Cruising 101

Cruising!!             
Why take a cruise?


One of the biggest appeals of a cruise ship vacation is its all-inclusive aspect. Your meals, port stops, and on board activities are pre-planned and available for your enjoyment, pretty much whenever you feel like enjoying them.

Is all you do is eat?


Well, yeah. But is this really a bad thing? Seriously, if you don't like good food, then you are going to be pretty miserable anywhere you go. Sure, the buffet may not appeal to you, but most cruise ships offer far more choices than just a buffet line.

On many cruise lines, the buffet and main dining room are just two of the dining options available.
Some ships now offer fresh Indian food, deli sandwiches, sushi and more. If the main dining room doesn't appeal to you, you can often pay a small cover charge for an alternative dining experience.

Don't forget most cruises offer free 24 hour room service!

Do I have to Travel to Florida to catch the cruise?

No. Besides Florida cruises leave from the following U.S ports year round:

• Los Angeles
• San Diego
• Seattle
• Galveston
• New Orleans
• Mobile
• Charleston
• New York City
• Norfolk 
• Baltimore

Cruise Lines We Recommend

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Celebrity
• Norwegian Cruise Lines
• Holland America Cruise Line
• Disney Cruise Line

Where the East meets the West

Greeting travelers!!

Here is your truly Ron of The Way To Go Travel at Greenwich England straddling the Prime Meridian. In case you forgot your rudimentary geography here is a reminder of what exactly it is.

The prime meridian is the vertical line that marks the zero degree longitude measurement on the globe of Earth. The line intersects the latitude lines that are horizontal. Not every globe has the same prime meridian measurement, but most measure the earth’s prime meridian as a line that passes through England, France, Spain, Togo, and down to Antarctica.

Unlike latitude measurements, any longitude line begins at the North Pole and ends at the South Pole. Latitudinal measurements combined with longitudinal measurements can help one locate a specific place on a map. They are of particular use in air trafficking, and in determining shipping locations.
Longitude measurements like the prime meridian are also a way to evaluate time. Each space between a longitude measurement represents approximately one hour’s time. Hence if one were to travel from the prime meridian to the next longitude line, which advances one 15 degrees, there would be a difference of approximately one hour in terms of measurements by the sun. Time differences may or may not be accounted for depending upon the country.

Hope you learned or releaned a bit.


Cheers,

Ron Trimper
Vacation Planner
The Way To Go Travel
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
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What is the benefit of using a travel professional?

Save time, get specialized advice, get help when you need it, and saves money.
Travel agents have specialized knowledge of travel, tours, and destinations. If you have ever tried to plan a trip you may understand that it can take hours on a computer to plan the trip and even then you may not figure everything out. Travel agents understand your trip, they have traveled to your destination, planned it before, and they have received a lot of feedback about your travel. Travel professionals have tips that you may not have found otherwise.
If there is a problem with a flight or a hotel reservation a travel professional is there to help. Travel agents will rebook you or fix problems to make your trip as smooth as possible. Sometimes travel professionals have deals that are not available on internet booking engines and these are made available to you.

http://20023457.travsearch.com/

Travel agents: The dinosaur you just might need

A long time ago, in a travel world far away, you needed a printed ticket to get on an airplane and you probably got it from a travel agent. Now you buy online and there is no ticket, just a number. Not all that long ago, you needed special printed travel documents to go on a extended land or cruise vacation and you picked them up at your travel agent's office. Now you don't need those either and you probably don't visit your travel agent's office very often, if you even have one. Then, traveling meant being prepared with a trip to the library, book store and travel agency office for information . Now we click our way to expert status without leaving home.

We can easily book most travel options without a travel agent. That's a fact. The big question though is: Should we?

These days about the only place you'll find an airline ticket is on American Idol when when hopefuls get sent along to Hollywood. Travel agents still issue them but now it is mostly as a courtesy to clients too busy to do it on their own or as part of a package. Today, we can select the airline we want, when we want to fly and even a seat assignment, all online. Other types of travel as well, from land vacations to cruises, have been made available to click-and-book.

Where travel agents have the most visible value is being there for travelers when something goes wrong. But that does not happen all that much so those who are comfortable with the click-and-book method accept the risk.

