Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Going all inclusive? Bring (our buy) your own cup!!

BYO Sounds silly for an all inclusive resort, but the last few all inclusive resorts I visited in either Mexico or The Caribbean did not have coffee makers in the rooms and they had small plastic to go cups at the dining rooms. If you're like me, and like to sip from a descent sized container leisurely throughout the day, be sure tro bring your own plastic (NOT glass) container. Same goes for alcoholic drinks ; instead of using multiple plastic cups for your daiquiris, bring your own eco-friendly cup. The bartenders don't mind and you will always have a cold refreshing beverage with you under the palapa.

Cheers,

Ron Trimper
The Way To Go Travel
rtrimper@thewaytogotravel.com

Save Money on Your Next Trip to Hawaii

Are you overpaying for Hawaii Activities?

There are literally thousands of web sites offering discounts on Hawaii activities. How can you be sure that you are getting a legitimate discount? Is the activity getting marked up and then down again just to make it look like you are getting a bargain?
You can spend countless hours on line and on the phones and still wind up overpaying.
How can you be sure these are the best deals?

The Activities & Attractions Association of Hawaii is a trade association. The members are the activity and attraction providers themselves. These members may or may not offer other discounts elsewhere but in 99.9% of the cases the best discount available will be those offered using the A3H Gold Card.
Some examples of the tremendous savings using the A3H Goldcard.

ActivityRegular PriceHawaii Gold Card PriceYour Savings
Bicycle Down the Volcano$120.00$90.00$30.00
Maui Style Luau$75.00$56.25$18.75
Molokini Snorkel Adventure$78.00$58.50$19.50
Helicopter Island Tour$205.00$164.00$41.25
Total Savings:$109 per person
$218 per couple
$436 per group of four

The gold card looks and feels like a credit card. Each card has a unique number printed on it. This number is all you need to book your reservations at the discounted prices. Once you have chosen your activities from the enclosed participants list, call the vendor directly to reserve your seats. You don't have to do this process in advance, but it is recommended, as many of the most popular excursions are booked weeks in advance. Don't waste precious vacation time planning activities. Plan your itinerary before you arrive. This adds to the anticipation of the trip while allowing you to Just Do It when you arrive!

Get your card  HERE 

Saturday, February 23, 2013

Playa del Carmen

Have you ever vacationed in this fabulous vacation location?

What are you waiting for?


About Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya

The small town of Playa del Carmen on Mexico's Yucatan coast is the geographic and cultural center of the Riviera Maya, one of Mexico's fastest-growing destinations. It is enjoyable for what it is, but perhaps more for what it's not. It's not Cancun, the major resort area that's about an hour's drive north. For those who find Cancun too large and glossy and lacking in local character, Playa del Carmen is the cure: cozy, funky and quite international, though still with a Mexican flair.
It's also been the inspiration for a boom in ecotours, which fan out into the jungle wilderness with unique excursions to isolated Maya villages and numerous underground caverns and rivers, which have gained an international following with modern-day explorers. Dive operations that specialize in cave-diving have also taken root here, providing access to some of the most mysterious bodies of water in the Americas.
But the town is changing quickly: Large numbers of new luxury and all-inclusive hotels, boutiques and restaurants opened over the past decade, and the lovely Playa del Carmen beach is becoming sandwiched between large-scale developments that weren't part of the town's original vision. The Playacar complex just south of the Playa del Carmen town center now includes more than a dozen resorts, with further development continuing all along the Riviera Maya.
These days, Playa del Carmen's main pedestrian walkways are often jammed with tourists and aggressive salespeople trying to lure them into stores and restaurants. Some claim this is the fastest-growing city in Mexico, but lovers of the relaxed vibe shouldn't give up on Playa just yet.
Despite the town's growing popularity, the pace remains delightfully slow much of the time. And the core of this pleasant town is still decidedly homegrown: During the day, the central plaza is full of local youngsters playing games and Maya women selling handicrafts; in the evenings it takes on a festive air, as seemingly everyone in town gathers for a stroll.

Call  or email us today......

Quotes are always free!!!

The Way to Go Travel In Kansas City
816-392-5880
8988-750-0825






Content provided by:  travel42

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

TYPES OF TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE



Travel insurance can protect you from substantial losses that result from a variety of situations, including canceled trips, lost baggage, medical emergencies, supplier defaults, as well as other unforeseen circumstances.

TYPES OF TRAVEL INSURANCE COVERAGE


There are several general types of consumer travel insurance available. The coverage and limitations of each will vary depending on the insurance company issuing the policy. The following is a brief description of some of the general types of travel insurance.

Trip Cancellation: The most important and common type of travel insurance. Generally covers non-refundable payments or deposits if a trip is canceled or interrupted due to unforeseen circumstances.
Trip Delay: Provides reimbursement for expenses incurred when a trip is delayed.
Accident/Sickness Medical Expenses: Covers costs incurred due to injury or illness that occur while on a trip.
Medical Evacuation/Emergency Transportation: Covers transportation when a medical emergency while traveling requires transportation to a hospital or other medical facility.
Supplier Default: Covers deposits or payments lost due to the financial default of a travel supplier.
Baggage/Personal Effects Loss or Delay: Covers losses due to items lost, damaged or delayed during a trip.

