travel

World Cruises - What You Need To Know!

Aritcle by:  Travelwise, May 14, 2018

World cruises are offered by several lines with various itineraries touching many of the top destinations around the globe. They can be a great way to cross many travel locations off your bucket list. If you are thinking of embarking on an extended cruise trip, there are several things to be aware of and plan for before booking the trip.

Determine the length of the cruise

A world cruise used to be relatively simple. Guests would embark from any number of ports around the world sometime in January and return to that same port a few months later. As cruising has gained popularity, become more economical for a larger segment of the population, and more cruise lines compete with one another, the options for cruisers have become more plentiful. If you are unable to commit to a full trip around the world, there are other options for sailings that might fit your needs.

Segmented Sailings

Some cruise sailings can be upwards of six months long. If you would like to experience the allure of a world cruise, but are not ready to commit to four months at sea, you can opt for a segmented trip. It’s a great way to sample the world cruise experience without committing to a full circumnavigation. Most cruise lines offering world trips break their voyages into shorter segments that allow additional people on for anywhere from one week to a month or more. For example, you could hop on a 127-day world cruise departing from Miami and ending up in Greenwich, London, but hop off at one of the ports along the way and fly home.

Boomerangs

A recent trend related to world cruises is boomerang sailings that combine two ships in one trip. Sometimes the two ships are in port together, so you transfer on the same day. In other instances, the cruise line will put you up for a few days until your second ship arrives which could be a great opportunity to see some of the city. Most people opting to do boomerang world cruises use two ships from the same line, but if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for from one line, combining multiple lines is an option. Contact your travel concierge for help with travel planning.

Grand Voyages or Off-Season Sailings

Some cruise lines offer high-end extended sailings of 70 nights or more that may not be branded as a “world cruise” but should be approached in the same manner from a planning standpoint. Grand Voyages often focus on a particular hemisphere or continent.

Many world cruises have a start date for some time in January, but if this timeline doesn’t work for you, other cruise lines have started to offer world cruises at other times of the year. For example, Princess Cruises has a world cruise starting in May that departs from Australia.

Picking the Right Cruise for You

If you are genuinely thinking of going on a world cruise, there are fortunately many options to choose from as more and more cruise lines are adding extended voyages to their yearly schedules. This means there is a wide variety of itineraries, ships, and prices.

Small Ships vs. Large Ships

When researching options for a world cruise, you’ll be able to choose from small, ultra-luxury ships to massive 200,000+ ton ships and all types of sizes in between. You’ll find pros and cons regardless of what size ship you decide to reserve.

Smaller ships provide cruisers with more personalized service, more intimate environs, and the ability to get into smaller ports and therefore more exotic opportunities for shore excursions. Conversely, smaller ships are far more susceptible to large swells, choppy seas, and the conditions that lead to sea sickness for travelers. Smaller ships also offer fewer on-board amenities, dining options, and entertainment options.

Larger ships offer much more in terms of facilities, dining, amenities, entertainment, workshops, etc., but are more limited in ports and are relegated to the larger, more industrialized ports often further from the city. This makes independent off-board activities a little more difficult and can lead to additional expenses.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2018

Find the best travel credit card to earn free flights, loyalty perks and more.

Advertiser DisclosureCompare the different offers from our partners and choose the card that is right for you.

Travel credit cards are rewards cards that help users earn free travel, achieve elite member status with hotels and airlines and enjoy many other travel-related perks. Although travel credit cards can often be used for cash back too, consumers receive better value when using them to collect and redeem points for travel.

Travel credit cards fall into one of three types: airline cards, hotel cards and general travel cards. A cobranded airline or hotel credit card enters you into a specific brand’s loyalty membership club and rewards all types of spending, however the points you earn can only be redeemed toward that single brand and its partners. General travel cards also reward all types of spending, at a lower, flat rate, but the points you earn can be redeemed with a variety of airline and hotel loyalty programs, based on the partnerships secured by the card issuer.

[Check out the Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards.]

