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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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Jamaica Travel Just Got Easier

Jamaica Travel Just Got Easier with NEW relaxed entry protocols!!

On my recent trip to Jamaica last month, I received the good new that effective March 1, 2022, that Jamaica would see a significant relaxation of several of its entry protocols. Travelers are no longer required to obtain a travel authorization through the Jamcovid or Visitjamaica websites, and quarantine requirements were also eliminated.

So, going forward if you are planning a trip to Jamaica, for all persons 12 years and older will need to provide a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen), which was conducted within 72 hours prior to date of travel at check-in for their flights. Also, you can fill out the Jamaican C5 Immigration and Customs Form on-line rather than have to fill out a paper one on the plane to Jamaica.  

Our trip to Jamaica was awesome with a four night stay in Montego Bay at the AWESOME Iberostar Grand Rose Hall and then it was off to Negril for three nights at the lovely Sandy Haven Resort right on Seven Mile Beach.  7 days in paradise was exactly what we needed.

We departed on a Tuesday, so testing on Saturday and got our results back 2 days later.  We showed our travel authorization (which was required at the time we traveled) and negative test to TSA and then again at our gate and we were off to Jamaica!!  On our return, we tested at a testing center in Negril and got our results back within 30 minutes.  We showed our documentation at the airline desk and we were on our way home.

Jamaica has done an awesome job during these crazy times of Covid, so if you are ready to travel, traveling to Jamaica is seamless and easy.

Are your ready to Discover Jamaica?? Contact Us Today!!  Remember….. Trasformativa Travel is 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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I Left My Heart In Jamaica

I Left My Heart In Jamaica!!

So…. On my recent return trip to Jamaica, as we were in the process of landing in Montego Bay, I was soooo excited to be back; but it wasn’t the same excitement that I always feel when I return to Jamaica. It was a feeling like I was returning home. Jamaica has definitely become my second home, and I love traveling there several times a year. According to the locals and my friends in Jamaica, I am now considered Jamerican.  At the end of every trip, I know I Left My Heart in Jamaica.  

I first traveled to Jamaica back in 1989 for my honeymoon, and returned again the following year for my anniversary and loved it. Since then, I have been traveling there multiple times every year and it never gets old. If I can somehow figure out how to live there, I’d die a happy woman.  Part of my heart is always left in Jamaica.

So what makes Jamaica so special? It’s not just one thing, but the entire Jamaican Culture. The mixture of beautiful beaches, and vibrant Jamaican culture makes it my number one destination to travel to and send my clients. Anyone who knows me, knows that if you ask me about Jamaica, it’s like asking me about my grandchildren; you just can’t shut me up once I get started.  What are the Top Ten Reasons to Visit Jamaica??

Everyone should visit Jamaica because the beaches alone will take your breath away. When my husband and I traveled to Jamaica for our annual anniversary trip last February, (his first visit there) we stayed in Montego Bay and he loved it. However, we took a day trip to Negril (known for it’s beautiful Seven Mile Beach of amazing blue water and white sand). He was hooked and announced “we are coming back here next year!!”. No argument from me.

Jamaica is know as the island of All Right, everyone should take a trip here at least once in their life because there’s something for everyone in the beautiful tropical climate. Each region is different, from Montego Bay to Ochos Rios to Negril. There are water sports and hiking for the fitness enthusiast, and there are beaches and charming places to stroll and shop for the more relaxed. There’s unique music, food, and dance. You can easily have a romantic getaway, or a sporting adventure, a family holiday or even a corporate event.

No matter how many times I travel to Jamaica, I find something new to love about this amazing destination, and always look forward to my return.

Would you like to hear more about Jamaica and why it is the most amazing vacation destination? Give me a call, shoot me an email, I’ll tell you everything you want to know. Likely, you’ll want to book your next vacation to Jamaica.

