Planning

I Want To Take A Cruise, But Don’t Want To Be Out In The Ocean!!!

Viking-River-Cruises-Logo

Do you want to cruise but are afraid of being out in the huge ocean, far from the sight of land?

While visiting with friends at a concert recently, we got on to the topic of our up-coming travel plans. When I mentioned that since we started up Team Edwards Travel, we were taking a trip to Hawaii and were also planning a Panama Canal cruise for next spring.  Everyone got caught up in our excitement, but one person said that they were not really sure that they would be comfortable taking a cruise. That brought up a discussion about the various options that were available to today’s cruisers. So, thank you Heidi, for giving me a great topic for this blog.

Heidi’s concern is not unusual.  In fact, the fear of getting seasick, fear of being bored or the fear of the ocean is a real concern for lots of people.  But that is not enough of a reason for you to give up the idea of a cruise! In fact, today’s modern cruise ships have stabilizers, which really minimizes the problems generally associated with getting seasick.

Also, the person who thinks they will be bored has never been on a cruise ship because there is so much to do; you could even skip getting off in port and still be busy having fun the whole time. That is especially wonderful if you are traveling with a grandparent who has difficulty getting around, but wants to enjoya multi-generational family vacation. They can enjoy the many on-board activities while you are taking a day trip in port, and everyone can still be together for breakfast, dinner and evening play time.

But if you still have doubts, Team Edwards Travel is here to tell you that you have several choices that will allow you to enjoy all of the special things about cruising without having to be out in the big blue ocean, out of sight of land.

First of all, there are river cruises. And I don’t just mean a cruise on the Mississippi. In fact, until just recently, all of the boats that used to cruise the Mississippi had pretty much vanished, except for short run excursions that had an overnight in a shore-based motel before returning to the boat’s home port.  These days, there were at last count, two companies offering river boat cruising on the Mississippi.  There is also a company offering a similar cruising experience on the Columbia River near Portland, Oregon.

If you are up for a little more adventure, and if you have a few more dollars saved to cover the air fare, there are dozens of river cruises throughout Europe, Portugal, Spain, Egypt, Russia, China and Viet Nam. Most of the river boat cruises are 7 days in length, but you could book them back to back and do a river boat cruise from Amsterdam in the Netherlands to Bucharest on the Black Sea!

These cruises are set up so that you can do just the cruise, or you can enjoy pre or post cruise excursions, as well as many side trips along the way, to see exciting historical locations. Wouldn’t you love to see German castles, French wineries, Dutch windmills, the tulips of Holland, Vienna, London, Normandy, the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Champs-Elysees, the Louvre,  St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow’s Red Square, St. Petersburg, the pyramids along the Nile in Egypt, the Great Wall of China and the Terra Cotta Army in Xi’an, Bangkok or Hong Kong?

Viking Longship Tour

Also, most of the river boat cruises are available to singles, so it is not just couples on these cruises.

 

Don’t forget the coastal cruises as well.  The ships stay pretty close to the coast on these cruises.  Starting on the west coast, there is the majestic Alaska Inside Passage cruise.  The Alaska cruise is on the top 10 favorite cruises for most cruisers.  America Cruise Lines offers a cruise on the Columbia between Astoria and Clarkston, WA.  Travel up the locks on the Columbia, and up the Snake with a side trip to Pendleton, Oregon.

Moving south, you can cruise  coastal California – Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada. There is also Los Angeles to San Francisco, then south to Ensenada, Mexico, then north to San Diego and back to Los Angeles.  If you’re looking for a warmer climate, how about the Mexican Riviera along the western coast of Mexico? You can find 3, 4, 5 and 7 day cruises out of Long Beach.

A favorite would be on the Pride of America cruising the Hawaiian Islands.  You get to visit 4 islands starting with Ohau.  What a trip! Fly to Honolulu, spend a couple days on the beach at Waikiki, then do a 7 day island cruise, followed by a couple more days on the beach before flying home.  Maybe you will book a stay at the new Disney Aulani on Oahu.

On the east coast, there is the New England/St. Lawrence River cruise to enjoy the wonderful fall colors of the north east.  Cruise from New York City to Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and then down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City.

Looking for something closer to shore; how about a cruise from Providence, Rhode Island to New Bedford, to Nantucket Island, Martha’s Vinyard to Fall River then to Newport to Block Island and back to Providence.  How about the coast of Maine? Portland to Boothbay, Bar Harbor, Camden, Belfast, Castine, Rockland and back to Portland.

Another great cruise would be from Alexandria (near Washington, DC) down the river to Mt. Vernon, down to the Chesapeake Bay at St. Marys, and Solomons Island, then up to Annapolis, St. Michaels, Chestertown, through the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal to Philadelphia, PA.

You could do a whole week in the Chesapeake from Baltimore down to Colonial Williamsburg, VA, then back to Baltimore with stops at Tangier Island, Cambridge, Oxford, St. Michaels, and Annapolis. Another great trip would be up the Hudson River from New York City to Albany and back with stops at West Point, Kingston, Poughkeepsie and Sleepy Hollow.