U.S. News Survey: More Than Half of Travel Rewards Cardholders Carry a Monthly Balance

U.S. News surveyed 1,278 travel credit card users to understand the benefits and drawbacks of owning one. While the vast majority of respondents have redeemed lucrative rewards in the last year, many cardholders are not aware of their annual fee or how to take advantage of their card benefits. Additionally, more than half of travel credit card users have carried a balance on their card in the last year, potentially negating the rewards they have earned.

Thirty-three percent of respondents earned more than $500 in rewards in the last year.


graph - If you had to guess, what is the estimated dollar equivalent of the travel rewards you've earned in the past 12 months? (1,102 respondents)

(CONDUCTED USING GOOGLE SURVEYS – APRIL 2017)


The most popular redemption options included free domestic flights, followed by cash back, followed by free nights at a hotel. Free international flights were the least commonly redeemed.


Google Survey - Which of the following travel rewards have you redeemed in the last year? (1,539 answers from 1,152 respondents)

(CONDUCTED USING GOOGLE SURVEYS – APRIL 2017)


More than half of travel credit cardholders surveyed carried a monthly balance in the last year.


Google survey graph - On average, how many times in the past year have you carried a monthly balance on your travel rewards credit card? (1,227 respondents)

(CONDUCTED USING GOOGLE SURVEYS - APRIL 2017)


Since travel rewards credit cards tend to have higher-than-average interest rates on purchases, carrying a balance has the potential to cost you more than any rewards you earn. Travel credit card expert Daraius Dubash of millionmilesecrets.com recommends that people carrying credit card debt should probably opt instead for a zero percent APR card and focus on eliminating their credit debt before trying to earn travel rewards.

Sign-up bonuses are one way that cardholders end up carrying a balance, says Joe Cortez, senior writer for frugaltravelguy.com. "In a way [a sign-up bonus] is almost a trap to try to get you to put a balance on the card up-front." Forty-three percent of consumers surveyed said they qualified for their card’s sign-up bonus.

It’s also critical that consumers be aware of annual fees. Most respondents knew what their card’s annual fee was, while 17 percent of respondents didn’t know.


Google Survey graph - If your card has an annual fee, do you know what it is? (1,164 respondents)

(CONDUCTED USING GOOGLE SURVEYS - APRIL 2017)


“I think it’s very easy to get caught up in the number of miles that are involved,” says Cortez, but people don’t always consider that there are both additional fees and benefits with the card.

Nearly half of travel rewards cardholders don’t take advantage of cardholder benefits.

Ninety-six percent of respondents redeemed at least some rewards in the last year, but 48 percent of respondents did not take advantage of common cardholders benefits such as airport lounge access, trip cancellation/delay insurance, free checked bags when flying, auto rental insurance and priority boarding when flying.


Google Survey graph - Which of the following travel rewards cardholder benefits have you used in the last year? (1,538 answers from 1,119 respondents)

(CONDUCTED USING GOOGLE SURVEYS - APRIL 2017)


Cardholders should be aware of auxiliary travel benefits that come with their card and can provide a lot of value and justify the annual fee, Cortez advises. In order for consumers to get the most value out of any given credit card, they need to consider those benefits and fees alongside their personal travel preferences and spending habits.

Survey methodology:

  • U.S. News ran a nationwide survey through Google Surveys between April 17 and April 19, 2017.
  • The sample size was the general American population and the survey was configured to be representative of this sample.
  • The survey polled 1,278 people who own travel rewards credit cards.
  • The survey asked nine questions relating to their travel rewards credit habits.
  • All winning answers were statistically significant at the 95 percent confidence level.
  • See the full survey data, questions and results.

How Travel Credit Cards Work

Travel rewards cards help users save money on travel expenses, like on airfare, hotel and transportation spending. Travel credit cards benefit repeat customers, because the more you spend, the more savings (or benefits) you receive.

Travel rewards cards offer higher earning rates for travel spending in particular, and may can be cashed in for highly discounted or free flights and hotel stays, free or reduced baggage fees, priority boarding and other perks. Some cards may not even require any points at all to take advantage of those perks, but they may carry an annual fee to offset those costs to the issuer.

