Spring Break

Right about now you are probably thinking, “we should have planned a spring break vacation.” The good news is, it’s not too late.  The spring break season starts in mid-March and ends in mid-April.  

Families often think of warm, beach vacations for spring break but there are so many destinations to explore.  Why not think “outside the box?”  One year I took my own family to London during the last week of March.  While it was far from tropical, it was very mild and we only needed light jackets.  Exploring the Tower of London, watching the changing of the guard, and visiting the Imperial War Museum were just some of the interesting things we were able to visit that year.  Airfares to Europe are very reasonable in the spring, making it much more affordable than other times of the year.

Ski trips are popular for families that love the outdoors.  Whether you are a beginner or advanced skier, these trips can be fun for the whole family.  Travel professionals are able to find the right ski destination for your family, based on your level of expertise.  Maybe it will be snowboarding at Park City Utah, or downhill skiing in Vail Colorado--the possibilities are endless.

Another great option for outdoorsy families are our nation’s wonderful National Parks.  The Grand Canyon, with its magnificent landscape and endless hiking trails, is a great destination for everyone.  You may even be able to head over to Mesa Arizona to see the Cubs in spring training.  The White Sox train in Glendale, just down the road.  California offers many National Parks, including Redwood National Park with the world’s largest trees.  Muir Woods National Park is closer to San Francisco than Redwood National Park and is just as impressive.  Also near San Francisco is Alcatraz Island, which is rich in history, as it was used as a federal penitentiary from 1934 – 1963.  Visitors today learn about those years as well as experiencing the little known gardens on the island with tide pools, bird colonies and breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay.

By thinking of places beyond the norm, your family may learn new things, experience new places and maybe learn a new skill.  The most important part of spring break is spending time with your family and making lasting memories, no matter where in the world you wind up. 

Beautiful Costa Rica

Costa Rica is more than just a vacation destination, it is an adventure. From its lush tropical rain forests to the rugged beauty of an active volcano, Costa Rica offers something for everyone. Located in Central America, between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has over 800 miles of coastline.

There are so many types of accommodations to choose from including all-inclusive resorts, quaint villas or intimate eco-lodges. Many visitors choose to combine their stay, starting out with visits to several of the ecological sites and ending with a beach stay in the Guanacaste area.

The most active volcano in Costa Rica is the Arenal Volcano. Located near the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos, this charming little village offers some of the most spectacular views of Arenal. From some hotels in this area, you can even watch an amazing natural fireworks display of bright red lava rocks tumbling down the side of the volcano. Another key attraction in this area are the Tabacon Hot Springs. After a long day of sightseeing this is the perfect place to unwind, surrounded by tropical greenery, unusual orchids and wonderful waterfalls.

Next stop, the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Unlike rain forests, cloud forests receive much less rain in comparison. Due to its high altitude Monteverde is surrounded by a cloud canopy creating a humidity level at close to 100 percent. Be sure to bring a jacket on this excursion, as it can get a little chilly.

Manuel Antonio National Park is a very popular tourist stop. Although the park is relatively small, it offers everything from stunning beaches to wonderful hiking trails. A visit here almost guarantees a monkey sighting. Three of Costa Rica’s four monkey species including Howler, Capuchin, and Squirrel monkeys can be spotted throughout the park. If you are lucky you may even catch a glimpse of a Toucan or a Parakeet. With so many different kinds of wildlife and beautiful landscape, Manuel Antonio is a must see.

From families to honeymoon couples, Costa Rica is a terrific choice for your next vacation. For more information on Costa Rica or other destinations, call us at 847-966-0800 or visit our website at http://www.completetvl.com/.

Disney in a Day

On a recent trip to Florida I decided it would be a good idea to visit Walt Disney World since it had been quite a few years since my last visit. My time was limited, so I had to choose one park to tour. Most of my clients like to visit the Magic Kingdom, making my decision easy. I discovered there is a science to tackling the Magic Kingdom in just one day.