Ready to head south?  How about the Mid-Atlantic inland passage?  Baltimore south to Charleston South Carolina. Stops at Norfolk, Kitty Hawk, Oriental, Beaufort, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.

Of course, there is the south coast of the US as well.  Charleston, SC to Jacksonville, Florida.  Travel along the inside passage, sheltered by the barrier islands. Stops at Beaufort, Hilton Head Island, Savannah, Sapelo Island, Jekyll Island and Amelia Island along the way.  You could combine the last two cruises for a 15 day cruise from Baltimore, Maryland to Jacksonville, Florida.  What a trip!

Finally, there is the Great Rivers of Florida trip.  Jacksonville to Palatka to Lake George, Green Cove Springs, down the Tolomato River to St. Augustine, Amelia Island and then back to Jacksonville.

If you are looking for something more exotic, you can always cruise around the whole continent of Australia, or around New Zealand. How about the coastal cruise starting in Singapore and going north all the way to Tianjin, China? Yes, there is a little more open water on some of these exotic cruises, but you can work your way up to them.

As you can see, there are dozens of options worth considering. Give us a call at Team Edwards Travel and we will help you find just the right cruise for you.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

I’m Taking A Cruise; How Soon Should I Arrive at The Port City?

Cruise Ships

When you are taking a cruise, most cruise lines want you to be at the port by noon for late afternoon sailings.

That means that you could plan to fly in the first thing in the morning, doesn’t it?

Not if you don’t want to take a chance of missing the ship.  When it is time to sail, the ship will sail, even if you are not there.  So, I would say that it is always a great idea to get to the port city at least one day early.  In fact, you should consider getting there a day or two early so that you can relax after the flight and enjoy the sights before you get on the ship.

Keep in mind that if you set up your flight through the cruise line and if for some reason the flight is delayed, the cruise line will get you to the next port city to join the cruise.  Unfortunately, if the ship is going to be at sea for the first day or two, you will miss out on that part of the cruise.

Another thing to think of is getting the opportunity to do some shopping before you get on the ship.  You remember in one of the packing blogs, one of the suggestions was to bring your older, almost worn out, under wear and then toss it rather than launder it after wearing.  That will free up some space for the trinkets and things you buy on the cruise.  Another thing you could do to cut down on the number of suitcases you have to fly with and maybe saving the cost of an extra suitcase, especially if you are taking a longer cruise, is to only bring half of the clothes you will wear on the cruise and do some shopping in port before you get on the ship.

We are taking a 2 week Panama Canal cruise in the spring.  So, rather than bringing 14 sets of under wear, I will bring 8 days worth of old under wear and toss them at the end of each day, and buy two packages of three under shirts and under shorts in port.  When I get home, I will have have essentially replaced 6 sets of underwear without having to carry them across the country first on my flight from California to Florida.

Sounds silly,  I know, but it is a good reason for getting there early and for doing a little shopping before getting on the ship.  Heck, I may even bring some of my almost worn out guayabera shirts to wear for the first few days of the cruise and replace them in Panama with brand new shirts. I will be looking good when I get back home.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

Are You Ready For An Emergency When You Travel?

When I travel, I travel to have fun, not worry about what may go wrong. Don’t you do the same?

 

I schedule my condo, make my airline and auto reservations, and go enjoy the trip.

But, we have all seen the movies….one with Jody Foster who lost her child, one with Harrison Ford who got amnesia and then the other day I was watching a movie with Liam Neeson where he is involved in a vehicle accident and is a bit confused about where he is.  Now, this movie did turn out much differently than I thought it would, but just the idea of getting separated from a loved one, being involved in an accident or worse, having a family member kidnapped, made me ask myself if I was prepared to deal with the emergency.

emergencyIf that isn’t bad enough, a friend was in Southern California on a business trip. He succumbed to a heart attack during the night and did not wake up in the morning.  His wife usually heard from him while on the road, but not that day. She began to worry, and call and text.  By midday, housekeeping services entered his room to find that he had passed during the night. Police were called, etc…, but it wasn’t until 9:00 P.M. that the front desk clerk called his wife to let her know what had happened. Obviously, he was not carrying any sort of “In Case Of Emergency” card in his wallet. That really got me thinking about my travels; and I don’t just mean my vacation trips. Am I carrying anything in my wallet that would allow an officer to contact my wife if something happened to me if I was on a business trip, or if we were injured while jogging while on vacation?

In an earlier blog, I did talk about the medical emergency issue, but did not talk about the issue of getting separated from loved ones, under any sort of circumstance.  In fact, after writing this blog, I went back and edited the blog about the single parent traveling with a child to make sure this info was in that blog as well. Well, I decided that I wasn’t prepared, but I was going to change that immediately!

So, what do we at Team Edwards Travel suggest you do to be prepared for this type of emergency while traveling?