 

Remember….. Trasformativa Travel is 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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Why You Should Visit Jamaica

Why You Should Visit Jamaica

Why Should You Visit Jamaica?   There are so many reasons one might dream of visiting Jamaica and their culture sits high on top of that list. There’s just something so unique about Jamaica, something undeniably exquisite that attracts travelers to this beautiful Caribbean island time and time again. As soon as you step foot onto Jamaican soil, you feel the vibe, and that energy is unmatched. Nothing can compare to experiencing Jamaica for yourself. Come dive into an authentic Jamaican vacation full of vibrancy, electricity, unrivaled charm, and untouched beauty that is Jamaica. 

Did you know, Jamaica was voted BEST Destination and BEST Culinary Destination in the 2021 Travvy Awards??? Now that’s a HUGE achievement in the world of travel.  They also won the Silver Award for Best Wedding Destination and Best Honeymoon Destination.  These are just a few of the reasons Why You Should Visit Jamaica.

Top Ten Reasons Why You Should Visit Jamaica

  1. Honeymoons:  From the naturally romantic heart-shaped jacuzzi at Reach Falls to incredible sunsets in Negril, ones so beautiful they make you fall in love, Jamaica is one of the most romantic destinations in the world.  
  2. Weddings: There’s no better place to get married than Jamaica. In Jamaica there are so many ways to rest, relax and enjoy your time before, during and after saying your “I do’s”, there’s no better place for a wedding.
  3. Nature: Come see for yourself why Errol Flynn, and countless others, have called Jamaica the most beautiful place their eyes have ever seen. Majestic waterfalls, grand rivers and lush landscapes are just the beginning of the journey. 
  4. History: Jamaica is one of the most diverse places in the world, and visiting Jamaica is a fascinating learning experience.
  5. Adventure: The island of rhythm and sway is also the island of adventure; offering countless opportunities and excursions to see all that Jamaica offers. Come and explore our top spots.
  6. Food: From jerk to patties to world-famous ice cream, Jamaica is a destination for foodies.  It is spicy and flavorful and full of fresh ingredients. 
  7. Beaches: Picturesque beaches await you in Jamaica; from beautiful Montego Bay, to the soft white sand beaches of Negril. Whether you’re interested in exploring the underwater world or soaking up the sun, there’s a beach for you in Jamaica. 
  8. Entertainment: Jamaica is the cultural capital of the Caribbean. Experience live reggae music, street dances, festivals, carnival and much more.
  9. Weather: Warm Caribbean weather with occasional liquid sunshine makes for an enjoyable holiday. Jamaica’s tropical climate brings warmth all year round, making it the perfect destination anytime of year.
  10. The People: Truly the BEST thing about Jamaica.  From the moment you land you’ll meet upon some of the friendliest people in the world. Say hi, chat with the local! Don’t worry they’ll likely teach you a bit of their dialect, patois. 

So….. now you know Why You Should Visit Jamaica; you won’t be sorry you did; and if it’s your first time visiting Jamaica, I can assure you…. It won’t be your last!! 

 

Remember….. Trasformativa Travel is 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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Jamaica Travel Restrictions and Requirements

What Are The Jamaica Travel Restrictions and Requirements?

So you are ready to start planning your trip to Jamaica, but you’re worried about the Travel Restrictions and Requirements.  No Worries Mon, we have you covered!!  You are going to enjoy your vacation just as you planned it, in a safe, secure and seamless manner and Trasformativa Travel, along with the Jamaica Tourist Board are here to help you navigate your trip to Jamaica.  Jamaica’s new normal for travel delivers an authentic, relaxing and COVID-secure travel experience. 

Recently, The CDC downgraded Jamaica from a Level 3 travel designation to a Level 2 travel designation, which puts the destination at a lower risk designation than over 70 percent of countries throughout the globe.  This is a very positive sign for Jamaica as they continue to make progress on the path to recovery.  This reduced designation is a testament to the work of the Jamaican government and the Jamaican people themselves to help mitigate the impact of this pandemic.

