I haven't done it yet, but seeing - and transiting - the Panama Canal are high on my list of things to do in this lifetime.
Holland America is one of the premier cruise lines to offer sailings through the Panama Canal, and they recently announced that are offering 45 cruises through the canal this year, a significant increase over 2008. The 10- to 28-day cruises will take place on nine different ships departing from five different ports.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Saturday, March 07, 2009
More "First Time in Israel"
The following is further information from fellow travel agent, David Cogswell, who is experiencing Israel for the first time (see Feb. 13 entry) - as I myself did just three months ago. My own reports of some of the things he writes about can be found in entries from November 2008. Here David hits the nail on the head when talking about the value of a good guide to truly paint a picture for you. My own guide, Shalom Langer, was also fantastic.
"Here in Israel, I am learning more in a day than I learned in weeks of classes during my formal education. Tour operators know that a large component of their product is education, though they dare not call it that. They keep any reference to the forbidden word out of their marketing material to avoid evoking their customers’ bad memories of being confined in straight rows of desks and being subjected to sleep-inducing lectures, dull textbooks and homework drudgery.
In fact, learning can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. And there is no better way to learn than travel, which engages all the senses and presents its subjects as parts of a fascinating whole. The things you learn while traveling are deposited in the marrow of your being where no one can take them from you.
I joined two groups of 20 on two motorcoaches, so there was plenty of room for each to have a double seat. The Red Group had its baggage and motorcoach identified with red dots, and the Green Group was identified with green. For some functions we were all together and for others we functioned as separate groups.
I was in the Green group. Our tour guide was Shmuel Hadar, who executed the diverse duties of a tour director admirably, keeping the group organized and entertained as we moved from place to place. As a teacher, he was a jewel. I found myself continually astounded by the range of his knowledge. Many years ago, after his stint in the Israeli military, he taught high school geography for several years. When a recession forced layoffs of the younger teachers, he took a job as a bus driver, which led eventually to a career as a tour guide.
To me, tour guides are the stars of the industry. For tour operators, the tour guide is the face of the company, the person who interacts with customers on the ground at the destination. I have found the standards of their performance to be impressive industry-wide. Shmuel (or “Shmuelly” as he was called) is certainly among the best. He is an effective leader who can rally 20 people together and keep them on schedule, often having to pull them reluctantly from a place they weren’t ready to leave.
He proved to be a spellbinding storyteller and was extremely knowledgeable about history, culture, religion and geology. Born in Egypt, he learned French as a child from his French-speaking mother. He also speaks Hebrew, Arabic and English. He was able to explain the lore of each site from the standpoint of Jews, Christians, Muslims or secularists who may be in any given group. He’s a tremendous asset to Isram and to anyone who wants to visit Israel in order to penetrate through the surfaces of what is flashing by.
On our second full day in Israel we rode up to the Mount of Olives where we could look out over the panorama of Jerusalem. There Shmuel pointed out the layout of the city, including the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian (Christian) quarters of the Old City; the great golden Dome of the Rock, the sacred mosque of Islam that dominates the skyline; and the seven onion-shaped domes of Russian Orthodox Church of Maria Magdalena. He gave us an overview of the vast and complex history of the area in relation to its present geography. He also described how the Roman emperor Hadrian leveled the city of Jerusalem in 72 A.D. after a Jewish revolt and combined its provinces of Judea and Philistia (of the Biblical Philistines) and called the combined area Provincia Philistia, which later evolved into the name Palestine.
We also visited the Garden of Gethsemane, the olive garden where Jesus spent the night in such anguish that “his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground,” according to the Book of Luke, before he would be betrayed by a kiss from his disciple Judas and arrested by Roman soldiers. We went to the Western Wall, the only remaining portion of the Jewish Second Temple from 500 years B.C., which was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D. after the First Jewish-Roman War. It is considered the most sacred site of the Jewish people. The ruins of the temple now lie under the Islamic Dome of the Rock, which is considered by the Muslims to be the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven.
We visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to be the place where Jesus was crucified. It was teeming with visitors, including groups of Islamic schoolchildren, whose religious tradition also reveres Jesus. We went to Mount Zion and saw the Tomb of King David. Witnessing this sweeping panorama of historical and religious sites was dazzling, infusing the mind with so much information that it would take years to reflect upon and assimilate. The experience shattered many of the stereotypes and categorizations I had about Israel. Perhaps the most fascinating and lingering impression was the fact that, in spite of all the turmoil that we hear about in the area, all the various groups that lay claims to Jerusalem do in fact coexist most of the time in remarkable harmony."
"Here in Israel, I am learning more in a day than I learned in weeks of classes during my formal education. Tour operators know that a large component of their product is education, though they dare not call it that. They keep any reference to the forbidden word out of their marketing material to avoid evoking their customers’ bad memories of being confined in straight rows of desks and being subjected to sleep-inducing lectures, dull textbooks and homework drudgery.
In fact, learning can be one of the most enjoyable experiences. And there is no better way to learn than travel, which engages all the senses and presents its subjects as parts of a fascinating whole. The things you learn while traveling are deposited in the marrow of your being where no one can take them from you.