 

To start with, it has to do with carrying extra documentation while traveling.  For example, every parent, especially one traveling alone, should have a current photo of the child, or children, in their wallet or purse. It is easy to get separated from your kids with both parents watching; it is even easier when you are by yourself, in unfamiliar surroundings, away from home.

Also, make sure your children carry emergency notification information on their person.  If they are very young, then pin it inside their clothing.  Also, make sure the emergency number on said notification is the cell phone you are carrying as well as a number back home.  (If you are traveling overseas,be sure to read the cell phone blog.)

ambulanceWhat happens if there is a vehicle accident, the lone parent is killed or seriously injured, and the authorities don’t know how to contact the other parent or guardian?  Who will take care of the child? Is there another family member on the trip that can be contacted, rather than trying to contact someone back home?

If so, make sure that that person’s contact info is on the notification document on the child.  That goes for the parent too. Do you have clear instructions in your wallet for emergency notifications? If you are injured, it is not likely that your three year old will be able to tell the authorities anything that they need to know. Do you have an “ICE” (In Case of Emergency) number in your cell phone? How about one for “Mom” or “Home” or something that a police officer may recognize to try to make contact with a loved one.

What info should be included:

1.  Your itinerary.
2.  Name of ship or hotel or condo where you are staying. (Address, phone & room number.)
3.  Emergency phone number for someone in your traveling group.
4.  Emergency phone number for someone back home.
5.  List of important contact numbers such as medical, dental, etc… with a descriptor.
6.  Medical Insurance Numbers.
7.  Photo of child with the parent, and photo of parent with child. (If traveling in a group, put all of the individual photos of everyone on a sheet of paper and xerox a copy for every person in the group.)
8.  Copy of passport.
9.  If you are traveling by ship and leave the ship to go to shore, make sure that you take the daily newsletter with you, or at least tear off that portion of the newsletter that tells you who to contact if you have trouble ashore or if you miss your ship. Each ship has an agent at each port to help you with emergencies.

emergency

For a simple “In Case Of Emergency” (ICE) card, I decided to get a package of Avery business card stock from Staples and will type up a card with my name, phone number, and emergency contact information on it.  I will then laminate it and carry it in the same slot in my wallet as I have my driver’s license.  So, if such a situation arises where a law enforcement officer is going through my wallet to identify me, he or she will also see the “ICE” card. Since there are 10 cards per sheet, there will be cards in my briefcase, suitcase, coat pocket, shirt pocket, etc… Heck, I will even use the cards as my book marks too since I always have a book with me when I travel! You may need to print both sides to get all of the info you want, so make sure to do that before you tear them apart.

We hope this blog was not a downer for you.  I just know that being prepared is always best. I would rather have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Now that we are finished with this issue, let’s relax and enjoy our vacation!

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

Do Cruise Lines Offer Special Rates to Military, Law Enforcement, Etc…?

Cruise Ships

Special Rates?

Do Cruise Lines Offer Special Rates to Military, Law Enforcement, etc…?  Yes, they do.  Sometimes in the form of a reduction in price, other times in the form of a gift of onboard credit.  Some cruise lines extend these offers to law enforcement, fire fighters, etc.  Almost every cruise line offers special rates for various categories of travelers.  In addition to the ones noted above, there are also special rates for returning cruisers too.  Just ask us when you call to book your next cruise!

What Should You Ask Your Travel Agent at Team Edwards Travel?

Whenever you talk with your travel agent about a cruise, you need to ask a couple of questions.  First of all, always ask about special rates for any special group that you are a part of; Seniors, AAA members, AARP members, Military, Law Enforcement, etc…  Secondly, always ask the agent if they or their agency already have group rates available for the cruise you want to take.  In fact, if you check out Team Edwards Travel right now, and click on the Specials button on the main page, you will see several cruise specials.

Group Rates???  Do I have to be a part of a special group to qualify for group rates?

Not Usually. Generally, the best rates you will find are for group packages created by your travel agent or the travel agency.  Let me tell you how that works.

Your travel agent at Team Edwards Travel is always planning ahead at least a year.  When the new cruise itinerary comes out, the agents within the agency will set up groups that usually consists of setting aside 10 inside cabins, 10 outside cabins and 10 balcony cabins.  They can use other quantities and they can accommodate other types of cabins, but that is the basic setup.  Oh, and don’t let the “group” identifier worry you.  All that the agents are doing is locking in the rates for their customers.  Sometimes, the “group” is for a particular set of customers, but usually it is just an effort on the part of your travel agent to hold some cabins for their regular clients.

For example, one of the agents in our agency set up a “group” several months ago for an Alaska Inside Passage Cruise.  I asked him if he had the cabins sold yet because I had a client looking for such a cruise. He said that he had not yet sold any of the cabins and that I was welcome to book my clients into his “group”.

