Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise for Your Family

With a wide range of activities for adults and children alike, as well as an opportunity to explore new places while in port, cruises are a great choice for a family vacation.

Here are some tips for picking the right cruise for your family.

Involve the kids in the planning process. Talk to them about the places they’d like to visit and activities they enjoy, both on the ship and during excursions. Go to the library for books about the itineraries you’re considering. Some kids may be excited by Mexico and the Caribbean, and a chance to swim with the dolphins. Others may be thrilled by the prospect of a cruise to Alaska, with a chance to get up close to sled dogs and try whitewater rafting. Perhaps you’ve got some young history buffs in the family who would love a Mediterranean cruise.

And it’s never too soon to start thinking about accommodations. Today’s cruise ships offer families lots of options, from connecting cabins to suites with multiple bathrooms and spacious living and dining areas, to sofas that convert into beds, to room dividers that provide a little privacy for the grownups. On some ships, the family staterooms are located near the pools and clubs for children.

The length of the cruise and the size of the ship are important considerations for families, too. Think about the number of days you’ll be spending at sea versus days in port, as well as the size of the cruise ship. Larger ships are likely to have more options for dining and activities, but you and your family may feel more comfortable finding your way around a smaller ship. If possible, you may want to leave from a port within driving distance of your home.

The major cruise lines all have clubs for children with loads of activities to keep them busy, but look at how they’re set up. For example, check the age groups. You may find that one cruise line would place your children in separate groups and another would keep them together. And while there are activities for toddlers to teens, take a close look at what’s offered onboard. You want to make sure there’s enough to keep your child occupied for the length of the cruise, whether he or she wants to splash around in a water park or climb a rock wall or make art projects or conduct science experiments. You’ll also find plenty of family friendly shore excursions, from visits to nature parks to sightseeing amid ancient ruins to snorkeling. Just make sure there’s something that matches your child’s interests.

And remember, there is a wide variety of food options on cruises, so even your pickiest eaters will be able to find something they enjoy eating. Also, some cruise lines offer expedited dining for younger passengers, letting them eat first and then go off to activities while mom and dad enjoy a leisurely meal.

For help planning a cruise that’s perfect for your family, contact us at 775-324-1777.

Business Travel: Making Safety a Priority

When you’re on a business trip, it’s natural to be preoccupied with making sure your work goes well. But staying safe on the road, domestically and internationally, is also key, for both men and women.

Your business travel may take you to places you’ve never been before, so it’s important to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Research your destination before you leave home to learn about the area around your hotel. Whether you’re going out for a run in the morning or to a restaurant in the evening, consider carrying a personal alarm keychain, regardless of how safe you feel the area is. Your hotel concierge is also a good source of information on where to go and where to avoid.

Speaking of hotels, when you make your reservation, ask if the front desk is staffed 24 hours a day and whether you need a key card to use the elevator. Request a room on a higher floor, where there’s less risk of a break-in. Make sure your hotel room has deadbolt locks, an eyehole and evacuation procedures. Check that all locks are in working order. For extra protection, consider bringing a portable doorstop with an alarm that will sound if someone tries to enter your room. When you first enter the room, prop your luggage up against the door and do a quick scan to make sure no one is inside.

To avoid having to ask strangers for assistance, bring a suitcase that you can carry yourself, especially up and down stairs if you’ll be taking public transportation. And be sure to shield any contact information on your luggage so that it’s out of view. While you’ll likely be dressing conservatively for your business meetings, think about your casual wardrobe, too. Dress like a local, and leave expensive accessories at home.

While your physical safety is, of course, paramount, it’s also important to protect your personal and business information. Take some security precautions with your smartphone and laptop. Using public Wi-Fi can make it easy for thieves to hack into your devices. Think about getting a portable router to set up your own Wi-Fi hotspot. Password-protect your smartphone and install location tracking. And keep your smartphone fully charged.

Also, keep a record of personal documents. Write down the information from your credit and debit cards, driver’s license and medical insurance to make it easier to replace anything that gets lost or stolen. If you’re traveling abroad, make a copy of your passport. Carry the copy and leave the original in the hotel safe.

Finally, know your comfort level. Talk to your company’s travel manager about what you need to feel safe on the road. If you don’t feel like venturing out in an unfamiliar location after a long day of meetings, order in room service. If it’s late at night, ask a security officer to walk you to your car. Remember to go with your gut instincts.

For help planning a business trip, contact your travel agent at 775-324-1777.

Business travel is showing signs of growth, according to a new nationwide poll of travel experts.