Travel credit cards often come with lucrative sign-up bonuses with the best cards offering as many as 100,000 points to new members who hit a minimum spending amount within the first few months.

Like other premium rewards cards, travel cards are generally known to carry more restrictions and fees than the average credit card. For this reason, travel cards are not as beneficial for the occasional traveler.

There are three basic types of travel credit cards: airline, hotel and general travel.

Airline credit cards

Airlines partner with credit card companies to offer cobranded travel rewards credit cards that earn the most miles when used for flights on that particular airline and spending with affiliate partners, typically double or triple the miles. Cardholders still earn miles for day-to-day purchases (with a few exceptions like cash advances and purchases of prepaid cards), only at a lower rate, typically one point per dollar. You can redeem earned miles with that airline or its affiliates.

Benefits: Perks and spending rewards

Airline cards can deliver a cheaper, more comfortable flying experience. Benefits often include free or reduced baggage fees, priority boarding, complimentary or discounted access to the airport lounge and discounts on in-flight purchases.

But airline cards can also save you money by offering sizable sign-up bonuses, waived foreign transaction fees and double or triple miles earned on airline and affiliate purchases.

Hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards are most valuable when used to book accommodations with that particular hotel chain. Unlike airline cards, it’s not uncommon to earn five points per dollar spent with that brand, with other travel purchases earning fewer points and all other purchases earning the least. Points have to be redeemed through that brand or its partners.

Benefits: Free nights and special status

Hotel credit cards work best for loyal guests of one particular hotel chain or group. Free nights are the most valuable benefit, and most hotel cards provide users with an easier path toward elite status, which delivers perks like guaranteed room availability, membership discounts, priority check-in, and complimentary upgrades. As with airline credit cards, one-time sign-up bonuses are common if you spend a minimum amount within the first few months.

Some hotel cards charge an annual fee that’s waived during the first year, but those that do typically don't charge foreign transaction fees. Many hotel cards provide various forms of travel insurance, like lost baggage protection, trip delay reimbursement, emergency assistance and car rental insurance coverage. Some hotel rewards programs let you transfer your points to their airline partners.

General travel credit cards

General travel credit cards are not tied to any particular travel brand and offer the flexibility to redeem through their own travel portals or transfer points to partners to redeem for cruises, hotel packages, rental cars and cruises, among other options. Purchases typically carry a flat reward rate, but points can be redeemed from a broad selection of travel brands and sometimes for nontravel rewards.

Benefits: Flexibility and value

General travel cards are inherently more flexible than airline or hotel credit cards, which is a big plus for travelers who aren’t loyal to any particular brand or who travel to destinations with fewer options for hotels or airports. Cardholders can worry less about blackout dates or travel restrictions because they’re not tied to a sole provider.

Points can sometimes be transferred to other loyalty programs. However, points don’t transfer equally with all partners and the exchange rates do vary; in some cases you get get the best redemption value by transferring points to partners. It’s important to review your card’s reward charts to better calculate the value of transferring your points with partners.

The ability to also redeem general travel card points toward statement credits or cash back makes this type of card particularly attractive to users who prioritize flexibility.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Travel Rewards Credit Cards

For the right consumer, travel credit cards can make a lot of financial sense, but it's important to understand the pros and cons.

Benefits

Better point valuations and redemptions: Travel-related spending with travel credit cards accrues points and miles faster than general rewards credit cards, and when those miles are redeemed for travel, they have potential to deliver better ratios than other rewards like cash back or statement credits. Points can be used to book free nights at hotels or for free flights.

Travel perks: Many travel credit cards also offer perks like free checked bags, priority boarding, concierge services and travel protection and assistance.

No foreign transaction fees: A foreign transaction fee is a surcharge on every purchase made on a credit card outside the U.S. If your itinerary takes you overseas, a travel credit card that carries no foreign transaction fees helps you avoid that added cost, which is typically 3 percent of the purchase price.

