Q and A....Travel Insurance and Hurricanes

• Q. How can travel insurance cover my vacation investment in the event of a hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather?
  A. In the event of a covered hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather, travel insurance provides coverage under the Trip Cancellation and Interruption benefit. If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, we will refund the pre-paid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs trip up to the limit of coverage.
• Q. If a hurricane watch or warning is issued that may impact my travel plans, up to what point can I still purchase travel insurance?
  A. Insurance must be purchased 24 hours prior to when the hurricane has been named. Once the hurricane has been named, Trip Cancellation and Interruption losses resulting from the hurricane are excluded from the coverage of the policy.
• Q. If the resort that I will be staying at next week is damaged in a storm before my scheduled departure, can I cancel my trip and be reimbursed for my non-refundable costs?
  A. If the resort is damaged and cannot accommodate you (or provide comparable accommodations), your nonrefundable costs will be reimbursed.
• Q. I'm worried that a predicted storm's path will be too near to the location of my upcoming insured vacation; can I cancel for a refund?
  A. If the storm directly affects your travel arrangements or accommodations, you are entitled to Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits. For example: an airport is closed due to the high winds; you are forced to evacuate your hotel/resort; the road you are traveling is impassable due to high water. On the other hand, if you choose to cancel a trip based on what you think might happen — and not because the inclement weather has directly affected your travel arrangements — that would be considered a matter of choice — not a direct loss to your arrangements.
• Q. If my airport is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, and my vacation is delayed, will I be reimbursed?
  A. Yes, travel insurance will cover the expenses incurred if your trip is delayed and will cover reasonable, additional accommodations and travel expenses until travel becomes possible.

Ask your local Travel Agent about what policy is best for you....

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel
Kansas City MO
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
www.thewaytogotravel.com

Why use an experienced travel agent?

Save Money! - Strong working relationships with travel suppliers and the latest in computer reservations technology enable us to access the most up-to-date information on how to get you the best value.
Traveler Advocates - Your best interests are the priority.
Service - Out travel agents are knowledgeable and active in the industry. We provides education, training and resource materials to our agents to equip them with the tools to offer the highest quality of service.
Agents Will Go the Extra Mile - Agents work for you and will do everything they can to meet your travel needs. Some agents literally go that extra mile to help their clients.

• Best value. Our agents work hard to get you the best value for your dollar. While we can't control prices, we can provide you with accurate information on the latest deals and special promotions. We can explore what options and quality products exist so you can make an informed decision.
• Convenient one-stop shopping. Save time and money by having your travel agent handle every aspect of your trip from lodging to activities.
• Consumer advocate. We don't stop working for you once you've booked your trip. In the event that you experience problems along the way, your agent can act on your behalf and see that restitution is made.
• Expert guidance. Experienced travel agents know the "ins" and "outs" of the system and can help you take full advantage of them. We have access to a variety of travel options and quotes from a host of suppliers and can help you find the product that's right for you.
• Personalized service.Our agents are not some impersonal voice or lifeless Web site. We know you and your travel needs and offer unbiased information since we work for you, not the supplier. Our agents strive for customer satisfaction since they want you to return the next time you're planning a trip.

Let us help you save time and money!

We know you have many options when it comes to where you purchase your travel, so we thank you for choosing us. We'd like to remind you that even after you've booked your trip, we remain committed to your satisfaction. Should you have any further questions or concerns regarding your trip or need assistance at your destination, feel free to contact us.

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel
Kansas City MO
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
816-392-5880

Where Can You See Live Penguins on Maui?

Where are there live penguins on Maui?


ANSWER

You can see live penguins every day in the lobby of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort on Kaanapali Beach.  The Hyatt also has live parrots, flamingos, swans, and African Crowned Cranes.




Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
www.thewaytogotravel.com

What to pack for Hawaii

I’ve been to Hawaii numerous times. I’ve also been to all the islands, so I’ve become a a pro for packing for a  Hawaii vacations. I wanted to share my best tips for packing for your perfect Hawaii vacation.....


