Mary Yohannan, Author at LiBT Agents ONLY site

Vacation Rentals : Good or Bad?

I recently had a person contact me regarding helping plan a vacation to Italy. Before wanting to work with me in planning this trip with them they had one question…”Do you book Air BnB? We want the Authentic Italian Vacation feel and we feel that staying at AirBnB places will do that for us.”

Year after year, more and more vacation requests come in asking us if we book vacation rentals, specifically AirBnB. Even though there are many vacation rental sites, AirBnB has become synonymous with vacation rentals. With this request however, I was a bit unsure why it wouldn’t be authentic to stay in a hotel? After all, how can you get more of an authentic Italian experience then by staying in Italy itself.

I am going to be openly honest right now with spoiler alerts about vacation rentals. If you don’t want to know these spoilers because you like vacation rentals, then I recommend closing this email right now. If you are interested in finding out the truth, then let’s get started. There are many vacation rental sites out there just like AirBnB that you can book your stay for your upcoming vacation. It seems like a great deal that you can stay in a 2-bedroom apartment in New York city overlooking Time Square for $100 a night or rent out an entire Tuscan Villa for a week for just $800!

I remember when I was little my mother always told me that if it sounded too good to be true it probably was too good to be true. Many times, these amazing deals that you find aren’t as they are advertised or marketed. Yes, you get the 2-bedroom apartment overlooking Time Square but the rooms are the size of a bathroom and over-looking means turn your head all the way to the left to see Time Square. Maybe the Tuscan Villa you rented doesn’t look like anyone has lived it in for 15 years and the beds are even older than that. If this is the type of authentic experience that you are looking for, then you won’t be disappointed.

With so many vacation rental sites on the internet, many people will put their house, apartment, or villa up for you to rent. They go up so fast that my one concern is who is vetting these people or even going to the places. The worse part is that you won’t know for sure until you actually get to the destination if the place is going to work for you. Unfortunately, the amount of vacation rentals that go up a day is more than the company can actually verify. The best way to know if the place that you are renting is what they say it is, is by checking the verifications of the person who is renting. When someone stays at a person’s rental property they then can review the person and property on the vacation rental site. This helps give you a better understanding of who is actually legitimate and good to rent from for your stay.

Once you have verified who you want to stay with, it is a matter of seeing availability and pricing. If the place is available then it is time to book it. This is where you need to read the fine print. Last year a friend of mine decided to rent a house at one of the Delaware beaches through one of these vacation rental sites. She picked her house, booked it, and was billed an extra $300 that was not part of the booking process. This additional $300 was “hidden fees.” I would say they were more than “hidden,” they were really non-existent until she got her credit card statement. However, if you read the fine print it will tell you how much you will pay in additional fees to use these sites.

Ok, now you have booked your stay and you have calmed down about the extra fees, there is still more fine print to read! Yes, there is so much paperwork involved when booking a vacation rental. Don’t forget to read what is actually included in the rental. Is Free Wi-Fi included, a cleaning fee, use of the pool if the property has one, use of anything else that the property may have you thought you could use, what time you need to be there to get the keys, and the list goes on and on.

One of the main things in Europe when staying at a vacation rental is making sure that you are there at the exact time stated you need to be there to get the keys. The owner will only wait for a few minutes and then be gone leaving you with no place to stay for the night. Yes, this is a big compliant from vacation rental people. Many people just assume like a hotel the owner will be available for check-in when they are available to get there. This isn’t the case, so make sure to read the fine print as to what time you need to be there.

Now that you have a bit more understanding of how vacation rentals work, and going back to my original request to book an AirBnb, Life is Better Traveling does book vacation rentals with our reputable suppliers. We do not specifically use AirBnb, which again, I know the name is synonymous with the term vacation rental. What we do for our clients however is also look to see if a nice hotel with breakfast included is cheaper than staying at a vacation rental. I have personally found for some of my clients that a 2-bedroom vacation rental is more expensive than staying at a hotel in town with breakfast included. You then also get all the amenities that a hotel provides including a check-in desk to check-in at your own convenience, a concierge, a place to store your luggage until you check-in or check-out, spa services, a gym, laundry, and the list goes on.

If you are thinking you want to do some type of vacation rental either in Europe, the Caribbean, or here in the states make sure to contact one of our travel agents to help you find a great place with a reputable supplier.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation. Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs.