I joined two groups of 20 on two motorcoaches, so there was plenty of room for each to have a double seat. The Red Group had its baggage and motorcoach identified with red dots, and the Green Group was identified with green. For some functions we were all together and for others we functioned as separate groups.
I was in the Green group. Our tour guide was Shmuel Hadar, who executed the diverse duties of a tour director admirably, keeping the group organized and entertained as we moved from place to place. As a teacher, he was a jewel. I found myself continually astounded by the range of his knowledge. Many years ago, after his stint in the Israeli military, he taught high school geography for several years. When a recession forced layoffs of the younger teachers, he took a job as a bus driver, which led eventually to a career as a tour guide.
To me, tour guides are the stars of the industry. For tour operators, the tour guide is the face of the company, the person who interacts with customers on the ground at the destination. I have found the standards of their performance to be impressive industry-wide. Shmuel (or “Shmuelly” as he was called) is certainly among the best. He is an effective leader who can rally 20 people together and keep them on schedule, often having to pull them reluctantly from a place they weren’t ready to leave.
He proved to be a spellbinding storyteller and was extremely knowledgeable about history, culture, religion and geology. Born in Egypt, he learned French as a child from his French-speaking mother. He also speaks Hebrew, Arabic and English. He was able to explain the lore of each site from the standpoint of Jews, Christians, Muslims or secularists who may be in any given group. He’s a tremendous asset to Isram and to anyone who wants to visit Israel in order to penetrate through the surfaces of what is flashing by.
On our second full day in Israel we rode up to the Mount of Olives where we could look out over the panorama of Jerusalem. There Shmuel pointed out the layout of the city, including the Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian (Christian) quarters of the Old City; the great golden Dome of the Rock, the sacred mosque of Islam that dominates the skyline; and the seven onion-shaped domes of Russian Orthodox Church of Maria Magdalena. He gave us an overview of the vast and complex history of the area in relation to its present geography. He also described how the Roman emperor Hadrian leveled the city of Jerusalem in 72 A.D. after a Jewish revolt and combined its provinces of Judea and Philistia (of the Biblical Philistines) and called the combined area Provincia Philistia, which later evolved into the name Palestine.
We also visited the Garden of Gethsemane, the olive garden where Jesus spent the night in such anguish that “his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground,” according to the Book of Luke, before he would be betrayed by a kiss from his disciple Judas and arrested by Roman soldiers. We went to the Western Wall, the only remaining portion of the Jewish Second Temple from 500 years B.C., which was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D. after the First Jewish-Roman War. It is considered the most sacred site of the Jewish people. The ruins of the temple now lie under the Islamic Dome of the Rock, which is considered by the Muslims to be the place where Muhammad ascended to heaven.
We visited the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is believed to be the place where Jesus was crucified. It was teeming with visitors, including groups of Islamic schoolchildren, whose religious tradition also reveres Jesus. We went to Mount Zion and saw the Tomb of King David. Witnessing this sweeping panorama of historical and religious sites was dazzling, infusing the mind with so much information that it would take years to reflect upon and assimilate. The experience shattered many of the stereotypes and categorizations I had about Israel. Perhaps the most fascinating and lingering impression was the fact that, in spite of all the turmoil that we hear about in the area, all the various groups that lay claims to Jerusalem do in fact coexist most of the time in remarkable harmony."
Sunday, March 01, 2009
$700 question
I got a call the other day from a family wanting to plan a trip to Disney World in October. After investigating, I boiled it down to two options.
The first is for them to stay at one of Disney's resorts. The benefits of doing this include the continual shuttle service between resorts and theme parks, extra hours at selected parks on selected days, and the opportunity to purchase the Disney Dining Plan - which in this case gives them three meals per day for $32.75 per person.
The other option is to stay at an offsite hotel. While this option comes in $700 less and includes a continental breakfast, the question becomes is that $700 worth the trade offs. First of all, there's only limited shuttle service between the hotel and parks - twice a day. So, you're pretty much confined to that time schedule. Second, can four people eat two meals per day at a theme park for five days for less than $700 ($18 per meal)?
That's the $700 question.
The first is for them to stay at one of Disney's resorts. The benefits of doing this include the continual shuttle service between resorts and theme parks, extra hours at selected parks on selected days, and the opportunity to purchase the Disney Dining Plan - which in this case gives them three meals per day for $32.75 per person.
The other option is to stay at an offsite hotel. While this option comes in $700 less and includes a continental breakfast, the question becomes is that $700 worth the trade offs. First of all, there's only limited shuttle service between the hotel and parks - twice a day. So, you're pretty much confined to that time schedule. Second, can four people eat two meals per day at a theme park for five days for less than $700 ($18 per meal)?
That's the $700 question.
Friday, February 20, 2009
$1,000 onboard credits
I joined a new Indianapolis-based travel industry association recently and attended my first meeting last night at the Hillcrest Country Club on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
The main presentation was by the area sales rep from Crystal Cruises. For those of you unfamiliar with Crystal, they are one of three or four cruise lines considered to be in the "luxury" category - and consistently voted top cruise line by the readers of Conde Nast magazine. The line has only two ships, both accommodating about 1,000 passengers and include numerous "extras" that you have to pay extra for on other mass cruise lines.
