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Trusted Tips from Your Travel Agent
4 More Travel
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.
The Travel Tips below are chock-full of important information that will help you travel the world safely and efficiently. Our agency simply wants you to have the best experiences possible, wherever you travel.
As always, please feel free to contact us about your future travel plans.
Happy travels!
4 More Travel |
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| Festive Destinations to Celebrate Christmas |
While many holidays are connected to certain regions or religions, Christmas is truly a world wide event. They may not celebrate it like North Americans do?in Finland they spend Christmas Eve at the cemetery, and in Belgium St. Nick has a partner known as Pere Noel?but they do welcome all to join in the merriment.
Make this a Christmas to remember for your family by taking a break from your traditional festivities to experience how another country jingles their bells. Here are several cities that truly get into the Christmas spirit, making them a joy to visit for Christians and non-Christians alike.
Munich, Germany
Germany becomes transformed during December, as Christmas Markets spring up across the country. At Munich's celebrated Christmas market, held in Marienplatz (St. Mary's Square) since the 14th century, you'll find all manner of crafts, sweets, cakes and other delights. Christmas in Munich is also a time for music, when churches echo with carols and Bach's ''Christmas Oratorio'' can be heard throughout town.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Beautiful throughout the year, Scotland's capital becomes magical around Christmastime when winter festivals celebrate with fairground rides, Ferris wheels, outdoor ice rinks, hot food stands and traditional German Christmas markets. Other Christmas events include the Santa Run, Edinburgh's record-breaking attempt for the largest gathering of Santas, the Reindeer Gardens and carol concerts.
Prague, Czech Republic
In Prague, four separate Christmas markets converge in the city center?at Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky?filling the air with the sound of Czech carols and the scent of mulled wine. Each market features brightly-colored wooden huts selling local handicrafts, Czech glass, hand-made jewelry, hot food and warm drinks, which you can often enjoy while listening to school children dressed in traditional costume dance and sing for the crowd.
London, England
London hosts many Christmas activities to appeal to millions of revelers. The West End lights up to illuminate shoppers on Oxford and Regent streets; ice-skating rinks appear across town; a massive Norwegian pine is erected in Trafalgar Square; the English National Ballet performs "The Nutcracker" and other favorites at the London Coliseum; there's even an obstacle race around Covent Garden that contestants run while carrying Christmas pudding on a tray!
Sydney, Australia
Christmas on the beach? Why not in Sydney, where the warm summer season makes such beaches as Bondi and Manly prime destinations for a Christmas day family barbeque. Christmastime is also celebrated with a light show projected nightly onto the Town Hall and the annual Carols by Candlelight at the Domain, which concludes with a stirring, hand-holding, candle-raising rendition of "Let There Be Peace On Earth." | | |
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Ocean vs. River Cruises - Which One's Best for You? |
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When you hear the phrase "cruise vacation," your mind usually goes to the sea, picturing a massive ocean liner visiting exotic islands in the Caribbean or plying the fabled waters of the Mediterranean. However, river cruises through Europe, China or Africa are gaining in popularity, making some passengers to wonder which one provides the better vacation experience.
Both cruising styles offer great value, allowing you to experience a parade of destinations while unpacking only once. Plus, both include delicious cuisine, nightly entertainment and onboard activities. The key to choosing the one that's best suited to your vacation needs is to understand each style's unique benefits, which are listed below.
Benefits of Ocean Cruising
Bigger Ships=More Variety
The large ocean-going cruise ships?getting bigger every year?now offer an unbelievable variety of restaurants, cabins, entertainment, pools, nightclubs, casinos, activities and spa treatments. In essence, the ship is the destination itself, a destination you can enjoy on days at sea or before and after port explorations.
Travel Further
Ocean cruising itineraries tend to cover more ground than river cruises, exposing you to a wider variety of cultures across countries and continents. For instance, an eastern Mediterranean voyage can stop in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Turkey, Israel and Egypt in just 12 days.
