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Are You Planning To Visit Europe In 2024?? START PLANNING NOW!!

Are You Planning To Visit Europe In 2024?? START PLANNING NOW!!

As I start to get requests for travel in 2024, I  continue to see the same trend that I saw in 2023, and that is requests for Europe Travel. Generally my bookings are a good mix between warm weather Caribbean Getaways and European (and beyond) travel.  However, the scales are changing and I am seeing only about 15% Caribbean Travel and 85% Europe and Beyond travel requests.

So, are you planning to Visit Europe In 2024???  Start planning NOW to get the best choices and options for flights, accommodations and excursions.  Start planning too late, too close to your travel dates, and you risk getting the left overs from those early planners.   A good rule of thumb for planning a trip to Europe is to start planning at least six (6) months in advance. And if you really want to benefit from early preparation….. a year out, may be even better. That ample time can play a vital role in helping us create the trip of a lifetime for you.

If you are planning your first trip to Europe, it can be an overwhelming experience. Where should you go? How much will it cost? How many places can you visit? Does this sound familiar?  We get emails every day from people who want advice planning their first trip to Europe. And, we see the same questions over and over again. With that said, we are writing this email and subsequent blog post to answer your questions and give you some things to think about as we help you plan your Europe itinerary.

HOW TO PLAN YOUR TRIP TO EUROPE

First Rule Of Thumb:  DON’T TRY TO SEE EVERYTHING ON YOUR VISIT

I can’t tell you how many times we have conversations with clients that go something like this: “I have 10 days in Europe and I am planning to visit Rome, Venice, Paris, London and Switzerland. Do you think that’s too rushed?”  It’s just like saying “I have 10 days in the United States. I would like to visit Boston, New York City, Washington DC, Miami, and Los Angeles. Do you think that’s too rushed?”  And our answer, “Yes, It Is!!”

We get it. Europe is huge and it’s loaded with “must-see” spots. Paris, Rome, Barcelona, London, Amsterdam, and Venice all make the must-see list for many first time travelers to Europe. They are all amazing places to visit; and with so many fantastic sites to see, it can be very difficult to narrow your list down to just a few destinations. In order to see everything your European destinations have to offer, is going to require multiple trips so you are not rushed and your truly get to immerse yourself in the destination.   You will have a much better time if you don’t try to get to a new city every day. The longer you spend in each place, the more you get to know it.  There are some cities, like London, Paris, and Rome, which literally could keep you very busy and very entertained for a good five or more days.

Here are some basic guidelines for how many places you can visit depending on how much time you have:

With 7 days: 2 cities OR one city with day trips

With 10 days: 3 cities OR 2 cities with day trips

With 14 days: 4 cities OR a road/train trip through one or two countries

If you look at your proposed itinerary and wonder if you are moving too fast, or you are trying to squeeze too much in, odds are, you probably are.  If you have 10 days and you plan to visit 4 major cities, it can be done, but it will be a

rushed, exhausting experience, and you will be spending most of that time on trains and planes traveling from city to city. Don’t forget that you will have to spend time traveling between destinations as well as packing, unpacking, and checking into hotels.

DON’T FORGET TO FACTOR IN TRAVEL TIME

 So let’s say that you have 10 days in Europe and you’ve narrowed down your itinerary to 3 cities. How do you get around? That depends on where you are going.

For cities that are close to one another, say Barcelona, Madrid, and Seville, the train would be your best option. If you are visiting Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Amsterdam, then you will use a combination of planes and trains to get around.

Getting from city to city takes time, of course. And you need to factor this in, not only when planning your itinerary but also choosing where to go.

Just as a rough estimate, it will take about 4 hours, or half of a day, to get between two cities. This time can go up if the cities are far apart. So, if you are visiting three cities, you will lose about one day in total just traveling from place to place. We usually plan to transfer between cities first thing in the morning. By taking an early train, you can usually check into our hotel by noon and have the entire afternoon for sightseeing. Occasionally, we will have you take an evening train if you want to have a little extra time in your departure city.

Before we plan out your itinerary, we need to do some research first around flight costs, time of year, hotel availability, and tour availability all need to be factored into decision making.

We start off by researching flight costs. If you can be flexible with your dates, you might be able to save money by flying mid-week versus the weekend. Once we have our flight dates, we plan out your itinerary within those specific dates. If you are planning a tour or a visit to a major attraction, we need to make sure those dates align and work with your itinerary, and tour availability of your site.  If you we are booking your trip well in advance (6 months or earlier) this will be less of an issue. Hot Europe destinations like Cinque Terre, Croatia, and the South Coast of Iceland, hotels can sell out many months in advance, leaving either no availability or hotel options that we would not consider for our clients.