Did You Know??   The Jamaica CARES protocols were among the first to obtain the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels recognition.  Because of Jamaica’s proactive response to Covid 19 Safety Protocols, Jamaica was the #1 Travel Destination in 2021, and continues to welcome, and has welcomed more than one million visitors since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

So with that piece of mind, let’s plan a trip to Jamaica!!  

 

What To Know Before You Go – Jamaica Travel Restrictions and Requirements!!

       Pre-Departure & Arrival

       Along with an approved Jamaica Travel Authorization Form prior to boarding a flight to Jamaica, ALL travelers ages 12 and up, regardless of nationality, are required to show proof of a      negative COVID-19 Antigen or molecular (PCR, NAA, RNA) test performed by an accredited lab for which the sample was collected within 3 days of the travel date. Know that we are well-equipped to accommodate on-island testing prior to your return flight, as well.

Fully vaccinated travelers staying outside the resilient corridors who have a negative PCR test taken within 3 days of departure to Jamaica will not be required to quarantine on arrival.

Travel Authorization applications must be submitted within seven (7) days of the intended travel date.

 

      Health & Safety Protocols

      Jamaica has carefully developed an extensive health and safety program to ensure the highest levels of health safety for visitors, tourism workers and the local communities. Led by the formation of the “Resilient Corridors” that are governed by a strictly enforced set of protocols and standards for the tourism industry, along with other risk management initiatives, visitors can relax and enjoy the many treats that the island has to offer.

 

      On-Island Travel

      Central to the risk management efforts are the Controlled Entry Program initiatives. These include the categorization and assignment of all arriving travelers based on their purpose of visit and intended accommodation type of the Travel Authorization application. Visitors staying at approved accommodations within the resilient corridor can freely enjoy the many comforts of their stay, and can visit approved Covid-19 protocol compliant attractions within the “corridor”.

 

       Departing Jamaica

        For travelers departing the island, many countries and airlines require the presentation of a recent negative Covid-19 test result to board a flight. Jamaica has adequate testing locations and capacity available to meet the demand. In addition, many of the resorts and hotels offer approved testing services on property either free of charge or for a minimal fee.

 

Trasformativa Travel has had multiple clients travel to Jamaica in 2020 and 2021 and their trips were seamless as long as you follow the the restriction and requirement protocols.  We already have many more clients booked for 2022 travel to Jamaica, as well as our own personal trips booked.  So with all the information you need to travel to Jamaica at your finger trips, Join Us In Jamaica!!

Remember….. Trasformativa Travel is 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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AS THE WORLD SHUT DOWN, I WENT TO WORK

AS THE WORLD SHUT DOWN, I WENT TO WORK

Back in March, many travelers who “booked their own travel online” would have heard a message like this “Your call is important to us. All our representatives are currently assisting other customers. Your estimated wait time is two to three hours.” When they finally were able to speak to a live person, in many cases, they were not offered much help.

Did I have this message on my phone message? NO – I was available 24/7.

What the pandemic has taught us is that having a Professional Travel Advisor help plan your trip has made our value more apparent.

I, along with all the agents at Trasformativa Travel worked tirelessly around the clock to get our clients home safely, applied for refunds or credits for future travel and helped them rebook a future trip. We truly served as an advocate for them and did everything we could to help protect their travel investment.

It required long, tedious hours, and no earnings. It was the most challenging time of our career. My obligation was to take as much worry away from my clients as possible. As much as I wish I were making sales instead of refunding trips, I had to do the right thing for my clients. My focus was on walking clients through all their options to postpone versus cancel so they could make the best decision for themselves. I made it 100% right for each and every one of them!

Despite the impact the Coronavirus has had on the travel industry, I am remaining optimistic about the future of my business. I’m focused on preparing for the surge in travel I know will come when my clients feel it’s safer to travel. I know it will take some time for the travel industry to fully recover and that travel will look a little different, but I know travel agents will play a huge role in the industry’s resurgence.

