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Hi Everyone,
Caroline Costello from Smarter Travel has listed 10 things you should never pack in your checked bag. Even though many of us are very frequent travelers, these are good reminders for everyone. I have summarized the article below:
1. Jewelry and Valuables
Many carriers require passengers to submit claims when bags are lost. Your airline will tally the depreciated value of the contents of your missing suitcase. Airlines will pay no more than $3300 per passenger for bags lost on domestic flights and remember that is the maximum. You are far more likely to get much less. Best thing to do is leave that jewelry at home.
2. Identification, passports, boarding passes, and essential documents
Keep these with you in your carry on bag. If you must put important documents in your checked luggage make sure they are copies, not orginals. Any documents that include sensitive or private information should be kept out of your checked luggage.
3. Cash and credit cards
Be aware that a security agent may be rummaging through your things at some point. There is always a change that your luggage could be damaged and contents lost. Carry these things in your carry on .
4. Laptops and electronics
These are typically fragile, expensive, and more prone to breaking if transported in checked luggage.
5. Lighters, matches, and flammable items
Check the TSA's website for prohibited items.
6. All of your clothes
If you should happen to lose your luggage your will be very grateful for putting a change of clothes in your carry on. Think about what you just won't be able to do without for 24 hours and make sure you carry it on.
7. Medications
There's a theme here. If you can't live comfortably without it, don't pack it in your checked bag. If you have liquid medication you can bring it onboard even if it exceeds the 3/4 oz limit for carry on liquids. Tell a security officer that you're carrying liquid medications. It helps to have a doctor's note or medical ID card but it is not required.
8. Breakable Items
Fragile items should always be packed in your carry on.
9. Film
Most of us are using digital cameras now, but if you are still using film, put it in your carry on .
10. Food and drink
Although not prohibited, it is not wise to store food in your checked luggage. Bottled drinks can explode, and if your flight is delayed, packed food can spoil. Also, if you are traveling internationally, you may be prohibited from bringing food to your destination. Each country has its own rules for bringing food across its borders. Check the embassy website of the country you are visiting.
-Smarter Travel, 2/2/2012
2012-13 Tours
Amazing Britain, August, 2012 This 11 day tour will begin and end in London. We'll visit London, Coventry, York, and Durham before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in Scotland we'll attend the famous Edinburgh Tatoo,then off to St. Andrew's and the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Glasgow, we'll start south to Manchester, but will also sneak over into Wales. Quick trips through Bath and Stonehedge will wind up our trip before catching our flight home. The Summer Olympics will be in full swing while we are in London and we will have a little leisure time there, so you may be able to get some tickets for events. I have 10 seats remaining for this amazing trip. Deposit now!
Autumn Colors, October 2-9, 2012. We will fly into Boston to begin our tour. We'll travel up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor, and visit Acadia National Park. We'll then travel to Pinkham Notch and North Conway, New Hampshire, then on to Ludlow, Vermont and Woodstock, and then cross back into Massachusetts traveling through Lexington and Concord on our way back to Boston for our flight home. For all you Spartan fans, there is no home game while we are gone! Deposit now. I only have 2 seats left for this tour.
Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, October 19-29, 2012. Join Fr. Jim Eisele and Fr. Jim Lothamar as they host the "Travel to Italy and Meet Some Saints Along the Way" tour. We will visit Venice, Assisi, Florence and Rome on this very special tour.
New!!! Australia and New Zealand, January 10-29 This amazing 20 day tour will visit Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook and More! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the land down under. I only have 10 seats remaining for this tour. There is currently a $500 early booking discount so deposit now!
Don't forget to ask about past passenger discounts for all of the above tours.
May, 2013: Greek Isles Cruise, Sept, 2013:Germany
Working on California Wine Tour!
Have a great week!
Lynn
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HI Everyone,
Just a reminder that when you book airfares now, the full price, including all taxes and fees, must be displayed. Tour operators are upgrading their websites to reflect the new Department of Transportation guidelines. Disney just announced that all packages booked through Disney will require immediate payment in full of the air portion of the package. You will still be able to hold a reservation until the close of business that day, but then payments will be required.
We all know that if you can afford it, the best place to stay when going to Disney World is on property. Their transportation system is so great that you will not need a car at all. If, however, that is just not in the budget, I have several very affordable properties close to Disney ranging from hotel rooms to three bedroom condos, many with shuttles to Disney.