Transcendent Ocean
Civilizations were born on rivers, but the oceans always held man's heart. Staring out at the endless ocean?a view that's forever moving but never changes?has a calming influence that can only be described as transcendent.
The Allure of Islands
In the eyes of many, paradise is found on the islands. From the tropical wonders of Hawaii to the white-sand masterpieces of the Caribbean, the call of the islands is powerful and can best be satiated by an island-hopping ocean cruise.
Benefits of River Cruising
Smaller, Boutique Ports
While the allure of islands is strong to some, the serene and historic beauty of a centuries-old riverside village is more appealing to others. River cruises visit both bustling cities and scenic villages during the same voyage, letting you easily disembark right into the heart of the destination without having to navigate a boisterous and crowded dock.
Leisurely Exploration
On a river cruise, you often awaken with the vessel already docked at the day's port of call and don't set sail again until midnight. This gives you all day to explore the destination and culture in depth, using your ship as a home base to jump on and off of as needed.
An Ever-Changing View
You'll enjoy breathtaking scenery from just about everywhere on the ship, where panoramic views can be found in the restaurant, on the sun deck or from the privacy of your stateroom.
Included Shore Excursions
Many river cruise companies include daily shore excursions at each port for free, allowing you to enjoy a tour of the port city's highlights before venturing off on your own.
Intimate Camaraderie
On a river cruise filled with no more than 300 guests, you will see the same people day in and day out, giving you a prime opportunity to get to know your fellow passengers and form long-lasting friendships. By contrast, ocean-going vessels hold up to 5,400 passengers. | | |
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You can only ask grandma to visit you so often. One day you'll have to return the favor, which means you have to perform an act so frightening, so terrifying, that the mere suggestion of it sends shivers down the spine of all parents: flying with your toddler.
Cramped seats, squirming kids and angry neighbors can turn a 90-minute flight into the longest day of your life. But fear not! With some careful planning and a little in-flight ingenuity, your flight can turn into a fun, family adventure. Just keep these tips in mind.
Sleepy Time
The best-case scenario is for your child to sleep during the flight. If possible, schedule your flight during his usual nap time. Before you board the plane, give your child a protein-packed meal with little or no sugar?everyone sleeps better with a full belly. Seat her next to the window, and pull the shade down after take-off. Once airborne, before the aisles are filled with drink carts and wandering passengers, go through your child's bedtime routine to encourage the nap. Whatever you do, do not give cold medicine to knock him out, a practice condemned by pediatricians.
Pre-Boarding Play Time
Tire your kid out as much as possible before you board. If an airport has a play area, spend every second you can there. Let her run around empty gates, or simply take long walks up and down the concourse. Let him waddle around while you're in line (use a tether to make sure he doesn't get too far away in the crowded airport). The more energy expended outside the plane the better.
A Seat of Their Own
Kids under two may fly for free, but do you really want a heavy, squiggly baby on your lap for three hours? Buy your child his own seat on the plane?it's the best mental investment you'll ever make. Bring a child restraint system or else your kid may be bouncing all around the seat.
Get Allies Early
Be extra nice to the people around you when you board. Introduce you child and encourage her to play cute baby games like peek-a-boo with nearby passengers so that they'll be more understanding in the event that your child becomes noisy.
The Rule of Plane Snacking
There's only one rule on what to give your toddler to snack on during the flight: no sugar. It's a hard rule to follow considering how sugary snacks are perfectly packaged for travel. Come prepared by bringing grapes, carrots, goldfish crackers, snap peas or raisins.
Keep them Occupied
Pack plenty of activities, like coloring books or travel-sized drawing pads such as an AquaDoodle. Pack new books and toys they have never seen. Bring each item out one at a time, putting the last one away before introducing the next. You may consider wrapping a few toys, which will add to the wonder and take more time to play with. | | |
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Packing the Perfect Carry-On |
Standing around an empty baggage claim carousel, waiting for the conveyor belt to lurch forward, is a part of the flying process many dislike. That's why a growing number of passengers are skipping the baggage claim by packing everything they need for their journey into their carry-on bags.