A survey by Travel Leaders Group finds that 38.8 percent of its corporate-travel focused agents reporting overall business travel bookings for 2016 are higher than they were at the same point last year, while 35.6 percent say they’re about even.

One of the most important services that travel agents provide for their corporate clients is ensuring that Duty of Care policies are followed. Companies are responsible for the safety of their employees while they travel, just as they are when they’re at the home office.

Travel Leaders’ agents provide a variety of services under the Duty of Care umbrella. Of those agents reporting that they’ve assisted a client, 67.5 percent said that it involved an airline emergency. But that’s far from the only situation in which clients have required immediate assistance. Other situations include car accidents, train derailments and civil unrest abroad, as well as natural disasters like earthquakes, hurricanes, snowstorms and tornadoes.

While travel usually goes smoothly ¬– only 11.3 percent of respondents indicated that they’d been involved in a Duty of Care situation for a business travel client – obviously emergencies can and do occur. It’s crucial for corporations to have someone who can act quickly when employees need urgent assistance. Often it is the corporate travel agent who has the level of expertise to provide that assistance, whether that means getting clients moved quickly to safety, arranging a new hotel or changing an airline reservation.

Because of Duty of Care obligations, many corporate travel policies expressly forbid their employees from using alternative suppliers, or the “sharing economy,” for accommodations or transportation while they’re traveling on company business.

More than half of the survey respondents – 55.4 percent – reported that none of their business travel clients use an alternative supplier for accommodations, while 34 percent say that 1 to 10 percent use them. In the event of an emergency, it can be difficult to locate employees who use these services instead of a hotel, for example.

When it comes to ground transportation, only about 10 percent say that 51 percent or more of business clients are using alternative suppliers. Duty of Care comes into play here, too. There is no guarantee that a vehicle in the “sharing economy” has been subjected to the same maintenance or regulation as a rental car or licensed taxi.

Nearly all of Travel Leaders’ agents indicate that they book hotels for at least some of their business clients, with about 70 percent arranging accommodations for more than half of these travelers. When it comes to the hotel categories that a majority of business travel clients book, about 55 percent choose upper upscale accommodations, while nearly 24 percent pick upper midscale and 14.5 percent book luxury hotels. Likewise, about 95 percent of respondents say that at least some of their business travel clients add car rental reservations to their itineraries.

For help planning a business trip anywhere across the country or around the world, contact your travel agent at 775-324-1777.

Mexico and the Caribbean are the top honeymoon destinations booked by Travel Leaders agents for their clients. But there are so many options around the world for couples taking their once-in-a-lifetime trip that are just as romantic and adventurous. Here are some hot celebrity honeymoon locales where all newlyweds can feel like superstars.

Venice’s famed canals served as a backdrop for the nuptials of George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin. Of course, a romantic ride in a gondola is a must for any couple visiting this unique and beautiful city. Plan your honeymoon for May or September and you’ll enjoy cooler weather and miss the start and end of the busy tourist season, as well as be able to take advantage of better rates on hotels and airfare.

Florence, Italy, the number eight spot on Travel Leaders Group’s top international destinations for 2016, is also the place where Kim Kardashian and Kanye West spent millions on their wedding. But Florence’s subtle charm is available for free, or nearly so. Panoramic views from a hillside in the capital of Tuscany will make you feel like a million dollars. Afterward, stroll across the Ponte Vecchio, a medieval bridge lined with shops, and take in the city’s unparalleled collection of Renaissance art.

To renew their wedding vows, Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana, chose the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. The island, which has served as a romantic backdrop on many seasons of television’s “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” is in a gorgeous location with views of the Pitons, two mountainous volcanic spires. It’s also a great choice for active couples, with many outdoor activities, including scuba diving, zip lining and mountain biking.

Couples who want to immerse themselves in another culture might want to consider Havana, where Usher and his bride, Grace Miguel, honeymooned. It’s also the top “up and coming” luxury destination according to a recent survey by Travel Leaders Group. While Americans still face travel restrictions, there are ways to include relaxation and romance on a Cuban honeymoon, such as a Fathom Cruise that includes people-to-people cultural exchanges through land tours.

Newlyweds seeking adventure in the great outdoors may want to emulate Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake, who spent their honeymoon on an African safari. The celebrity couple chose Tanzania, home to the Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak. But there are many places, including South Africa and Kenya, to explore the continent’s breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, while enjoying luxurious resorts and lodges to feel pampered.