Drawbacks

High costs: Travel cards’ purchase interest rates (APRs) fall on the higher end of the scale for all credit cards, and the credit score needed to secure them starts in the upper 600s. Qualifying credit scores on the lower end of the spectrum will, in turn, result in higher APRs.

Top travel cards charge annual fees that require high amounts of travel or other spending to offset them via rewards. Similarly, sign-up bonuses may encourage you to spend more just to qualify for them.

"I think that many consumers are very excited about the points without considering how much they’re going to spend in actual interest at the end of the day,” Cortez says. To avoid running a high balance on the card, Cortez explains that a savvy consumer will look at his or her budget in light of the required minimum spending amount to qualify for a sign-up bonus and determine a plan to earn the points in a way that complements their lifestyle.

Restrictions: Travel credit cards can also cost you time. Some cards require lots of planning or working with customer service to navigate blackout dates, limited seat availability or confusing terms and conditions. Depending on the card, there can also be restrictions on earning miles, including caps and expiration dates. And, of course, bonus points from airline and hotel cards are restricted to redemption only with that brand or qualifying partners.

Emily Jablon, cofounder at Million Mile Secrets, points out that for an expensive or long-distance trip, it may be worth the added cost to enlist the help of an award-booking service. For a fee ranging from $75 to $250 per traveler, services like Cranky Conciergeand AwardAdvocate can help you find and book the lowest fares for award travel and answer any questions you may have about your trip.

Choosing the Best Travel Credit Card

Is a travel credit card right for you?

Make sure you meet these requirements before signing up for a travel rewards credit card.

  • You travel frequently. If you don’t consistently spend on airfare, hotels or other travel expenses, consider a cash back credit card instead. They have fewer limitations on redemption and might save you the cost of an annual fee.
  • You have a good credit score. You have the best chances of being approved for a travel credit card if you have a FICO score of at least 700.
  • You pay off your balance each month. Because travel credit cards have higher-than-average APRs, you should only get a travel card if you can pay off your balance each month.

To find a travel card that meets your needs, evaluate each card using the following criteria:

  1. Pick the right rewards program for you.
  2. Calculate earning potential.
  3. Factor in sign-up bonuses.
  4. Calculate redemption value.
  5. Subtract annual fees.
  6. Understand travel benefits.
  7. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

1. Pick the right rewards program for you.

Your travel credit card will work either in conjunction with the loyalty program of an airline or hotel chain or with the rewards program of the bank or credit card company that backs it. Each program has its benefits as well as unique terms and conditions for earning, redeeming and transferring points.

Loyalty airline programs

For some travelers, their loyalty to any particular airline lasts only as long as that airline offers the cheapest flights. But frequent flyers are often willing to forgo initial cost savings in exchange for benefits down the road. Which airline’s program works best for you will depend on several factors regarding the loyalty program and the airline itself.

Popular airline programs:

Loyalty hotel programs

When you look for a hotel, do you prioritize value or luxury? The answer will help you determine which hotel rewards program is right for you. As with airline loyalty programs, your earned points may only be eligible for redemption with one hotel chain and its affiliate partners. Some hotel rewards programs have partnerships with other brands, such as Marriott Rewards, which allows members to redeem and earn points with The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program.

Popular hotel rewards programs:

General points program

Using a general travel credit card enters you into the rewards program for the bank or credit card company that backs it. While you will have access to the broader redemption platform for that provider’s network of credit cards, you’ll still receive the best value by redeeming for travel through the platform or using the platform to receive statement credits for travel purchases made on the card.

Examples:

Maximizing your rewards means matching your goals and habits with the appropriate type of travel rewards program. If you want deluxe benefits that come with elite membership status, an airline or hotel card is the way to go.

However, if you don’t travel as often and want maximum flexibility when you do, as well as a broader range of earnings categories, a general travel card is usually the smartest choice for your first travel card. Frequent flyers often find that adding a second, cobranded loyalty card to their wallet makes sense once they’ve established a favorite airline or hotel chain.