The Basics

• Casual wear for daytime sightseeing. For example,  shorts and T-shirts are fine for day time wear.
• For dinners, you really don’t need to get dressed up for the vast majority of restaurants. Most places will say “resort wear” is their dress code. So what does resort wear mean? Men can wear dress-shorts or khaki trousers and a collared shirt. Ladies can wear casual skirts, sun dresses, capri pants, dressier shorts, etc. For nicer restaurants, I like to make my dinner reservations about a week or so before I leave the mainland. So when I call to make the reservations, I ask what the dress code is. That way there is never a doubt.
• Hawaii is generally warm year-round, but sometimes you might encounter a short cold spell when visiting in the winter months. Bring a light jacket or sweater. You’ll probably want to have a sweater or jacket just for the plane ride over. If you are staying in any of the uplands/upcountry areas like, Koele, Lanai City, Kula, Volcano and Waimea, you’ll definitely want to bring a light sweater.
• Bring two swim suits per person so that you will always have a dry suit to wear.
• Bring a swim suit cover-up as most resorts request that you modestly cover up while in lobbies and common areas other than the pool and beach.
• For the pool and beach, you will need flip flops. If you plan to spend a lot of time in the ocean, you might want to bring reef shoes.
• Sunglasses
• Bring sunscreen, with an SPF that is higher than what you would normally wear on the mainland. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to wear a high SPF sunscreen in Hawaii. The sun’s rays are exceptionally strong there.  Remember that if the container is larger than 3.4 oz you will have to check your luggage. Whether you check the sunscreen in your luggage or carry it onboard the aircraft with you, always put it in a zip-lock container in case it leaks in transit. 
• Lip balm with SPF 15, 30 or higher
• Hat and/or visor
• Bring your guidebook. 
• Bring a map of the island(s) that you will be visiting. The free maps you get from the rental car company are somewhat hard to navigate by because the island is sectioned off into multiple pages. If you have a portable GPS navigation systems, bring it.
• Bring print outs of directions, confirmations, and online advice from great sites like Go Visit Hawaii. 
• Camera with lots of memory or film and battery life. If you have a battery charger, bring it too. You might be surprised at how many photos you’ll want to take.
• Binoculars for views, watching lava, bird watching, stargazing, and whale watching (January – April)
• Beach bag that packs flat and/or lightweight back pack for carrying snacks, water, guidebook, and other sightseeing necessities for when you  hike, go on tours, etc.
• A small first aid kit with bandages and antibiotic ointment.
• Travel-sized wet wipes to have with you in your car when you are on the go.
• Bring a waterproof jacket in case it rains. to keep in the rental car as back up for when I forget to bring my jacket.
• Consider bringing a small stash of snacks to get you through emergency situations. 

Ron
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com
www.thewaytogotravel.com
The Way To Go Travel in Kansas City

Originally posted at: Checklist of What to Pack for Your Hawaii Vacation http://www.govisithawaii.com/2007/07/23/what-to-pack-for-your-hawaii-vacation/#ixzz1RnsiXfoV

Dont forget the .........

Useful items while traveling

• A retractable umbrella!
• A box of baby wipes or gel hand cleaner.
• Bring your own alarm clock. Wear a wristwatch with an alarm, or take a small travel clock. Especially useful are clocks that glow in the dark.
• Foam earplugs are a must for any trip. You can purchase them at any pharmacy, usually in multiple packs.
• A universal sink plug is handy for doing wash in a sink or taking a bath. Look for them in hardware stores – even in Europe.
• The American washcloth is not standard worldwide. Consider taking your own.
• If you’ll be shopping for clothing, bring a tape measure and know your sizes. Take a list of the garment measurements for those you might shop for. European sizes are different –  especially for children.

For a good time call a travel agent!!


Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The Way To Go Travel

Kansas City MO
www.thewaytogotravel.com
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

Myths of Group Travel

There are several myths that surround group discounts when booking a hotel or flight. Once you understand the myths associated with the group discounts, you will be more likely to spend less time finding the best rates and have a better chance getting through the process faster.

Myth 1: Group Rate Definition

A common myth is that group rates are defined the same throughout the travel industry. This is not true. In fact, you will find that hotels have different definitions then airlines even cruise lines. Typically hotels define a group as 10 or more rooms with double occupancy while airlines define a group as 10 passengers or more flying together. When you are taking a cruise, they will define a group as a totally different number.

Myth 2: Fewer than 10

It is often thought that your group will not be considered as such if it has less than 10 people. This is false. While different establishments define groups differently, your group does not have to be traditionally defined to be considered. While the discounts may vary for smaller groups or nontraditional group sizes, it is important to ask the hotel, airline or cruise line if your group is defined as such.

Myth 3: Seasonality

Because the travel industry depends greatly on seasonality, it is not true that the season in which you book as no effect on the discounts that you will receive. For instance, when you book a trip to the Bahamas, the rates are much cheaper during the Fall and Spring than in the Summer and Winter due to the hurricane-prone season.  Try to book your accommodations or flight plans outside of peak seasons and you will save big.

Myth 4: Black-out Dates

It is true that groups can travel anytime however, it is also true that groups are also subjectible to black-out dates and peak times. You will find that your rates are higher, deposit due dates are stricter and space is more limited during black-out dates such as major holidays. To save on your group travel rates, avoid black-out dates by checking with the hotel or airline.

Myth 5: Discount Guarantee

Just because you are booking as a group does not guarantee you a discount. Sometimes your group size may change the discount that you will receive. For instance, if your group exceeds the number that is available at the cheapest rate, some members of your group will end up paying the full price. It is important if you are facing this problem to check with different airlines or hotels, you may find that those members of your group will find better discounts for themselves if they stay at a different location or fly with a different airline.

Myth 6: Fully Refundable

It is not true that deposits for group hotels and flights are fully refundable. Typically if you cancel or your number falls below 90% of your estimated total number of passengers or people staying, you will lose the deposit for those people. This is because if your number goes down below the pre-set minimum all of the rooms or tickets that you booked will have to be reissued and some penalties may apply.

Once you understand the myths that are associated with group discounts and travel, you will be better equip with the knowledge that you need to get the best rates at the best time of year.

CALL us to plan your next group!!

The Way To Go Travel

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
Kansas City
www.thewaytogotravel.com
816-392-5880
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

Top Tips for Packing for an Overseas Vacation

• Remember that if you bring anything that needs electricity e.g. hairdryer,electric razor, camera battery charger, you may need to bring adapters as well. Do you really need to carry the item: even a cheap hotel often provides a hair-dryer and iron on request. Can you use disposal replacements for razors or batteries?
• Baseball caps and tracksuits scream "American Tourist" - if you want to blend in consider alternatives.
• Clearly mark your luggage with a distinctive tie or other mark so you can retrieve it easily from the luggage carousel.
• Be familiar with the security restrictions for carry-on items particularly fluids. However make sure that you carry essential items such as prescriptions with you, in quantities that will see you through 48 hours if your luggage is mislaid.
• Make sure you carry on to the plane your ticket, or E-ticket receipt, passport and a pen - you will invariably have to fill in an arrival form and customs declaration form - which are normally distributed in flight.
• Consider local customs when choosing cloths: don't pack shorts and singlets, regardless of your sex, if you are traveling to the Middle East or other Muslim countries such as Indonesia Malaysia and Turkey. You won't be allowed into key churches in European countries including Italy and Spain dressed in them either. 

Ron Trimper
Travel Agent
The way To Go Travel
816-392-5880
www.thewaytogotravel.com
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com