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Deicing the Plane… how it works.

Mary Yohannan on

We have had a mild winter up until last week when the temperatures plummeted to single digits. Even with this mild winter if you have been flying you will see those trucks out on the runway with the big arms spraying down the airplanes. It reminds me of a car wash but for airplanes. So, what is the purpose of spraying chemicals onto the planes before takeoff?

In the mid 1990’s there were several aircraft incidents where the cause of the crash was due to too much ice build up on the airplane. When this happens, it will disrupt the airflow over the airplane which prevents the airplane from “lifting” off the runway. Since pilots and the crew can’t know how much ice has accumulated on the airplane while standing by or taxing, it had caused major issues. As with everything over the years with the National Transportation Safety Board or NTSB, their investigations help increase the understanding and awareness of how to fix the problem.

Something so simple as applying chemicals that not only help take off ice buildup on an airplane but will also help delay reformation of ice for a certain amount of time, was brilliant. The term “deicing the plane” was now something airports used every day during the winter seasons. Denver International airport was the first airport to have the “fixed pedestal mounted booms” where they could extend up to 90 feet into the air. However, being fixed they weren’t able to get all parts of the airplane allowing ice to build-up where the spray couldn’t reach.

Many airports today use a better approach to making sure that all parts of the plane are being “deiced.” Truck-mounted booms allow crew members to get closer to the airplane. They now have figured out how to adjust the fluid mixtures based on the outside temperature to maximize the amount of fluid that the airplane receives. In one of my readings I found out that some airports, like the Pittsburgh International airport, are reclaiming spent deicing fluid. Since 1995 Pittsburgh International Airport has recycled more than 200 million gallons of spend fluid. That’s amazing!

So if you are flying this winter expect that you will wait in line for your plane to be deiced. I can’t say for sure how long you will wait in line, but the deicing process takes on average 12 minutes. It may seem like an inconvenience to sit there while the plane is getting sprayed down but remember, it helps the pilots get you off the ground safely.

Is your family vaccinated for their next vacation?

Mary Yohannan on

If you have decided to travel outside of the country there are many things that you need to check-off your list to get done. Get a passport, get a visa, if needed, what do I need to pack, how will I be able to translate the language, what will I eat, and the list goes on. One thing that many people forget to do is check to see what types of vaccinations they may need to enter certain countries.

The good news is that many European and Caribbean countries do not require a vaccination to enter the country. However, some countries require a long list of vaccinations including some that you may need multiple shots over a period of time, or they recommend that you receive the vaccination a certain number of days prior to departure.

Now there is a difference in definition as to what the CDC “requires” for vaccinations and what they “recommend” for vaccinations when traveling to certain countries. When they use the terminology “recommend”, this generally means that they are encouraging people to get the vaccinations in helping prevent them from getting sick for those diseases. They always recommend no matter where you travel to that you should have at least a flu shot. If they say they “require” that you get these vaccinations, this means that you may be denied entry into the country if you have not had them. Many times, when a vaccination is required it is mandated by the country you are traveling to. When you get there, customs in country will require you to show proof to get out of the airport.

So how do you know what vaccinations you will need to get for the countries you are traveling to? If you are traveling by cruise line, many times the cruise line will send you multiple email reminders as to what vaccines are required. It also should be clearly noted on your cruise line’s invoice/itinerary as to what you need. If you aren’t sure, feel free to ask your travel agent. Many times, we do have knowledge as to what you will need. However, if you have any other questions make sure to check out the CDC’s website and simply put in the country you are traveling to.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

As always, our team of agents are here to help with any of your traveling needs.

Racecation lately?

Mary Yohannan on

Have you ever paired your vacation with a conference or trade show you are attending? Perhaps you take vacation before or after visiting out-of-town friends or family? I have done both of these things. I figure that if I am already in the area why not take advantage of it, especially when part of the trip is already paid for by your company. This same holds true when someone is either doing a triathlon, a bike race, or really any type of endurance race. These are called Racecations, a play on words of race and vacation. I find it to be very catchy.

With Life is Better Traveling, we do a lot of group travel and multigenerational travel. I had a good friend of mine contact me recently because she is going to run the Disneyland Paris Half-Marathon in September 2016 and wanted to put packages together to sell to friends and those who follow her blog, Powered By Bling. She previously ran the Princess Disney Half-Marathon in Walt Disney World and loved the energy of the people running the race and, of course, being in Disney. She took her family with her and stayed a few extra days after the race to enjoy the parks. She took a racecation!