I have been reading some recent horror stories of travelers “booking it themselves”. For example, being denied entry to countries such as Greece because they had failed to fill in the (Passenger Locator Form) correctly. Others have arrived to find their hotel closed or changed without prior notice. Why inflict that kind of stress on yourselves when someone like your Trasformativa Agent is here to guide you through?

With guidelines and policies varying by destination and supplier on an almost daily basis, it can be a lot to process by yourself. Travel agents will be key to helping travelers navigate this new world and provide guidance on safe destinations and activities. If clients who are going to travel want to know they will be safe, that’s what we are here for. It’s our mission to ensure everything is in place, protected and safe. When it goes wrong, you have someone advocating on your behalf to protect your travel investment.

Please contact Your Trusted Trasformativa Agent with any questions – We are truly here to help!

 

 

 

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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To Travel Or Not To Travel In 2020

To Travel Or Not To Travel In 2020??

We know many of you are eager to travel; so are we!!  However, we are recommending to our clients that they not travel right now (especially internationally) because we just can’t offer or guarantee the pre-Covid-19 experience that we strive to provide to all our travel customers.

Currently our agency isn’t selling any travel for 2020 at all, because as travel professionals, we feel it isn’t right to encourage anyone to risk their lives or well being just to take a trip.  However, for those travelers who are itching to go somewhere, we are providing options (and some great specials) for travel in 2021.  With relaxed cancellation and refund policies through our preferred tour operators, Plan Now – Travel Later, is a great option to satisfy your travel blues.

As the Covid-19 pandemic rages on, the growing uncertainties about how long it will last, what aspects of travel are safe and what the travel experience will be like puts focus on the fine line that we as travel advisors and travel suppliers are walking between keeping our businesses afloat and risking long-term damage to our reputation and our customer relationships that we have built over the years by selling the wrong trip, or selling too soon.

This was made more evident recently with the cruise industry, which made headlines anew last week as passengers on several of the first ships to set sail since the pandemic began testing positive for Covid-19, despite recording negative tests just before their departure. There has been some criticism that the cruise restarted sailing too soon.  Most cruise lines are currently halting sailings untli the end of October when they will once again re-evaluate whether to resume cruising at that time.

While we would love to get back on the road as soon as possible, as we know you all do, we at Trasformativa are taking an increasingly cautious approach as the crisis has dragged on and uncertainties have mounted. Travel protocols are constantly changing, flights continue to be cancelled, and obtaining Covid test results in a timely manner for travel authorization, are just a few of the stumbling blocks we are seeing on an ongoing basis.

We are in constantly in contact with our preferred tour operators and Tourist Board representatives and ask that they be vocal, and honest, about whether it is safe, or not for our travel customers to come to their destinations.

While many guided tour and group travel companies and cruise lines have officially pushed back start dates only through the fall, conversations about restarting is increasingly focused on 2021; and when in 2021 is still a question mark.

What we are telling our travel clients who call us and are eager to travel, as many Caribbean islands are opening again to tourism, we are telling everybody, don’t push it, because we would hate to make a booking only to have to cancel or rebook it down the road; or even worse….. have a bad travel experience.  As we say at Trasformativa, You Can’t Return A Bad Vacation!!

We know you are itching to travel, as we are still fielding a lot of calls, but we’re also encouraging our travel customers not to book now because we know our clients.  Our clients expect a certain level of experience when they book a trip with us, and we don’t want you to be disappointed and not have the experience that you are expecting or hoping for.

The thing is, it’s not about something or a destination being open. If our customers are going to spend all this money, they don’t want to spend it for a different experience than they are expecting. You don’t want to walk around the hotel in a mask. You want to use the spa, and you don’t want to sit in the restaurants or at breakfast at the hotel and it’s not that enjoyable experience you want it to be.

While some travelers are opting for a domestic destination this summer, they have a good time, but it wasn’t the experience they wanted for the money they spent.