So, in conclusion, don’t forget to ask your travel agent about any “groups” they or their agency have that will save you money on your next cruise.  When you realize how much money you have saved, you will be happy you did. Also, don’t forget to ask your agent about tours and excursions as well as any special air fare rates that are available for the cruise you want to book.  Some excursions will be sold out if you wait until you get on ship.  Also, some sites will tell you that you can get a cheaper excursion if you wait till you get to port and talk with one of the locals looking for business.  Yes, it may be cheaper, but is that person licensed and bonded. Is their vehicle insured.  And most importantly, will they get you back to the ship on time.  If you are on an excursion arranged by Team Edwards Travel through the cruise line, the ship will not sail without you.  If you are booked with Fly By Night tours or someone you meet at the dock, and you are late returning, you have to arrange for your own transportation to the next port.  Hope you took $$ and your travel documents with you when you left the ship because you cannot travel without them. This may be a time where saving a few dollars is not really worth it.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

Can Team Edwards Travel Save me $$$ if I Am Using My Timeshare?

GoldRushGetawaysLogo

Can Team Edwards Travel save you money?

Maybe Yes, Maybe No

We all know that time is money, and that knowledge is king! And good travel agents, like Team Edwards Travel, can save the consumer time and with their knowledge, money. People in general associate the web with great deals, while in fact, great offers and amenities can be had by using an agent as well. But remember, pricing is not the only issue; the real issue is who will be there when things go wrong? Will you be able to get in touch with someone on that online site?  Wouldn’t you just rather call your agent, and let them take care of the issues?  Service is the hallmark of a good agent.

Now, let’s get on to the question at hand to see if your travel agent at Team Edwards Travel can save you some money. If your timeshare is within driving distance from your home, you probably won’t save any money if you use your travel agent to book your activities, but you can probably benefit from their knowledge of the area.  They may have some great ideas about things to see and do that you may not have experienced before. That is another reason for working with Team Edwards Travel because we love to travel and love to share our experiences with you.  You will have more fun and save money too.

For example, on our last trip to Seaside, Oregon, we took several side trips and visited some great sites enroute that I am sure you would love to do as well. Like, checking out the Spruce Goose at the Evergreen Museum in McMinnville, sampling cheese at the Tillimook Cheese Factory, and don’t forget the kite shops like Catch The Wind in Lincoln City. We also took a great day trip up to Seattle for a visit to The Pike Place Market as well as to see a Cirque du Soleil show.  If you don’t know what is happening in the area, you might miss out.  Ask your agent what is happening.  We may have some great ideas for you.

If you are flying to your timeshare, I am sure that you can save money by having your travel agent book your airfare and rental car, excursions, shows, etc…

As noted in an earlier blog, your travel agent needs to book a package of products in order to save you money and to get paid a commission, otherwise they have to charge you a service fee for their time and effort. They are not in business to work for free.  They are service providers and expect to get paid for providing their services.

As an example, we travel regularly to Hawaii to make use of our timeshare.  In fact, we will be enjoying our timeshare again this fall.  This is a perfect example of where Team Edwards Travel can bundle the airfare, rental car and a couple of excursions, and save you some money.  We can also suggest some great things to do.  When we visit Kauai we really enjoy taking the time to see the Napali Coast either from the air or from a boat.  Both are great excursions!  It is a great hike too if you are in shape and ready for a workout. Booking all of these together saves money.  On this trip, we will try out the Smith Family Garden Luau on Kauai and let you know what we think.

On Ohau, we like to visit the Polynesian Cultural Center which is a great day trip, ending with a luau and a show.  Don’t forget the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor. This is another area where combining the airfare, car rental and the excursions will save you money. On this trip to Ohau, we will check out the new Disney facility, The Aulani, and let you know what we think.  It’s Grand Opening will be on August 29th; so if you are a big Disney fan, you will want to vacation there the next time you go to Ohau.

Just make sure to contact us before your next vacation, so that Team Edwards Travel can show you how we can save you money and increase your enjoyment.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

I’m Flying to Hawaii With My Children. What Documents Do I Need If My Spouse Is Not Traveling With Me?

Travel With Minors Permission Letter

Do I need some sort of written permission to take my child on a trip without the other parent being present?

I should say, “It Depends”, because on his last trip to Hawaii, our son traveled as a single parent with his son, and no one at the airport asked for any travel documents from the child’s mother allowing the travel, so it may depend upon the person at the gate.

We are going to tackle the simple trip first…domestic U.S. travel with a minor child, but without both parents being present on the trip.

We will tackle the more complicated situations in a later blog; going to a foreign country with only one parent, or under the care of someone other than the parents because that brings up the issue of passports and visas in addition to permission slips. The same goes with your child traveling to a foreign country with a school group or sports team, as a foreign exchange student, People to People International, etc… unaccompanied by a parent or guardian.

Let me cover some basics before I answer the initial question raised in this blog.  

Every parent should make sure to get a copy of the official birth certificate when their child is born.  Don’t forget to order the social security number too. With these two items in hand, get the child a passport.  It does not make any difference that you are not planning to take the children out of the country.  What happens if there is an opportunity for them to take a trip with their grandparents or an aunt and uncle? Without a passport, they may miss out on an experience of a lifetime.  If they have the passport, half of the challenges are already taken care of. Remember, for kids, the passport is only good for give years, not 10 like the adults, because they change so much as they grow up.