2. Calculate earning potential.

Travel cards earn rewards at different rates for spending in different categories, so you have to analyze your spending habits to determine which card will help you maximize your points. A good travel card will have a range of purchases that qualify as travel spending. These purchases can include:

  • flights
  • stays at hotels, motels, timeshares and campgrounds
  • car rentals
  • cruises
  • trains
  • buses, taxis, limousines and ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft
  • parking lots and garages
  • bridge and highway tolls
  • meals and other nonlodging expenses at hotels

Depending on the type of card, these purchases can earn between 1.5 and seven points. The highest points tend to come with hotel cards, while airline cards typically award double to triple miles for flight purchases. All other purchases, often referred to as everyday spending, typically earn between one and two points per dollar spent.

3. Factor in sign-up bonuses.

The most lucrative travel cards offer bonus points to those who meet a certain level of spending by a specified date, usually within three to six months. These bonuses can be worth hundreds of dollars. For example, the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards card offers 40,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months of the account opening. The Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card offers 20,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months.

4. Calculate redemption value.

Every travel card carries a rate at which points or miles are awarded. However, what those points are worth to you depends on the value you derive from redeeming them, as well as your preferences and priorities.

For general travel cards, point valuation is simple math: your number of points multiplied by the redemption rate, often a rate of 1 cent to 1 point. On the surface, award travel with airlines or hotels is also straightforward: The typical cost of a flight or room is divided by the number of miles you need to book an award flight or stay.

But airlines and hotels frequently adjust the price of award travel based on award level, award availability, time, destination/location, fare/hotel class, demand and other factors. All of these changes will affect the value of your miles, making valuation for airlines in particular “extremely complicated,” according to Dubash. “You’ll see estimates all over the place.” He and Cortez both cite 2 cents per mile as a general standard for miles with the major airlines, while the value of miles with smaller airlines like Southwest and JetBlue may fluctuate higher or lower than 2 cents.

Other factors that affect the value of your rewards program include:

  • whether there are fees for checked bags, foreign transactions, etc.
  • whether your points can be transferred to another loyalty program and at what ratio
  • how easy it is accrue and redeem points and whether you face blackout dates, seat restrictions or other limitations
  • the quality of perks available to you once you reach top-tier elite status

5. Subtract annual fees.

Credit card companies entice new users by waiving the annual fee for the first year, which typically ranges from $40 to $95, although it can go as high as $450 per year. Once the fee kicks in, be sure you’re earning enough rewards or enjoying the other card benefits to compensate for it.

There are also excellent cards on the market that don’t carry an annual fee. For example, the Discover it Miles card is has no annual fee and offers an automatic dollar-per-dollar match at the end of the first year for new cardholders. It has no foreign transaction fees and offers a flat 1.5 percent unlimited rewards rate on all purchases, including nontravel expenses.

6. Understand travel benefits.

Travel benefits can be practical tools, discounted pricing or luxe perks. Common benefits include no foreign transaction fees, access to 24/7 concierge or customer service lines, free baggage and travel insurance. For example, the Chase Sapphire Preferred cardcomes with trip cancellation/interruption insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, car rental theft and collision coverage, baggage delay insurance, trip delay reimbursement, 24/7 customer service and more.

The Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Premier credit card and Business credit cardprovide A-list status users with priority check-in and boarding, free same-day standby and dedicated customer service. Members of the top two tiers can get free in-flight Wi-Fi and free flights for a friend every time they fly.

The Marriott Rewards Premier credit card comes with zero foreign transaction fees and a free night stay every year after your account anniversary. Members at the introductory level get free in-room internet, while the upper tiers promise lounge access and breakfast, free room upgrades, guaranteed room availability, late checkout, elite customer service lines and arrival gifts.

7. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

The best travel cards don’t charge a foreign transaction fee, which is typically 2 to 3 percent on every purchase. Since these fees can be greater than any rewards you earn, frequent overseas travelers will want to make this card feature a top priority.

Comparing Two Rewards Travel Credit Cards

To help consumers understand how to evaluate travel cards, U.S. News researchers compared two popular general travel cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card, against each other.

