The beds face the Mediterranean-we could stop there but honestly it gets even better! Facing the Mediterranean means you have an amazing sunrise and sunset to look at from your room. If you want to you get up early in the morning you can catch the most beautiful sunrise over the water. When you go to sleep at night you’ll get to see the Mediterranean and all of its glimmering lights.
Photo Credit: Marriott
The decor of the room is on point with what the W stands for. The Barcelona concept of having Gaudí Style decor in each room just brings that essence of Spain out so you know that you’re not just any W but you’re at the W Barcelona.
I definitely appreciate the way the W took into consideration the space factor that we all crave as Americans. They made it such a space saving room as far as the closet’s and the mini bar and all of these little hidden components around the room and in each piece of furniture to not overwhelm the room with a lot of stuff but to make it more functional.
For a European hotel room it’s huge!
The Amenities
It also has all of the technology amenities as far as the automatic closing of the blinds and the lights at your bedside with the push of a button.
Things like a fitness center and spa are the kinds of things that do just that. The W, of course, has both! The fitness center at this facility is rather large for a hotel and enticed me to want to go to because of the view. Picture this-while you’re on the treadmill or working out, you have the comforts of being inside a fitness center but the view of being at the beach. (YES PLEASE!) Their spa services are one of the best in Barcelona and were filled up the day we arrived until 10 PM that evening.
Photo Credit: Marriott
Photo Credit: Marriott
There are 3 pools including the indoor pool. Again you have that resort style feel of being in a pool while overlooking the Mediterranean on the rooftop of the W.
Photo Credit: Marriott
The Food + Service
The last and probably most important thing is the food and the service.
Each time you walk into the hotel and each time you walk out of the elevator you were greeted by an associate. There was never a lack of staff and people to help with a smile on their face. They were happy to be there and happy to help and that just goes to show you the culture that they’ve built here at all of the Marriotts is outstanding. We continued to comment on how amazing all of the staff were and how accommodating they continued to be throughout the entire trip!
The food that they served at the reception first evening was amazing. Tapas are everything in Spain and one of the best you’re going to find is at the W. The food was really good and shockingly filling with all of the small bites that came around. My personal favorite-the cheeseboard.
Photo Credit: Marriott
Let’s Send You to Barcelona!
So cheers to all of you who are reading this and wanting to come to Spain to explore everything that Barcelona has to offer. I definitely recommend if you are wanting a resort style trip, let me help you book your own amazing trip with the Marriott!
I would love to have you be a special guest with my recommendation as I now have the connections with the staff at this Marriott to make sure that you are taken care of flawlessly!
If you loved this, be sure to check out THE PERKS OF USING A GUIDED TOUR
The Conversation Everyone Needs to Have with Their Travel Agent
Yesterday I had a lady call me and she was very excited about traveling. This year marks her and her husband‘s 30th anniversary. She proceeded to tell me the story about how they haven’t traveled in a very long time because they had a son that was in his junior year of college and that they just hadn’t really had the time to themselves. She’s semi-retired now and he just works and works so much that they really haven’t had the time to travel. She expressed how she wanted this 30th year anniversary to mark the year that they start traveling more. She told me “I want to go to Alaska or Hawaii. I have visited 48 of the states but I still have Hawaii and Alaska left to go.”
I explained to her that Hawaii was a great place to go and travel to, but that I wanted to know more about her and what they wanted to accomplish on this 30 year anniversary before we set a plan in place.
I asked her to really tell me what they wanted to do on this vacation. She then proceeded to explain to me that her husband works so much and he just wanted to go somewhere and relax. He wanted to be somewhere on a beach where he could walk out and go snorkel where there weren’t high-rise condos and hotels. What he really wanted from this vacation was somewhere that was serene, compact, low-key, and where they could unplug.
When I first talk with someone looking to travel, I try thinking about all of the different places that fit what this person is really looking for. I search in my brain through the Rolodex and think to myself, “Okay, where can I send this person that will accomplish their travel goals?”
After working through this process in my brain with this particular person, I told her “I am very sorry. I would love to send you to Hawaii and I would love to send you to Alaska, but I don’t think that’s how you want to kick off your travel season. I want to be your travel agent for life. I want to be the person that you use for your 30th year anniversary. I want to be the person that you use when your son has a honeymoon and then when you’re taking your grandchildren. I want to be that person. In order to do that, I have to do you a service that is going to last throughout the entire duration of our relationship and your travels.”
I knew the perfect place that I needed to send her to to kick off their 30th year anniversary. I hoped that they’d love this destination as much as I did.