Most people don’t realize how large the Disney World complex really is. It is the world’s largest and most visited recreational resort. The Walt Disney World complex encompasses over 30,000 acres or 47 square miles and includes four theme parks, two water parks and 26 hotels. In addition Disney offers several golf courses, a downtown area, sports complex, and a speedway.

When arriving by car it is a good idea to arrive at the main entrance to Disney at least one hour prior to the park opening. Park hours change constantly, so be sure to check the website (www.waltdisneyworld.com) for the hours during your stay. It takes quite a bit of time to drive from the main gate, park the car, and get to the entrance of the park. There are several steps to getting into the Magic Kingdom. First, you have to pay for parking at the main entrance, and then drive to the lot and park. Next, a tram takes you to the ticket counters, security check area and entrance gates. Then you have a choice of transportation to the Magic Kingdom, either the monorail or the ferry. We chose the monorail as I think the lines were shorter and the monorails move quicker than the ferries.

It is best to have a park map prior to arriving (this can be downloaded from the website) so that you can discuss with your family the attractions they would like to see most. Located on Main Street, before reaching Cinderella’s castle you will see a big board on the left side of the street. This board will tell you which rides will be closed for the day, which offer the Fast Pass, and waiting times for the most popular rides. There is always a cast member at the board to answer questions and give directions.

The Fast Pass is a wonderful and free option that Disney offers on about 9 of their attractions. The way it works is that you scan your entrance ticket at the Fast Pass kiosk at the ride you are interested in. A Fast Pass ticket prints out with a one hour time frame in which you are to return to the ride. When you return during that time, instead of waiting in a long line you are directed to a shorter line, and usually walk right on the ride. I highly recommend using this option as much as possible. The one catch is that you can only get a second Fast Pass toward the ending time on your first one.

Some of the most popular rides are Pirates of the Caribbean, Haunted Mansion, Peter Pan, and Space Mountain. If the information board shows any of these with a low wait time I suggest visiting them first. Then it is important to carefully choose which rides you will use a Fast Pass on and plan your day accordingly.

I hope these tips help you to make the most of your day at Disney. With so many Disney options, it is best to seek a professional’s help to ensure the best vacation for your family. For more information, contact us at 847-966-0800 or visit our website at www.completetvl.com.

Aloha Hawaii

In the world of travel, all islands are not the same. The Hawaiian Islands are my absolute favorite travel destination. From the fresh floral air that hits you the minute you step off of the plane to the warm tranquil waters, there is no other place like it. Each island is unique and offers a distinct experience.

The island of Oahu is the main hub for Hawaii, as most flights from the mainland stop there first. Sometimes called “the gathering place,” Oahu is the home to the majority of Hawaii’s population. With its combination of city and country this island offers a little something for everyone. The Ala Moana Center is one of America’s largest outdoor shopping malls offering everything from high-end stores to local specialty shops. The International Marketplace features over 130 artisan stands and Hawaiian accessory stores and is a must-do on the vacation check list. The famous Waikiki beach is a great place to pick up a surf lesson or just splash around in the calm blue waters. I usually don’t recommend renting a car for the full duration of your time on this island, as parking is expensive and limited. Most of the larger hotels have a car rental desk where you can rent for one day and take a drive around the island to the North Shore, which is where you will see huge waves and professional surfers. Climb Diamond Head crater if you dare, or take a trip to the Polynesian Cultural Center to learn about all of the South Pacific islands and their history. Of course a trip to Oahu is not complete without a visit to Pearl Harbor. There you will hear the history of the Day of Infamy and be moved by the USS Arizona memorial. It is a place you will never forget.

Next stop is Maui, “The Magic Isle” and my personal favorite for its beauty and beaches. One of the most scenic drives in the world is on the island of Maui. The famous “Road to Hana” consists of 600 curves and 54 bridges (many of them one lane) and is only 52 miles long from Kahului. Believe it or not, this trip will take between two to four hours one way! Along the way there are several waterfalls, flourishing rainforests, and dramatic seascapes. If you dare drive this route yourself, leave early and pack a picnic lunch, as this will be an all day affair. Be sure to make several stops along the way to savor the beauty. Stroll through the Botanical gardens, walk along the black sand beach at Waianapanapa State Park, and take a plunge in the “Seven Sacred Pools” also called “Pools of Oheo”. The awesome beach in Napili is a great place for beginner snorkelers, as the water is calm and there are several species of fish to see.

