Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Good to Know - Travel Tips

General travel advice:

  • Make a note of where you parked your car at the airport. After a long trip, your memory will almost always fail you.
  • Dump that hard-sided carry-on. A soft-sided bag has some give, so it can be crammed into tight spaces, but a too-big hard case will have to be checked.
  • Put a unique marker on your suitcase so you can recognize it easily when it comes around on the baggage carousel. (Tip #2 in popularity)
  • If your neighbor won’t stop talking, pretend to sleep.
  • Stock up on zip-lock bags. You can use them for snacks, as doggy bags and as leak-tight carriers, and to protect important documents.
  • Join the airline’s frequent traveler club even if you don’t plan to fly on that airline ever again. (Tip #3)
  • Cross-pack. On a cruise once, I watched one poor woman run the ship in a bathrobe for days because the airline had lost her luggage. Had she cross-packed with her travel companion, she would have had half the clothes she needed for the week.
  • Eye masks! (Tip #4)
  • Never place any important document in the front seat pocket — especially not your passport!
  • When confronted with a particularly nasty passenger, say “God bless you!” loudly. It almost immediately simmers people down. (Author’s note: I tried this on a flight and it worked very well.)

Health:

  • Visit the restroom before boarding the plane.
  • Drink plenty of water, and bring your own bottled water if you prefer it (purchased inside the terminal). (Tip #1)
  • Dab a little antibacterial ointment in your nose to help protect you from the myriad airborne contaminants circulating in the cabin.
  • Wear shoes to the restroom. Bare feet and bad aim are an unpleasant combination. - Don’t eat chili peppers for breakfast. (I don’t know why, but I imagine it has to do with “Plop plop, fizz fizz.”)
  • Take sanitary wipes or wet towels with you. You will always need to clean or disinfect something onboard.
  • Match each alcoholic beverage with at least two glasses of water. - Exercise and stretch. (I agree. If you exercise and stretch, you will have more energy, and you won’t feel as beaten up after a long flight.)
  • If you are allergic to cats, bring allergy medication. Passengers often bring cats onboard or carry dander on their clothes.
  • Use saline spray (put in your ziplock bag for getting thru security). I used to routinely get colds and respiratory illnesses soon after a flight, but since I started using a saline spray a few years ago, I have not once become ill after flying.
  • Always, always check that there is a “barf bag” in the pocket in front of you. You might not get sick, but you never know about your seatmate.

Kids:

  • Pack a small toy or a bag of Goldfish or cookies in your carry-on — not for yourself or your kids to eat, but to quiet the screaming kid three rows back. Works every time and costs only pennies.
  • Schedule your flight for the kids’ naptime, and keep the kids awake by any means possible until you get on the plane. The flight is so much more relaxing for everyone when the kids sleep through it.
  • When kids are howling or staring at you from the seat in front of you, hand them a crayon and the sick bag with instructions to make a hand puppet.
  • Bring dollar bills, and if a kid starts kicking your seat from behind, bribe him with money. Tell him if he’s good for the remainder of the flight, he’ll get $5. Works like a charm.

Comfort:

  • Dress in classy but comfortable clothing.
  • Wear comfortable slip-on shoes. (Tip #7)
  • Unless you are traveling with children, always ask for an exit-row seat. You’ll get more legroom. -
  • Wear noise-canceling headphones. (Tip #5)

Mental health:

  • Forget how it used to be, and play by the new rules.
  • Arrive early. (Tip #6)
  • Practice patience, and be prepared to test it abundantly.
  • Remember that people are people: They have feelings just like you. They come from very different walks of life. Some don’t like to talk, while others need someone to listen.
  • Bring or form a mental picture of your “happy place,” be it that perfect sunset on your trip to the Bahamas or your special loved one. It will serve as a reminder of the good things in life.
  • Be the person you would most like to fly with.

Entertainment:

  • Bring a pen and paper. Write letters, keep a journal or jot down ideas or to-do lists.
  • Listen to an audio book. It takes up more time than the in-flight movie, and is better exercise for your imagination.
  • Make up lives for your fellow passengers. Look around you: See that woman in the sweats, the one who looks tired, but eager? She works in an office all week and she has a bullying boss. She’s flying to see someone she loves, and is confident that he loves her, so she can wear sweats and be comfortable, because this weekend is all about comfort.
  • Books!