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris tied the knot on the Indonesian island of Bali. This tropical locale boasts a diverse geography of beaches, waterfalls and mountains. Colorful coral reefs teeming with marine life make Bali a great spot for diving and snorkeling. Whether it’s a visit to a Hindu temple or a performance of music or dance, or through shopping for traditional crafts, like textiles, Bali is also a place for couples to experience an ancient culture.

For help planning a honeymoon anywhere in the world, contact your travel agent at 775-324-1777.

Interest in luxury travel is growing, with consumers looking to the United States, Italy and Australia, as well as cruises, for their next vacation destination in which they plan to splurge.

According to the Fall Travel Trends Survey, conducted by Travel Leaders Group,
Italy is the place luxury travelers are booking ¬– or inquiring about the most – for trips over the next 12 months. Italy came in first, with 37.5 percent, followed by a European river cruise, 24.8 percent, the United States, 19.7 percent, a Mediterranean cruise, 14.9 percent, and Australia, 12 percent.

Of the 785 agents surveyed, 39 percent reported that their 2016 luxury travel bookings are higher than at the same point in 2015, while 45 percent said that bookings are even with last year.

Travel agents who book luxury trips reported that when it comes to resort amenities, their clients place a premium on fine dining. Of the agents surveyed, 82.7 percent said it was their clients’ top expectation. In addition to elegant surroundings, that means unique dishes prepared by chefs using locally sourced ingredients, and a varied wine list.

Luxury clients also place a high premium on personal service. After fine dining, access to a private concierge was cited by 59.1 percent of the agents. Luxury travelers also want someone they can call on when they need help, whether it’s arranging an excursion or tickets to a special event.

A trip to a resort is a chance to relax, so it’s not surprising that the importance of spas came in third among the list of most-valued amenities for travelers visiting luxury resorts, at 42.4 percent. What better way to let go of some of the stress of daily life than with pampering, like a massage, manicure, pedicure, or a visit to a sauna?

Personalized, private check-in and check-out is another perk luxury traveler’s prize, according to 32.7 percent of respondents. After a long journey, or at the end of your stay when you’re eager to get home, there’s nothing like being able to skip the line.

Finally, butler service, cited by 30.4 percent of respondents, came in fifth. Butlers are trained to anticipate travelers’ needs, whether it’s something routine, like making sure fresh towels are always at hand, or arranging something special, like a bottle of champagne. They are also skilled at quickly whisking wrinkled wardrobes so that they’re neatly pressed and fresh, and they also help keep shoes shiny and polished.

The survey results also show the range of accommodations available to luxury travelers, and which types they prefer.

On land, 5-star hotels and resorts are booked most often for luxury clients, according to 33.4 percent of the respondents, followed by suites in 5-star plus hotels and resorts (13.2 percent), 4-star hotels and resorts (12.7 percent), 5-star plus hotels and resorts (9.7 percent) and suites in 4-star hotels and resorts (7.5 percent).

When it comes to shipboard accommodations ships, 32.5 percent report booking luxury cruise ships most often, followed by luxury cruise ship suites (27.3 percent), river cruises, (21 percent) and cruise ship suites on non-luxury vessels (9.8 percent.)

For help planning a luxury vacation that fits your needs, whether it’s on land or at sea, contact your travel agent at 775-324-1777 or visit our website www.btttravel.com

American travelers are taking advantage of the “Brexit benefit” by packing their bags for London this fall.

The June decision by British voters to leave the European Union has sent the pound to a 30-year low against the dollar, making a vacation in the United Kingdom cheaper than it’s been in years. For the first time, London ranks number one on the list of international destinations in Travel Leaders Group’s Fall Travel Trends Survey.

Travel Leaders polled its 1,145 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and frontline agents about the trips they’ve booked for their clients for the remainder of 2016. Forty-five percent of agents who counsel clients on leisure travel reported that the increased value of the dollar has amplified interest in the United Kingdom.

The British capital was followed by Caribbean cruises, the Mexican resort of Cancun, Rome and Paris. Rounding out the list’s top 10 are European river cruises, Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, Mediterranean cruises, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Florence and/or Tuscany, Italy.

London’s cultural calendar is overflowing with new events in the fall, such as the National Portrait Gallery’s blockbuster Picasso exhibit that begins Oct. 6. Fall is also a great time to discover the city’s world-class cuisine. By mid-November, Christmas markets are spreading holiday cheer. And what would London be without pageantry?

In the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is host to one of the region’s most colorful and unusual autumn traditions. Also in November, Holland America Line’s newest ship, the ms Koningsdam, will embark on Caribbean voyages from its homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Fall in Cancun is a perfect time to get a taste of Mexico’s history and culture, along with some sun and sand.

