Travel by Gretchen

03/22/2024

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It is 2024 and the start of making more travel memories. 2024 is expected to be an even busier travel year. For all those who have been talking about traveling this year, now is the time to start your planning.
If your thoughts are for adventure, think about a weekend in Cuba. OnCubaTravel is a company that does Cuba better than anyone else. They hand select every aspect of your trip every step of the way to create unforgettable experiences and memories to the culturally vibrant, historically rich island nation. The highlights of a weekend include exploring Vedado district/ Tour Old Havana/ Cuban cuisine/ tour the city in American Classic Cars/ Jazz concert/ and other local events. If you are interested, let me know.
Windstar cruises is yacht style cruising 180-degrees from Ordinary. Welcoming just 148-342 guests on small, all-suite that can navigate into islands that the big ships cannot navigate or can no longer go. As the Official Cruise Line of the James Beard Foundation offering guests culinary all-stars . Windstar is friendly, casual, and fun-loving designed to make you feel at home. Windstar is for travelers, not tourists, and the perfect alternative to a river cruise, small-group tours, luxury hotel or all-inclusive resort.
Charleston SC offers unforgettable hospitality, history, and culture. Take time to indulge in small curiosities, breathe the salt air, and explore.
Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

03/22/2024

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security.
If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 2-3 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.
It is hard to believe we are coming up on the holidays. With the holidays there will be an uptick in travel by air, rail, and car. If you are flying, first I suggest you take the first flight out to your destination. The weather tends to be better in the morning than later in the day. Your plane is already at the airport, not arriving in from another city. There are things that can affect your flights like stormy weather, shortage of air traffic controllers, smoke from the Canadian wildfires. These are some of the things that can affect your travels. Here are some tips to help you navigate a canceled or delayed flights. Check with the airlines about re-booking/ cancellation fees. If you are cruising or connecting to a tour, and you would miss your departure, make sure you have taken travel insurance to protect yourself. I suggest flying in a day early so you are there. I suggest you also do not take the last flight that would connect and give yourself at least 1 or 2 other flight options if arriving on the day your cruise leaves. Make sure you know the flight delay rules in the US. If a flight is delayed for reasons beyond the airline’s control, such as weather, strikes, air traffic control and mechanical issues, US carriers are not obligated to anything more than get you to your destination on their next available flight. Each airline has its own policies. If delayed, ask the airline staff it it will pay for meals or a phone call. Some airlines charging very low fares do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Contrary to popular belief, for domestic itineraries airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. Compensation is required by law only when a passenger is bumped from an oversold flight. If you know ahead of time, it is easier to be calm and courteous when you ask for information about your flight and what assistance is available to you. Don’t yell at the gate agent! They are just as frustrated and are working within the rules to assist you.

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02/12/2024

An organ player called Josh decided to play Bohemian Rhapsody on the largest pipe organ in the world and it sounds epic! The instrument boasts 33,112 pipes, 447 ranks and 7 manuals when it was completed in 1929. Playing this organ to a high standard is a triumph - but for Josh Stafford, his two hands were not enough to fully get his point across. As the song's legendary rock section kicks in - you'll notice that this virtuosic performance actually involves using his feet to play another set of bass keys beneath the organ. The instrument in question is actually the largest pipe organ on the planet - with a whopping seven keyboards up top, not including the set below. Watch video on The Music Man in comments below 👇

06/19/2023

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 2-3 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.

I have been exploring airfares this vacation season. Prices are higher this year both domestically and internationally. My suggestion is to purchase your tickets when you see a price you like. Most travelers book their flights less than 90 days before travel. The airlines know this and that is when ticket prices tend to start going up. International prices have 3 price points. High season is summer..Low season is winter (not including Thanksgiving and Christmas) through till Spring. Shoulder season is from September to mid November and one of the most popular. Air flights can be purchased 330 days prior to travel.
Family travel can be challenging when you cannot reserve seats together. United has rolled out a new family seating policy designed to seat children under 12 next to an adult. A new seat map feature has been launched to find seating together at the time of booking.
U.S citizens will soon have to apply for permission before their United Kingdom trips and pay a small fee to enter as part of the country’s upcoming Electronic Travel Authorization.

Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

06/05/2023

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 2-3 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.

This year travel is at an all time high! In the past waiting to book your trip was popular. Now if you wait, you could be paying more or out of luck unless you can be flexible. This is true for domestic and international travel.
River cruising both in the United States and around the rivers in Europe are selling out. Viking is offering a $25. deposit to complete your booking. Most river cruise companies are offering free or discounted air along with free WiFi, all drinks, specialty dining, and some offer free shore excursions.
When traveling to Hawaii and wanting to visit the historic Iao Valley State Monument on Maui, as of May 1,2023 will require reservations. This is the 4th state park to require reservations. Non resident reservations are required at Wai’anapanapa State Park on Maui, Ha’ena State Park on Kauai and Leahi, Diamond Head State Monument on Oahu and the Nature Preserve at Hanauma Bay. Reservations can be made online at https://gostateparks.hawaii.gov.
Solo travel without a single supplement is being offered by a number of tour companies and cruises both domestic, Caribbean, and Europe. I believe that this is a movement that will be found for travel worldwide.

Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.

Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

06/05/2023

TRAVEL TIDBITS, UPDATES, AND TIPS

UPDATE ON REAL ID’S … The required Real ID has been pushed back to May7,2025. It is suggested that you request the Real ID when it is time to renew your drivers license. The reason for the push back is due to a backlog at Homeland Security. If you are traveling internationally you will need to make sure your passport is valid 6 months beyond your return date. If not, passports are taking 3-4 months to obtain. If needed sooner, you will need to pay for expedited service in order to get them in time.
Travel to Seattle is easy to explore and get around with Step on Step Off transportation. The City Pass at $109 for adults is about half the entry fees to attractions such as the Space Needle, the Seattle Aquarium and the Museum of Pop Culture. There is much to explore on foot from the parks near the waterfront and the 534 acres of beaches, seaside cliffs and nature trails. Take a fascinating with Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour in historic Pioneer Square to explore the city below the city that was destroyed by fire in 1889.
Houston offers visitors free admission to the city’s museums. The Museum of Fine Art has free admission, gallery talks and tours all day on Thursday. From March to November you can enjoy live performances of all kinds at the Miller Outdoor Theater in Herman Park.
Miami can be pricey, but you can ditch the crowds of South Beach and head to nearby Key Biscayne and Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park where parking in $8 per day. The park has shaded picnic pavilions, beach wheelchairs and an undeveloped stretch of sand with shallow water for swimming. In the Design District the Institute of Contemporary Art (free admission) features experimental contemporary art. Pack a picnic and a lawn chair to enjoy a free outdoor wallcast of the New World Symphony projected in Soundscape Park.
Whenever you are ready, Travel by Gretchen will be here to assist you.
Call me for more information on the destinations listed or the destination of your choice for your next vacation and options for your family and friends. After 50 + years, I have lots of ideas for your next adventure. Find me on Facebook at Travel by Gretchen.

03/14/2023

New York is know to be an expensive destination. The New York I know is all about free museum nights neighborhoods explorations and great Pizza slices. Lodging at the hotels can be a challenge, but think about calling AirBnB for a short term rental or consider a hotel in Long Island, Queens which is a short subway ride from Manhattan. You can purchase a 7day for $33 per person (mta.info/accessibility) There are always the buses. Now what to do while in the Big Apple. The Museum of Modern Art ($25 p/adult,$18 for children and seniors over 65). First timers to NYC will want to get a CityPass for $87 which gets you into 3 top attractions from a list of 12 options. A must see is the 911 Memorial and Museum. I also suggest taking the ferry from Battery Park that includes Ellis Island as one of several stops. One of the best places to explore is Central Park. Bring a picnic and spend the day. Bagels and Pizza by the slice are great option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sit down meals are expensive but you may want to splurge for dinner or drinks and appetizers. If you want to see a musical or play, go to TKTS,TKTS,TKTS which is located in Time Square. Unsold tickets are available there for a discount for that days showtimes. There is always the Carnegy Hall. Enjoy your time in the Big Apple!!!

03/14/2023

It is so great to be busy again with travelers ready to explore our world again. It is time to help find some frugal fun in some of our great cities on a budget. Chicago is known for chilly windy weather, but much of the time you can enjoy comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities like the architectural and natural pleasures – many are free. Lodging by the L or subway train lines as in Old Town or Lincoln Park are wallet friendly. Transportation using the elevated and subway trains are an easy and less expensive way to get around compared to cabs Take the Brown line that weaves around skyscrapers, crosses the Chicago River and provides backyard views of many neighborhoods. A 7 day unlimited pass is $25. A must see tour is the 90 minute Chicago walking tour or the Chicago River cruise offered by the Chicago Architecture Center. Don’t miss the Art Institute, Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science and Industry and the Shedd Aquarium. Many of the free attractions hug the lakefront like Millenium Park or Navy Pier. Food can be $$$, but there are places like downtown food halls where you can find affordable offers from multiple eateries. My personal favorite meals are a Chicago Dog, Italian Beef and Chicago pizza!
Next issues will focus on New York, Miami, Seattle and Houston.

03/14/2023

Princess Cruises has extended the 35% discount plus added 7 perks like onboard credits, Wi-Fi, drink and dessert packages.
Viking Cruises is offering a new discount of the all-inclusive 2023 voyages for their 25th Anniversary Sale with $25.00 deposits and up to free airfare. Call for details.
The Smoky Mountains are gearing up for the 2023 season. Whether you are coming for a long romantic weekend, planning spring break or a summer vacation, I can help you save with the specials and deals on Smoky Mountain cabins.
It is Whale Season in Hawaii between December to May every year. This is a bucket list event to see these awe-inspiring animals from both sea and shore. Every island has special places to view these majestic mammals.
With tours and cruises tightening their rules and penalties, taking Trip Protection/Insurance should be added. There has be uncertainty with air travel, clogged highways and travelers not making it to the airport or ships on time. There are many reasons for buying insurance such as medical emergencies, lost luggage, emergency medical care. Insurance in an inexpensive investment to protect your vacation. Travel companies are not waiving fees without having travel protection.
2023 will be able to ride the high speed Brightline train. It will link passengers from south Florida to central Florida. Right now a line is being constructed with stops in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando.

03/14/2023

New ships, new resorts and new destinations are coming in 2023. Secrets has a new resort in Isla Mujeres Mexico where you can arrive in style by catamaran, personalize your stay with a dedicated butler, meals prepared by master chefs, explore the island in a golf cart, indulge in the latest spa treatments, unwind with water activities and share awe-inspiring sunsets.
Cuba has been named the destination of the month where you can learn to salsa dance, explore Havana by classic car or relax on the beach.
When you need transportation from airport transfers to guided or unguided tours. The fleet includes minibus, motor coaches, vans, stretch limos, SUV, and sedans. Call me for details.
For those wanting an adult only vacations, there are adult only all inclusive resorts throughout the world and now there is an adults only cruise with Virgin Voyages that are also all inclusive. I would enjoy telling you more about these.