1. Pick the right awards program for you.

Both cards are general travel cards offering a flexible range of rewards but offering the most value when used and redeemed for travel.

2. Calculate earning potential.

The Sapphire card grants double points for travel and dining and one point for all other purchases, while the Bank of America card offers 1.5 points for every dollar spent.

Estimate your yearly budget by separating expenses into credit card spending categories.

Sample monthly budget

General: $390 Groceries: $334
Dining: $250 Utilities: $323
Gas: $174 Travel: $167

Now calculate how many points you’d earn in one year based on your spending.

Chase Sapphire Preferred first-year points

Dining and travel purchases $417 * 2x earning rate * 12 months = 10,008 points
All other categories $1,221 * 1x earning rate * 12 months = 14,652 points
Total 10,008 + 14,652 = 24,660 points

Bank of America Travel Rewards first-year points

Total $1,638 * 1.5x earning rate * 12 = 29,484 points

3. Factor in sign-up bonuses.

Both of these cards offer sign-up bonuses for eligible spending within the first three months. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card awards a 50,000-point bonus for spending $4,000 in the first three months after opening an account, increasing the total number of annual points earned to 74,660, and the Bank of America card awards 20,000 points for spending $1,000, increasing the total annual points earned to 49,484.

4. Calculate redemption value.

The point valuation ratio for Chase Ultimate Rewards is one point to 1 cent, so 74,660 points are worth $746.60. However, if you use those points to book travel with The Chase Ultimate Rewards program, your points are worth 25% more or $933.25 in travel purchases.

The Bank of America card has one-point-to-one-cent ratio, the card has a first-year value of $494.84.

5. Subtract annual fees.

To understand the potential value of your travel rewards card, subtract the cost of annual fees. The Chase Sapphire Preferred card waives its $95 annual fee during the first year. In the second year and beyond, Chase Sapphire earns 24,660 points or $246.60. If you book travel with Chase Ultimate Rewards, those points are work $308.25. Minus the cost of the annual fee, you receive a yearly value of $213.25 at that same spend.

The Bank of America card has no annual fee, so every year after the first year, you earn you will yearly value of $294.84. Because the Bank of America card outearns Chase starting in the second year, it earns more overall rewards by the seventh year even with Chase’s 25% redemption bonus factored in.

Seven-year rewards value after annual fees at $1,638/month spending

1st year 2nd year total 3rd year total 4th year total 5th Year Total 6th year total 7th year total
Chase Sapphire Preferred $933.25 $1,146.50 $1,359.75 $1,573.00 $1,786.25 $1,999.50 $2,212.75
Bank of America Travel Rewards $494.84 $789.68 $1,084.52 $1,379.36 $1,674.20 $1,969.04 $2,263.88

6. Understand travel benefits.

Since both cards are Visa Signature cards, they have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waivers, travel accident insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement and baggage delay insurance.

7. Avoid foreign transaction fees.

Neither card has a foreign transaction fee.

Summary

For people who can qualify for the sign-up bonus and want to take advantage of the Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred earns more overall rewards in the first several years. But if you aren’t able to meet Chase’s sign-up bonus spending requirement, the Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card will serve you better.

Best Travel Rewards Credit Cards of 2018

U.S. News evaluated 144 travel credit cards using the eight criteria outlined above. Each type of card has its strengths and shortcomings for earnings and redemptions, so there is no one ideal card for everyone. U.S. News' top picks are grouped according to eight common consumer spending categories and preferences.

  • Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Platinum Card from American Express
  • Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard
  • Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card
  • Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card
  • The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express
  • Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Best for flat-rate travel rewards



Platinum Card from American Express Best for bonus rewards and benefits



Citi / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard Best for loyalty airline rewards



Chase Sapphire Preferred Credit Card Best for large travel spending and big sign-up bonus



Bank of America Travel Rewards Credit Card Best for low travel spending, sign-up bonus and no annual fee



The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express Best for loyalty hotel rewards and welcome offer



Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card Best for loyalty hotel rewards and large sign-up bonus



Strategies to Maximize Travel Rewards

Pick the right first travel card.