I continued to tell her, “I definitely think the Galley Bay, Antigua is going to be the best 30 year anniversary spot.”
I hoped that they’d trust me as much as I trusted in this beautiful location and the uniqueness and quaintness of it. It’s a place you go and feel like you’re at home away from home. It’s the perfect location unplug and walk out to the ocean to snorkel. This place was going to have everything that they want to accomplish in that vacation at this one place.
Being a travel agent one of my favorite things is getting to serve people by helping them choose the perfect place to visit. This conversation may have not seemed monumental, but in the grand scheme of things talking with a travel agent to help you choose your destination could make the world of a difference for how your trip ends up going.
Be sure to check out THE PERKS OF USING A GUIDED TOUR
The Perks of Using a Guided Tour
I had sold guided tours because I had believed in them and I believe that they were for a certain type of traveler. I myself am a pretty seasoned traveler and didn’t think that the guided tour would be right for me. I didn’t think I would like it. I thought that it didn’t sound appealing to be on a coach bus traveling from city to city. I had so many stipulations in my head on how the guided tour was going to be that I went in with low expectations.
I just did Rome and Italy with Trafalgar who is one of my top suppliers for guided tours and the company that I just adore.
When I landed at Rome airport I went and checked in at the Trafalgar desk and proceeded to wait for my transfers to get there. I was kind of glad that I had somebody from the beginning to walk me through it because the mobs of taxi people wanting to give me service anywhere I was willing to pay for it was a little intimidating.
I get on a van transfer to the hotel where I check in knowing that the hotel was more centralized on location rather than a glamour. I wasn’t expecting much, but when we pulled up to the hotel it was really actually very nice and had a bar and restaurant inside- so that in self was a plus and it was in a prime location in Rome!
While the trip was absolutely incredible and full of so many things, I thought I’d just highlight the guided tour aspects of things to share my personal experience with it all.
From the first moment we met our guide I was excited. She warned us from the get-go that we were going to be family by the end of this trip and I’m so glad to report that she was right!
We got on our big coach bus the next day for a first tour and I’ve got to say, I was a little hesitant at first. I didn’t know how this was going to go, but I will tell you that at each location she gave us just enough touring and information that we needed to really capture the essence of where we were at and then let us go and have free time. That was the beauty of every single day. She would give us the highlights of what we needed to know and then allow for us to really explore.
The accommodations on the bus were out of this world. We had Wi-Fi, charging station, seats that were not only comfortable and spacious but leaned back! It had every amenity that we needed to stay connected with the world. Our longest bus ride was around 3 hours and I’ve got to say that’s the best 3 hour bus ride I’ve ever experienced.
I had not yet been to the Tuscany area before, so let me tell you about the guided perks of being in this area. They took us to one hotel location that we deemed as home base and from there we went to all of these little cities each day to explore.
If I were going to do this trip step-by-step for someone the transfers alone, it would eat up their budget. Let alone them having to stay in a different hotel in every different area and moving from one spot to another… They would not be able to go back to home base. Half of the budget would be taking them to a city and then taking them back. In Europe, the transfers, gas, and private cab drivers are so expensive that going 30 miles is going to cost you around $100. Not really worth it if you’re trying to go and see a lot of different places to do it unguided.
Every new place I explore now I definitely want to do a guided tour. Then, I can go back to each little certain place that I loved the most and explore it more. I will have to say that I got way more out of my vacation not having to think about what I was doing that day, not having to plan that days activities, not having to plan a special farm to table events. It’s not just getting on a bus and going to a location. Your tour guide becomes your family, the people you’re traveling with become your people.
At the end of the day when you are back at your hotel, if dinner is not included, you don’t have to be with that group and you can go off just you and your traveling partner or your group whomever you’re with and go and have dinner and drinks and fun.
I met people on this trip that I know that I will travel with in the future and keep in touch with.
Another thing that Trafalgar did really well was to bring the culture of each location into our experience. We were lucky enough to experience “be our Guest.” This is basically the families of local vineyards inviting us into their home and cooking for us, serving us there wine and oil that they’ve made from their property and telling us their story of how they became who they are.
These experiences are something that I will always value and treasure. It’s a great memory because I got to experience something that I would have never gotten to experience. Because it is an exclusive to Trafalgar experience it’s not something that I could’ve sent a client on by themselves. I got to dive into culture, shop at local markets, and make pasta at a vineyard by hand with chefs.
I will definitely say that guided tours are not for everyone, but I will say I didn’t think they were for me and I was wrong. Give it a chance-especially if you have not been to that location and want to experience a lot of that location in the amount of time you have.