More commonly, travel agents can offer great value that travelers could not get on their own.
That value may translate to lower prices, complementary upgrades, bonus amenities when traveling and other good things down the line, after booking. That "after booking" part is the unknown, difficult-to-measure factor that eludes many travelers.

Odds are up-front pricing on many elements of a travel purchase will be the similar or the same from one source or agent to another. Even compared to the service provider, be that an airline, car rental agency, tour company or cruise line, pricing is similar.

Or so it seems.

That similarity in price may be misleading and causes those with even a minimal online booking comfort level to think or say "What do I need this middleman for? I can do this myself."

True, today we can do it ourselves. Do we save money? In the long run, probably not. Anything we can find online, travel agents can find too. They can also monitor pricing, economic, social or weather-related concerns that might affect your travel.

The big advantage of a travel agent today is very much like it was years ago, it just comes in different forms.

Your good travel agent will have all the information you need to make the most of your vacation. That may be as simple as sending along links to critical websites, basic but required literature on destinations or merely making sure all the T's are crossed and the I's dotted.

More importantly, your travel agent considers the act of booking the beginning of the transaction, not the end like the result of click-to-book methods. Once you have paid, you are done with the click-to-book way. Now all you have to do is make it to the airport on time for that flight and that is the end of it.

In today's world, prices, availability and even the nature of travel are changing at a rapid pace. Websites update pricing and availability but offer little or no hope of passing new benefits available after the sale along to travelers. Click-to-book methods are pretty much done with you after payment is made.

Travel agents work on building or maintaining an ongoing business relationship with you and are easily accessible. Try emailing, tweeting or calling your click-to-book website.

Should your plans change, should you have questions or should you want to know more about where you are traveling and how you are getting there, your agent is just a phone call, email or tweet away.

A travel agent is "your friend" in the travel business. They are your friend who knows what is going on in the travel industry. They can put that information together with their knowledge of you for a winning combination that will reap huge rewards in the long run.

Need to book a quick business flight and be done with it? Click-to-book. Doing any actual traveling where memories, experiences, sights and sounds might be important? See a travel agent.

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
Kansas City MO
816-392-5880

Ahhhhhhhhh....laska!

Here are some shots taken last year on my cruise trip to amazing Alaska. It is definitely a vacation for everyone !  Have you cruised Alaska yet? What are you waiting for? Cruising is probably the most economical and thourough way to see this awesome state. Contact me today for any questions..

Ron
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

10 Tips for Avoiding Checked Baggage Fees

Here is a bit of useful information that I would like to pass on:

According to the Bureau of Transportation, US airlines made $2,566,695 in revenue from baggage fees in 2010 alone. But get this: most passengers are paying hundreds of dollars in fees that they could avoid altogether with some advance preparation.
Want to avoid paying an extra $30 to $50 in checked baggage fees, or worse, the exorbitant fees charged for overweight luggage? Follow these 10 tips for avoiding checked baggage fees so you can buy a nice steak dinner with that cash instead.
1. Travel light – and then take only half of what you pack
The best possible way to beat checked baggage fees is to travel light and avoid checking baggage altogether. Use compression bags or packing cubes so that all of your belongings fit into a carry-on suitcase. If you’re an avid reader and tend to travel with several books, you can lighten the load by switching to a digital reader.
2. Fly on airlines that don’t charge for checked luggage
The majority of airlines now charge for checked luggage, but Southwest allows two checked pieces of baggage per passenger and jetBlue allows one checked piece of baggage per passenger. Fly Southwest or jetBlue when possible to avoid paying hefty checked luggage fees.
3. Become a frequent flyer program member and earn as many miles as possible
If you become an elite member of some frequent flyer programs, your checked baggage fees will be waived. For example, US Airways waives luggage fees for preferred members of its Dividend Miles program, as well as for Star Alliance Silver and Gold status members. To earn more miles and reach elite status faster, sign up for credit cards/debit cards that award miles every time you use them and shop with airline partners.
4. Take a digital scale with you on your travels
Using a digital scale will help you avoid overweight luggage fees when you travel. The Balanzza Mini is light, compact, and easy to use, and you can easily store it in your bag.
5. Ship your belongings in advance
Shipping belongings in advance is another way to avoid paying checked baggage fees, although you should only do it if your luggage is relatively light and you’re traveling within the country. For example, if you’re only taking some clothes and other basic items with you, stuff them into a Priority Mail Flat Rate box and ship it to your destination ahead of time.
6. Find out if you qualify for a discount or fee waiver
Many airlines waive checked luggage fees for first class passengers, active duty military members, unaccompanied minors, and certain credit card holders. Find out what your airline’s policies are because you may qualify for a discount or waiver, too.
7. Rent sporting equipment at your destination
Going on a golfing, ski, snowboarding, or surfing trip? To avoid paying exorbitant fees for oversized items, leave the bulky sporting equipment at home and rent equipment at your destination instead.
8. Wear your luggage
You probably don’t want to wear five layers of clothing on the plane because it would be excruciatingly hot, but you can wear your belongings if you use travel clothing, such as the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket, which features 37 pockets and is compatible with the Macbook Air and iPad.
9. Find a hotel that’ll cover the fees
Several hotel chains offer their guests room credits to offset the cost of checked baggage fees. For example, if you show proof of an airline checked baggage charge when you check in at any Kimpton Hotel, you’ll receive a room credit for one bag (up to $25).
10. Choose a lightweight suitcase
Lightweight suitcases are an essential item for anyone who travels frequently, not only because they’re easier to carry, but also because they’ll allow you to fit more in your luggage while avoiding overweight baggage fees. Suitcases made with state-of-the-art materials, like polycarbonate and ballistic nylon, aren’t cheap but they’ll help you avoid overweight luggage fees for years to come.