On January 26, Smarter Travel's Christine Sarkis reported that Frommer's, Travel and Leisure, and the UK's TravelSupermarket put together the World's Most Popular Tourist Destinations. How many have you seen:
Times Square, New York; Central Park, New York; Forbidden City, Beijing, China; Walt Disney World, Florida; Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris; Fanuil Hall Marketplace, Boston; Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas; Niagra Falls, US and Canada; Great Smoky Mountains, North Carolina and Tennessee; Victoria Peak, Hong Kong. I think we can all add our very own destinations. For me, it was the clear blue waters of Tahiti. Why don't you go over to www.facebook.com/fullertravelservice and tell us your very favorite destination.
2012-13 Tours
Amazing Britain, August, 2012 This 11 day tour will begin and end in London. We'll visit London, Coventry, York, and Durham before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in Scotland we'll attend the famous Edinburgh Tatoo,then off to St. Andrew's and the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Glasgow, we'll start south to Manchester, but will also sneak over into Wales. Quick trips through Bath and Stonehedge will wind up our trip before catching our flight home. The Summer Olympics will be in full swing while we are in London and we will have a little leisure time there, so you may be able to get some tickets for events. I have 10 seats remaining for this amazing trip. Deposit now!
Autumn Colors, October 2-9, 2012. We will fly into Boston to begin our tour. We'll travel up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor, and visit Acadia National Park. We'll then travel to Pinkham Notch and North Conway, New Hampshire, then on to Ludlow, Vermont and Woodstock, and then cross back into Massachusetts traveling through Lexington and Concord on our way back to Boston for our flight home. For all you Spartan fans, there is no home game while we are gone! Deposit now. I only have 2 seats left for this tour.
Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, October 19-29, 2012. Join Fr. Jim Eisele and Fr. Jim Lothamar as they host the "Travel to Italy and Meet Some Saints Along the Way" tour. We will visit Venice, Assisi, Florence and Rome on this very special tour.
New!!! Australia and New Zealand, January 10-29 This amazing 20 day tour will visit Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook and More! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the land down under. I only have 23 seats available for this tour. There is currently a $500 early booking discount so deposit now!
Don't forget to ask about past passenger discounts for all of the above tours.
May, 2013: Greek Isles Cruise, Sept, 2013:Germany
Working on California Wine Tour!
Have a great week!
Lynn
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Hi Everyone,
The new Department of Transportation consumer protection rules go into effect on January 26 and should have an impact on advertising, pricing, refunds, and notifications from the airlines. Here is a little summary of what is supposed to happen:
- Airline advertising must show the total price including all mandatory taxes and fees.
- Ads must say "each way" rather than "one way" if roundtrip is required
- Optional services that cost extra cannot be automatically included on an "opt out" basis.
- Airlines must allow travelers to hold a reservation for 24 hours without payment and/or grant refund for cancellations made within 24 hours.
- Post-purchase increases in airfares or in any component of an air-inclusive package are prohibited.
- Price increases between the time of the passenger's initial deposit and due date for final payment cannot be passed on unless passengers provided written consent at time of booking.
- Airlines and online booking agencies must explain the baggage allowance and fees for carry on.
- Airlines are required to publish information about known delays, cancellations, or changes in the status of a flight within 20 minutes of becoming aware, by making the info available at the boarding gate, on the Web, and (upon request) via call centers.
- On multicarrier itineraries, the baggage fees and allowances of the first carrier on the itinerary must apply throughout.
Thanks to Travel Weekyl, 1/16/12, for this update. Some of these requirements are under review in the Courts, but this is the latest info as we know it.
In other news:
Fuller Travel is a member of the Better Business Bureau and last week I received this info from the BBB that I though worth passing along:
"Winter and spring are prime months for ocean cruises, but the Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan advises consumers to read all of the fine print before signing up for a special cruise deal. The BBB urges consumers to be especially cautious of unsolicited mail with offers of free or discounted cruises. In 2011, the BBB received more than 1300 complaints against cruise companies. While legitimate cruise companies do offer specials periodically, there are always those few that end up leaving consumers on the hook for thousands of dollars. Many times, scammers will send numerous e-mails, postcards, and other mailings trying to get you to claim your 'free cruise'. Don't be fooled by professional looking websites. Gather as much information as you can about the business and ask a lot of questions before signing on the dotted line." Better yet, call your trusty travel agent!
