Posts made in January, 2011

How To Choose The Right Travel Agent For The Very Best Cruise Experience

Posted by admin on Jan 31, 2011 in Travel Agent | Comments Off

Choosing a travel agent should be easy. Go to travel agents that specialize in cruising. I cannot stress this enough. There agencies that book cruises only and then there are agents within Travel Agencies that are specialists in cruising. Either one of these will fit the bill.

Ask the agent a lot of questions, like what cruise lines that agent has sailed on? They should be very knowledgeable about all the aspects of cruising- food, activities, entertainment, the size of the cabins available, the size of the ship, what kind of facilities and the clientele. To be really sure of the agents’ expertise, ask for a CLIA accredited agent.

Ask about a variety of cruises, not just one or two lines. Some agents push one or two lines because they either have booked a big block of space on a ship or they get a higher commission from a particular cruise line, they call these their “Preferred Suppliers”. Ask them who their Preferred Suppliers are and what lines they have personally sailed on. Many times it will be the Preferred Suppliers but you want someone who has experienced many cruise lines.

Cruise Tip: When choosing an agent, ask how long she/he has worked for the agency. You want one that has been there at least two years, has been on several lines, and can answer all of your questions. It is not realistic to expect the agent to have sailed on all of the cruise lines but you want one that has sampled many.

There are a couple of tricks to get the best priced cruise. Go to one Travel Agent who specializes in cruises; go through the options available for the type of cruise you want. After the agent has narrowed it down she/he will than say it’s time to call the lines and check for availability. The next step is to put a hold on the cabin which she will put in your name. Normally the cruise line will hold a cabin for a week. .

Go home and call another cruise agency and ask for their cruise specialist. Give that agency the same information along with the price quoted by the first agent. See if this agent can beat the price. If she can, go back to the first agent and tell her your mother, sister, friend, was able to get a better price and can she meet that price. Chances are she will, especially if she has placed you on a Preferred Supplier. Don’t feel bad about this. You will probably book with the first agent, and the second agent did not do any work except make a phone call. This will also let you know if the first agent did a good job. If agent number 2 can’t beat the price or quotes you a higher price, bingo, you’ve got yourself a great agent in on the first try.

The third thing you will want to do is check the internet for any deals on that particular ship. You can check by search engine or by going to the individual cruise lines website.

Your local newspaper will have a cruise travel section with lots of ads for cruises and will list discount fares. Or go to your local bookstore and browse the Magazine section for Cruise related publications. And of course the Cruise lines all have websites where you can book directly. But if you are a new cruiser it is best to go to a Travel Agent that knows cruising and can answer all your questions including the pro and cons of each and every cruise line.

Cruise Tip: If you are strictly looking for price, go to travel agents that have booked large blocks of rooms on a particular cruise and they will be able to give you a good discount. Just make sure that this is the type of cruise you want to take. Consider the ships “personality”. There are ships that are completely casual all of the time, or ships that promote partying, and ships were people are elegantly dressed all of the time. Choosing your cruise style is one of the first things you should decide, this will help the Travel Agent find the ideal ship for you.
Copy the list below and take them with you when you visit your chosen Travel Agency (write answers below questions):
1. What is the total price for the cruise? It should include port charges, air fare and transfers to and from the airport.
2. Can any money be saved by traveling on a different cruise line with similar amenities or if I traveled at a different time of year?
3. Does the agency have a way of checking if the rate drops as the cruise date nears? If so, will the travel agent automatically lower my fare?
4. Does the cruise line offer travel insurance and what kind if they do? Does the agency offer insurance or know a reputable company?
5. What is the last day you can cancel without penalty? What are the penalties?
6. What proof of citizenship is expected? What other documents will I need?
7. If I want to change the itinerary or go earlier or stay later is that possible?
8. Who will make my airline reservations? When can I get seat assignments?
9. Find out where your cabin will be and if it is close to the dining room, the elevator, the disco, the pool etc. Ships are large and there will be considerable walking.
10. Arrange with the agent what type of beds you want, queen or twin.
11. Tell the agent when you want to dine and how large the table should be.
12. If purchasing an outside cabin has the agent checked to make sure the view is not obstructed? If this doesn’t matter to you, you may be able to save some money by booking an obstructed view.
13. What are the weight restrictions if you are flying to the port?
14. When will I get my travel documents?
15. If you have a special diet request make it now.
16. If it is your honeymoon have the travel agent notify the cruise line. The lines usually have special gatherings for newly weds.
17. If you are traveling in a large group the cruise line should also be notified.
18. If you have any special needs such as cribs or baby food now is the time to have the agent tell the cruise line.
19. If you have a health issue, ask about the infirmary
20. Do they have any cruise reviews that you can see or get a copy of?