On about a dozen 2009 sailings, Crystal has recently introduced $1,000 onboard credits per person. This means that a couple traveling on one of these itineraries will have $2,000 to spend on their onboard account (spa treatments, gift shop, shore excursions, etc.).
If you're a fairly experienced traveler, this is the perfect time to step up from some of the "premium" cruise lines and experience the luxury of Crystal.
The main presentation was by the area sales rep from Crystal Cruises. For those of you unfamiliar with Crystal, they are one of three or four cruise lines considered to be in the "luxury" category - and consistently voted top cruise line by the readers of Conde Nast magazine. The line has only two ships, both accommodating about 1,000 passengers and include numerous "extras" that you have to pay extra for on other mass cruise lines.
On about a dozen 2009 sailings, Crystal has recently introduced $1,000 onboard credits per person. This means that a couple traveling on one of these itineraries will have $2,000 to spend on their onboard account (spa treatments, gift shop, shore excursions, etc.).
If you're a fairly experienced traveler, this is the perfect time to step up from some of the "premium" cruise lines and experience the luxury of Crystal.
Indy-Salt Lake nonstop
Delta will add nonstop flights between Indianapolis and Salt Lake City beginning June 4. This is great news for travelers who want to stay closer to home this year and travel within the United States. Not only is Salt Lake a fantastic destination on its own, it's a gateway to many of the fabulous national parks in the west.
Des Moines, Milwaukee and Nashville are other Midwest cities that will gain nonstop flights to Salt Lake on Delta in June.
Des Moines, Milwaukee and Nashville are other Midwest cities that will gain nonstop flights to Salt Lake on Delta in June.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
That was quick
Government efficiency. The phrase is typically an oxymoron. But, I was surprised - no make that shocked - today when my kids' passports arrived in the mail. It was only 10 days since we went to the Post Office to submit the application, and that included a Saturday, two Sundays and a federal holiday in between.
Suffice it to say, the turn around time for new passport applications is very good. I still recommend planning ahead as the State Dept. is sure to get busier as summer nears.
Suffice it to say, the turn around time for new passport applications is very good. I still recommend planning ahead as the State Dept. is sure to get busier as summer nears.
Friday, February 13, 2009
First time in Israel
The following is an article I came across today by a fellow travel agent, David Cogswell, who is experiencing Israel for the first time - as I myself did just three months ago. My own reports of some of the things he writes about can be found in entries from November 2008.
"I’m crossing a major threshold on this trip, transforming from someone who has never been to Israel into one who has experienced it first hand. There is a huge gulf between having no direct experience of a place and being there even for a short time. In his book “L’imaginaire,” Jean Paul Sartre wrote of the fundamental difference between an event in imagination and an event in reality. Even if what you imagine is correct in practically every detail, having an actual experience of a place is fundamentally different from hearing about it, reading about it or seeing it in movies on TV. Mental images, Sartre said, are constantly breaking up and dissolving when they collide with real events.
That is exactly what is happening to me in Israel. After being here for 24 hours, most of what I previously thought I knew has dropped away or has been transformed to accommodate the real experience. There is no place where this contrast could be more striking than Israel, because it looms so largely in the imagination of humankind. The Judeo Christian tradition is one of the most powerful elements in Western Civilization.
From our earliest childhood we have heard stories and songs of David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah, Cain and Abel. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all look to the Holy Land for their origins. Beyond those formative experiences, we are all exposed to the news, and though not much larger than New Jersey, Israel is always in the news.
I will be spending the next 10 days traveling around Israel to see it for myself. I’ve joined 40 travel agents in a Seminar at the Source sponsored by IsramWorld. The trip began for me at New York’s JFK airport with an 11:50 p.m. flight to Tel Aviv on El Al airlines. Ten hours later I was in Israel. With the seven-hour time difference it was around 5 p.m. when we arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport. It was rainy, and by the time we got through customs and baggage claim, it was dark. Isram’s ground operation met us at the airport and took us to the famous King David hotel in Jerusalem, about a 35-minute drive.
The King David hotel (http://www.danhotels.com/) lives up to its reputation as an elegant, comfortable hotel, reassuring in its durability and imperturbability since 1931. Like most buildings in Jerusalem, it is built of Jerusalem Stone, a pinkish beige limestone. The King David, of course, has a colorful history. It is known for housing royalty, being a headquarters for governments in exile, and for being located at the center of many of the turbulent events of the 20th century.
On our first evening, we did a hotel inspection with our Isram seminar group and were treated to a fine feast at the David Citadel Hotel, the former Hyatt, not far from the King David. We started our tour of Israel in earnest on Wednesday morning with a trip to the Israel Museum, where we saw pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls and learned about their history. We also saw a model of Jerusalem in 66 A.D. before it was destroyed by the Romans. The model, about the size of a tennis court, is so detailed and amazingly intricate that you have to make a special note on your photographs to be clear you are looking at a model and not an actual city.
The most memorable experience of the day -- and really one of the most compelling museum experiences of my life -- was our visit to the Holocaust History Museum (http://www.yadvashem.org/). The complex includes several distinct buildings and monuments, including the Hall of Names, which pays tribute to many of the victims of The Holocaust, and The Children’s Monument, which is a dark chamber with a glass case housing five candles reflected with a complex construction glass and mirrors to multiply into thousands of sparks of light like stars. The most powerful part of the complex is the museum’s main exhibit, a vast collection of documents, films, photographs and grisly memorabilia tracing the horrific history of the Nazi’s attempted extermination of the Jewish people.