2012-13 Tours
Amazing Britain, August, 2012 This 11 day tour will begin and end in London. We'll visit London, Coventry, York, and Durham before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in Scotland we'll attend the famous Edinburgh Tatoo,then off to St. Andrew's and the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Glasgow, we'll start south to Manchester, but will also sneak over into Wales. Quick trips through Bath and Stonehedge will wind up our trip before catching our flight home. The Summer Olympics will be in full swing while we are in London and we will have a little leisure time there, so you may be able to get some tickets for events. I have 30 seats for this amazing trip. Deposit now!
Autumn Colors, October 2-9, 2012. We will fly into Boston to begin our tour. We'll travel up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor, and visit Acadia National Park. We'll then travel to Pinkham Notch and North Conway, New Hampshire, then on to Ludlow, Vermont and Woodstock, and then cross back into Massachusetts traveling through Lexington and Concord on our way back to Boston for our flight home. For all you Spartan fans, there is no home game while we are gone! Deposit now. I only have 10 seats left for this tour.
Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, October 19-29, 2012. Join Fr. Jim Eisele and Fr. Jim Lothamar as they host the "Travel to Italy and Meet Some Saints Along the Way" tour. We will visit Venice, Assisi, Florence and Rome on this very special tour.
New!!! Australia and New Zealand, January 10-29 This amazing 20 day tour will visit Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook and More! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the land down under. I only have 23 seats available for this tour. There is currently a $500 early booking discount so deposit now!
Don't forget to ask about past passenger discounts for all of the above tours.
May, 2013: Greek Isles Cruise, Sept, 2013:Germany
Working on California Wine Tour!
Have a great week!
Lynn
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Hi Everyone,
Apple Vacations has introduced a new app for those who book an Apple Vacation. The app will allow you to call back to the United States and will work on an iPhone or on an Android phone. The price is $14.95 and the app allows you to make unlimited calls and texts from Cancun back to the US. It also allows you to post to Facebook and Twitter, and check your flight status. Right now, it is only available to Apple Vacations clients in Cancun and the Riviera Maya but Apple is expanding to other destinations.
The National Parks Service announced that admission to all National Parks will be free on certain days this year: National Park Week (April 21 to 29), Get Outdoors Day (June 9), National Public Lands Day (September 29), and the weekend of Veterans Day (November 10 to 12).
Disney is offering a $25 onboard credit when making a new Disney Cruise booking. This onboard credit offer doesn't seem like a big deal but it is combinable with other offers. For new bookings only.
Cruise lines are constantly updating itineraries and programs. Norwegian Cruise Line just announced an update to their children's programs. The cruise line will begin offering structured programming for infants and babies up to 2 years old. Age appropriate programming will be offered to children to age 17. More focus will be placed on sporting activities, arts and crafts, theater and technology, the line said. Neither the implementation timetable nor the name of the new program has been revealed. Additionally, the line has engaged Cirque Du Jour, a New York-based company that specializes in teaching children circus skills such as juggling, clowning and acrobatics.
When you are done reading this blog, take a minute and check out the new link to Luxury Villas on our home page. If you've ever thought of renting a villa, check out the offerings in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, France and Italy.
2012-13 Tours
Amazing Britain, August, 2012 This 11 day tour will begin and end in London. We'll visit London, Coventry, York, and Durham before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in Scotland we'll attend the famous Edinburgh Tatoo,then off to St. Andrew's and the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Glasgow, we'll start south to Manchester, but will also sneak over into Wales. Quick trips through Bath and Stonehedge will wind up our trip before catching our flight home. The Summer Olympics will be in full swing while we are in London and we will have a little leisure time there, so you may be able to get some tickets for events. I have 30 seats for this amazing trip. Deposit now!
Autumn Colors, October 2-9, 2012. We will fly into Boston to begin our tour. We'll travel up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor, and visit Acadia National Park. We'll then travel to Pinkham Notch and North Conway, New Hampshire, then on to Ludlow, Vermont and Woodstock, and then cross back into Massachusetts traveling through Lexington and Concord on our way back to Boston for our flight home. For all you Spartan fans, there is no home game while we are gone! Deposit now. I only have 28 seats for this trip and half are spoken for already.
Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, October 19-29, 2012. Join Fr. Jim Eisele and Fr. Jim Lothamar as they host the "Travel to Italy and Meet Some Saints Along the Way" tour. We will visit Venice, Assisi, Florence and Rome on this very special tour.
New!!! Australia and New Zealand, January 10-29 This amazing 20 day tour will visit Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook and More! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the land down under. I only have 23 seats available for this tour. There is currently a $500 early booking discount so deposit now!
Don't forget to ask about past passenger discounts for all of the above tours.
May, 2013: Greek Isles Cruise, Sept, 2013:Germany
Working on California Wine Tour!
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fullertravelservice
Have a great week!
Lynn |
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HI Everyone,
Las Vegas News
It's been a while since I talked about Las Vegas. Here are just a few of the happenings on the Strip:
The Jersey Boys, one of the hottest shows in Vegas, is moving from the Palazzo to Paris beginning in March. For the first time in 6 years, the Fountains at Bellagio will perform new numbers. Beginning this month, we will hear some Michael Jackson, Beatles, and Glenn Miller tunes. Caesar's Palace has opened its sixth hotel tower, adding 668 rooms to the property. Guests staying in this tower will have a private entrance and a separate hotel lobby.
Secrets Opening:
AMResorts will introduce a new adult only all-inclusive in Cancun's hotel zone in August of this year. Secrets the Vine celebrates fine wine with unique wine tasting experiences. This will be the 10th Secrets brand. It is a wonderful all-inclusive for adults. To celebrate the impending opening, Secrets is offering a limited time pre-opening special of $160 per person per night based on double occupancy for travel between August 1-October 8, 2012. Must book by the end of January to receive these special rates.
Airline News
Starting January 26th, the Department of Transportation's new truth-in-advertising regulations take effect. These rules which were announced last spring along with a series of other passenger protection regulations state that airlines must include all mandatory government taxes and fees in advertised ticket prices. Optional charges like baggage fees or meal costs don't have to be included in fares but must be clearly displayed on the airline's websites. Of course, some of the airlines, notable some familiar low cost carriers, are attempting to block the new policy. The suit is pending in the US Court of Appeals.
In other news, Delta announced a new fee this week for flights to and from Europe. They will charge $3 each way to offset the European carbon exchange tax.
2012-13 Tours
Amazing Britain, August, 2012 This 11 day tour will begin and end in London. We'll visit London, Coventry, York, and Durham before arriving in Edinburgh, Scotland. While in Scotland we'll attend the famous Edinburgh Tatoo,then off to St. Andrew's and the Scottish Highlands. Leaving Glasgow, we'll start south to Manchester, but will also sneak over into Wales. Quick trips through Bath and Stonehedge will wind up our trip before catching our flight home. The Summer Olympics will be in full swing while we are in London and we will have a little leisure time there, so you may be able to get some tickets for events. I have 30 seats for this amazing trip. Deposit now!
Autumn Colors, October 2-9, 2012. We will fly into Boston to begin our tour. We'll travel up the Maine coast to Bar Harbor, and visit Acadia National Park. We'll then travel to Pinkham Notch and North Conway, New Hampshire, then on to Ludlow, Vermont and Woodstock, and then cross back into Massachusetts traveling through Lexington and Concord on our way back to Boston for our flight home. For all you Spartan fans, there is no home game while we are gone! Deposit now. I only have 28 seats for this trip and half are spoken for already.
Catholic Pilgrimage to Italy, October 19-29, 2012. Join Fr. Jim Eisele and Fr. Jim Lothamar as they host the "Travel to Italy and Meet Some Saints Along the Way" tour. We will visit Venice, Assisi, Florence and Rome on this very special tour.
New!!! Australia and New Zealand, January 10-29 This amazing 20 day tour will visit Melbourne, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, the Great Barrier Reef, Sydney, Christchurch, Queenstown, Mt. Cook and More! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the land down under. I only have 23 seats available for this tour. There is currently a $500 early booking discount so deposit now!
Don't forget to ask about past passenger discounts for all of the above tours.
May, 2013: Greek Isles Cruise, Sept, 2013:Germany
Working on California Wine Tour!
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/fullertravelservice
Have a great week!
Lynn |
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