Similarly, if one of the parents is being deployed by the military, a permission slip should be signed by the deploying spouse granting the remaining parent the ability to travel, domestically as well as internationally, whenever necessary.  Wouldn’t it be terrible if you got leave and could meet the family in Australia or somewhere you have always wanted to visit, but the family could not join you because your spouse did not have a permission slip?  There are probably several other documents the remaining parent may need signed and notarized before deployment, but that is for a different blog, not a travel blog. Additionally, what if the  minor child has to travel alone to meet up with you. You will need a permission slip for this as well.

Finally, don’t wait until the last-minute to deal with this issue.  Please don’t show up at the departure gate at the airport or cruise line without a properly executed permission slip. It can really be a bummer if you don’t have the proper documentation, and what about the cost of rescheduling the trip?

Here are some of the questions I have heard regarding this issue.  

1.   Do we need a passport or visa?
2.   If only the mom or only the dad is traveling with the minor child; do they need a letter from the other parent?
3.   Does it have to be notarized?
4.   Do we need the child’s birth certificate?
5.  What does the letter have to say?
6.  Do I need a lawyer to draft the letter?
7.  If the child is traveling with grandparents, or other persons, and we can get a letter from the parents, do we need a letter signed by both parents?
8.  What if we can only get one parent to sign?  Can we take the child with us or not?
9.  What if the other parent is in the military and cannot be reached?
10. What if we are grandparents who are raising the grandchild, and the parents have flaked out and not available to sign any sort of permission slip, but we are not legal guardians? What do we do?

What are the answers?

So, first of all, since we are not leaving the U.S., we don’t need to worry about having a passport.

If only one parent is traveling, they should have a permission slip from the other parent.  You can also just print out the Travel With Minors Permission Letter  created for use by grandparents and other temporary guardians and just fill in the blanks. By the way, when you make reservations, you have to put the child’s name on the reservation along with the child’s age. Will you be asked to prove that the child you are taking is the child on the reservation or will the airlines believe you?  Generally, if you have the permission slip with you and the information on the permission slip matches the reservation information, there will be no problems boarding the airplane and enjoying the vacation. Remember, if both parents are taking the trip, you don’t need any sort of permission slip.

Although it is not required that you have the permission slip notarized, it is a good idea to do it, especially for foreign travel.  That means that both parents, along with the children, should set up a meeting with a notary.

It is a good idea to bring a copy of the birth certificate along when you meet the notary.  The notary does not need to take a copy, but may want to see it since the notary does not know you or the children.

As you saw from the link above, the letter must clearly state who is giving permission, what permission is being given, and generally the time frames for the permission.  It is also helpful to provide the contact information for the parent not traveling, so that a call can be made to verify the permission if needed.

As long as the permission slip clearly provides the above information, a lawyer is not needed, unless we get into custody or legal guardianship issues.

If the kids are traveling with anyone else, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc…, a permission slip signed by both parents is required.  In this case, in addition to having a Travel With Minors Permission Letter, you should also make sure to carry a Medical Treatment Authorization Letter as well.

The next couple of questions are more difficult to deal with.

If you cannot get both signatures, you probably will not be able to take the child on the trip. If one of the parents is no longer available to sign, the remaining parent may have to get a court order declaring them the parent with sole custody, and that parent could sign the permission slip, but you may have to bring the additional documentation showing that the single parent does have the legal authority to grant the permission.

The same type of court action may also be required if the parents are unable  to provide a permission slip to a grandparent or other guardian caring for the kids. This is something that would need to be taken care of long before considering a vacation.  There may come a point when such guardians need to become legal guardians for all the care issues involving the minor children.  Also an issue for a completely separate blog, and one that would require the assistance of a lawyer.

All of this can get very complicated if the parents are divorced or separated, or one of the parents is deceased.  Copies of divorce papers, separation agreements, child custody agreements, death certificates, etc… may need to be shown to a notary to obtain a valid permission slip, especially if both parents cannot appear before a notary.

So, just plan ahead so that you get your vacation off to a good start.

One final note, you will see this info in other blogs but I though it would be especially important in this blog.  It has to do with carrying extra documentation while traveling.  For example, every parent, especially one traveling alone, should have a current photo of the child or children in your wallet or purse. It is easy to get separated from your kids with both parents watching, it is even easier when you are by yourself, in unfamiliar surroundings, away from home.  Also, make sure your children carry emergency notification information on their person.  If they are very young, then pin it inside their clothing.  Also, make sure the emergency number on said notification is the cell phone you are carrying as well as a number back home.  What happens if there is a vehicle accident, the lone parent is killed or seriously injured, and the authorities don’t know how to contact the other parent or guardian?  Who will take care of the child. Is there another family member on the trip that can be contacted? If so, make sure that the person’s contact info is on the notification document on the child.  That goes for the parent too. Do you have clear instructions in your wallet for emergency notifications? If you are injured, it is not likely that your three-year old will be able to tell the authorities anything that they need to know. What info should be included:

1.  Your itinerary.
2.  Name of ship or hotel or condo where you are staying. (Address & phone & room number too.)
3.  Emergency phone number for someone in your traveling group.
4.  Emergency phone number for someone back home.
5.  List of important contact numbers such as medical, dental, etc… with descriptor.
6.  Medical Insurance Numbers.
7.  Photo of child with the parent and photo of parent with child. (If traveling in a group, put all of the individual photos of everyone on a sheet of paper and xerox a copy for every person in the group.)
8.  Copy of passport.

