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Are You Planning A Summer Vacation? The Time To Start Planning Is NOW!!

Are You Planning A Summer Vacation? The Time To Start Planning Is NOW!!

Are You Planning A Summer Vacation??  The Time To Start Planning Is NOW!!

You might think it’s too early to start thinking about summer travel, but this isn’t the year to wait if you want to save. Americans are beginning to plan their summer travels now, and travel, they will. BUT…. it will also be an expensive one. Thankfully, prices aren’t as high as last year since airlines have built back capacity, but prices will remain above pre-pandemic levels because of high demand and inflation continuing to drive pricing up.

3 in 4 Americans are planning a trip this summer, according to travel experts. Inflation, higher prices, and whatever obstacles can be thrown in the way of avid travelers have not stopped them from prioritizing travel, and in some cases spending more than what they’ve previously spent.

Should You Book Summer Travel Now?

It depends. we generally recommend that people start planning international travel at least 6-9 months ahead of time (especially for travel during peak season April-August) so that you have a variety of flights and accommodation options available to you instead of dealing with limited hotel availability and flight options.

But if you are planning to travel this summer, it is best to start planning NOW. Figure out potential travel dates and destinations and use a price-tracking tool, like AirFareWatchdog that alerts you when flights are lowest.

For international trips, it’s time to get ready to book. Three to four months in advance is when there are the best prices for international flights; however, you’ll also be dealing with limited availability. Caribbean and European destinations are HOT HOT travel choices this year, and we recommend planning 6, 9 even 12 months out to have the best choices available.

Prices skyrocket as you get closer to June, when prices are up 29% for popular European destinations, like London, Paris and Italy, during the peak season of June, July and August.

When Is The Best Time To Travel During Summer?

The highest costs will be for trips during peak season; so consider traveling during Shoulder Season (the period between peak- and off-season), you could save up to 24% if they book a flight to the Caribbean and 27% to Europe. 

On the other hand, booking your European getaway for September and October is highly recommended. The end of summer is hands down THE BEST time to go to Europe. Prices drop in early June until they bottom out in September and October. However, avoid August for European Travel, as Europeans tend to take their own vacations during that month, so lots of shops and restaurants will be closed.

Here are the shoulder seasons for international destinations, when you could score lower prices.   

Caribbean:  September, October, November

Asia: Before the end of April and October.
Central America: May.
South Pacific: April to May.
North America: September to October.
Africa: September to November.
Middle East: August to September.
Northern South America: Before the end of April and September.
Southern South America: April to May and September to October.

Ready to start planning your summer and fall getaways??  Contact Your Trasformativa Travel Agent Today!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Americans Want Travel and Experiences Over Physical Gifts For Holidays

Americans Want Travel and Experiences Over Physical Gifts For Holidays!!

 

 

What to get that special someone for The Holidays?? I want a 7-Night All Inclusive Caribbean Getaway!!

A new study found that 77% of Americans would rather receive experiences over physical gifts this holiday season. Experiences leave you with life long memories, while that new scarf just gets thrown in the closet and forgotten.

This is what we have chosen to do with our grandchildren at holiday time. They receive so many material gifts it is almost mindboggling, that we decided to give them experiences instead. This year it’s Great Wolf Lodge and next year we have booked a Disney Cruise. Every year they can’t wait to hear what our next travel adventure together will be. These are experiences and time spent together that all of us will remember for years to come.

According to new data from GetYourGuide, 52% of respondents are planning to travel for the holidays this year; that’s up from 48% who said they would hit the road in 2021. When it comes to experiences, 63% said they would most enjoy receiving surprise travel.

Other activities respondents preferred to receive for the holidays include tickets to a concert or show; 50%, skiing, boating or hiking; 43%, a food tour or cooking class; 36%, wine or beer tasting; 31%, and a trip to the museum: 29% Overall, 96% of Americans said they would gladly take any of these experiences.

“The most wonderful time of the year is upon us once again, when we can look forward to spending time with friends and family. Perhaps as we prepare to enjoy more time with loved ones this holiday season, the best gift to unwrap isn’t a box, but an unforgettable experience to share and create long-lasting memories.