Source: BestTravelDeals.com

Check out the Kilauea Volcano Cam

If you cant make it to The Big Island of Hawaii anytime soon now you can watch the latest eruption of the Kilauea Volcano online. HERE

At At 1:42 p.m. on March 5, 2011, Puʻu ʻŌʻō began to rapidly deflate followed 18 minutes later by Kīlauea's summit. As magma began to drain from both, harmonic tremor substantially increased along the east rift zone. As the magma continued to drain away, Puʻu ʻŌʻō suffered several collapses as its crater floor continued to subside. At 5:15 p.m. a new eruption was observed to have begun from a fissure located between Napau Crater and Puʻu ʻŌʻō

In Hawaiian mythology Kīlauea is where most of the conflict between Pele and the rain god Kamapau'a takes place. Halemaʻumaʻu, "House of the fern", derives its name from the final struggle between the two gods: since it was the favorite residence of Pele, Kamapuaʻa, hard-pressed by Pele's ability to make lava spout from the ground at will, covered it with the fronds of the fern. Choking from the smoke which could not escape anymore, Pele emerged. Realizing that each could threaten the other with destruction, the gods had to call their fight a draw and divided the island between them: Kamapuaʻa got the windward (wet) northeastern side, and Pele got the drier Kona (or leeward) side.

Overcoming Jet Lag-10 tips

Most travelers try to make the most of their limited time overseas, yet fail to take into account the leap in time zones they make in a matter of hours. It can take your body's internal clock several days to catch up to that leap, and in the meantime you’re likely to experience the disruption of your sleeping and waking cycle known as jet lag. Symptoms of jet lag include sleepiness during the day, insomnia at night, poor concentration, confusion, hunger at inappropriate times or lack of appetite, and general malaise and irritability. Here are somep tips to fight jet lag.