These questions and the information above will aide you in finding the right Travel agent to book your cruise vacation. Just a little bit of work and then you can Set Sail!
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2006 Mary Hanna All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.

The Convenience of Applying Online: Travel Insured and Travelex Insurance

Posted by admin on Jan 30, 2011 in Travel Insurance | Comments Off

Both Travel Insured and Travelex Insurance companies offer a chance for travelers to get rates on travel insurance right online. You can pick your travel insurance package when it comes to both of these companies and cover yourself from loss when you are traveling. Planning a trip can be very expensive and most of the time, you have to pay for the trip up front. If something occurs, such as a storm or a hurricane, you will then be stuck with the bill but no trip. Both Travel Insured and Travelex Insurance help prevent this from happening.

Traveling to the Caribbean during Hurricane Season?

You can apply for Travel Insured travel insurance right online and get a quote. You can do the same for Travelex Insurance. The quote that you get will depend on where you are going, when you are going and the amount of money that the trip is costing you. Travelex Insurance will not provide a quote for island or cruise travel in the Caribbean during hurricane season. Travel Insured will provide a quote, but it is high. A traveler would have to wonder if it is worth it to insure the trip for an amount that rivals the cost of the trip.

Making the Right Choices for Travel Insurance

Applying for both Travel Insured travel insurance as well as Travelex Insurance is easy. You just have to fill out an online form and send in information regarding your travel itinerary. Once you have done this, you will get a quote on how much travel insurance will cost you. You can choose from several different travel insurance packages. There are those that insure you when it comes to medical coverage and accidents as well as those that will insure against lost bags, water damage or damage to your property when you are traveling.

You can get travel insurance from both Travelex Insurance and Travel Insured for a trip cancellation as well. This will give you a chance to recoup most of your losses if a trip is cancelled.

No travel insurance company will give you money for pain and suffering if your trip is cancelled. In other words, if you have plans for a honeymoon and have travel insurance and a freak storm wipes out the hotel before the honeymoon date, you cannot file a claim on the fact that this ruined your honeymoon and caused you pain and suffering. You can only get the money that you put down for the hotel reservations back to you.

Travel insurance is used when you pre-pay for a trip or a cruise and want to be sure that you do not lose money on the trip in case it is cancelled or if you have to cancel due to illness. Both Travel Insured and Travelex Insurance will cover you in these instances and charge you a low premium, based upon the risk that they are taking. When it comes to filing a claim, you can get the same service from Travelex Insurance as you can get from Travel Insured. You will have to provide them proof that you suffered a loss, send them a receipt of the loss and then collect the proceeds when they pay out.

Cheap Travel Insurance Is Better Than No Travel Insurance Coverage

Posted by admin on Jan 29, 2011 in Travel Insurance | Comments Off

Are you the adventurous kind,  making travel plans almost throughout the year? If your answer is -Yes then along with your trip, you should also plan your insurance. If you have not bought a  travel insurance policy yet, consider doing it right now. Always remember to compare travel insurance rates, coverage and plans before you decide on  an  insurance company. Try and look out for the cheap travel insurance plans offered by various  travel insurance companies. After all, a cheap travel insurance is always better than no travel coverage.

Thousands of students, business travelers and vacationers are traveling across the world,  secured via cheap and affordable travel insurance Even the middle class family, that usually takes at least one vacation in a year, can afford cheap travel insurance.  In all of these instances, standard cover won’t meet your needs and you should be considering a specialist travel policy. Cheap travel insurance  in such cases is often regarded better than going in for a standard insurance policy and plan including additional coverage.

The insurance company makes sure that no matter how big your travel plans are, you will be in a position to save up as much as possible. Now, if you buy a cheap travel insurance plan, the benefits of extra insurance coverage will be limited . But you are, however, assured of the insurance coverage required to fulfill your future requirements.

Purchasing a cheap travel insurance plan, offered by any leading insurance company today,  is a wise step to manage your finances. You just have to keep in mind that your baggage is insured, you and your family will arrive conveniently, and in case a crisis crops up, you don’t have to fall back on the fact of whether the insurance coverage of the travel company will cover you or not.

Cases of erroneous travel cover have been frequently heard of. The insured believes that he is safely insured with a travel insurance coverage, only to find out later from his travel insurance company, that he was not. To avoid such situations, you can compare and choose a cheap travel insurance policy and be safe.