When you’re first starting out with travel cards, select one with a general miles program that gives you the flexibility to earn rewards for all spending and redeem with the largest variety of brands. Unless you spend large amounts on travel expenses with a particular brand, airline and hotel cards offer less flexibility and savings.

Combine a general travel card with a cobranded or loyalty card.

Used in tandem with a general travel card, an airline or hotel card makes sense for frequent travelers who are comfortable committing to one particular travel brand. This combination allows you to use the cobranded card to earn bonus points on the cobranded airline/hotel spending and use the general travel card to still earn bonus points in non-travel spending categories. You want to make sure your general travel card is allowed to transfer points to the cobranded card, for maximum value.

For example, Chase Sapphire Preferred works well with the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards program. You can earn Chase Ultimate Rewards by spending with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card and transfer them to Southwest to either book with miles, or earn double miles by booking with your Southwest Rapid Rewards card. Cortez says he’s a fan of this card combination particularly for casual travelers, as Southwest offers 100 percent award seating availability and doesn’t charge a fixed amount of miles for flights, allowing travelers to find some good bargains on their tickets.

For a general travel/hotel combo, the Hyatt Credit Card also works well with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You can earn points with either card and also transfer your Ultimate Rewards into the World of Hyatt rewards program.

Maximizing Your Card Benefits Abroad

Knowing how your travel credit card works and what benefits and protections it offers (or doesn’t offer) can help you solve some of the problems that may arise when you're abroad.

Avoid foreign transaction fees.

If you’re not sure if your card has foreign transaction fees, check with your bank when you notify them of your upcoming trip. You can also verify with them that your card has EMV smart chip technology, which is the most compatible with foreign merchants and provides the best security.

Avoid dynamic currency conversion.

Many foreign merchants let you choose to be charged in local currency or to pay with dollars through dynamic currency conversion. You should always opt for local currency, as the exchange rate will likely be poor and/or have a fee tacked on top. It’s always good to have cash on-hand regardless in case a store or restaurant won’t accept your card.

Know who to contact in an emergency.

Signature Visa cardholders have free access to a 24/7 benefits administrator who can provide medical referrals, contact loved ones and arrange for payments. Likewise, Citibank cardmembers can receive round-the-clock referrals and other help with medical and legal emergencies.

Some programs, like Visa Signature and World Elite MasterCard, provide 24/7 global services for card-related needs and expedited card replacement, and Visa gives an emergency cash advance or Western Union wire transfer within two hours of approval by your bank.

For common travel medical emergencies, an officer from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can help connect you with treatment services, inform loved ones and facilitate the transfer of funds, if necessary. All medical expenses will be your responsibility, however.

Take advantage of travel insurance.

MasterCard and Visa both include travel protections through their cards, as well as travel insurance for an additional cost. World Elite MasterCard offers members international travel accident and medical expenses coverage up to $1 million each, plus trip inconvenience protection and luggage protection.

Visa Signature’s plan offers cardholders and their immediate family members Common Carrier Travel Accident Insurance (for accidents involving your airline, train or cruise ship) up to $500,000 and 24-Hour Travel Accident Insurance for injury, dismemberment or loss of life up to $100,000.

Only 15 percent of credit cards offer travel cancellation insurance, and due to the lack of medical coverage and routine exceptions to Common Carrier protection, the benefits are limited. You may want to opt for third-party travel insurance for fuller coverage.

Protect your rental car.

Your personal car insurance policy probably will not cover foreign travel, so you’ll need to purchase auto insurance in your destination country, preferably at an equivalent level of coverage to what you carry at home.

Travel cards with Visa Signature and World Elite MasterCard benefits offer auto rental collision damage waivers that provide reimbursement over and above any primary insurance you have for towing, loss of use, theft and/or damage to the car up to the full cash value of most rental vehicles booked using that card.