In a 4,200-square-meter building, the exhibition leads you through a zigzagged trail that depicts the most hideous chapter of history, presented with painstaking detail and graphic force from its earliest glimmers in the early 1930s, through the final destruction of the Nazi regime in 1945. Countless exhibits are on display, presented vividly with imagination and sensitivity. Early in the exhibit, for example, is footage of Nazi Propaganda Minister Josef Goebbels addressing the mob at a 1933 book burning proclaiming, “The age of exorbitant Jewish intellectualism has come to an end. And the German revolution has cleared the way for the German nature in the world once more.” Posted on the exhibit is an ominously prophetic quote written in 1821 by German-Jewish poet Heinrich Heine: “Where books are burned, human beings are destined to be burned.”
The exhibit leads the viewer through the gradual tightening of the screws through Nazi legislation, beginning in April 1933 with the Law for Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, which dismissed all Jews from civil service jobs. It shows portraits of some of the chief Nazi perpetrators, filmed interviews with many of the survivors, and gives maps and descriptions of the Nazi system of death camps in excruciating detail. It would take days to go through the entire museum reading and listening to each piece. It was an exhausting, shocking experience, but one that should be a requirement for every educated person.
We ended the day with a trip to Bethlehem and a visit to the Church of the Nativity, which was said to be built over the stable and manger where Jesus was born. It was a long day’s journey and we had been in Israel for only a day."
"I’m crossing a major threshold on this trip, transforming from someone who has never been to Israel into one who has experienced it first hand. There is a huge gulf between having no direct experience of a place and being there even for a short time. In his book “L’imaginaire,” Jean Paul Sartre wrote of the fundamental difference between an event in imagination and an event in reality. Even if what you imagine is correct in practically every detail, having an actual experience of a place is fundamentally different from hearing about it, reading about it or seeing it in movies on TV. Mental images, Sartre said, are constantly breaking up and dissolving when they collide with real events.
That is exactly what is happening to me in Israel. After being here for 24 hours, most of what I previously thought I knew has dropped away or has been transformed to accommodate the real experience. There is no place where this contrast could be more striking than Israel, because it looms so largely in the imagination of humankind. The Judeo Christian tradition is one of the most powerful elements in Western Civilization.
From our earliest childhood we have heard stories and songs of David and Goliath, Samson and Delilah, Cain and Abel. Judaism, Christianity and Islam all look to the Holy Land for their origins. Beyond those formative experiences, we are all exposed to the news, and though not much larger than New Jersey, Israel is always in the news.
I will be spending the next 10 days traveling around Israel to see it for myself. I’ve joined 40 travel agents in a Seminar at the Source sponsored by IsramWorld. The trip began for me at New York’s JFK airport with an 11:50 p.m. flight to Tel Aviv on El Al airlines. Ten hours later I was in Israel. With the seven-hour time difference it was around 5 p.m. when we arrived at Ben Gurion International Airport. It was rainy, and by the time we got through customs and baggage claim, it was dark. Isram’s ground operation met us at the airport and took us to the famous King David hotel in Jerusalem, about a 35-minute drive.
The King David hotel (http://www.danhotels.com/) lives up to its reputation as an elegant, comfortable hotel, reassuring in its durability and imperturbability since 1931. Like most buildings in Jerusalem, it is built of Jerusalem Stone, a pinkish beige limestone. The King David, of course, has a colorful history. It is known for housing royalty, being a headquarters for governments in exile, and for being located at the center of many of the turbulent events of the 20th century.
On our first evening, we did a hotel inspection with our Isram seminar group and were treated to a fine feast at the David Citadel Hotel, the former Hyatt, not far from the King David. We started our tour of Israel in earnest on Wednesday morning with a trip to the Israel Museum, where we saw pieces of the Dead Sea Scrolls and learned about their history. We also saw a model of Jerusalem in 66 A.D. before it was destroyed by the Romans. The model, about the size of a tennis court, is so detailed and amazingly intricate that you have to make a special note on your photographs to be clear you are looking at a model and not an actual city.
The most memorable experience of the day -- and really one of the most compelling museum experiences of my life -- was our visit to the Holocaust History Museum (http://www.yadvashem.org/). The complex includes several distinct buildings and monuments, including the Hall of Names, which pays tribute to many of the victims of The Holocaust, and The Children’s Monument, which is a dark chamber with a glass case housing five candles reflected with a complex construction glass and mirrors to multiply into thousands of sparks of light like stars. The most powerful part of the complex is the museum’s main exhibit, a vast collection of documents, films, photographs and grisly memorabilia tracing the horrific history of the Nazi’s attempted extermination of the Jewish people.
In a 4,200-square-meter building, the exhibition leads you through a zigzagged trail that depicts the most hideous chapter of history, presented with painstaking detail and graphic force from its earliest glimmers in the early 1930s, through the final destruction of the Nazi regime in 1945. Countless exhibits are on display, presented vividly with imagination and sensitivity. Early in the exhibit, for example, is footage of Nazi Propaganda Minister Josef Goebbels addressing the mob at a 1933 book burning proclaiming, “The age of exorbitant Jewish intellectualism has come to an end. And the German revolution has cleared the way for the German nature in the world once more.” Posted on the exhibit is an ominously prophetic quote written in 1821 by German-Jewish poet Heinrich Heine: “Where books are burned, human beings are destined to be burned.”
