#LifeisBetterTraveling Archives - Page 4 of 15

Druids and St. Patrick, oh my!

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.

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Find out THIS about each Greek Island…

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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!

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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.

UPDATE: Attention PA Residents!

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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

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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.

Are you ready for flu season?

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It may be a bit too early to start thinking about Flu season but this week I took the kids to get their Flu shots. I always like to be prepared which means getting the Flu shot. But how do you protect yourself when you’re traveling during Flu season? We have some recommendation for you from the CDC, WHO, our Travel Leaders partners, and Life is Better Traveling.

The CDC recommends a yearly influenza vaccine for anyone over 6 months of age who has no contraindications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) says that “Precautionary measures should be taken to limit transmission. People should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, then throw it out and wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.”

For those flying, Travel and Leisure gives the following tips:

“Choose a window seat over an aisle seat. Fewer people passing by means fewer opportunities to catch germs.”
“Pack a small bottle of nasal spray (often available at airport convenience stores, if you forget) to stay well-lubricated.”
“The tray table is one of the dirtiest places on the plane. Whereas the bathroom is subject to mandatory cleanings, no one is guaranteed to be wiping down the tray tables between services. Having a small vial of antibacterial gel or wipes will help you kill any germs in your area before you even come in contact.”
“Contrary to popular belief, you should actually turn on your overhead vent. When someone sneezes, those germs can quickly spread to those in their immediate area. Turning on an air vent increases air circulation and can move germs away if you’re sitting next to someone who might be sick.

Take these precautions when traveling to a foreign country

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Are you nervous about traveling to a foreign country or even to another state? Are you unsure whether you would encounter a language barrier in a foreign country? Do you wish someone would tell you what precautions you should take when traveling to a foreign country?

I am here to help! In this newsletter I am going to give you some amazing advice, as well as some great advice from other travel agents as to which precautions to take when traveling to a foreign country.

It is highly recommended that all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect themselves if they become ill or injured, particularly in a foreign country and require medical treatment and/or evacuation.

To maximize one’s personal safety and security while traveling in international destination:
- Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
- Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.
- Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
- Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas, and avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.
- Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member back home.
- Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
- Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items.
- Make sure to have a charged cellphone and fully charged power block with you at all times.
- Know where your exits are in case you would have to get out in an emergency.
- Make every attempt to travel during daylight hours and stick to main roads.

Additional precautions travelers can take, just as they would at home, include:
- Have someone you trust with you.
- If something seems suspicious, remove yourself from that situation.
- Be a good citizen. If you see a fellow traveler needing assistance don’t be afraid to help.
- If traveling with children, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times, especially near water as the resorts do not offer lifeguards.

We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

Travel Agents Save Wintry Weather Disasters

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It is only the beginning of March but believe it or not, people are planning and booking their winter vacations for next year. Why? Everyone loves to travel to warmer weather and the Caribbean and Mexico are usually the top places we book. A few days relaxing on the beach and taking in some good amounts of Vitamin D makes everyone’s spirits lift up. Unfortunately, wintry weather can disrupt travel plans. It is a known fact that travelers who book through a trained travel agent professional have many advantages over those who “go it alone.”

Here are some of the advantages when you book with a Life is Better Traveling travel professional:

1. Life is Better Traveling Travel agents are trained to monitor situations like winter weather that may impact their clients’ travel plans. As such, they also can work on alternative travel plans and can likely have those in place the moment the need arises. In some cases, such as weather, airlines are not required to provide accommodations. Travel agents can proactively find accommodations for their clients in when weather disrupts travel plans.

2. If changes in travel plans are necessary due to weather or mechanical issues for example, many times, travel agents can rebook clients for no additional charge or are able to obtain travel vouchers and/or refunds that clients may not know are due or available to them.

3. We stand ready to assist clients who may encounter major transportation delays or cancelled flights. If necessary:

We will help our clients secure other flight arrangements.
We will work to rebook hotel and car rental reservations.
We will work to find alternative modes of transportation to get our clients to their destination.

4. With limited airline seats available, Life is Better Traveling travel agents have the resources needed to quickly rebook clients and reserve the next available seat.

Travelers who book on their own either have to “roll the dice” by calling an 800 number or standing in a lengthy customer service line to try get rebooked. Using a travel agent can essentially move you to the “front of the line.”

Why Uber is a great way to get around…

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Have you Ubered lately?

Forget conventional taxi service, Uber is the new way to get around.

I was recently at a farewell party and one of the guests was talking about how she used Uber to get to the restaurant. The person she was talking to ask her if she felt safe using this service and she replied, yes. The person who asked the question said she would not feel safe using the service but has heard that people have had good services. So it has me thinking, if I need a mode of transportation and didn’t want to use a taxi would I use Uber?