Travel and Experiences Over Physical Gifts For Holidays; Start A New Family Tradition!!  So this holiday season, Give The Gift Of Travel!! Happy Holidays!!

Contact Your Trusted Trasformativa Travel Agent Today And Let Us Help You Plan Those Memory Making Travel Adventures!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Why Do Travelers Need to Think About Summer 2023 Flights NOW!!

Why Do Travelers Need To Think About Summer 2023 Flights NOW!!

 

Why Do Travelers Need To Think About Summer 2023 Flights NOW!! Some people have this down to a science, they know exactly the right day and the exact time when to purchase a flight in advance, especially for the holidays.

They call it the ‘Goldilocks Window’ – like the fictional storybook character, you want to book when it’s just the right time. For you.

Normally, it’s more of a time frame rather than a specific time. For domestic flights, the time when cheap flights are most likely to pop up is about 1-3 months before a trip. For international flights, it’s 2-8 months out. That might sound like a considerable time frame, but in reality, it isn’t, especially for an international trip.

But summer is different. For peak times, including summer, we recommend you start keeping an eye on prices even earlier, around the 10-month mark. For peak times, we also see the Goldilocks Window end a bit further out from the trip. Deals start decreasing at about 4 months out and get a lot more rare as you get closer to the summer. These ranges don’t have sharp cliffs, but the odds trail off substantially outside those ranges.

Remember, too, that spring and summer of this year could be an indication of things to come. More demand from the flying public, but fewer planes and fewer pilots, all adding up to the chaotic situation that developed this year.

That means the Goldilocks Window for cheap international flights for July and August 2023 is just around the corner, and for May and June flights, it’s already begun. To track your flight routes and be alerted when they drop, sign up for AirFareWatchDog.

So Why Do Travelers Need To Think About Summer 2023 Flights NOW??  If you know you are going to travel this spring or summer, you may want to think about planning and booking, sooner than later. And for those of you already booked for vacations with us, we are watching airfare pricing for you.

Also of note, we are already seeing limited availability for hotel and resorts stays for this coming spring and summer, so again, planning sooner than later is highly recommended.

Contact Your Trusted Trasformativa Travel Agent Today!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Time To Prepare For Holiday Travel

Time To Prepare For Holiday Travel

 

So we’ve made it through the crazy summer travel season, and now it’s time to start seriously planning your end-of-year travels because this holiday season is expected to be both busy and expensive.

According to travel experts who just released their 2022 Holiday Travel Outlook report, which indicates that this year’s holiday airfare prices will be the steepest we’ve seen in five years. Nevertheless, more than half of Americans are planning to travel for one or both of the November or December holidays, most of whom are going to visit family and friends.

Factors influencing the cost of airfare this year include high fuel prices, fewer available flights and pent-up travel demand which was triggered by two years of potentially missed holidays due to not traveling. At least 30 percent of travelers are planning on flying this holiday season, however, about two-thirds of them point to pricing as a primary consideration as they plan their holiday trips.

To help you navigate your holiday travels, we’ve put together some tips on how to find the best deals on flights for the holidays this year:

Book by Mid-October – If you are planning to fly this holiday season, we are advising travelers to book both your Thanksgiving and Christmas flights no later than the week of October 10. If you see a good deal on flights, GRAB IT, because prices are expected to rise and the limited number of available flights may sell out quickly this year.

Start Planning NOW – It’s best to get a jump on things now and be sure to book no later than mid-October. Historically, travelers who get an early start on planning their holiday trips have saved as much as 18% off domestic flights and 15% off international airfare.

Use a Price-Tracking Tool – Prices, especially for travel during the Christmas period, are predicted to fluctuate somewhat unpredictably over the coming weeks. Good deals on fares may spring up and be gone just as quickly, so we recommend using a price-tracking tool such as AirfareWatchdog  which will notify you as soon as prices drop for your pre-chosen destinations.

Keep Your Dates Flexible – Travelers can save as much as $300 by flying at non-peak times (i.e., before or after the actual holiday week). For Thanksgiving travel, look to depart on the Monday of Thanksgiving week and return any weekday of week after the holiday to get the best airfare pricing.  As well as for the Christmas weekend, try to depart the Monday or Tuesday prior to the holiday and return on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of the week after Christmas to find the best deals on flights.