Rome is a place of ancient history but it shows off its modern side in the fall. The 31st RomaEuropa Festival, which runs through Dec. 3, includes more than 500 artists in performances of music, theater, dance, contemporary circus and visual arts. And the Rome Jazz Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year from Nov. 6-23.

The June decision by British voters to leave the European Union has sent the pound to a 30-year low against the dollar, making a vacation in the United Kingdom cheaper than it’s been in years. For the first time, London ranks number one on the list of international destinations in Travel Leaders Group’s Fall Travel Trends Survey.

Travel Leaders polled its 1,145 U.S.-based travel agency owners, managers and frontline agents about the trips they’ve booked for their clients for the remainder of 2016. Forty-five percent of agents who counsel clients on leisure travel reported that the increased value of the dollar has amplified interest in the United Kingdom.

The British capital was followed by Caribbean cruises, the Mexican resort of Cancun, Rome and Paris. Rounding out the list’s top 10 are European river cruises, Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, Mediterranean cruises, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Florence and/or Tuscany, Italy.

London’s cultural calendar is overflowing with new events in the fall, such as the National Portrait Gallery’s blockbuster Picasso exhibit that begins Oct. 6. Fall is also a great time to discover the city’s world-class cuisine. By mid-November, Christmas markets are spreading holiday cheer. And what would London be without pageantry?

In the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is host to one of the region’s most colorful and unusual autumn traditions. Also in November, Holland America’s newest ship, the Koningsdam, will embark on Caribbean voyages from its homeport of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Fall in Cancun is a perfect time to get a taste of Mexico’s history and culture, along with some sun and sand.

Rome is a place of ancient history but it shows off its modern side in the fall. The 31st RomaEuropa Festival, which runs through Dec. 3, includes more than 500 artists in performances of music, theater, dance, contemporary circus and visual arts. And the Rome Jazz Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year from Nov. 6-23.

Paris is a city for lovers all year round, but in the fall it’s a special place for chocolate lovers. By mid-November, Paris is getting ready for Christmas, with holiday markets, colorful lighting and open-air ice rinks giving the city a festive atmosphere.

For help planning a trip anywhere in the world, contact your travel agent at 775-324-1777.

If you’re a business traveler, you know that your credit card comes out of your wallet a lot ¬¬while you’re on the road – for transportation, hotels, meals and other incidental expenses.

And there’s a lot to think about when deciding which credit card is most appropriate for your own personal business travel. In addition to taking into account your own needs as a traveler, you also have to consider the travel suppliers such as airlines and hoteliers that your employer uses.

If you tend to fly to the same places on business, using the same airline and hotel for your trips, it may be worthwhile to select a card branded to a carrier or hotel chain, so that you can get the most out of those accumulated miles and points.

Remember that even if you’ve decided on a card tied to a specific brand, you’ll still find much to choose from. Delta, for example, has a number of credit-card options tied to airline miles.

Also, the cards from airlines and hotels come with other perks besides free flights and hotel stays.

Delta has credit cards that allow discounted or complimentary access to its airport Sky Clubs and partner lounges, as well as savings on in-flight purchases and free baggage check for the first bag. Depending on the card, Hilton Honors offers free high-speed Wi-Fi and room upgrades when available. Cardholders who charge a certain amount in a calendar year are eligible for a free weekend night at select hotels and resorts.

Some travelers tend to go to many different destinations on business trips, flying on different carriers and staying in a variety of hotels. They may find it difficult to get the full benefit from credit cards tied to a brand.

If this fits your business travel profile, you may want to choose a credit card that offers a wide variety of ways you can redeem points, such as transferring them to partner airlines and hotels. Cards that offer multiple points for money spent on travel and dining can be a great deal for business travelers, too. Some non-branded cards offer perks like an annual credit that can be applied to baggage fees or in-flight food purchases or partial reimbursement for in-flight Wi-Fi.

Other considerations include whether or not the card has an annual fee, and if you’ll be able to “make up” the fee in rewards during the year. Business travelers who take trips outside the United States may want to look for a card that doesn’t charge a transaction fee on foreign purchases.

It’s important to take a careful look at what each card offers ¬– including reading the fine print – and think about what you’ll be really getting. How much do you have to charge in order to accumulate enough points for a reward that you can use? Credit cards usually include a sign-up bonus for charging a certain amount of money within the first 90 days. Make sure it’s a bonus that works for you.

For help planning your next business trip, contact your travel agent.