On to Kauai, “The Garden Isle” and the most lush and green of all of the islands. While this island gets over 400 inches of rain each year, most showers only last a few minutes and create beautiful rainbows. Many movies such as Jurassic Park, Raiders of the Lost Arc, and Avatar were filmed on this tropical island. Waimea Canyon is often called the Grand Canyon of the South Pacific; here you can hike a trail or just gaze from a scenic overlook. Poipu beach is a lovely white sand beach, perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
The big island of Hawaii is famous for Volcanoes National Park. This is the newest and largest of the Hawaiian chain and is still growing due to its active volcano, Kilauea. Half of Hawaii is green and tropical with waterfalls and rain forests, and the other half is a volcanic dessert of snow-capped mountaintops and black sand beaches. Kona is home to several coffee farms as well as historic landmarks. The original leader of Hawaii, King Kamehamea, spent his final years in Kona. There are two airports on Hawaii, one in Kona, which is closest to most of the resorts, and the other in Hilo, which is closest to Volcanoes National Park. Several tour operators offer day tours to the island of Hawaii from Maui.

Lastly are the quiet islands of Lanai and Molokai. Only nine miles from Maui, Lanai is very laid back and only has a few hotel choices. You will not find one traffic light on Lanai, but there are two champion-level golf courses. Molokai is most famous for Father Damien’s work with Hansen’s disease (Leprosy) sufferers. It is often called the Hawaiian island where time seems to have stood still, and where the Hula was born.

If you would like help planning your next trip to Hawaii, contact us at 847-966-0800 or visit our website www.completetvl.com.

Foreign Funds

There is one question that always comes up when clients book their foreign travel, “how will I pay for things once I get there”? Depending on the destination, there are several options for US travelers. 
Travelers checks seem to be used less, as more and more people opt to use their bank debit cards with automatic teller machines to obtain foreign currency. Most ATM machines throughout Europe and Asia work the same as in the United States. It is best to check with your bank before you travel to find out what fees will be accessed to your account for foreign withdrawals. Once on the trip, look for bank ATMs as they have less fees than other types of ATMs.

Several European countries are now using chip and PIN cards. This means that the ATM or credit card has a microchip inside that authorizes transactions. Some automated machines simply do not accept cards that don’t have the chip. This is most common in parking garages, toll booths and some train stations. It is best to have a PIN assigned to your card by calling your bank or credit card company before you travel to avoid any problems while abroad.

Most travel agencies and banks offer preloaded debit cards. You can choose how much you would like to load the card with, and not have to worry about going over your limit. Of course most credit cards are accepted in other countries, with the exception of Discover card which is only used in the US. It is always a good idea to notify your credit card company of any upcoming travel so that they do not block your card for unusual activity. You may want to bring two different credit cards along in case one has a problem.

Nineteen European countries, and more than 330 million people are currently using the Euro. This makes it easy when traveling to more than one of the European Union countries using the Euro because you no longer need to convert money each time you cross a border. Several European countries do not use the Euro, these include the United Kingdom, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Switzerland, and Croatia. In those destinations it is best to use your debit or credit card.

Places like Mexico and the Caribbean accept the US dollar. I always recommend to my clients to bring along small bills as it is difficult for stores and restaurants to break larger bills, and you will avoid getting a lot of change in the local currency.

Be sure when traveling to keep your cash and credit cards in a safe place. It is a good idea to separate your cash so that you are not bringing out a large sum of money when making purchases. Ladies should make sure they have a purse with a zipper and wear it in front if possible. Men should place their wallet in their front pocket to avoid pick pockets.

I hope these tips make your next trip easier on the wallet. For more information on Complete Travel and Cruises, contact us at 847-966-0800 or visit our website at www.completetvl.com .