Humorous:

  • Be nice to the check-in staff; it’s not their fault airlines are inherently evil. (This is one of my favorites.)
  • For those who hate conversing with the total stranger in the next seat: Wear a button that says, “I’m not being rude, I’m deaf.”
  • If you are from a particularly gassy family, don’t eat cabbage or drink weissen beer before flying. Trust me on this!
  • Hire your own jet and pilot. (Nice for some)
  • Drive instead!

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

10-12 weeks to process passports

If you haven't applied for your passport yet, you better do it now! Below are the new passport requirements:

  • As of Jan 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
  • As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security

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Where it use to take 6-8 weeks for processing a new passport, as of mid-March 2007, it is now taking 10-12 weeks! The expedited service is now taking 3-4 weeks! That means if you haven't applied for your new passport by now and are traveling early summer (early June), you better pay for the expedited service.

Don't end of having your vacation ruined and having to cancel your trip, due to failure of receiving your passport in time for departure.

Nonstop Travel

www.nonstoptrvl.com

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Specials for 2007


Happy New Year,

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season! Now that the rush of the holidays are over, it's time to start thinking about your next vacation for the new year. This is a great opportunity to take advantage of all the specials being offered for cruises or vacation packages. Take a look at a few of the specials below.
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Cruise Specials 2007

Click on the link below to see the fabulous offers of all the major cruise lines. These specials include:

** Weekly Top Deals ($ - Onboard Credit available)
** Last Minute Deals (Exclusive Offers)
** Alaska Top Deals
** Super Senior Rates (55 and over)
** Past Passenger Rates

Many of these specials are Exclusive Offers through my agency only. Bookmark the link below and check back often as we update them on a regular basis.

Don't see the cruise you want listed in these specials? Click on the cruise link (at the top of my website's page) to shop amongst all the major cruiselines. If you move to the bottom of the page and search the port you want to depart from (Cruise Close To Home section), you can see all the cruiselines and their sailing dates. If you're flexible with your travel, you can choose the cruise by pricing, taking advantage of some great savings opportunities! All on one page!

A recent press release from the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) states:

BOOK EARLY OR BEWARE

The travel industry trend toward making cruise reservations far in advance is predicted to accelerate even further in 2007, with consumers heeding CLIA's message that early bookers are ensured the best savings and their optimum choices in ships, staterooms and sailings. Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA says "Some CLIA travel agents have reported that travelers booked 2008 cruises nearly two years in advance. Others have said that their 2007 booking levels are already exceeding those of 2006."

Call now or book online! Don't miss out on getting the best deals of the season!

2007 Cruise Specials
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Cruise for Free as a Group leader: The Best Kept Secret in Travel!

Did you know that you can cruise for free when enough people travel with you? Organizing group cruises is easy, fun, and hassle free. We take care of all of the details for you.Here are some examples of groups you can organize to earn a free cruise:• Family Reunions • Weddings and Anniversaries

• Friends and Social Groups
• Clubs and Associations
• Church Groups
• Country Clubs
• Golfing Groups
• Professional Associations
• Retired Military Groups
• Fraternal Organizations
• Meetings and Incentives

Example of the free cabins you can earn for a 7 night group cruise (based on double occupancy):

-If you have 16 guests in your group, you earn one free guest
-If you have 32 guests in your group, you earn two free guests

(Two free guests = one free cabin, Port charges, taxes and government fees are not included in the free cabins. Cruise line group policies vary)

For more information or to request group pricing, call me or click on the link below:

Cruise for Free as a Group Leader
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2007 Vacation Package Specials

Check out the link below for Hot Deals in 2007, departing from your chosen city.