For others who still need to check their larger pieces of luggage, it's a good idea to pack your carry-on as wisely as possible to ensure you have everything you need when you arrive. Here are a few tips to packing the perfect carry-on bag.
Know the Rules
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is the final word on what's allowed in your carry-ons, so be sure you know the rules before planning what to bring. This includes following the 3-1-1 rule, which stipulates you can only carry liquids, aerosols and gels (such as toothpaste and shampoo) in nothing larger than three-ounce containers, which should be safely kept inside a one-quart, plastic zip-top bag. Each passenger can bring one, one-quart bag. Check http://links.mkt210.com/ctt?kn=1&m=4219899&r=NDc2MzEwNTU2OQS2&b=0&j=MTM3MjA5Mzk3S0&mt=1&rt=0 for the full list of rules.
Call First
The size (usually 45 cubic inches) and number of carry-ons allowed (generally two per passenger, except during holidays) varies by airline, so visit your airline's Web site or ask us for the details. If you plan to pack everything into your carry-on bags, you may consider buying the maximum-sized bag to take advantage of each allowable inch.
What Goes in First? Everything You Can't Live Without
Just in case you checked bag is lost, it's imperative to pack all essential items into your carry-on, including passport, travel insurance, clearly-labeled medications, list of emergency contacts, address and phone number of your hotel, your travel agent's contact information, an extra change of clothes, small bag of toiletries, glasses or spare contact lenses, cell phone and chargers.
Carry-On Only? Be Ready to Sacrifice
If your goal is to take carry-ons only, then you will need to change the way you think about packing. Forget extra pieces of clothing or that second pair of brown shoes just in case you go dancing. You should take as few, maximum-use items as possible, focusing on those pieces of clothes that mix-and-match well and can possibly transform from day to evening wear. Pick one basic, neutral palate, such as brown or black, and base your entire wardrobe around it. Toss aside any item you planned to bring that can only be worn one way. Yes, you may end up wearing the same outfits twice, but you're on vacation, not on a fashion show runway. Just bring your most comfortable favorites, relax and have a great time. | | |
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Top 10 Reasons to Travel Now
Written: 02/23/09 (Adapted from the Independent Traveler)
It turns out that a recession is a great time to travel, not only because we might have some unexpected time on our hands, but for a host of other reasons besides. Why travel now?
1. No one else is.
Many travelers bemoan the fact that wherever they go, they are surrounded by, well, other travelers. And sometimes lots of other travelers, which translates to another reviled evil of travel: crowds. As Warren Buffett says, "Be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful." If Buffett's wisdom ever applied to the urge to travel, now is the time.
2. it's cheap.
And we mean really cheap. Like (if you do your homework) half-price cheap. Airlines are gutting their bottom lines with ridiculous fare sales, hotels are offering free breakfasts on top of free nights on top of discounts, and gas prices are at pre-1970's gas crisis prices (adjusted for inflation) -- which is even more impressive when you note that vehicles are much more fuel-efficient today than they were 30 years ago.
3. The roads are clear.
It may not seem to be the case at 5:30 p.m., but Americans are driving much less these days -- in the billions of miles less, according to AAA. Between this and low gas prices, 2009 may be the ideal year for a road trip.
4. Things are bad all over.
Until recently, Americans taking dollars abroad found themselves a bit down and out -- the dollar didn't have anywhere near the purchasing power it once did in most popular international destinations. However, times have changed, and they are hard times for most global currencies; the dollar is just one weak currency amid lots of other weak currencies, which means it's worth a lot more than it was just a few months ago. The upside of this is that it could very well cost you the same to go to Italy as it does to Arizona.
5. You can put your troubles in the rear view mirror.
Traveling to other parts of the world, particularly less developed countries, is a way of simultaneously escaping your own problems and putting those problems into perspective. Seeing new things and meeting new people can help you get out of the cycle of working and worrying, and your own problems may not seem so large when you see the context of how most of the rest of the world lives.