We hope this part was not a downer for you.  I just know that being prepared is always best. I would rather have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Now that we are finished with this issue, lets relax and enjoy our vacation.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

I Am Staying at My Timeshare. What do I need to bring?

Time Share Must Bring List

In addition to using our regular packing lists for Women and Men’s personal belongings, you really need an itemized list of what to bring when you are staying in a condo. Since we usually drive to the condo we are staying at, it is much easier to bring items from home that we know we will need.

It is a bigger challenge when flying to Hawaii or Florida  or Cabo to stay in a condo.  Do you really want to bring half the kitchen with you, especially when you have to pay for extra suitcases?  Heck, at $25 or more  for an extra suitcase, you can probably buy and toss most of the “Bring from Home” items and save some money as well.

Of course, the first thing you need to do is check with your timeshare company, either by phone or on their online site, to see what is provided at the timeshare.  Then, of course, you need to decide what you will want to eat and do so that you can create your personal shopping list.

To give you an idea of what we bring, check out “Our Must Haves List” below.

Our experience has shown us that the items in the first group on the left are not available in most timeshare condos, so we bring them from home. The second column at the top are items we bring from home so that we don’t end up buying things in larger quantities at the store that we won’t completely use on this trip and we already have them at home.  Also, depending upon the size of your family group, it may be cost effective to bring pancake mix and/or Bisquick from home too.  The home-made apricot jam, of course, goes with the peanut butter. But we also spoon it over pork chops along with a little white wine for a great juicy pork chop.  Also works great if you are doing a little sweet and sour sauce, use the jam and the vinegar. The celery seeds and vinegar can also be used for making coleslaw. Buy it ready-made if you prefer.

“Our Must Haves List”

Bring from Home (If Driving)

Utensils & Misc.

Spices & Misc
Apron Apricot Jam (Home Made)
Baggies-Ziploc Celery Seeds
Cookie Sheet Cinnamon
Duraflame Logs Flour (2 cups for roux)
Foil (Aluminum) Garlic
Lighter for BBQ Pappy’s or Grill Mates
Recycled Grocery Bags Popcorn
Robber Gloves Rosemary
Sharp Knives Salt & Pepper
Storage Containers Sugar
Tongs Taco Seasonings
Wine Opener Vinegar (1/2 cup)
With the following items, we can make breakfasts, lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Don’t forget to plan on a couple meals out. Don’t want to be a slave to the kitchen!

Pick up at Store
Apple or Orange Juice Pancake Mix & Syrup
Bread, Croissants & Butter Peanut Butter
Biscuits or Bisquick Pork Chops
Chips & Dips Shredded Cabbage
Deli Meats & Cheese Shredded Cheese
Eggs & Bacon & Sausage Soda & Beer
Fresh Fruit & Veggies Sour Cream (2)
Ground Beef & Steaks Spaghetti & Sauce
Ground Italian Sausage Tortillas (for Tacos)
Hamburger Buns Valveeta
Lettuce & Tomato Vegetable Oil
Mayo/Ketchup/Taco Sauce Water
Milk & Cereal & Fruit Wine & Wine Coolers

 

Click here for our Timeshare Packing List which includes meal plans, shopping list, etc…  The bottom line is that if you do a little pre-planning, you can save some money, eliminate some stress, and have a great vacation!

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

Why is it important to you to use a travel agent?

GoldRushGetawaysLogo

Do you know the top 3 reasons to use a travel agent? Probably, the number one reason is that most travel agents know the ins and outs of the travel business and are better equipped to get you the best deal.  The second most important reason is that they yield more power with individual vendors than you do as a single buyer.  And, the third reason is that your travel agent does all of this and generally does not charge you a fee.

I know that you think you can get a better deal if you bid online using one of the online travel businesses, but who do you call when you show up and the hotel or resort says that they don’t have a reservation for you.

Do you really think someone online is going to take your call?  Do you think threatening to never use the hotel or resort again is going to sway the person behind the counter?

The bottom line is that the agent, who books many clients to that resort or hotel, will take your call.  They can call and talk with the manager and get them to honor your reservation or make some sort of acceptable accommodation for you, because if they don’t, the agent will be sending all of their clients to a different hotel or resort in the future.  The hotel or resort can afford to piss you off, but they cannot afford to piss off an agent who will pass the word to the other agents in their circle.