Other discounts include:

*** PAY IN FULL at time of booking......save $50 per person ****
- Book now-10/31/07, 60 or more days in advance to departure
- all International FJV Air/Hotel Charter/Value Flight Products
- Travel between 1/1/07 - 12/31/07, (excluding 3/10-3/25, 4/7-4/8, 11/17-11/18, 12/22-12/25 2007)
- Promo code: PAYINFULL
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*** 2nd Person Flys FREE -- DFW to Cancun or Cozumel --Save $200 per reservation ***
- Book now thru Feb 1, 2007
- Travel between now and May 21, 2007
- FJV Air/Hotel Charter/Value Flight Products
- 3 night minimum stay
- Promo code: DFWFLYFREE
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*** Nationwide Clearance - Save up to $100 per person ***
- to Mexico, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Canada, Costa Rica, & Ski
- Book now - Jan 31, 2007
- Travel now - Feb 28, 2007- Scheduled Air/Hotel Package
- Discount is 5% off the land portion of the air/hotel package
- 3 night minimum stay
- Promo code: CLEARANCE

Packages are based on availability and are subject to change. Be sure to include the promotion code when searching for packages. Book online or call me direct!

2007 Hot Deals
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Looking for activities or vacation ideas?

What kinds of travel interest you?

- adventure
- arts & culture
- cooking
- escorted tours
- fishing
- golf
- hiking
- history
- honeymoons
- family vacations
- music
- photography
- private island
- shopping
- spa
- scuba
- whale watching
.........you name it, and there's probably a deal for you. Search by activity to find the best vacation to fit your needs.

Nonstop Travel - Vacation Packages
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Destination of the Month - CANCUN

The Cancun Tourism Institute (CTI) states:

With 2006 renovations and improvements totaling over $2 billion, the New Cancun is waiting for you. The beaches are wider, softer and better than ever. Extensive hotel renovations, new shopping centers, and hotel zone beautification efforts are just some of the improvements you'll see at this Mexican beach destination.

I attended CTI's Cancun seminar this week, and I'm happy to tell you that Cancun is up and running and looking forward to your visit. For attending the seminar, I have an exclusive offer that I'm able to pass on to you:

Save $100 per reservation on your next vacation to Cancun or Puerto Morelos!
-Book by Jan 24, 2007
-Travel now - Dec 16, 2007 (blackout Mar 11-18, 2007 and Nov 21-25, 2007)
-Valid on all Funjet Vacations Charter/Value Flights departing DFW to Cancun
-3 night minimum with a minimum total of $600
-Not valid on air only or group bookings of 20 passengers or more
-Promo code: CANCUN

Cancun $100 off promo
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NEW Passport Requirements - as of JAN 23, 2007

Passport requirements are changing for all US citizens on January 23, 2007:

Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by AIR between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by LAND or SEA (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries. The passport requirement does NOT apply to U.S. citizens traveling to or returning directly from a U.S. territory. U.S. citizens returning directly from a U.S. territory are not considered to have left the United States and do not need to present a passport. U.S. territories include the following: Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Swains Island, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
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What does this mean to you? It means it's time to get your new or renewed passport NOW! Even though you won't need a passport to cruise or cross the border by land until 2008, I highly recommend you get your passport for any means of travel out of the country as soon as possible. Only 27% of Americans have a passport. The State Department is currently processing about 245,000 passports a week. Processing time can take 6-8 weeks, and longer if demand continues to increase. Don't let a non-receipt of your passport hamper any of your vacation plans.

Don't delay, get your passport today!
Get your passports here!
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All specials are based on availability and are subject to change. Start planning this year's trip today!

Can't plan you trip quite yet, or you've never visited my websites? Click on the cruise and vacation links above to go to my websites. Save them as a Favorite file so you can check back later. You can rest assured that when you book on my website, you're getting the latest deals and offers from many great travel suppliers. You can book online or call me to make your arrangements. Either way, I'll be there to assist you before, during, and after your travel, answering any questions you might have or help you with any issues.

Well, thanks for reading the newsletter. I value your feedback. Please let me know what you thought of this newsletter. What would you like to see in future newsletters? Are you interested in travel tips? Any particular destination you'd like more information on? Just let me know and I'd be happy to oblige. I am constantly getting updates on current promotions from vendors throughout the world. I want to make you next vacation a memory you're sure to never forget. Once again, Happy New Year and Happy Traveling!

Nan Stacy
Nonstop Travel
817-473-412
1info@nonstoptrvl.com
www.nonstoptrvl.com
http://www.funjet.com/index.asp?plCode=8174532967&OAC=