Once the land portion of your trip is worked out and secured, we book your flights.. With the increase in tourism, it also helps to research the main sights you are visiting and then book your tickets in advance. Tickets for the Colosseum, Eiffel Tower, and the Vatican can all easily sell out in advance. During our planning phase, we let you know what you need to reserve ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

There are a lot of moving parts and things to consider when planning a European vacation, and your knowledgeable and experienced Trasformativa Travel Agent is ready to help!!

Are you ready to start planning your Europe Getaway, Contact Your Trusted Trasformativa Travel Advisor Today!

Happy Travels!!

Alison

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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Will Europe’s New Border Entry System Present Challenges for Travelers?

Will Europe’s New Border Entry System Present Challenges for Travelers?

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us travel to Europe is HOT!!, U.S. travelers have long been able to simply hop on a plane to visit Europe without giving it much advance thought. With no visas required for U.S. passport holders, there was little to interrupt a trip to Europe.

But… come January 2024, all of that will change. Travelers from more than 60 countries, some 1.4 billion people, who are currently able to travel through most European countries without a visa, will need to apply in advance for authorization to visit.

The visa process is known as the EU Travel Information & Authorization System, or ETIAS for short. And in addition to U.S. passport holders, there is a long list visitors from other countries that will now be required to obtain the ETIAS visa before visiting the EU.

While experts say that the visa requirements are relatively simple and ideally, approvals should be quick, the new requirements could nonetheless cause havoc for American travelers who are simply unaware of the coming changes.  Luckily, you have your trusted Trasformativa Travel Advisors watching out for you.

Travelers who don’t have the necessary ETIAS approval in place will not be able to get onto flights bound for the impacted European countries. Those traveling by ground transportation, meanwhile, will face rejection at the EU borders.

Essentially this process will be similar to an ESTA for visiting the US. It is relatively easy to obtain if you do it online and in advance of traveling, but without applying for one, you won’t be able to board the plane.

What Are The Specifics Of The New Visa Program

What exactly is ETIAS? As the program’s website explains, the ETIAS travel authorization is an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to any of 30 European countries.

Some of the countries that will require the new visa include Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. Additional countries that are part of the new measure include Iceland, Hungary, Denmark, and Finland. The ETIAS website includes a complete list of the 30 participating countries.

With a valid ETIAS travel authorization, travelers can visit European countries on the list as often as they want for short-term stays, normally for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, according to the ETIAS website.

ETIAS visas can be obtained using the official program website or the ETIAS mobile application. The application cost is 7 Euros, which is a little less than $8.

The visa website also cautions that having ETIAS travel authorization does not guarantee entry into a country. When you arrive, a border guard will ask to see your passport and other documents and verify that you meet the entry conditions,”the website explains.

What Does This Mean For Travelers and the Travel Industry

Perhaps the most significant hiccup that may result from the new program will be travelers who head to Europe in 2024 without the newly required visa in place. The travel industry and travel advisors will need to play a role as the program’s implementation nears, educating travelers of the new visa requirement.
 
Given that this is a new requirement, Travel Advisors must be on top of their game by educating their customers, or risk a lot of upset travelers and headaches.

What’s more, in cases where travelers aren’t prepared with the required visa in advance, there may even be a ripple effect for the travel industry in the form of cancellations and the inevitable requests for refunds.

While this new requirement may cause some challenges, the new visa requirements may also deliver some upsides for the travel industry as well. That’s because many visa-related processes require proof of insurance, which we always recommend for our clients.  Travel insurance not only protects your financial investment into your trip, it also protects you from a wide range of incidents while you are traveling.

Should Travelers Be Concerned

While the ETIAS visa will add a new logistical step that U.S. passport holders will need to address in order to visit Europe, it’s not something to be overly worried about.

Underscoring this point, once obtained, the visa will be good for three years. Meaning it’s a hurdle travelers will only have to deal with periodically.

This is going to be something new for American Travelers to do, but it’s not all that dissimilar to the requirements some Caribbean islands have right now to complete an online application such as the Jamaican Customs/Immigration C5 Form or the Dominican Republic e-ticket.

New procedures such as this was something we had to get used to with travel during Covid travel and it reinforces the need to use a trusted Travel Advisor who can provide guidance in these areas.  The true test of the new program may be in just how long it actually takes to obtain the visas once an application has been submitted. If it’s going to be one of those that you have to get weeks in advance and it requires advancing in your documentation, such as passports and then wait. Going through all those channels, and not being used to things like that, travelers may get very impatient.

So, for those of you who already have booked travel to Europe in 2024, be ready for this additional step. If you are booked yet, you are now aware of the new procedure.  But don’t worry!!  Your Trusted Trasformativa Travel Advisor is here to assist you with this new procedure.

Happy Travels!!

Alison

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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5 Travel Tips Everyone Should Know

5 Travel Tips Everyone Should Know

When planning your next Travel Adventure, these are the 5 Travel Tips Everyone Should Know!!

 

Make Sure You Have A Current Passport
 

It’s always a good idea to check your passport expiration date before traveling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid six months beyond your date of your return.