1. Adjust your internal clock.
Several days (at least four) before departure, gradually shift your sleeping and eating times to coincide with those at your destination. Once you arrive, adopt the local time for your daily routine.
2. Opt for overnight flights.
You’ll have dinner at a normal time and be much more likely to sleep than on an afternoon flight. Depending on the length of the flight and the number of time zones you cross, you’ll arrive at your destination in the morning or afternoon. This is the best way to replicate your normal schedule, and it’ll be easier for you to reset your clock.
3. Curtail coffee.
For 12 hours before, as well as during, your flight, avoid overeating and caffeine. Although caffeine can help keep you awake longer, it makes you wake up more often once you do fall asleep and so reduces total sleep time.
4. Stay hydrated.
Drink at least 8 ounces of water for every hour you’re in the air—even if you don’t feel thirsty. If you wear contact lenses, clean them thoroughly before your flight, use eye drops in the air, and consider removing your lenses if you nap. In your carry-on pack a bottle of moisturizing lotion, lip balm, and a hydrating spray with essential oils (not just water) to spritz your face with occasionally. Just be sure all toiletries are TSA compliant.
5. Avoid or limit alcohol inflight.
Cabin air dehydrates passengers, and altitude changes can quicken the effects of alcohol (the rule of thumb is one drink in the air is the same as two or three on the ground). A cocktail may relax you, but it's also apt to dry you out, and even worsen symptoms of jet lag.
6. Try to sleep on the plane.
This is especially important when you’re traveling overnight or flying west to east. Travel is extremely tiring, and the more rest your body gets en route the more prepared you’ll be to deal with the stresses of jet lag. If you’re taking a very long flight—United States to Asia, for example—consider saving up enough dollars or frequent-flier miles to fly business or first class, as it’s a lot easier to sleep when your seat reclines all the way back. If you can’t avoid coach, opt for a window seat and bring enough padding (pillows or something that can act as such) to prop yourself up against the wall.
7. Use sleeping pills wisely.
A pill with a short cycle may be helpful on overnight flights. Make sure, however, that you time the dosage correctly or you may be very groggy when you land. Also, an airplane is not the place to try out a pill for the first time, so only take medications you are already familiar with.
8. See if melatonin is for you.
Consider taking the nonprescription drug melatonin. Research suggests that the body uses this hormone to set its time clock. Because melatonin seems to control when we go to sleep and when we wake up, a number of scientists advocate supplements to alleviate jet lag. Some (but not all) studies suggest that taking 3 milligrams of fast-release melatonin prior to bedtime for several days after arrival in a new time zone can ease the transition.
9. Get outside.
After arrival, spend a lot of time out in the sunlight, which will help your body reset its natural time clock to coincide with your new surroundings.
10. Don’t drift off too early.
Unless you arrive at your destination at night, and reasonably close to a normal bedtime, don’t go to sleep as soon as you reach your hotel. Unless you’re used to taking regular short naps at home, you’re better off staying up until bedtime: If you’re really exhausted from travel, a 20-minute nap could easily become a three-hour nap, which will disrupt your sleep schedule even more—you might find yourself wide awake at 4 AM.
Photo Credit: sextoacto / iStockPhoto
Story: from Fodors

Travel Etiquette 101

Americans have a reputation for being rude travelers, and it really is no wonder why: Every country's rules and customs are different, and sometimes it's hard to find time to read up on the subject before taking trips.

Even seemingly harmless hand gestures used every day in the United States can land you in trouble abroad. In Greece, an open-palmed wave is the equivalent to flipping someone off.

Visiting new countries often comes with a whole new set of rules.

Money shouldn't be discussed over dinner in France; while in Portugal, asking for any type of seasoning or condiment is considered rude to the cook. On the other hand, in Thailand, it's okay to pick your nose during a conversation. With all these different customs, how can travelers avoid causing offense when traveling abroad?

Thankfully, Lonely Planet pulled together a list of common etiquette tips travelers should keep in mind when dining, drinking and more abroad.


Drinking
Japan: When drinking with the Japanese don't fill your own drink; fill the glass of the person next to you and wait for them to reciprocate. Filling your own glass amounts to admitting to everyone at the table that you're an alcoholic.

Going Abroad Soon? Be Informed on Local Etiquette!

If you're looking to go abroad, it's always a good idea to read up on the rules of conduct before you make the trip.

Sources such as Travel Etiquette, a website dedicated solely to helping travelers keep from making mistakes, can bring you up to speed.

There is also a series of books called "Culture Shock!" available in most travel sections at book stores that can help you avoid making potentially shocking travel errors.

By preparing yourself before being immersed in a new culture, you can make the most of your journey.

Armenia: If you empty a bottle into someone's glass, it obliges them to buy the next bottle- it's polite to put the last drops into your own glass.

Australia: Shout your preferred drink to a group on arrival at the pub. "Shouting" is a revered custom where people rotate paying for a round of drinks. Don't leave before it's your turn to buy!

Russia: Vodka is for toasting, not for casual sipping; wait for the cue. Men are expected to down shots in one gulp while women are usually excused. Never mix your vodka or dilute it. And don't place an empty bottle on the table – it must be placed on the floor.