6. You need it.
A recent study in the U.K. found that while many families are willing to work longer hours and give up certain luxuries, they are most reluctant to give up their vacation time. Fancy phones, big TV's, lavish parties, expensive meals ... these are all things we can do without. But a little time to ourselves, with no one making constant demands on us, is a much more basic human. And for those of us who love to travel, experiences and memories are more important and meaningful than flashy stuff.
7. You may well have the money; you just have to find and extract it.
I'm not talking about turning down the heat so low you have to eat breakfast wrapped in blankets. Here's my personal case study: For the two adults and one toddler in my household, we spend $120 a month on a cable TV package. Among the three of us, we watch the following: five minutes of the Weather Channel and about 30 minutes of Sesame Street in the morning, about 30 minutes of a "Music Choice" (basically a radio station on the TV) while cooking dinner, and about 12 minutes of HGTV in the evening. So out of several hundred channels, we watch three and listen to one. We get about six magazines, only three of which we actually read from cover to cover. We have two cell phones, each with an unlimited texting allowance, but I only send about 10 texts a month.
What could I save here -- nearly $200 a month almost without noticing it? If I cut my expenses and saved the difference between now and summer vacation, I could cover airfare to a pretty darn attractive location. Check out your own balance sheet; you might find a few more extra dollars than you'd expect.
8. Your money moves around anyway.
I do not take lightly the very real challenges some folks are facing on the financial front. But if you are still more or less solvent, one of the truisms of a capitalistic economy is that money wants to move one way or another. That is, when people stopped spending money on gasoline last year, bicycle shops experienced a boom they hadn't seen since Lance Armstrong burst on the scene. In the end, did folks who spent $800 on a road-ready bike save $800 in gas in a short time? Meanwhile, at present, restaurants are hurting while the cookbook business, of all things, is booming. (In this case, you really can save money cooking instead of eating out, of course.) Dollar stores are the darlings of Wall Street.
The bottom line: Folks still spend, but they spend a little less, and in different places. If you're moving your money around anyway, a memorable and deeply refreshing trip merits serious consideration.
9. Life is too long (or too short) for bad coffee.
I think that life is too long for bad coffee. Seventy-seven years, day after day after day, of the same scalded industrial-quality coffee can't be called good living. Likewise, day after day after day of the same grueling commute, the same nasty traffic circle, the same parking spot, the same chips and cheese sandwich at the office mess (you see where this is going), is much too long a slog to take without a break.
10. The world keeps on turning.
All those places that you want to visit before they're gone, from rapidly changing cultures to endangered places, aren't disappearing any slower just because the economy is tanking. You want to make sure you visit them not only before they are gone, but before you are gone -- and none of us are getting any younger. Why travel now? Because now is the time!
AIRLINE BAGGAGE CHARGES Airline Baggage Fees
Last Updated: 02/18/09
Still think you should be able to check a bag or two for free on your next flight? Unfortunately, the airlines don't agree with you. Over the past year, nearly every U.S. airline except Southwest has added fees to check bags on flights within the U.S. -- and many are charging those fees on flights to Canada, the Caribbean and Latin America as well.
To add insult to injury, most airlines have also jacked up their penalties on excess, oversized and overweight luggage, with fees ranging from $50 to a whopping $600.
It's difficult to keep up with these rapidly changing fees, so we're doing it for you! Below is an airline-by-airline roundup of checked bag fees (as well as who's exempt from those fees), excess baggage penalties, and charges for oversized/overweight luggage.
AirTran Airways
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for all economy-class Second Checked Bag: $25 for all economy-class reservations Who's Exempt: Business-class travelers and active military personnel traveling with ID and official orders. Disabled travelers may check a wheelchair for no charge.
American Airlines
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class flights within the United States, U.S.V.I., Puerto Rico and Canada.Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class flights within the United States, U.S.V.I., Puerto Rico and Canada Who's Exempt: First- or business-class travelers, customers who purchase full-fare economy-class tickets, customers flying to destinations beyond those mentioned above, select AAdvantage and oneworld Alliance members, and military passengers on active duty.