Here is an example that was in the Sacramento Bee on Sunday, July 31st in the Travel Troubleshooter column by Christopher Elliott.  In this case, the buyer made a mistake in making an online reservation.  Though they thought they had corrected the mistake, they discovered later that they had been charged a $477 cancellation fee by Cheaptickets.com.  They did not make any headway on their own with the Cheaptickets.com, but thanks to the author of the article, the buyer did obtain a refund of the cancellation fee.

If they had used an agent in the first place, their agent would have taken care of the problem without all the heartache.

So why wouldn’t you use a travel agent? 

You might choose not to use an agent if they charge you a fee for their services when there isn’t a commission built into the pricing of the service they are providing for you.  For example, domestic airlines do not collect a commission nor do they pay a commission to travel agents.  So, if you asked an agent to book you tickets on a flight from Sacramento to Denver, they may charge you a service charge unless you are a regular client, so that they can cover the costs of providing that service.

The only way a travel agent can earn a commission, without charging the client, is if they are making reservations for a bundled product or if they are making reservations for a cruise or resort.  That means, if they set up a flight combined with a car rental and or a hotel stay.

Did you know that you are paying a commission to the cruise line if you book directly?  Well, you are.

If you buy the cruise from your agent, you will pay the same or less than you will pay if you buy the cruise from the cruise line.  “How can I get it cheaper from the travel agent?”, you ask?  Quite often, the travel agent, or an agent within the company, already has booked several cabins early in the season.  Since they booked several cabins, they were able to get a better price, which they can pass on to you.  Also, since they booked those several cabins many months earlier, usually a year before the sailing date, the agent’s prices are often much cheaper than prices are the closer you get to the sailing.  This is another good reason to talk with your travel agent first.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

Cruise – Women’s Clothing & Sundries Packing List

Packing Checklist

I am not even sure why I am writing this blog post.  My wife should be writing it, but she is working on another project now, so I guess she will have to edit it to make it right.  I am sure that I will forget something that she would want or need.

As with the list for the men, remember, you are packing much lighter than you usually do.  They charge extra for those suitcases on the airplane, so cut it down a bit.   Also, I have heard from others that when packing for a cruise, follow your list and do your packing, then take a break.  Come back a day or two later and remove half of what you packed.  Sounds good to me.
Also, as with the list for the men, I suggest that the women also decide now, black shoes or brown shoes.  You can only pick one.  Ok, since you chose black shoes that means a black belt and mixed and matched outfits that go with black.  Right, everything goes with black.  That is why I chose it.  I love my wife in red shoes, but we are trying to pack light here!

Enough said about that unless you are planning to dress up; then bring the skirt or dress that works with the black shoes.  Don’t make the mistake of bringing the brown skirt when you are bringing the black shoes.

I prefer the freestyle cruising, so I am leaving most of the dressy stuff at home.  If I were packing my wife’s stuff, it would be shorts, a blouse or two, hat and sandals or walking shoes. This is a vacation, right?  Well, let’s be truthful here.  If my wife wants to have a dressy night at the Captain’s table, who am I to deny her that special event?

On this list I am including things for a tropical cruise as well as an Alaskan cruise.  So, if you are going north, you may want to opt for warmer clothing.  If you are going south, leave the heavy coat and gloves at home, and take more shorts and lightweight shirts.

Finally, since I wear glasses, you will see that I suggest bringing an extra pair. Also, since I don’t want to lose my glasses as I look over the edge of the ship to the water below, I always use eyeglass straps to keep the glasses from dropping.  I can take them off and they just hang down like a pair of binoculars.  And speaking of binoculars, there will be another list of general items to bring along but are not included in the clothing and sundries lists.

Clothing

  • Underwear (Bras, include strapless, panties, camisole/slips.)
  • Sleepwear (Lingerie, pajamas, sleep shirt, robe, etc…)
  • Shoes & Belts (Black, remember we already decided.)
  • Sox & hose, as needed, to go with shoes
  • Shoes  (Yes, add some sandals, flip flops, walking shoes, etc…)
  • Thongs (You can decide which ones I am talking about.)
  • Exercise wear, including a jog bra, if you are into working out
  • Purses, please no more than a couple
  • Swimsuits and cover-up
  • Jewelry and accessories
  • Dress, skirts, blouses
  • Dressy wear for the Captain’s dinner
  • Shorts, Capris, Slacks
  • Windbreaker
  • Sweatshirt
  • Heavy Coat, Hat & Gloves, if needed
  • Raincoat with hood, if needed

Sundries

  • Leave the blow dryer and curling iron at home
  • Leave the iron at home
  • Ladie’s version of the DOPP kit with the various sundries that you need.  Don’t forget to squeeze out the air and put the liquids in a Ziploc bag.
  • Lighted makeup mirror
  • Nail polish & remover (Don’t forget the cotton balls.)
  • Nail file, clippers, etc… (In the checked baggage.)
  • Band aids and Antiseptic Cream
  • Seasick Tabs (ginger root)
  • Lip Balm
  • Cold medicine/Pepto Bismol
  • Aspirin/Tylenol/Midol/Excedrin, etc…
  • Sleep Aid