The exhibit leads the viewer through the gradual tightening of the screws through Nazi legislation, beginning in April 1933 with the Law for Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, which dismissed all Jews from civil service jobs. It shows portraits of some of the chief Nazi perpetrators, filmed interviews with many of the survivors, and gives maps and descriptions of the Nazi system of death camps in excruciating detail. It would take days to go through the entire museum reading and listening to each piece. It was an exhausting, shocking experience, but one that should be a requirement for every educated person.
We ended the day with a trip to Bethlehem and a visit to the Church of the Nativity, which was said to be built over the stable and manger where Jesus was born. It was a long day’s journey and we had been in Israel for only a day."
Thursday, February 12, 2009
First-time passport
While my wife and I have had passports for years, an upcoming summer vacation to Canada (Yes, Canada) has required us to get passports for our two young sons.
The first thing to realize is that new Homeland Security measures introduced over the past couple of years require a passport for basically every type of international travel these days. The days of driving into Canada or Mexico with a driver's license are gone. The State Department has introduced a new passport card, which is a bit cheaper, but its use is limited to only a couple of countries.
Since a passport is good for 10 years (5 for kids), you might as well get the full-blown passport and be ready to travel anywhere you want.
To get a passport for the first time, you'll have to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Office - most U.S. Post Offices. There are a couple keys to save some time:
1. Pick up and fill out an application in advance. You can pick them up at a Post Office or download the form at www.travel.state.gov.
2. Make sure you have the necessary documents. For us, that meant original birth certificates for both boys and our driver's licences.
3. Get official passport photos taken in advance. You can wait and do it at the Post Office, but it will cost you more money. We had ours taken at Walgreen's.
4. Go in the middle of the week, or go early on a Saturday. With children, both parents have to go to apply in person, so for us that meant going on a Saturday when everyone else goes. We got to our Post Office about five minutes before the application office opened and were second in line. The people ahead of us weren't nearly as prepared as we were. They needed to get photos taken and fill out the forms, so it took them more than 30 minutes with the Post Office official. Once we went in with our photos and documents, we were done within 10 minutes.
The fee for new passports for kids is $60 plus a $25 execution fee payable to the Post Office. Adults pay $75 for a passport.
If you're an adult renewing a passport, you can fill out the form and send it in with your old passport without appearing in person. No waiting in line!
Final tip - think ahead. Passport processing normally takes 2-3 weeks, and once summer approaches the turn around time can increase. If you wait until the last minute, you'll pay a hefty amount to expedite your application and you risk the chance of missing your trip.
The first thing to realize is that new Homeland Security measures introduced over the past couple of years require a passport for basically every type of international travel these days. The days of driving into Canada or Mexico with a driver's license are gone. The State Department has introduced a new passport card, which is a bit cheaper, but its use is limited to only a couple of countries.
Since a passport is good for 10 years (5 for kids), you might as well get the full-blown passport and be ready to travel anywhere you want.
To get a passport for the first time, you'll have to apply in person at a Passport Acceptance Office - most U.S. Post Offices. There are a couple keys to save some time:
1. Pick up and fill out an application in advance. You can pick them up at a Post Office or download the form at www.travel.state.gov.
2. Make sure you have the necessary documents. For us, that meant original birth certificates for both boys and our driver's licences.
3. Get official passport photos taken in advance. You can wait and do it at the Post Office, but it will cost you more money. We had ours taken at Walgreen's.
4. Go in the middle of the week, or go early on a Saturday. With children, both parents have to go to apply in person, so for us that meant going on a Saturday when everyone else goes. We got to our Post Office about five minutes before the application office opened and were second in line. The people ahead of us weren't nearly as prepared as we were. They needed to get photos taken and fill out the forms, so it took them more than 30 minutes with the Post Office official. Once we went in with our photos and documents, we were done within 10 minutes.
The fee for new passports for kids is $60 plus a $25 execution fee payable to the Post Office. Adults pay $75 for a passport.
If you're an adult renewing a passport, you can fill out the form and send it in with your old passport without appearing in person. No waiting in line!
Final tip - think ahead. Passport processing normally takes 2-3 weeks, and once summer approaches the turn around time can increase. If you wait until the last minute, you'll pay a hefty amount to expedite your application and you risk the chance of missing your trip.