The Passport Agency has seen an unprecedented volume of applications this year, and are estimating Routine Applications are taking up to 3 weeks to process and even Expedited Applications which cost an extra $60 are taking up to 9 weeks.

 

Visa
 

You may need a visa to visit some foreign destinations, and you can apply for a tourist visa electronically (e-visa) for many countries.

Book Early!!!!!
 

Airlines capacity is still limited, and many pilots, flight attendants and airport support staff left the industry during the COVID pandemic leaving airlines and the airline industry short staffed. Booking at least 3-4 months in advance is advisable for a better airfare, as well as for seat choices.
 
Most of the hotels in popular destinations (The Caribbean & Europe) fill up quickly during the popular season, summertime especially(May-Sept).  Book early so you are not disappointed that you’re favorite hotel/resort has no availability.

Pack Smart
 

Be prepared for flight schedule changes or cancellations and/or luggage delays. Pack a carry on bag with the essentials including your prescription medicine, a change of clothes, essential toiletry items and important travel documents.

Zen Frame Of Mind
 

Let your Trasformativa Travel Agent do the heavy lifting and take care of the logistics for you, all you need to do is simply show up. Once your trip is booked, be sure to purchase a travel insurance policy that will protect your investment and yourself while you are traveling. Then you can relax and go with the flow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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Tips for Renewing Your US Passport

Tips for Renewing Your US Passport

Are you planning on traveling internationally this year??  If so, check your passport to make sure it is valid for travel.  Most countries require that your passport be valid 6 months PAST the date of your return from travel.  So…  check those passports, and if they need to be renewed, here are some helpful tips when Renewing Your Passport.

 

The best advice we can give is to allow yourself plenty of time for passport renewal, and consider paying for the expedited service to give yourself a bit more leeway to ensure you receive it back well before your planned travel dates.

 

If your expiring passport is still in good shape, was issued within the last 15 years and after you turned 16 years old you can renew it by mail.  Fill out the DS-82 passport renewal application, which you’ll send in with your expiring passport, fees and a two-by-two-inch photo which you can have taken properly at your local CVS or Walgreens.

 

The State Department even offers a passport fee calculator for users to determine the exact amount they’ll need to write their check for. Additionally, the State Department has a photo tool that travelers can use to crop and size their photos if they already have one that meets the necessary requirements. (ie: The correct size of a passport photo is: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm) Head must be between 1 -1 3/8 inches (25 – 35 mm) from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head. Do not wear a hat or head covering or glasses.)

 

You can begin to track your application status online about two weeks after you’ve mailed it in. Keep in mind that mailing times are not included in processing times and officials warn that it could take up to two weeks for your mailed passport application to arrive at an agency and another two weeks for it to reach your mailbox after being printed.

 

If waiting for several weeks is not an option, you can request an appointment at a passport agency, but this is only for emergency or urgent travel. Applicants must be “traveling within 72 hours” or three business days. This is only in an emergency such as a serious illness, injury, or death in your immediate family. For those with urgent travel within two weeks, officials will require proof of immediate international travel such as purchased airline or cruise tickets.

 

Have additional questions regarding Passport Renewal??  Don’t Hesitate To Call Your Trusted Trasformativa Travel Agent!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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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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Jamaica Is Open With NO Travel Restrictions!!

Jamaica Is Open With NO Travel Restrictions!!

While I was in Jamaica, I got the good news that effective March 1, international visitors to Jamaica would no longer be required to fill out and obtain a travel authorization to enter the island, and shortly there after, it was announced that visitors would no longer be required to get a Covid test prior to arrival.  As well, travelers to Jamaica would no longer face travel-related quarantine measures.

Eliminating all these pre-arrival requirements and travel-related quarantines are the key steps in relaxing travel protocols as the global spread of COVID-19 declines. With these relaxed entry requirements, it will increase the appeal of Jamaica as a vacation destination of choice and help us continue on a path to recovery for tourism sector and the economy as a whole.

Jamaica also recently shortened the isolation period required for U.S. travelers who test positive for COVID-19 while in Jamaica.

Donovan White, the Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board said that “These changes are timed to go into effect as destinations across the globe are enacting similar revisions to their travel requirements.” making travel more appealing.

The “Jamaica CARES” program is a nationwide response to COVID-19 that includes the island’s health and safety protocols, which were among the first to receive the World Travel & Tourism Council’s “Safe Travels” recognition and allowed the island to reopen in June 2020.

Since then, visitors from the United States have dominated the island’s tourism growth, accounting for 1,278,679 arrivals last year, about 87 percent of all travelers to the island in 2021. And… the trend has continued into the first quarter of 2022. Here at Trasformativa, we are booking clients on Jamaican Vacations like CRAZY!!!

Want to see for yourself what all the buzz is about???? Contact Trasformativa Travel TODAY!! We are Your Jamaica Travel Specialist!!

 

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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