Miscellaneous

  • Don’t pack your jewelry; put it in your carry-on baggage or purse or fanny pack.  With that in mind, leave your fancy jewelry at home. Thieves target women with lots of fancy jewelry.
  • Make sure to pack your prescription meds with the prescriptions, also in your carry-on baggage.
  • Pack light.  Heavy suitcases are a pain in the back and cost more when you fly to the ship.
  • Camera and Charger
  • Smart Phone and Charger
  • Power Strip
  • Extra memory cards for your camera
  • Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
  • Duct Tape (to patch suitcases, etc…)
  • Maps and Travel Guides
  • Books or Kindle
  • Copy of Passport
  • Flashlight
  • Alarm Clock

Click Here for a printable packing checklist.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel

Cruise – Men’s Clothing & Sundries Packing List

Packing Checklist

Remember, you are packing much lighter than you usually do.  They charge extra for those suitcases on the airplane, so cut it down a bit.  Next, decide now, black shoes or brown shoes.  You can only pick one.  Ok, since you chose black shoes that means black sox and a black belt. Enough said about that unless you are planning to dress up; then bring the tuxedo or dark suit or sport coat that works with the black shoes.  Don’t screw up and bring the brown sport jacket when you are bringing the black shoes.

I prefer the freestyle cruising, so I am leaving most of the dressy stuff at home.  If I really had my choice it would be shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, hat and sandals or walking shoes. This is a vacation, right?  Well, let’s be truthful here.  If my wife wants to have a dressy night at the Captain’s table, who am I to deny her that special event?

On this list I am including things for a tropical cruise as well as an Alaskan cruise.  So, if you are going north, you may want to opt for warmer clothing.  If you are going south, leave the heavy coat and gloves at home and take more shorts and lightweight shirts.

Finally, since I wear glasses, you will see that I suggest bringing an extra pair. Also, since I don’t want to lose my glasses as I look over the edge of the ship to the water below, I always use eyeglass straps to keep the glasses from dropping.  I can take them off and they just hang down like a pair of binoculars.  And speaking of binoculars, there will be another list of general items to bring along, but are not included in the clothing and sundries lists.

Clothing

  • Underwear
  • PJs (leave the robe at home)
  • Shoes (sandals, walking shoes, dress shoes, flip flops)
  • Shoes (Jogging or workout shoes if you are into it)
  • Sox (as needed for above shoes)
  • Sox (If it is a long flight and you are my age, you may want to wear some of those compression sox to prevent swelling.)
  • Black belt
  • Shirts (Hawaiian, Gayabera, Golf, and maybe a dress shirt)
  • Shorts, Khakis, and even some dress pants
  • Swimsuit or two
  • Hat and Sunglasses
  • Sweaters & Sweatshirt (If going to a cold climate)
  • Windbreaker (Good for anywhere)
  • Jacket/Coat and Gloves and Knit Cap
  • Lightweight or Heavyweight Raincoat with Hood
  • Dressy Stuff (Shirt, Tie, Sport Coat, Dress Pants)
  • Very Dressy Stuff (Tuxedo and all the trimmings)

Sundries

  • My DOPP Kit (It is always ready to go from the last trip.) Just check it to make sure you refilled everything as needed.  I should not have to list the stuff: eg. razor, extra blades, after shave, deodorant, shampoo, bar of soap, etc…  Also, if you have plastic bottles of shampoo, etc…, make sure that you squeeze out the air and put them in a Ziploc bag in case they explode.)
  • Tweezers, Nail Clippers, Pocket Knife (things you cannot carry on the plane)
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect Repellent
  • Seasick Tabs (ginger root)
  • Chapstik
  • Band aids & Antiseptic Cream
  • Safety pins
  • Aspirin/Tylenol/Excedrin
  • NyQuil or generic Cold Medicine/Pepto Bismol
  • Sleeping Aid (Especially if you have trouble sleeping.)
  • Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses
  • Prescription Meds and copy of prescription (all in carry-on)

Miscellaneous

  • Binoculars
  • Camera & Charger
  • Extra Memory Cards for Camera (Bring twice as many as you think you will need.)
  • Thumb Drive or Flash Drive to save your photos.
  • Power Strip
  • Smart Phone & Charger
  • Duct Tape
  • Maps & Travel Guides
  • Books or Kindle
  • Copy of Passports
  • Flashlight
  • Alarm Clock

 Click Here for a printable packing checklist.

———————————————————————-

Turning Dreams into Memories,
One Vacation at a Time.
Bon Voyage!!!

As you might guess, this document is a compilation of information from our travels as well as from other travelers. I hope it has been of value to you.  Check out the important links below.

Don’t hesitate to email us when you return from your trip with any suggestions that will make this document better for you and your fellow travelers!

You may also want to visit our Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TeamEdwardsTravel