The Travel Teacher

Travel to Europe on US Dollars!!!

There has never been a better time to visit Europe.  Let me count the ways.

• What kind of travel do you like to do?  Have you ever taken a cruise vacation?  This is a wonderful comfortable way to see Europe.  You pay up front in US dollars, both for the cruise and the excursions in your ports of call.  You sleep in the same bed every night and visit many different cities and countries.  You can even combine the cruise with a land tour before or after the cruise.  Or fly in early to the embarking city or stay later in the disembarking city.  Then we can book you a tour, book your hotels all prepaid in US. dollars.  There are different kinds of cruises - big ships, small ships, river boats, sailing vessels.  One is just right for you. 
• Another way to prepay in US dollars is to do a land tour with a company who specializes in Europe.  There are many.  Some give you total service from meeting and greeting to saying good bye.  For first time travelers this is a very comfortable and fun way to travel.  Many tour companies now keep you in some towns for 2 or 3 days and really give you a chance to see everything. 
• If you don’t want the fully guided tour, we can get you a rental car and/or train tickets and you can tootle on your way.  The main thing is that at some point in each city, get a tour from the Information Office in each city.  The saddest thing I have seen are people wandering around cities and have no idea of the history or anything about the buildings.  You may never go there again, so get someone to tell you.
• Don’t take too big a bite when you go.  Better to see just a small area fully than to jump from country to country just to say you have been there.  Check the distances and decide how you will travel between them.  Depending on when you go, prebooking a hotel may be necessary.  The good ones fill up quickly and sleeping in a train station isn’t the most comfortable or safe.  Again, these can be prepaid in US dollars.
• Why are you going to Europe?  Heritage tour?  Are there war stories in your family, then visit the battle fields?  Religious tour?  Taking your family to stay in a villa in Italy or France?  Church group going to Israel or Turkey?   Needing help with a group tour? 

Whatever your reasons, however you want to go, just don’t let the money stop you.  Call me to pre book as much as possible and enjoy your journey.

Remember when you were young or your children were young and they always had to go “potty” everywhere you went?  Basically they wanted to see the bathrooms!!!  I got pretty good figuring out which corner of the store they were in.

When you travel, you don’t need to be checking out the hospitals or clinics all over the world.  Seen one, seen them all, and most are not as nice as at home.  And trying to find a doctor who speaks English can be challenging.  Staying healthy when you travel is #1 to having a good vacation.  My husband doesn’t have a spleen and can go into pneumonia at the drop of a hat.  So, here are some tips that I have found to work. 

• Brookstone has this little filter that you wear around your neck or in your pocket.  I know it works because since we have been using it on planes, we haven’t gotten sick.  Proof enough.
• Spray your nose with nasal spray before boarding the plane.  Acts as a block to germs.
• Take hand wipes to wipe down the food tray.  Must be the dirtiest thing on the plane.
• Take hand sanitizer and use it frequestly.  The one that does the most good is Soapopular.  Doesn’t dry out your skin or have an offensive odor. Take your own pillow for sleeping on red eye flights.  I cut an old down pillow in half and roll it up into a plastic vacuum bag putting it in my carryon.
• Wash your hands in warm soap and water often.
• When going to 3rd World Countries, take your own syringes incase you need to get a shot.  Carry them in a paper towel tube with the ends taped shut.
• Get as much rest as you possibly can.   When you are tired you pick up stuff more easily.
• I wouldn’t even have a problem wearing a mask if I am in a motorcoach and people are coughing and sneezing.  That can spread very fast.

Now to address the Norovirus.  There is a lot in the papers about this on cruise ships.  Well, it has to be reported because those ships are registered in foreign ports and the cruise lines have to report sicknesses when they come into the US.  HOWEVER, it is not just on ships.  It is in hotels, schools and any public places.  I have had clients get it BEFORE they even got to the cruise.  Sometimes people are sick when they board and they think they will get well in a day or so and in the meantime they have infected 50 people.  The cruise lines are watching people very close and if they suspect the passengers are sick, they will quarantine them. 

My last point is the MOST IMPORTANT.  BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE!!!.  The cost is small, but the benefits are HUGE.  Buy it on my web site www.cruiseandtourplanners.com or call me.  Just this past week we heard of a lady who fell down in Italy and cracked her head.  Her family is trying to raise $100,000 to bring her home.  How sad.  I have another client who has cancelled 3 trips because of medical issues and got her money back - she is young.  Then there is the young college studen surfing in Costa Rica who broke his neck and needed $500,000 to come home.  Age has nothing to do with it.  I could tell lots of stories.  DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT INSURANCE!!!

What is your opinion about the cruise Industry?  Maybe I can shed some light.