If you take just one tip for booking holiday travel, it should be this: the earlier, the better. You’ll find cheaper rates and more availability. Plus, looser cancellation policies mean you can make adjustments later.

Happy Holiday Travels!!

Need Help Planning Your Holiday Getaways?  Contact Your Trasformativa Travel Specialist TODAY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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ALL All-Inclusive Resorts Are Not Created Equal

The Transformation Of The All-Inclusive Resort

 

Over the past several decades the all-inclusive resort market has undergone an evolution that has been nothing short of transformative.  With new and innovative amenities and experiences designed to satisfy the vacation expectations of a wide variety of clients.  In this blog, I’m going to tell you why ALL All Inclusive Resorts ARE NOT Created Equal!!

It is truly amazing how the all-inclusive market has grown and changed in the last 30 years, since my first stay at an all-inclusive resort in Jamaica. Today, the options are endless, which helps travelers see the value of  working with a travel professional who can differentiate between the different resort/hotel brands, destinations, room categories, etc.; as this makes the decision harder when you have so many options.  It’s like me sending my granddaughter into Toys R Us and telling her to pick out anything she wants.  With so many choices, the decision making process can be overwhelming.  BUT… I believe that makes a travel advisor’s job easier because we are experts in our field where we can give our clients options and explain the differences  based on their travel wants and needs.

Today, the growing number of resort/hotel options and experiences are introducing all-inclusive resorts to an expanded audience. With more upscale brands entering the all-inclusive market, it’s giving us a lot more to choose from. Resorts and Hotels have gone from three buffets a day to a lot of really good specialty dining choices where you get a lot of variety.  The All-Inclusive Resorts have evolved to meet the tastes of the most discerning travelers.  All-inclusive now means multiple a la carte dining options, room service experiences that exceeds expectations and custom private dining experiences.  Foodwise, even long-existing resort brands are updating their ideas of all-inclusive experience with updated menus and a variety of cuisines.  As more people learn about their own tastes and tolerances, it is important for all-inclusive chefs to develop expanded menus for vegan, gluten, and other diets.

The biggest change we are seeing in the travel industry is that all-inclusive resorts seem to be making the guests experience more experiential. whether that is offering more unique experiences on property or nearby specialty eco-parks, these resorts are modernizing the all-inclusive concept.  Some clear examples of this concept include Hotel Xcaret and Unico 20°87°, both of which are in the Riviera Maya region of Mexico. Both models are a little bit different, as Hotel Xcaret combines the all-inclusive amenities with off-property included fun at their eco-park, and Unico 20°87° which has specialty tours and excursions that aren’t easily replicated, or mass produce.  Newer all-inclusive resorts are also incorporating these aesthetic in a more natural and region-specific way, like Hotel Xcaret, whose landscape is designed with rivers winding through the property, caverns to explore and beautiful rockwork. 

In the end, the growth of the all-inclusive market is a win-win for travel advisors and their clients. When a destination like Cancun/Riviera Maya has hundreds of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, I feel like a kid in a candy store and I get soooo excited to share these with my clients. This is the number one reason why Mexico is so affordable compared to places like Aruba or The Bahamas. When all-inclusive resorts continue to try and outdo each other, it’s the guest who always wins, and your travel advisor wins because we’ve helped you plan and book an incredible all-inclusive travel adventure.

Are you ready to experience The NEW and IMPROVED All-Inclusive Travel Experience??  Contact Your Trasformativa Travel Specialist TODAY!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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Unforgettable Family Vacations

Unforgettable Family Vacations

READY. SET. VACATION!

If the last couple years have taught us anything, it’s that sharing quality time with loved ones is the most important thing in our lives. Material objects aren’t as important as they once were, nor the nose-to-the-grindstone, 9-to5 to acquire them. Today, it’s about better time management, richer life experiences, and keeping our loved ones close by our sides. It’s also about getting back to what’s most meaningful in our lives – and for many of us that includes gathering the gang together for another unforgettable family vacation, but with a twist.