Invest in a cheap travel insurance and enjoy a better travel experience. An affordable travel insurance plan is a smart decision that you must take, instead of going for an extra insurance coverage.

Get the best quotes of cheap travel insurance online. But it always does not imply that an affordable travel insurance plan will come with less coverage. Choosing the right travel insurance policy is a safeguard against the travel agents, who dupe into believing that travel insurance is inclusive of your travel plan.

Hotels in Haridwar

Posted by admin on Jan 28, 2011 in Travel Hotel | Comments Off

The hilly region of Haridwar is famous amongst adventure enthusiasts. Spread across of the town, these Haridwar hotels offer decent lodging options to the travelers.

The Haridwar Hotels are painstakingly categorized into different types like heritage hotels, premium hotels, economy hotels and budget hotels. The advantage of categorizing hotels into these types is that travelers know very well which category will serve their purpose fairly.

The name of Haridwar city is counted among the seven holy cities of India. It is very famous among those tourists who are in search of salvation. In fact there are many devotees who take dips in River Ganga in Haridwar to purge their sins. Undoubtedly it is one of the main pilgrim centers. However this definition does not stop the pleasure travelers from paying visits to this city. The pleasure tourists too haunt it very frequently to bask in its pristine beauty. Further, business travelers are also visiting this city in Uttaranachal for negotiating big deals amidst calm ambience. However to provide comforts to every type of travelers in Haridwar a good number of hotels in Haridwar have been opened.

Hotel Alpana:

Alpana, Haridwar hotel is situated near to the bathing ghat that is Har-Ki-Pauri. The best thing about this hotel in Haridwar is that you will get a complete feeling of being in Haridwar the holy city. Hotels in Haridwar which are situated near the main market have and advantage as one get to shop locally for clothes, and famous food items from Mathurawala, Brajwasi . All places of religious interest are close to this Haridwar hotel. The feeling of being in Haridwar only comes only when one stays within walking distance of the Ghat.

Hotel Classic Residency:

Haridwar Hotel Classic Residency touted as one of the best hotels in Haridwar features 44 wonderfully well furnished rooms of which one is suite type. All the guestrooms are very spacious and boast of an array of modern amenities that comprise of running hot/cold water, cable color TV, direct dialing facility, daily newspaper, purified and filtered drinking water and balconies that give direct views of the spectacular region

Haveli Hari Ganga:

Haveli Hari Ganga in Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India) is a luxurious trip to the resurgence of the mind, body and soul. Ayurvedic yoga & meditation in Haridwar. The Haveli Hari Ganga, a beautiful heritage “Haveli” is situated on the banks of the Holy Ganga, a mere 500 meters walk through the Bazaar from the sacred “Har ki Pauri” at Haridwar. It stands at the gateway to the Devbhumi – the abode of the Gods and the “Char Dham Yatra”. The Haveli has been restored to recreate the old – world charm with modern day hospitality.

Hotel Alaknanda:

Hotel Alaknanda is one of the very popular economy hotels in Haridwar. Set amidst the pristine beauty of Haridwar, the hotel offers comfortable accommodations, along with an array of facilities and services. One will surely enjoy staying here.

Hotel Disney Inn

Hotel Disney Inn in Haridwar provides a cocoon of luxurious comfort for visitors to the holy town. The deluxe hotel provides guests with an ultimate stay experience, both in terms of luxury and comfort. It features state-of-the-art facilities for travellers. Visitors prefer the hotel for the impeccable service it delivers and the world-class facilities that it provides. Right elegantly appointed guest rooms and suites to dining, the hotel is second to none.

Hotel Himgiri International:

Hotel Himgiri situated in close proximity to the important tourist attractions and religious sites of Haridwar, Hotel Himgiri International, Haridwar is one of the favorite Budget Hotels in Haridwar that, is heavily thronged by tourists all throughout the year. The pocket friendly rates are a major factor for its soaring popularity.

Hotel Le Grand:

An exclusive luxury hotel in the heart of the Holy city Hardwar that offers every comfort with an easy reach. Le Grand is matched in a unique manner with the culture and ambience of the holy town. Its graceful architecture that fits in perfectly with the lovely backdrop of the hills and the greenery all around flows wonderfully into the interiors, ensuring comfort, service and relaxation to our customers.

Hotel Mansarovar International:

Hotel Mansarovar International is specially recognized for offering international standard of facilities and services. It is a very famous accommodation among the business and pleasure travelers.