Starting with Noah’s Ark, people have floated on the water.  All kinds of vessels, all kinds of bodies of water.  We just love floating around the world. 

Contrary to those who have served in the Navy, today’s cruising is very comfortable, informative, entertaining, and can be the ultimate vacation.  But it is like a pair of shoes, if it doesn’t fit you, you won’t be happy.  How do you know if it fits you? 

First of all, you need professional assistance.  As the highest certified professional in the industry, I am constantly monitoring all the cruise lines and all the ships in each company.  Just because your neighbor or Aunt Suzie cruised on a particular ship does not mean it is right for you.  I build a personal relationship with you to find out as much as I can to put you on the best fit.  Each time you cruise, those criteria may change and I have to know how to change you.  So, let’s start with the basics.

There are about 4 different classes of cruise lines, in my humble opinion.

• Luxury
• Premium
• Mass Market
• Assorted miscellaneous types

LUXURY - From very small yacht-type vessels to very large ocean liners, these are set apart by the ratio of staff to passengers.  Also, the inclusions such as wine with meals, stock bars in the cabins, suite-type accommodations, included shore excursions, high quality linens and bathroom amenities. Some overnight in ports of call.   Many longer cruises that are better suited to the older passengers, Just simply, like a more luxurious resort or hotel, the level of service is superior.  Definitely an adult only atmosphere.

PREMIUM - A small number of companies in this category.  Ships of various sizes, interesting ports of call with some overnights, high ratio of passengers to staff, may have some limited children’s programs, champagne on boarding, high quality service and food.  Pricewise, a step down from the Luxury brands

MASS MARKET - Larger ships, more family orientated, lots of onboard activities, many places to eat, busy and active ambience and priced for the maximum population.  Many newer ships and new builds coming all the time.  Great for goups of all types with meeting room capabilities.  Generational groups with activities for all ages. 

ASSORTED MISCELLANOUS TYPES - In this category you have

• River cruises both in the US and around the world
• Sailing vessels
• Paddle wheelers
• Small ships in many places around the world
• Theme ships such as Disney Cruise Lines
• Expedition-type ships
• Barges in the US and France-self guided or escorted

We will explore these in depth in future postings.  In the meantime, remember to get a CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) certified professional such as myself to assist you.  I know the industry and the industry knows me!!!

Is it safe to travel these days? 

Very important questions when planning your trip.  Many times I have said I would rather travel around the world than go to some of the inner cities in the US.  Safety is as safety does!!  Traveling smart minimizes your safety issues.

• Women, don’t carry a bag over your shoulder.  In fact, don’t carry a purse at all.  If you carry a back pack of any kind, don’t put important documents in it.  I have watched people unzip those, stick their hand inside and be gone while the person is still walking without a clue.
• All money, credit cards, passports, airline tickets or any other important documents should be under your clothes in a money belt or wallet.  Leave it there.  Take out a few dollars for the day, but leave the rest under your clothes.
• Any money you carry in your pocket should have a rubber band around it.  Makes it harder to get out.
• Do not leave money or jewelry in your cabin or hotel room.  It will be gone when you return.  Take it to the front desk and put it in a safe.
• Better still, leave all jewelry at home.  Wear a cheap watch and cheap ring.  This is not a fashion show and you don’t need your chains.  I have seen them ripped off people’s necks.
• Don’t put valuables in shirt pockets.  I have had clients loose those as they are watching a group of gypsies.
• If anyone drops coins or marbles or yells for help in a train station, airport or public area, don’t help.  Don’t let go of your suitcase, lap top or anything else. 
• Be aware who is around you.  Make eye contact so people know you are aware of them.
• Cameras and binoculars - you do have to have them available, but put them around your neck or on your body somehow. 
• Fanny packs - use only the kind with the fastener on the side that can be under your arm.  Those are easy to release and take.  In a crowd, keep a hand on the pack strap.

Just think in your mind, as you travel, that everyone you meet could be a pick pocket and you will be aware. 

Class is in session!

First of all, thank you for the shiny green apple.  Teachers love apples, you know.  Even more than apples, though, I love to talk to eager students about travel.  Travel in your own backyard or halfway around the world.  I’ve done plenty of both, and I’m here to help you navigate the sometimes complicated waters of selecting the right trip, traveling in optimal weather, and making the most of your time there.  Oh, and don’t forget the essentials like packing properly, getting the right vaccinations and travel medicines, and making sure your destination is prepared for any of your special needs.

My chalkboard is clean and I’m ready to start the first lesson.  This is not as strict as the classrooms of your childhood, though.  Feel free to ask a question anytime in the comments section or contact me directly through my main website.

Happy Traveling!