Travel Bug: The Future of Travel

The travel industry changes so often that it is sometimes hard to keep up. Almost everything seems to be fee based today, with baggage fees, reservation fees, and fees for amenities such as pillows and blankets. Just a few short years ago, we would not have even thought about paying for these things. I wondered how else the industry will change in the next several years.

Some of the changes in recent years have been for the better. Norwegian Cruise Line now offers cabins specifically for single travelers. This is a request I have been getting for a long time, so I am glad Norwegian took the lead with their ship, the Epic. Other cruise lines seem to be considering the option of single cabins as well. Cruise ships have things on water that I never thought I would see, such as wave simulators, ice rinks, giant movie screens, and zip lines. It seems it will be hard to top those things, but I am always looking forward to what is coming next.

The first commercial flight took place on January 1, 1914 from St. Petersburg, Florida to Tampa. By 1925, the Ford Motor company had developed a 12 passenger, all metal airliner and became the first successful American airline. Early passenger cabins had bigger windows and wider seats, however most only held a handful of people.

Most of us remember watching “The Jetsons” as kids and wondering if we would ever fly around in our own personal air vehicle. Some experts think we will actually have a version of the Jetsonmobile in the future.
A company from California is working on what they call an air ship. This would change air travel in a big way, as it would be two football fields long and would offer passengers their own luxury staterooms, a casino, and restaurants. Several cruise ship companies are also showing interest in this concept.

Airbus is also looking towards the future with its concept cabin that includes personalized zones such as a video conferencing zone, gaming zone, and aromatherapy zone. The cabin would have a membrane that would allow passengers to look out through the top and sides of the plane. Many other ideas are being developed for the future of air travel, such as staggered seats to give more leg room, quieter engines and alternative fuels.

Hotels are changing too. Things such as voice recognition and other changes to the way you enter your room are being developed to customize your stay. Someday you may be able to just hold your cell phone up to the door and it will open. Robotics are also the trend–next time you check in, the clerk may look like Rosey from “The Jetsons.”

It will be interesting to see the changes in travel in the next several years. I sure hope some of the changes happen soon. It would be really nice to have more legroom on my next flight.

For more information on Complete Travel and Cruises, contact us at (847) 966-0800 or visit our website at www.completetvl.com .

Top 10 Packing Tips

Once you have booked your favorite destination, the next most important thing to consider is packing. These days, it is important to pack smart and light since most airlines are now charging fees for overweight and oversized bags. Through my many travel experiences, I have compiled a list of important packing tips. Here you will find the top ten.

1. Be sure to pack important items that cannot easily be replaced in your carry-on bag. These include such things as medications, eye glasses, jewelry, electronics and fragile items. I always include granola bars in my carry-on; you never know when you might get stuck in an airport for longer than expected. It is good to be prepared with a quick snack.

2. Roll your clothes instead of folding them. When you arrive you will have fewer wrinkles.

3. Pack an empty beach bag; it’s nice to have something to carry your sunscreen, books, and beach towels in once you arrive. At the end of the trip you will now have an extra carry-on bag for all of your souvenirs.

4. When purchasing new luggage, try to buy lightweight bags. With the most common weight limit for checked bags being fifty pounds, this will allow for more weight in clothes and shoes.

5. Bring your own earphones for the airplane onboard entertainment. Some airlines charge for earphones, and I always find my own more comfortable.

6. When packing liquids such as shampoo and sunscreen, place them into a sealed bag so that upon arrival you are not left with a mess. Bottles more than three ounces need to be packed in your checked bag, and with the pressurization of the plane, bottles sometimes leak.

7. If you are traveling with gifts, wait until you arrive to wrap them. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) often needs to open bags and boxes.

8. Make sure all of your bags have identification tags on them. It is important to list a phone number on the tags. I also recommend placing a business card or identification card inside your luggage as well, just in case the tag on the outside of the bag gets lost.

9. If you like to lock your checked bags, be sure to use a TSA approved lock. This way they will not have to break your lock to get into your bag.

10. Check with your travel agent for information on your specific carrier’s baggage fees and limits.
With these tips, packing should be a breeze for your next trip!

For more information on Complete Travel and Cruises, call 847-966-0800 or visit our website at www.completetvl.com.