Hotel Neelkanth:

Hotel Neelkanth in Haridwar is one of the famous economy hotels in Haridwar. Peeping over the Ganga canal and located very close to the Ghats and temples of Haridwar, Hotel Neelkanth is a pleasure hub for every pilgrim and tourist. It attracts them with its wide array of facilities and services that take care of their every aspect and guarantee best of time to them during stay in Haridwar. It is indeed an ideal gateway to discover the unblemished beauty of this holy place.

Hotel Pramila:

Hotel Pramila in Haridwar deserves special position among all the standard economy hotels in Haridwar. It entices all the business and pleasure travelers with its amazingly appointed guestrooms and unparalleled facilities and services. Located in the nerve center of the city, this hotel makes guests stay in Haridwar most memorable event of life. It is a cocoon of comfort in true sense.

Hotel Sachin International:

Sachin International in Haridwar features generously spaced and tastefully appointed guestrooms. Not for once will you feel you are away from the comforts of your home. The rooms are cozy and have an intimate ambience.

Hotel Shiv Murit:

Hotel Shiv Murit in Haridwar deserves special position among all the standard economy hotels in Haridwar. It entices all the business and pleasure travelers with its amazingly appointed guestrooms and unparalleled facilities and services. Located in the nerve center of the city, this hotel makes guests stay in Haridwar most memorable event of life. It is a cocoon of comfort in true sense.

Hotel Teerth:

Hotel Teerth The moment you enter the room, you have divine darshan of Ganga ji. That is religious view of the river. The bedrooms, have their own shower & toilet facilities, furnished in a modern decor, lift, Telephone, color TV with cable, In house restaurant & room service available.

Hotel Trishul:

Haridwar Hotel Trishul is an ideal retreat and this can very well be corroborated by taking a sneak peek at its several brilliantly appointed guestrooms. All the guestrooms are very beautiful and impress guests with its wide range of modern amenities that comprise of television, telephone, attached baths and running hot & cold water. On staying put in any of the rooms at this hotel guests are sure to experience heavenly comforts.

Hotel Vasundhara:

Hotel Vasundhara has become the pioneer in the hotel industry in Hardwar.Beautifully decorated Reception and spacious Lobby with a fine synthesis of style and grace giving a feel of quite and calm atmosphere. Hospitality with fragrance of Indian Culture is at your service. Where you are the boss to be obliged by the hospitality matching star luxury standards to make your stay a comfortable and peaceful one.

Sagar Ganga Resort:

Sagar Ganga Resorts is one of the most popular and leading hotels in Haridwar (Uttarakhand, India). Haridwar stands at the gateway to the four pilgrimages of Uttarakhand and has always remained as a major Shaktipeeth for the devotees.

Sagar Ganga is situated on the banks of River Ganga, the holiest of all rivers, just 1 km from the Railway Station and bus Stand, and 1.5 kms from “Har Ki Pauri”. The most sacred place in Haridway.Sagar Ganga is an exclusive heritage property, which belonged formerly to the Maharaja of Nepal. It has spacious rooms with attached balconies overlooking the Ganga and a private bathing ghat.

Cheap Travel Insurance is better than no Travel Insurance Coverage

Posted by admin on Jan 27, 2011 in Travel Insurance | Comments Off

Most of us take travel insurance lightly and very rarely we discuss travel insurance in detail with our travel agents before planning the tour. It is important to know what your travel insurance covers you for. Most of the travel insurance plans provide coverage against in the event of any unforeseen situations which may subject you to a financial loss or otherwise.

Always remember to browse travel insurance rates, coverage and plans, offered by any big insurance company before you make your final decision. Try and look out for the cheap travel insurance plans, which the popular travel insurance company brands have on offer. It is mostly believed today, that cheap travel insurance is often better than less or no travel insurance coverage.

A cheap travel insurance plan, offered by any leading insurance company, today is a clever step to manage your finances. You just have to keep in mind that your baggage is insured, you and your family will arrive conveniently, and in case a crisis crops up you don’t have to fall back on the fact of whether the insurance coverage of the travel company will cover you or not.

Cases of erroneous travel cover have been frequently heard of. The insured believes that he is safely insured with a travel insurance coverage, only to find out later from his travel insurance company, that he was not. To avoid such situations, you can choose a travel insurance policy that suits to your requirements. An affordable travel insurance plan is a judicious decision that you must take, instead of going for an extra insurance coverage. So, invest in a travel insurance plan and enjoy a better travel experience!