So…Be Patient!!  TRAVEL WILL RETURN!!!  For now, while we are obsessing over when we can travel again, right now we can and should be using this time to plan future travel and possibly booking travel and taking advantage of the great deals that are out there right now.  Again, with relaxed cancellation and refund policies in place, what have you go to lose???

 

 

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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The Coronavirus Diaries Of A Travel Agent

The Coronavirus Diaries Of A Travel Agent

Right now, I should be at the very apex of my busiest season. I should be answering multiple inquiries each day, booking dozens of flights, Caribbean resort stays and incredible trips across Europe. However, the only calls I am getting are to cancel upcoming trips, cruises and flights. The finer details of, say, a romp in the Maldives should be top of my mind. Instead, it’s the coronavirus.

I feel really bad for people that chose to book online right now. The global coronavirus pandemic has upended the travel industry, sending customers into a panic as they race to get refunds and reschedule upcoming trips. For travelers who booked their vacations with online booking agents such as Expedia or BookIt.com, the experience is compounded with frustration and anger as they struggle to get a hold of someone on the phone, and worry about potential money lost.

A press release came out from BookIt.com, who essentially shut down their entire operation, leaving their employees with no jobs and their customers to fend for themselves to cancel or rebook upcoming and/or future vacations, or even worse….. figuring out how to get home if they are currently traveling..

On social media, customers who booked with Expedia complained of excessively long call times and being unable to get through to a representative, leading to travelers being unable to make any changes to their travel plans or start refunds. Some people said they could not get a hold of someone for as much as 24 hours and one person said they called over 30 times. At one point, Expedia said “we are currently experiencing technical difficulties and can’t take your call right now.” What kind of customer service is that??

While airlines and hotels are issuing refunds for bookings made through advisors, those who booked online have to have their cancellation first go through Expedia; Good Luck!!

Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? Well I can tell you, IT IS!! Our office has canceled and/or rebooked dozens of trips in the past few weeks, and it’s heartbreaking for us and for our business. But we are not a toll-free number for our clients, we are your friend and advocate, and we are working around the clock to do everything we can to protect our client’s interest. Instead of our clients wondering how to cancel or rebook their trip, and spending hours on the phone on hold to accomplish this, it is us, your Trusted Trasformativa Agent doing this for you. If you were actively traveling during the midst of the coronavirus chaos, we were on the phone with our tour operator creating an exit plan for our clients.

When the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention started warning about coronavirus spreading in the U.S., the calls and emails of travel requests just shut off. Less than two weeks ago, I was so busy I could barely type fast enough to make all the reservations I needed to. Today, I’m writing this newsletter instead. I wasn’t an agent when 9/11 happened, but I’ve heard stories from older colleagues about the uncertainty and fear that surrounded travel and the sudden cessation of business in our industry. What’s happening now feels like what they’ve described.

But never fear…. this too shall pass and the travel industry will once again BOOM!!! Going forward I’m educating my clients on exciting destinations for future travel, and posting pictures of those destinations on my social media outlets, to peak some interest. And….. once we are free to travel again, the airlines, resorts and hotels are going to be offering FANTASTIC Specials and Deals for travelers to make up for the lost tourism during this pandemic. So…. give us a call and let’s make a plan so that we can jump on those deals when they are announced.

And remember, the next time you are planning your next travel adventure, be sure to book with your Trusted Trasformativa Agent, Your Partner In Travel!!

Stay Healthy!!!

 

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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Lost Passport While Traveling? Don’t Worry…. It Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Vacation

You’ve Lost Your Passport While Traveling? It Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Vacation

A stolen or lost passport while traveling shouldn’t ruin a vacation.  There are a variety of ways that you can protect yourself and obtain emergency replacements.

Still, sometimes things can go sideways if you don’t have back-up plans in place.  Always make sure to make a copy or two of your passport and government issued ID, and keep it separate from your original documents.  Additionally, take a picture with your phone.  Another recommendation is to give a copy of these documents to a friend or family member who is not traveling with you, who can provide copies to the authorities should you not be able to.  At Trasformativa, we keep our clients’ passport information and copies on file for situations like this.