Wednesday, February 04, 2009
Delta and Northwest link frequent flyer programs
Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks members now have the ability to link frequent-flyer accounts and transfer miles between both accounts at no charge. Members who link their accounts before March 15 will earn 500 bonus miles. This new feature allows members who have SkyMiles and WorldPerks accounts to visit delta.com or nwa.com, link their accounts and transfer any amount of miles into either account on an unlimited basis. Both accounts will remain open and functioning until late 2009 when Delta plans to merge the two programs to deliver one best-in-class loyalty program for members in 2010.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Home2 Suites introduced
Hilton rolled out a brand-new hotel brand yesterday called “Home2 Suites by Hilton.” The new brand is a lower-priced extension of the company’s Homewood Suites brand, focusing on younger travelers seeking budget extended-stay lodging. Home2 Suites locations will charge about $100 a night (compared to $120 at Homewood Suites) for suites that are smaller than the Homewood layout. They will offer amenities such as free Continental breakfasts, outdoor grills, indoor pools, a pantry, and an activity room with fitness equipment, video games, and washers and dryers. The new brand will compete against similar chains such as Candlewood Suites and TownePlace Suites.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Record day for Princess
While unemployment has risen above 6 percent, I read an article recently that reminded me that that means that 94 percent of us are still working - and still making plans to travel in 2009.
For Princess Cruise Lines, that translated into the company's biggest booking day in history. On Monday, Jan. 12, the line booked 17 percent more than it had on its previous best day.
“Travel agents have been working hard to deliver the value message in these challenging times, and there’s no more exciting outcome of their efforts than to have a record-breaking reservations day,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service for the line. “The volume of bookings we received on Monday is a testament to the strength of our brand, and also to the success of our many promotional efforts during wave period, most notably our ‘Balcony Bonanza’ program.”
The Balcony Bonanza enables agents to provide a free upgrade to a balcony stateroom for the price of a standard oceanview stateroom, representing a savings of up to $1,200 per cabin. It applies to most 2009 summer sailings to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean.
For Princess Cruise Lines, that translated into the company's biggest booking day in history. On Monday, Jan. 12, the line booked 17 percent more than it had on its previous best day.
“Travel agents have been working hard to deliver the value message in these challenging times, and there’s no more exciting outcome of their efforts than to have a record-breaking reservations day,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president of sales, marketing and customer service for the line. “The volume of bookings we received on Monday is a testament to the strength of our brand, and also to the success of our many promotional efforts during wave period, most notably our ‘Balcony Bonanza’ program.”
The Balcony Bonanza enables agents to provide a free upgrade to a balcony stateroom for the price of a standard oceanview stateroom, representing a savings of up to $1,200 per cabin. It applies to most 2009 summer sailings to Alaska, Europe and the Caribbean.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
U.S Visa Waiver Program
If you're expecting guests from another country, now would be a good time to remind them about a new U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security policy that has taken effect.
Travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP. ESTA is a web-based system, initially launched in August 2008, which determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the VWP prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. To date, more than 1.2 million ESTA applications have been received, and more than 99.6 percent of applicants have been approved, most within seconds.
DHS will take a reasonable approach to travelers who have not obtained an approved travel authorization via ESTA, and will continue an aggressive advertising and outreach campaign throughout 2009. Travelers without an approved ESTA are advised, however, that they may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry. Visitors may apply for travel authorization via the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
The VWP is administered by the department and enables eligible citizens or nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. To be admitted to the VWP, a country must meet various statutory requirements, such as more enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the U.S. and timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports. VWP members are also required to maintain high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.
The citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Eight of these countries joined the VWP in 2008, and their citizens and nationals have been required to comply with an ESTA since their designation as VWP participants: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Malta.
Travelers from all Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries are now required to obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) prior to traveling to the United States. This requirement applies to all eligible citizens or nationals traveling under the VWP. ESTA is a web-based system, initially launched in August 2008, which determines the preliminary eligibility of visitors to travel under the VWP prior to boarding a carrier to the United States. To date, more than 1.2 million ESTA applications have been received, and more than 99.6 percent of applicants have been approved, most within seconds.
DHS will take a reasonable approach to travelers who have not obtained an approved travel authorization via ESTA, and will continue an aggressive advertising and outreach campaign throughout 2009. Travelers without an approved ESTA are advised, however, that they may be denied boarding, experience delayed processing, or be denied admission at a U.S. port of entry. Visitors may apply for travel authorization via the ESTA website at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov.
The VWP is administered by the department and enables eligible citizens or nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa. To be admitted to the VWP, a country must meet various statutory requirements, such as more enhanced law enforcement and security-related data sharing with the U.S. and timely reporting of both blank and issued lost and stolen passports. VWP members are also required to maintain high counter-terrorism, law enforcement, border control, and document security standards.
The citizens or nationals of the following countries are currently eligible to travel to the United States under the VWP: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Eight of these countries joined the VWP in 2008, and their citizens and nationals have been required to comply with an ESTA since their designation as VWP participants: the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Malta.
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Airfare sales
January is typically a month when airlines put airfares on sale to combat the post-Christmas travel lull. Generally, the discounted fares are only valid for travel during the first couple of months of the year. This year, however, many airlines are discounting fares all the way into June. Coupled with the great deals available from other travel suppliers, now is a great time to plan and book spring and early summer travel.
A quick check this evening found June fares from Indianapolis to Honolulu for less than $700 - about $200 cheaper than July fares. Tickets in June for Indianapolis to Orlando are as low as $160.
A quick check this evening found June fares from Indianapolis to Honolulu for less than $700 - about $200 cheaper than July fares. Tickets in June for Indianapolis to Orlando are as low as $160.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
2009: The year of the deal
While we all have heard plenty of gloomy news regarding the economy recently, most travel experts agree that 2009 will be the year of the deal.