Continental Airlines
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S.V.I. and Canada. Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class flights within the United States, Puerto Rico, U.S.V.I. and Canada. The $25 fee also applies to economy-class travelers headed to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America (excluding Brazil) . Who's Exempt: EliteAccess customers, OnePass Elite members, customers on full-fare economy tickets, active-duty military personnel, and passengers headed to international destinations besides the ones listed above.
Delta Air Lines
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I..Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class travel within the United States, Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I., purchased between April 9 and July 30, 2008.Who's Exempt: First- or business-class passengers, SkyMiles Medallion and WorldPerks Elite members, passengers on full-fare economy-class tickets, active-duty military personnel, and international travelers.
Frontier Airlines
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class travel within the United States. Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class travel within the United States.Who's Exempt: Summit, Ascent and AirTran A+ Elite passengers; passengers traveling on Classic or Classic Plus fares; international travelers; and active-duty military personnel.
JetBlue
First Checked Bag: Free. Second Checked Bag: $20 each way.
Who's Exempt: Active-duty military personnel.
Northwest Airlines
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class travel within the United States.
Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class travel within the United States.
Who's Exempt: WorldPerks Elite and SkyMiles Medallion members, business- and first-class travelers, and travelers who pay full fare in economy class.
Southwest Airlines
First Checked Bag: Free.
Second Checked Bag: Free.
Who's Exempt: N/A.
Spirit Airlines
First Checked Bag: For flights booked on or after December 16, 2008 for travel on or after April 14, 2009: $19 each way if reserved online or $25 at the airport. For all other flights, $15 online or $25 at the airport.
Second Checked Bag: $25 online or at the airport. Who's Exempt: No one.
United
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class flights within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I..Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class flights within the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I. Who's Exempt: First- or business-class travelers; Global ServicesSM, Mileage Plus 1K, Premier Executive, Premier, Premier Associate, or Star Alliance Gold or Silver members; active-duty military personnel (and/or dependents) with ID and traveling on orders; and passengers flying to destinations besides those listed above.
US Airways
First Checked Bag: $15 each way for economy-class flights to the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Second Checked Bag: $25 each way for economy-class flights to the United States, Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean. Who's Exempt: Dividend Miles Preferred members, Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members, passengers traveling to and from Europe or Asia, unaccompanied minors, First Class and Envoy passengers, and active U.S. military personnel with ID.
3 WAYS TO BEAT THE EURO
& still experience Europe.
You can stretch the dollar and still have a European experience. True Travelers have 3 choices this year.
1. EASTERN EUROPE: Prague and Budapest are not on the Euro, yet offer experiences from the 12th Century to modern times.
The Czech Republic capital (Prague) is beautiful, tourist friendly and a great walking around city. Varied cuisine, more beer consumed then in Germany and Crystal at outstanding prices.
Budapest, capital of Hungary has a large wine festival in September. Usually held in the 14th Century Buda Castle, 200 vineyards assemble and for about $10/day you can drink the fruit of their vines all day long. Plus you get a beautiful city, great food and music.
2. CRUISE EUROPE: Book a cruise in American dollars and all food, lodging, & entertainment are included. Cruise the Mediterranean & see Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, etc., via shore excursions, all paid for in dollars. Cruise the Baltic and experience Copenhagen, Berlin, St. Petersburg & Helsinki the same way.
3. ARGENTINA: This is not Mexico, its Europe! Buenos Aires, the Paris of South America, is a modern city of 13 million people offering designer shops like Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vinton, Yves St. Laurent, etc... BUT! You pay in Argentinean pesos which are 33 cent to the dollar. Their passion is beef and the Tango---both done with style!
Mendoza region is the 5th largest wine producer in the World. It has all the wines you would find in France, Italy and California. Best of the entire region is sheltered by the Andres Mountains with peaks second only to the Himalayas----beautiful!
We just come back from Argentina, we've been to the Budapest Wine Festival, and we've cruised the Mediterranean twice.
This is your year! Which one will you pick? Maybe all three!
While others dream of Europe, you can experience it!
Call 703-490-9777 Or 1 800 977 1686 |
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Occoquan Merchants Association |
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