If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police and then head to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate with your travel document copies. At the Embassy or Consulate, you will need to fill out some forms and pay the fees, which is normally what you would pay at home for an emergency passport ($145-$200).  However, once home you are able to exchange your temporary passport for a fully valid one without any additional fees.

When our clients are traveling internationally, we remind them to do these three things:

1. Keep your passport on your person at all times, in a cross-body bag that has a safety pin closing the compartment the passport is in, as well as on the top zipper of the bag.

2. Never take that bag off your person while exploring, even when eating at a cafe or other restaurant. Pickpockets live for travelers putting their bags down for “just a second.”

3. Keep copies of your passport in your luggage, with a contact back at home, and in your email account, so they can be accessed easily anywhere, at any time, to speed up the replacement process overseas.

 

There are a multitude of things that can go wrong while you are traveling; however, while losing your passport entails some bureaucratic obstacles, it’s not a devastating travesty.   Don’t let a passport setback ruin the rest of your trip.

 

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, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

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

 

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A CEO who gives his employees $2,000 to go on vacation!! WHAT!!!

Why Would A CEO Give His Employees $2,000 To Go On Vacation??

More than half of American workers don’t use all of their paid vacation days, according to an annual report from the U.S. Travel Association.

Employees said that worries about work were the biggest factor holding them back from taking time off. Even when they do take time off, many find it hard to disconnect from their responsibilities in the office, continuing to check emails or take calls.

Want to know how to make your employees happier and more productive??

The CEO of SteelHouse, a marketing and advertising company in California, gives his employees $2,000 a year to go on vacation, and his employees are more productive than ever!!

And…. this particular CEO doesn’t give his workers a choice when it comes to taking a vacation, they must go!! They can either take one long vacation in the year, or they can opt to break it into shorter ones. Either way, they have to get some quality rest and “me time”.

Studies show that many workers can’t bring themselves to take vacations, and most companies don’t issue vacation bonuses.  For companies that do give vacation bonuses in the form of cash, many people are usually tempted to forgo vacation and put that money into something else, like bills. At SteelHouse, when team members refuse to go on vacation and request cash instead, this CEO says, “I actually want you to go somewhere and enjoy yourself.”

People are happier when they are treated like executives in their workplaces. A good employer must have the best interest of his employees at heart. While vacations are not only necessary to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul, it also allows a person to discover a higher sense of passion and drive for increased productivity.

In their second year of business, the CEO of SteelHouse decided to really up the ante and make things easier for employees. He gives every employee a $2,000 bonus every year that can ONLY be spent on vacation trips. They can go wherever in the world they they want to relax and recuperate.  It’s one thing to say ‘You have three weeks’ vacation,” as most companies do, but it’s another to to say “You have cash, and if you don’t go on vacation and spend this money, the money literally goes to waste.’

Value Your Employees!!

The CEO of SteelHouse encourages other companies to hold tight and value their employees with initiatives such as theirs. Not only will they be in for the long haul with the company, but they’ll be more efficient and productive, giving their jobs and duties the best performance and attention they can.

In 2013 and 2016, out of 250 employees, the SteelHouse lost only three, and of  those who left, it was due to reasons not related to the job.  They have virtually zero turnover.

Statistics have shown that employees would rather be rewarded with a “vacation” rather then a cash bonus that they would most likely be spent on bills! Contact us to learn how a sales or production travel incentive program can create happier and more productive employees.

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, Retreat Group Travel, Culinary & Vineyard Group Travel, Wellness Travel Retreats, Incentive Travel Reward Programs, Destination Training Events, Corporate Wellness Retreats, Team Building Retreats, Fitness Retreats, Yoga & Meditation Retreats, Juice & Cleanse Retreats, Spirituality Retreats, and Autism Travel, Girls Getaway

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

 

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