After working with her over the last several months, I decided to talk more with her about her love for endurance races and Disney. Her excitement and energy for both made a light bulb go off in my head, why not start a new travel company under Life is Better Traveling, called Magical Racecations. We will just pair vacations with someone’s endurance race, triatholon, or any other race they may be competing in. My friend loved it and couldn’t wait to be a part of this new team.

Welcome Cassandra Burke one of our new independent contractors for Magical Racecations, where we Pair Your Vacation Perfectly with Your Race. Below Cassandra has written a few tips on What to Consider When Planning a Racecation. You can also find these tips on her website at www.PoweredByBling.com

Make sure to read more about Cassandra below…click here.

Join Magical Racecations on our social media sites for daily updates on Disney Races, and other amazing tips.

Join us on Facebook

Send us an Email

Our Team and Contact Information:

Cassandra Burke, Racecation Consultant for any endurance race including Disney – cassandra@magicalracecations.com

Kathie Murray, Racecation Consultant

for Disney races –

kathie@magicalracecations.com

Mary Yohannan, Owner

and Groups Coordinator-

mary @magicalracecations.com

Druids and St. Patrick, oh my!

Mary Yohannan on

Every year on March 17th we celebrate St. Patrick’s day, but do most of us know the history behind St. Patrick’s Day? We probably did at some point, but it has slipped from our memory. Well, the Irish have been celebrating this day for over a 1,000 years! It is the religious feast day and anniversary of the death of St. Patrick dating back to the fifth century. St. Patrick was a key influencer in converting the pagan Irish into Christians, supposedly converting several thousands. With the conversion of so many people, St. Patrick had many legends around him and became one of Ireland’s most well-known saints. Even though Ireland is where St. Patrick did all of his work, the day is observed by many religions all around the world.

Here are some fun facts about St. Patrick’s Day

1. Wearing Green – It is customary to wear green and shamrock related paraphernalia. The green is not because it is in the Irish flag or because the countryside is so lush in green color. The shamrock is green and it is believed that St. Patrick used this three-leaved plant to explain the Holy Trinity. Many times when you see St. Patrick portrayed in pictures you will see a cross in one hand and a shamrock in the other.

2. Parades – this is a newer tradition upon which the Irish themselves did not do until the 20th century. The parades are really a way for everyone to come together as most parades have a variety of organizations in them.

3. The food and drink! – Let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy a good pint of stout. Ireland is known for their amazing ability to brew Guinness and when people think of Ireland they either think Guinness or Waterford. Meat pies are also a well-known staple in the Irish diet. So if you head out this St. Patrick’s day for an authentic Irish meal, make sure to try one of these delicious dishes.

Enjoy yourself this St. Patrick’s Day or St. Patty’s Day and now you know why we celebrate this day every year!

Photos by our clients: James and Christine Sterganos on their Best of Ireland 14 Day tour.

Find out THIS about each Greek Island…

Mary Yohannan on

One of my favorite places to help plan a vacation is to Greece. Yes, it has a bit to do with me coming from a Greek family, but also my experience of personally having been to many of the islands. When I first started traveling to Europe, my husband and I picked a 12-night cruise around the Adriatic, Aegean and Mediterranean seas. It was so magical to see the various countries and islands in this area.

One thing that stood out the most to us was how different the cuisines from one island to the other were. With the freshest ingredients to make sure any palate is completely satisfied, each island has their unique flavor, seasoning, or way of cooking. Some islands prefer more of a sour taste to their food, and some island like to add more seasoning. I equate this to the way various states in the United States make barbecue, vinegar versus seasoned versus smoked.

I recently came across this amazing article that helps you really understand what I am talking about. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and next time you eat some Greek cuisine you may know where the owners of the restaurant are from in Greece!

CLICK FOR GREEK CUISINE ARTICLE

Remember, Life is Better Traveling is always here to help you plan an amazing vacation to Greek islands whether it is via cruise or island hopping. Give us a call when you are ready to plan.

You TOO can enjoy airport lounges!