TRAVEL INSURANCE ADVICE: SUPPLIER PROVIDED COVERAGE VS. THIRD PARTY INSURANCE COMPANIES


Many travel vendors (tour companies and cruise lines) offer their own protection plans and these plans may provide very different coverage than offered through third party insurance companies. In most cases, supplier-provided coverage won't cover you in the event they go bankrupt. When considering a supplier protection plan, you should carefully compare the coverage with third-party travel insurance products.

Who should buy travel insurance?
Travelers who want to protect their travel investment should consider purchasing travel insurance. If an illness, accident or sudden change in plans forces you to cancel or interrupt travel plans, you face two major financial losses - money you've invested in nonrefundable prepayments, and medical expenses that aren't covered by your health insurance.
How does trip cancellation coverage work?
It is designed to reimburse you for forfeited, nonrefundable, unused payments or deposits if you have to cancel your interrupt your trip due to a variety of situations, including but not limited to inclement weather, illness or another unforeseen event.
Depending on your policy, it may also cover:
  • Emergency medical expenses
  • Transportation ordered by a doctor to the nearest adequate
    medical facility
  • Reasonable accommodations and travel expenses for travel delays
  • Essential items you purchase if your baggage is delayed
  • Lost or stolen luggage
How much does travel insurance cost?
The cost of travel insurance varies from company and policy to policy. The more you have invested in your trip, the more you need to protect it. Travel insurance covers you for losses caused by trip cancellation and interruption, medical expenses, baggage, trip and baggage delay. When you consider all the protection you get, travel insurance is actually a great value.
Where do you buy travel insurance?
Most travel agents offer travel insurance and many may even require customers that decline insurance to sign a waiver form.

*Sourece: ASTA American Society of Travel Agents



Get your free travel insurance quote today:

The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
816-392-5880

Offices in Kansas City and Palm Springs ......
selling the world

Friday, January 18, 2013

Caribbean Fun Facts Part 1

Are you dreaming of a Caribbean Vacation or Honeymoon?

Here are some facts about several possible destinations for your next Caribbean trip.Enjoy!



Anigua: Antigua has 365 unique beaches.
Aruba: Aruba is a mere 17 miles from Venezuela.
The Bahamas: Christopher Columbus first landed in the Bahama’s.
Bermuda: Residents of Bermuda celebrate good Friday by flying kites.
Bonaire: At Lac Bay on Bonaire you can watch world class windsurfers.
Grand Cayman: More than Diving is a must do on Grand Cayman visit Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Gardens.
Dominican Republic: The Dominican republic features Winter League baseball which features many up and coming big leaguers.
Grenada: Just a couple miles north of Grenada is Kick em’ Jenny a live, underwater volcano.


Look for part two coming soon.

If you wish to visit any of these amazing Caribbean Islands contact on of our agents for a free vacation quote.


The Way To Go Travel
offices in Kansas City and Palm Springs ….delivering the world
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
www.thewaytogotravel.com


Happy Traveling!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Which Hawaiian Island Is Perfect for You?



Which Hawaiian Island Is Perfect for You?

Azure blue seas, warm sandy beaches, and beautiful sunny days are just about everyone’s idea of a perfect vacation. But what makes each vacation day—a perfect day—is unique to the individual. Each of Hawaii’s six islands is richly blessed with natural beauty and endless vacation possibilities. But choosing the island best suited for your vacation depends on your plans and expectations.
Let’s start by asking a few questions.

Who are you traveling with?

If there are just two of you, your options are wide open. If you are going with a family or larger group and are planning to rent a beach house, your options are very limited. Oahu has a wide selection of beachfront homes for rent. Kauai has some beachfront homes, but not many. Remember, oceanfront is different than beachfront, not all coastlines have beaches. That is a very important distinction to remember when choosing a hotel or condo as well.

What sort of budget do you have?

If you want a luxury hotel or resort, Maui and Kauai have many fabulous options. The Big Island has a few to offer. At the other end of the spectrum Waikiki, located on the island of Oahu, has a wide variety of hotels for the budget-minded, making it a frequent go-to location for tourists. Condos, almost always within walking distance to the beach, can be found on all the islands.

How do you want to spend your days?

Snorkeling is best on Maui, Kauai and the Big Island. The shopping and museums are best on Oahu, and of course, Oahu is where you will find Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona, a major tourist destination. The Big Island has the best fishing, and Maui offers the best whale-watching. Maui and Kauai have the best beaches, but even a bad beach in Hawaii is pretty fabulous by any standard. Kauai has an abundance of hiking trails. All of the islands offer a plethora of tourist activities such as luaus, helicopter rides, boat tours, horseback riding, golfing, etc.