Today, family vacations aren’t just about grabbing your spouse or partner and any kids you may have, and heading off to seek new adventures. It’s about bringing along grandma and grandpa, and maybe Aunt Sue and Uncle Ernie. Family and multigenerational travel is exploding and it makes sense as it offers the perfect way to share time together away from demands of everyday life.

Keep in mind that planning ahead is of the utmost importance. You’ll want to choose a family-friendly vacation that offers plenty of options for everyone. Cruises and all-inclusive resorts are two of the best ways to maximize fun and everyone’s vacation dollars. A large number of family-centric Caribbean cruises, as well as family resorts in Mexico and Jamaica, cater to every age group, fit most budgets, and are easy to get to for most everyone. Europe and the Mediterranean are also ideal for families and have plenty to see and do. Ireland, Italy, Spain and Greece are especially perfect for families.

While planning a getaway that everyone in your brood will love may seem like a tall order, a little help from your Trasformativa Travel Specialist can make it a piece of cake – so Ready Set Vacation and have a blast!

See you at the airport soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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International Travel 2022

International Travel 2022

The Easiest Destinations To Visit This Spring & Summer

International Travel 2022 – The Easiest Destinations To Visit This Spring & Summer.    The world has largely started reopening more than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic and travelers have plenty of FANTASTIC destinations to choose from this spring. While COVID-19 vaccination, testing and quarantine requirements continue to vary by destination, there is a positive trend emerging with many countries dropping restrictions altogether, eliminating any and all confusion regarding travel restrictions after a long period of uncertainty.

Whether you’re planning your bucket list journey through Europe or a dream vacation to the Caribbean, the possibilities are endless in 2022, but some destinations simply cannot be beaten in terms of their ease of access.  Here are some of the least restrictive overseas destinations Americans can travel to RIGHT NOW!!  

Start planning your Spring and Summer Getaways!!

In the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas, Jamaica, Belize, St. Lucia and Aruba; In Europe, Ireland, UK, Spain and Italy and also Costa Rica, and the Maldives, these destinations have discontinued all or most of their travel requirements and restrictions for US citizens to visit.

With these lowered or discontinued entry restrictions/requirements, travel agents, such as myself, and tour operators have seen a significant increase in bookings in recent weeks for the upcoming spring and summer seasons, and there’s no sign of it slowing down; People Are Ready To Travel!!  We are seeing a strong desire among travelers to take Big Bucket List trips this year, particularly to far-flung international destinations and European cities, such as Bora Bora, Thailand, Italy and Iceland, just to name a few.  And travel to the Caribbean has BOOMED, even during the 2021 travel season and into 2022, people are flocking to Mexico and my favorite Caribbean island, Jamaica due to the ease of entry, and business as usual while in destination.

After these two crazy years, there is a renewed demand for travel agents.  Big trips often require big plans, which is resulting in a renewed demand for travel agents.  Professional planners, such as your trusted Trasformativa Travel Agent, can help you navigate Covid-19 tests, restrictions, changes in entry requirements, visas, flights, accommodation, activities and backup plans. even those diehard DIY travelers, who normally plan their own trips, are now seeking a trusted travel professional to help make sure their upcoming travels are seamless, and should something go array while traveling, your trusted travel agent is there to handle the issue while you continue on with your trip.

So Who’s Ready To Travel??  Contact your trusted Trasformativa Travel Agent TODAY, to start planning your next Fabulous Vacation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TRAVEL IN COLOR – NOT BLACK AND WHITE

ABOUT TRASFORMATIVA TRAVEL

Trasformativa is a US based travel company with offices located in Durham, NC and Clarksville, VA.  We are  focused exclusively on transformational travel. Our experienced and qualified travel agents offer many different types of transformational travel opportunities. We work with individuals and groups of many sizes to help them find a true difference. Most of the people who contact us are luxury travelers and leaders of groups who are traveling together. This includes, yoga or fitness instructors, health and wellness professionals, human resource directors, sales managers, CEO’s, church group leaders, corporate trainers, personal chefs, wedding planners, brides, corporate travel professionals, and also individuals looking to plan an exciting and out-of-the-way trip for a group of their friends.

Our transformational opportunities include Exotic Group Travel, Jamaica Travel, Caribbean Travel, Europe Travel, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events,  Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

To learn more, visit our website or call us at (919) 616-3780.

 

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