Mary Yohannan on

Airport lounges are often thought of for only frequent flyers or those who have purchased large amounts of points to be granted access. These lounges are known as a place of relaxation with free food and drinks to keep you occupied until your flight. Sometimes you can even get a cat nap while resting on their comfortable chairs. But did you know that you too can access some of the best airport lounges?

That is right. You and me who have little airline points and won’t purchase points to get into the lounge, and get VIP access. We can book ourselves into the lounge and enjoy the splendors that come with waiting for our next flight, or having a place to relax until our transfer is ready.

One of my favorite lounges to book people is the Club Mobay Lounge at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There are both arrival and departure lounges that give you access to not only snacks, beverages, and free Wi-Fi, but a Fast-Track service through security, customs and immigration. There are large comfortable chairs to stretch out your legs, especially after a long flight getting there.

Another favorite of mine is the Nassau Airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport. After a long journey of getting to the Bahamas all you want to do is relax on their pristine sandy beaches, so why not get there faster! When you do Fast-Track arrival service you get your own dedicated concierge. They meet you upon arrival and whisk you through Immigration and Customs. Once your through, the personal service doesn’t stop. You will have your own baggage porter that will collect and load your bags into your ground transportation. When your departing Nassau you can enjoy the same Fast-Track service through check-in and security. Once you are through enjoy downtime in their VIP departure lounge.

There are several airports that provide these services to you for a small fee. A much smaller fee than purchasing airline miles to get upgrades. Ask your Life is Better Traveling agent if the airports you are traveling to have one of these Fast-Track services that you can purchase.

Want to take your pet with you on vacation?

Mary Yohannan on

I have been flying a lot this fall and, on every flight, I have been on there has been a dog. Most times I didn’t even notice them as they are so quiet. I usually find out there is a dog as the owner is talking to their bag asking it if it is doing ok. At first, I was a bit scared until I realized there was a dog in their bag. It always surprises me how good the animal is on the flight.

Many airports now also have separate animal areas in the airport terminal. This allows the animals to use a separate area for a bathroom and stretch their legs. Some areas are quite large as the one in Las Vegas, and others are quite small. Regardless, bringing your pet along with you on your vacation is now much easier and more widely accepted.

CLICK HERE to read more about bringing your pet on vacation.

UPDATE: Attention PA Residents!

Mary Yohannan on

UPDATE: As of September 28, 2018, PA residents will now be able to use their current driver’s license as means of identification to board domestic flights until August 1, 2019.

Governor Wolf’s administration released this information…

https://www.governor.pa.gov/department-homeland-security-grants-pennsylvania-real-id-enforcement-extension/

As promised, Life is Better Traveling is staying on top of current events so we make sure our clients are always informed.

2018 Magellan Award Winner

Mary Yohannan on

Life is Better Traveling is proud to be 1 of 2 travel agencies in the U.S. to have received a Magellan award for their excellence in the travel industry.

What is a Magellan Award?

The Magellan Awards honor outstanding design, marketing and services in a broad range of industry segments including Hospitality, Travel Destinations, Cruise Lines, Online Travel Services, Airlines and Airports, Travel Agents and Agencies, Tour Operators and Ground Transportation.

With entries from across the U.S. and around the world, the Magellan Award winners represent the best in the travel industry and salute the outstanding travel professionals behind it all.

Who awards Magellan Awards?

Travel Weekly. Travel Weekly is the most influential provider of news, research, opinion and analysis to the North American travel trade marketplace. It reaches a broad industry audience in print, online and with face-to-face events throughout the year. Travel Weekly is a division of Secaucus, New Jersey based Northstar Travel Media, the largest travel business-to-business travel publisher in the world.

How are Magellan Awards judged?

The Magellan Awards are judged and overseen by a one-of-a-kind panel of top travel professionals representing the best names and most accomplished leaders from the industry. In determining winners, entries do not compete with one another, instead they are judged against a standard of excellence based on the long experience of Travel Weekly.

What does this mean for Life is Better Traveling?

“Magellan winners are those in the industry who communicate travel’s promise, through words, images and design, in ways that ring true and stand out,” said Arnie Weissmann, editor in chief of Travel Weekly. “They create the environments and craft the messages that spark travelers’ imaginations.”

At Life is Better Traveling we promise to provide the same great service you have always received. Many of the accolades we have received this year are mainly in part due to our amazing clients like yourself. We want to thank you for being a loyal client and thank you for making use who we are today.