How do you want to spend your nights?

If you like to party, then Oahu is your best choice because only Waikiki offers an exciting night on the town. While the other islands offer entertainment at the various clubs and bars, Waikiki has the downtown that can keep you dancing all night long. Most of the islands have a wide selection of great restaurants and bars with local entertainment for all budgets.

So how do you pick your perfect island?

While the internet is a great resource for information about the various islands, the obvious answer is to contact your travel agent. After a conversation about your dream trip, your travel agent will be able to guide you to your perfect island, help you select your perfect accommodations, and help you plan your perfect Hawaiian vacation! Aloha!

Contact us today for a free vacation quote!

The Way To Go Travel
888-750-0825
816-392-5880

Tropical Vacation Specialisats
Offices in Kansas Citry and Palm Springs.....serving the world






 

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Travel Safety 7 tips

Tip#1

Familiarize yourself with the area and always carry a map with you.

Once you arrive to your location, make sure you familiarize yourself with the area. You can do this by visiting guest services at your hotel and ask for a map of the area. Try to become aquainted with the hotel staff so that you feel comfortable asking questions. drive/walk around during the day time and always carry the map with you.ip #1

Tip #2

 

Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are.

When you visit an unfamiliar place, you always want to know exactly where you are and let your loved ones be aware as well. Provide them with the hotel's phone number and address, just in case of an emergency. You should also do research on the area where you are visiting and make sure that you are in a safe environment.

Tip #3

If you're renting a vehicle, keep your car's gas tank at least half full at all times.

Getting lost can be a dreadful experience while on vacation. In any case, keeping your gas tank full is highly important. You want to make sure that you have plenty of gas to make it to a safe destination. Additionally, having knowledge of where gas stations are located can be very useful. That's where your map will come into play!

Tip #4

Carry traveler's checks and credit cards instead of large amounts of cash.

Being in a safe location can be very beneficial, however, criminals can exist anywhere. Try to carry credit cards instead of cash. Pulling out a lot of cash when paying for something can attract the wrong people. You don't want to strictly depend on cash when it can be lost and or stolen. It's called liquid for a reason!

Tip #5

Plan ahead and make sure your party is aware of your destination.

Planning ahead is always best when going on vacation. Make a schedule of your activities and the times you are planning to leave and return. If you are traveling with others, discuss meeting places in advance, that way no one stays behind.

Tip #6

Keep helpful phone numbers with you. (I.e. number to your hotel, emergency contacts, etc.)

Keep important information with you at all times. Whether it is on your cell phone or in a notepad, you should always have the phone numbers to your emergency contacts, hotel, taxis, etc. with you. Don't forget to carry identification with you as well.

Tip #7

Let your family/loved ones know where you will be staying and who you are with.

In case of an emergency, your loved ones should know where you are staying and who you are staying there with. Provide them with the hotel's phone number along with the address just in case they need to contact you.
Meeting new people while on vacation can be lots of fun, but you must stay alert to recognize any harmful activity around you. Should something happen, let your loved ones know who you are with in advance.
*If someone tries to harm you or your loved ones, do not fight back. Contact the police immediately.

Friday, January 4, 2013

The Way To Go Travel: no passport? no problemo!

The Way To Go Travel: no passport? no problemo!: In spite of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of 2009, which mandates that all passengers traveling by air to Canada, Mexico and the ...

no passport? no problemo!

In spite of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative of 2009, which mandates that all passengers traveling by air to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean must carry passports, Americans can still visit tropical U.S. territories with only a driver's license.

It does not take a passport to enjoy the warm, sunny weather of the following  regions.



Puerto Rico

 
Situated two and a half hours from Miami in a pocket of water between the Atlantic and the Caribbean, Puerto Rico is a U.S. island territory. Influences of Africa, Spain, Latin America and the U.S. collide in the culture of this small chain of islands. Visit the mountainous interior, tropical rain forests and southern beaches to stare into the Caribbean waters and forget the mainland.

U.S. Virgin Islands

The U.S. Virgin Islands, which include St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John, were acquired by the U.S. as territories in 1917.  Enjoy all that the islands have to offer by learning their history as well swimming, diving and enjoying the weather. Not too far from either Miami or San Juan.

American Samoa

The six Polynesian islands in the heart of the South Pacific that make up American Samoa are another tropical territory of the U.S. Far from the borders of the American mainland, tourists seeking some peace and respite from the more obvious beach getaways will find island life in these tropical islands refreshing. Discover the jungle or just hang out at the beach and leave the working world behind.

Hawaii

Hawaii has it all; glistening beaches, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, active - and dormant - volcanoes and warm, sunny days all year round. The Pacific island chain is not too far, slightly more than five hours from the U.S. mainland when flying from Los Angeles.

Of course always contact your travel agent:

Vacation Quotes are always free:
 
Serving the entire USA with offices in Kansas City and Palm Springs
888-750-0825
816-392-5880
 
Happy Traveling!