For those of you who do not know what Uber is here is the description of the business straight from their web-site: Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009 to our launches in hundreds of cities today, Uber’s rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer. They are rapidly growing as the Uber service is available in 59 countries and 311 cities and growing.

So how do you Uber? You simply go on their website and sign up for their App which can be easily downloaded on any smart device through the Apple Store or Google Play store. Once you download the app you put in your criteria of where you need to be picked up, what time, and what place to drop off. They also pride themselves on having clear pricing for your trip and you can even pay through the app. I feel that having already paid for the services up front is very helpful and I don’t have to worry about having cash or giving the correct change.

Is Uber safe? I know for certain that taxi cab drivers are not always the most reliable or safe drivers. I have been swindled by a few taxi drivers overseas as they have taken the scenic route to get me to my destination. What ends up happening is I pay an arm and a leg for what should have been a 2 minute ride. We also hear about people who rob taxi cab drivers or vice versa. Unfortunately, this is the risk involved when using these types of services. Uber is on a mission thought to ensure the safety of both the passengers and drivers. Each Uber driver must undergo a background investigation including a criminal background check. They also make everyone take their code of conduct which Uber says gives everyone in the “vehicle has a shared standard for respect, accountability, and common courtesy.” Make sure to ask the driver the name of the person they are there to pick-up. This also helps with confusion and safety.

So will you Uber? I really like that I can pre-pay my ride. This helps with not allowing the driver to take you on the scenic route unless it is on their time and dime. I would be more likely to use this service in the United States when I don’t have a whole bunch of luggage with me. Carrying around luggage is already a hassle, then when your Uber car pulls up and it can barely fit your carry-on let alone the four other pieces of luggage you have with you can be nerve racking. I think this concept is great as it has helped people who are drinking make sure they don’t get behind the wheel, as with the case of a few of our friends at this farewell party the other weekend. I am always for a service that may save a life.

Next time you need a taxi, consider using Uber!

P.S. Did you know that Uber is throughout Europe and a great way to quickly get around the city to see sights? When you are ready to book your next European vacation, make sure to ask your travel agent the best way to go about using Uber.

Windmills, Lions, Beaches, OH MY!

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When you think of Greece you think of the iconic white-washed walls and grey cobblestone streets. You dream of sunny weather, clear water, good food, and Greek Yia-Yia’s (Greek for Grandmother) inviting you into their home for some dancing and fun. OPA!

Well, when you visit the Islands of Greece you can get this experience minus the Yia-Yia inviting you into their home. One of my favorite Greek Islands that I visited was Mykonos. The moment we stepped into Old Town I felt like I was transported into a Greek Island photo that I see on the wall in the local Greek Restaurant. White-washed buildings with grey cobblestoned streets. The streets were just wide enough to fit a small car through, but you won’t see cars on these streets.

Mykonos offers a variety of things to do on the Island including enjoying one of the many beaches. Of course, I wanted to see the iconic windmills. The windmills look down a small part of the Island called Little Venice. Little Venice is a tiny quarter of trendy boutiques, churches and whitewashed fishermen’s houses lining the seafront in Mykonos’ Old Town.

The four signature windmills up on a hill overlooking Mykonos Town are the most well-know and signature to the Island. Capped with wood and straw, the three-story conical windmills were built by the Venetians in the 16th century to mill flour. They remained in use until the early 20th century.

Did you know that there are actually two dozen windmills on the Island? The Bonis Windmill overlooking Little Venice houses a folklore museum, while others around the Island now serve as very unusual homes. The views from the windmills over Little Venice and the harbor are stunning, especially at sunset. Sailing into harbor, the windmills are one of the first sights of Mykonos.

Even though the windmills may attract you to this Island, there are many attractions to see including the Terrace of the Lions which are dedicated to the Greek God Apollo. Originally in 600 B.C. there were up to a dozen big squatting guardian cats lining the Sacred Way. If you were to visit today you would see only seven remaining due to weathering. The current lions are replicas, with the originals preserved in the site’s museum, a short walk east of the terrace near the visitor pavilion.

If you are thinking of taking a trip to Greece you may want to consider adding Mykonos to your list of Islands that you visit. With several amazing beaches, museums, sites, and over a dozen windmills to see you will not be disappointed nor will you go away with an empty stomach!

If you are thinking of taking a European vacation, make sure to include Rome in your itinerary so you can experience the magnificent of this museum. Simply email Mary and we can start to plan.

Remember, a Life is Better Traveling Travel Agent is here to help make your next European vacation amazing!