My inbox has been flooded recently with special offers for almost everything - cruises, hotels, tours, destinations, etc. Two months ago I was getting about 20-25 e-mails per day, and a high of about 40 on Thursdays. Now, I'm getting at least 40 e-mails every day.
Yahoo Travel had an interesting article a couple of days ago about "The Year of the Deal." Click here to read it.
As you start thinking about your vacations for 2009, please give us a call, so we can maximize the value you get for your money.
My inbox has been flooded recently with special offers for almost everything - cruises, hotels, tours, destinations, etc. Two months ago I was getting about 20-25 e-mails per day, and a high of about 40 on Thursdays. Now, I'm getting at least 40 e-mails every day.
Yahoo Travel had an interesting article a couple of days ago about "The Year of the Deal." Click here to read it.
As you start thinking about your vacations for 2009, please give us a call, so we can maximize the value you get for your money.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Delta, Northwest merge frequent flyer programs
With the recent merger of Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines having received governemnt approval, the carriers have begun to merge their frequent flyer programs. Both airlines maintain that all members will retain their current mileage balances in the new program.
Last week, Delta announced elite and reward changes to both the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks programs to better align member benefits. Beginning in 2009, the programs will offer segment qualification, currently a WorldPerks benefit, to allow members to reach elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments on either Delta or Northwest flights. Additionally, SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will continue to earn a minimum of 500 Elite Qualifying Miles and base miles per flight, making Delta the only major airline to maintain this minimum for all customers.
SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members now have the ability to receive complimentary upgrades on both airlines. Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability and offered on most Delta and Northwest flights within or between the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and northern South America.
In an effort to closely align the two loyalty programs’ benefits, Northwest WorldPerks will introduce three-tiered award availability and SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will have the ability to transfer miles between their respective accounts in early 2009. Delta plans to merge both programs in late 2009.
Last week, Delta announced elite and reward changes to both the Delta SkyMiles and Northwest WorldPerks programs to better align member benefits. Beginning in 2009, the programs will offer segment qualification, currently a WorldPerks benefit, to allow members to reach elite status by flying a designated number of flight segments on either Delta or Northwest flights. Additionally, SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will continue to earn a minimum of 500 Elite Qualifying Miles and base miles per flight, making Delta the only major airline to maintain this minimum for all customers.
SkyMiles and WorldPerks elite members now have the ability to receive complimentary upgrades on both airlines. Complimentary upgrades are subject to availability and offered on most Delta and Northwest flights within or between the 48 contiguous United States, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico and northern South America.
In an effort to closely align the two loyalty programs’ benefits, Northwest WorldPerks will introduce three-tiered award availability and SkyMiles and WorldPerks members will have the ability to transfer miles between their respective accounts in early 2009. Delta plans to merge both programs in late 2009.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
"Elite" travel experiences available in more countries
My recent trip to Israel was organized by Isramworld, a supplier that's been in business for more than 40 years.
A couple of years ago, the company introduced "Elite" travel packages in a handful of countries. The basis of each program is a series of hotel stays in top-level rooms and suites at the finest hotels. Atop this basic framework is laid a private limousine with driver and a professional escort-guide who are with the passengers from the moment of arrival at the destination to their departure. A suggested touring itinerary is provided, with all entrance fees included, as well as a series of events available only to a privileged few.
Originally available only for India, IsramWorld has expanded to eight destinations. For 2008, the concept was expanded to China, Vietnam, Peru, Central Europe and Israel. For 2009, Brazil and Southern Africa have been added.
A couple of years ago, the company introduced "Elite" travel packages in a handful of countries. The basis of each program is a series of hotel stays in top-level rooms and suites at the finest hotels. Atop this basic framework is laid a private limousine with driver and a professional escort-guide who are with the passengers from the moment of arrival at the destination to their departure. A suggested touring itinerary is provided, with all entrance fees included, as well as a series of events available only to a privileged few.
Originally available only for India, IsramWorld has expanded to eight destinations. For 2008, the concept was expanded to China, Vietnam, Peru, Central Europe and Israel. For 2009, Brazil and Southern Africa have been added.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Six more cruise lines drop fuel surcharges
Plummeting oil prices have led the six cruise lines owned by Carnival Corp. to also drop their fuel surcharges.
Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Yachts of Seabourn are the lines affected.
Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Yachts of Seabourn are the lines affected.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Disney Cruise Lines ends fuel surcharges
Disney Cruise Line is eliminating fuel surcharges for all new bookings, effective Dec. 1.
The decision comes as a result of decreasing fuel price trends. For clients already booked, the following guidelines have been established for the refund of fuel supplements paid. If the closing price on the New York Mercantile Exchange of West Texas Intermediate fuel is below $70 a barrel two weeks prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter, the company will refund fuel surcharges paid in the form of an onboard credit. The quarter that the cruise falls in will be based solely on the sailing date. The entire cruise will be considered to be part of the quarter that the sailing date originates in. The elimination of the fuel surcharge for new bookings applies to sail dates through the end of 2010. The company will continue to closely monitor fuel prices. Reinstatement of a fuel surcharge may be necessary in the future.
