Travel Tips Quarterly From Your Trusted Travel Advisor

Being your travel advisor is more than offering you enchanting vacations to the far reaches of the globe. It also involves offering you personal support and helpful advice to enhance all your travel experiences, whether near or far.  Visit us on Facebook for our latest Travel Tips.  Or send us an email to be added to our email and/or mailing list. 

Sydney and Istanbul make Top Ten Hot Spot List for First Time

ASTA’s 2011 “Hot Spots for Summer” survey found that London, Rome, Paris and Cancun remained the top four choices for Americans for the eighth consecutive year. The survey, which asked ASTA travel agents what destinations were hot for this summer season, found that Western European destinations are the most popular overall with six cities in the top 10.

Rounding out the top 10 city hot spots were Punta Cana, Dublin, Barcelona, Venice, Sydney and Istanbul. This year was the first time that Sydney and Istanbul have joined the top 10. Last year, Istanbul hosted ASTA’s International Destination Expo, which brought more than 1,200 travel professionals together to learn about the culture, attractions and travel business of Turkey and its neighboring countries.

When to Purchase Your Airline Ticket

In this Washington Post article by Christopher Elliott, National georgraphic Traveler magazine's reader advocate, he explains what is going on in the airline insustry today.  Between rising oil prices and diminished seat capacity, it is not that easy to spot a bargain - or even recognize a bargain when you see one.  In the past couple of weeks I have had client fare increase between $50 and $100 with no warning.

If you are planning to vacation this summer, read this article: 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/the-navigator-stop-obsessing-over-airfares-and-buy-now/2011/03/10/ABHBtTl_story.html

Why You Need A Travel Agent

Planning a trip today can be confusing and time consuming. A travel agent not only arranges the various modes of transportation, but a travel agent also may be able to save you money with early booking discounts, special fares, hotel deals and travel advisories. Don't take our word for it. See what the president of Crystal Cruises has to say about using a travel agent.

Benefits of Using a Travel Agent

Save Money! - Strong working relationships with travel suppliers and the latest in computer reservations technology enable travel agents to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.

Traveler Advocates - Your best interests are the priority. ASTA (The American Society of Travel Agents) has a long-standing record of fighting for consumer rights and ASTA member travel agents are required to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.

Convenience - The ASTA membership includes travel agents across the country and throughout the world, most of which offer one-stop shopping for all travel arrangements.

Service - ASTA member travel agents are knowledgeable and active in the industry. The Society provides education, training and resource materials to its members to equip them with the tools to offer the highest quality of service.

Agents Will Go the Extra Mile - Agents work for you and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs. Some agents literally go that extra mile to help their clients. One ASTA-member agent even went to Ethiopia to escort two adopted orphans to the US.

http://www.travelsense.org/tips/whyuseanagent.cfm#letter

Australia on the Amazing Race Sunday March 6

Be sure to watch The Amazing Race this Sunday on CBS.

Last week all contestants were racing in the regional township of Broken Hill. In this week’s episode, not to give anything away, they travel back to Sydney on board a certain train - the mighty Indian Pacific!!

We are not sure how much footage of the train they are going to show but if you are interested in visiting Australia and like train travel you may also wish to watch!