Italy: Though it's not technically illegal to order a cappuccino after noon, it's considered a culinary crime punishable by the barista's malocchio (evil eye). If an espresso is too strong, try a macchiato (espresso with a 'stain' of milk).


Table Manners
Japan: When you eat noodles it's perfectly okay – even expected – to slurp them.

Various, Asia: Never stick your chopsticks into a bowl of rice upright - that's how rice is offered to the dead.

Russia: Put your wrists on the edge of the table (not in your lap) while eating, and keep your fork in your left hand and knife in your right.

Portugal: In restaurants, don't ask for salt and pepper if it is not already on the table. Asking for any kind of seasoning or condiment is to cast aspersions on the cook. And cooks are highly respected people in Portugal.

France: Never, ever discuss money over dinner. And splitting the bill is considered the height of unsophistication.

Mexico: "Whenever you catch the eye of someone who's eating, stranger or not, say 'Provecho' (Enjoy). Don't avoid this custom. It's good manners and feels nice."


Body Language
UK: Don't stick your index finger and middle finger up with the palm of your hand facing towards you. It's the equivalent of giving someone the finger. Tip: Don't order two beers in this fashion in UK bars. Doing it palm facing out is OK (i.e. the peace sign)

Greece: You shouldn't wave to anyone with an open palm (like greeting a friend or crossing the street) or show your palm (as one might say "hold on" or "wait" or show the number 5). It is essentially the way one flips someone the bird in Greece, but more than that, it states "I reject you," the ultimate "diss" as opposed to being a friendly gesture.

Corbis

Asia: Never touch any part of someone else's body with your foot, which is considered the "lowest" part of the body. If you accidentally do this, apologize by touching your hand to the person's arm and then touching your own head. Don't point at objects or people with your feet, don't prop your feet on chairs or tables while sitting.

Thailand: Don't be alarmed if a local unabashedly picks their nose while talking to you; it's considered a natural act of good hygiene...!

Nepal: It's bad manners to step over someone's outstretched legs, so avoid doing that, and move your own legs when someone wants to pass.

Russia: "When sitting on benches keep your feet on the ground. Anyone attempting sideways lounging or picturesque knee-hugging poses is risking death by babushka laser vision"


Business Etiquette
Brazil: Expect clients to answer cellular phones during meetings – even in mid conversation. It is considered rude to not answer a phone call to at least say you will call back and interrupting an in-person meeting for this purpose is not considered rude.


Other
Russia: Traditional gentlemanly behavior is not just appreciated, but expected – you'll notice this when you see women standing in front of closed doors waiting for something to happen.

Denmark: Any flippant remark about the royal family is apt to offend.

Jamaica: Don't call the locals "natives." Jamaicans may be natives of the island, but the term is laden with racial connotations and can be taken as a slur. "Islanders" or simply "Jamaicans" is more appropriate.

Ever Have Rude Hotel Neighbors ?

After a long day at a travel convention I set the wake up alarm, switched off the lamp and settled into my hotel bed in Las Vegas, so deliciously soft and inviting that it felt like landing on a cloud.  I had just settled in for a much-needed night of sleep … when there suddenly came a shrilling scream from the room next door. “Oh, my !! ! shut up!! Keep it down....My mother will hear! What kind of music do you want to hear?”

I don’t know about mom, but I could certainly hear the noise from my  neighbor in the next room, who appeared to be having her own personal slumber party at 12:15 in the morning. I gritted my teeth for 20 minutes or so, pulling the covers over my head  attempting to block out the sound — but that just left me suffocating and hot under the blankets.

I contemplated my options:  Should I pound on the wall? Call the front desk? Venture out into the hallway, barefoot and half-dressed to knock on her door and tell her to let to keep it down?

I went with the first option. A bang on our shared wall and a  “Could you please keep it down over there?” seemed to startle the girl into  silence, and I finally went to sleep.

The next morning, I asked a hotel staffer whether or not I did the right thing. He said I should have called the front desk, who would’ve sent a security person up to the room to warn my noisy neighbor. This hotel’s particular policy, after two such warnings the guest would be asked to leave.

Good to know. But on my next trip, I’m adding something new to my packing list: ear plugs.

What would you do?

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