The decision comes as a result of decreasing fuel price trends. For clients already booked, the following guidelines have been established for the refund of fuel supplements paid. If the closing price on the New York Mercantile Exchange of West Texas Intermediate fuel is below $70 a barrel two weeks prior to the beginning of the calendar quarter, the company will refund fuel surcharges paid in the form of an onboard credit. The quarter that the cruise falls in will be based solely on the sailing date. The entire cruise will be considered to be part of the quarter that the sailing date originates in. The elimination of the fuel surcharge for new bookings applies to sail dates through the end of 2010. The company will continue to closely monitor fuel prices. Reinstatement of a fuel surcharge may be necessary in the future.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Holland America to debut new pool concept
Holland America Line is adding a new resort-style pool area on the aft of the Lido deck on Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The five ships are undergoing $200 million month-long dry-docks. The main focus of the new pool area will be a shallow area with 44 lounge chairs where guests can dip their toes in the water. Built-in benches are another place for dangling legs in the water.
The Retreat’s pool will be divided into three sections separated by low, curving walls running the length of the pool. The middle section is 16 inches deep so guests can sit on the built-in benches in the water. The two side sections feature lounge chairs in eight inches of water. Waterfalls and spouts enhance the décor. At the aft end of the pool will be a hot tub.
Slice, an upscale pizzeria, will be incorporated into the area, serving whole pies and slices to order. Tables and padded chairs under a sunscreen provide a place to dine al fresco. A stage will be added near the pool for live music. For added entertainment, an LED screen and sound system will be integrated into the ship’s superstructure.
The first dry-dock begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in early 2011. While in dry-dock, ships will also get a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas -- Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added. The ships will introduce 38 lanai staterooms (39 on Rotterdam) with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer in-room spa amenities. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program.
The Retreat’s pool will be divided into three sections separated by low, curving walls running the length of the pool. The middle section is 16 inches deep so guests can sit on the built-in benches in the water. The two side sections feature lounge chairs in eight inches of water. Waterfalls and spouts enhance the décor. At the aft end of the pool will be a hot tub.
Slice, an upscale pizzeria, will be incorporated into the area, serving whole pies and slices to order. Tables and padded chairs under a sunscreen provide a place to dine al fresco. A stage will be added near the pool for live music. For added entertainment, an LED screen and sound system will be integrated into the ship’s superstructure.
The first dry-dock begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the Maasdam in early 2011. While in dry-dock, ships will also get a new bar concept called Mix that features separate areas -- Martinis, Champagne and Spirits & Ales. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional staterooms will be added. The ships will introduce 38 lanai staterooms (39 on Rotterdam) with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck. New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer in-room spa amenities. Overall, Holland America Line has committed $525 million to its Signature of Excellence program.
Monday, December 01, 2008
Oberammergau - Passion Play
I was doing some research tonight in anticipation of the Passion Play in Oberammergau in 2010.
For those of you who don't know the story, the town of Oberammergau, Germany was being ravaged by the Plague in the 1630s. The townspeople cried out to God to save their town with the promise to perform a Passion Play about the life of Jesus Christ.
Not one more soul perished and the town has been putting on a Passion Play once every 10 years ever since. In 2010, it will be the 41st performance.
For the first time, the 2010 show will start in the middle of the afternoon. After a couple of hours, there will be a break for dinner. Then the show will conclude in the evening.
I had the opportunity to attend in 2000, and it was amazing. The play is put on by more than 2,000 local townspeople, who begin growing beards, constructing sets and rehearsing more than a year in advance. The outdoor theater - partially covered - offers tremendous accoustics. While the play is in German, translation books are readily available, and it's easy to follow along.
The town itself is nestled in Bavaria and offers many nice dining choices and lots of shops featuring the local woodcarving.
The premier is in mid-May 2010 with 102 performances before the conclusion in early October.
When I went in 2000, we took the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Munich, tour Neuschwanstein Castle and Dachau before heading further north. Many of the organized tours being planned for 2010 include trips through the Alps, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and France.
Tickets will go fast - more than 500,000 people attended in 2000 - so let me know if you're interested in going, and we can start planning right away.
For those of you who don't know the story, the town of Oberammergau, Germany was being ravaged by the Plague in the 1630s. The townspeople cried out to God to save their town with the promise to perform a Passion Play about the life of Jesus Christ.
Not one more soul perished and the town has been putting on a Passion Play once every 10 years ever since. In 2010, it will be the 41st performance.
For the first time, the 2010 show will start in the middle of the afternoon. After a couple of hours, there will be a break for dinner. Then the show will conclude in the evening.
I had the opportunity to attend in 2000, and it was amazing. The play is put on by more than 2,000 local townspeople, who begin growing beards, constructing sets and rehearsing more than a year in advance. The outdoor theater - partially covered - offers tremendous accoustics. While the play is in German, translation books are readily available, and it's easy to follow along.
The town itself is nestled in Bavaria and offers many nice dining choices and lots of shops featuring the local woodcarving.
The premier is in mid-May 2010 with 102 performances before the conclusion in early October.
When I went in 2000, we took the opportunity to spend a couple of days in Munich, tour Neuschwanstein Castle and Dachau before heading further north. Many of the organized tours being planned for 2010 include trips through the Alps, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary and France.
Tickets will go fast - more than 500,000 people attended in 2000 - so let me know if you're interested in going, and we can start planning right away.
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