There are restrictions, however, including the country of travel, type of vehicle, age of the vehicle and length of the rental period. And you’ll be required to refuse the collision damage waiver at the car rental counter. Third-party liability, personal accident and personal property coverage will not be included with your card’s coverage, which is why TripAdvisor Travel Advocate Wendy Perrin advises carefully considering which of your credit cards will give you the best coverage (and not result in an increase in your insurance premium).

Be sure to file your claim as soon as possible because time limits are strictly enforced, and have as much documentation as you can. This includes copies of the accident report, rental agreement and receipt, repair estimate, police report and plenty of photos.

Additionally, in some countries, you will need an International Driving Permit. An IDP can be purchased from AAA or the American Automobile Touring Alliance for a $20 fee with a valid driver’s license, two passport pictures and a completed application.

Get help with your lost luggage.

Many travel rewards credit cards offer benefits to help you deal with lost luggage. The Lost Luggage Locator Service of Visa Signature can assist with the airline’s claim process or arrange for replacement items to be shipped to you. Both Visa Signature and World Elite MasterCard guarantee users reimbursement for lost or delayed baggage of $100 a day for three days.

Airline liability can be complicated for international travel. Your rights are laid out in either the Warsaw Convention or the Montreal Convention, depending on which country you’re traveling to. Frommer’s has a good breakdown of what to do in the event of lost luggageunder either scenario, plus best practices for avoiding lost bags in the first place.

 For information on great travel deals where you can begin using your new credit card call 772-888-1563 or visit this site:  CULA TRAVEL.  Guaranteed lowest pricing!  Bon voyage!

7 Best Places to Travel in April

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Thanks to our friends at Conde Nast Travel, we are sharing this list of way to use that tax refund coming your way!   Travel with Taste!

April is a time when folks are feeling flush, so why not spend those much-deserved tax refunds on a trip somewhere exotic? As springbegins to emerge, it’s the ideal time for a long-haul splurge, whether to Europe or Asia. Plus, almost anywhere you travel now, the first blossoms will be budding—and the flowers themselves can be reason enough to make a trip. Here is our pick of the seven places to travel in April.

20 of the Best Travel Tips - Save Time, Money, and Stress

We are sharing this great article with you so you will feel informed and ready for travel!  For great ideas on places to visit check out this site:  CULA Travel - Travel with Taste! Travel should be relaxing, so how come we get home from vacation feeling more exhausted than before? Make everything smoother with these expert travel tips.BY JONATHAN THOMPSONArticle by:  Jonathan Thompson, Fashion BeanExperienced travellers know that everything from overpriced flights and foreign transaction fees to the dreaded middle seat can put a serious damper on an otherwise perfectly planned trip.
Travelling can be complicated - but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re scouring the internet for the best flights or landing at a destination for the first time, there’s a hack to help you out.
We asked a collection of leading experts and professional frequent fliers for their best tips, tricks and shortcuts to make your next travel experience a cheaper, smoother and more relaxing one. If you’re in it for the long haul, here’s what you need to do…

LAND ON THE BOOKING SWEET SPOT

"A good rule of thumb is that Tuesdays are usually the cheapest days to book air travel," reveals Phil Bloomfield of Cheapflights.co.uk.
“Generally the best fares are advertised 50 days ahead of departure, with the most expensive being three days beforehand," he continues. "Always fly in the evenings when you can. Aside from Fridays, the most affordable flights tend to be those which take off between 6pm and midnight."

BREAK YOUR JOURNEY, NOT THE BANK

"Flying indirectly with a short stopover to simply switch planes can often save you large sums, while adding relatively little to your journey time," Bloomfield says.
This means more spending money for a better hotel at the other end, too.

DITCH THAT WHEELIE BAG

“Duffels make better cabin luggage than wheelie bags,” says Lee Thompson, co-founder of solo adventure travel specialists Flash Pack.
“Many budget airlines are now getting stricter with their carry-on rules, and wheelie bags are always the first to get checked," continues Thompson. "A duffel is much more flexible when it comes to onboard storage and you can often fit more possessions inside them from the outset too. The real trick is to invest in a one with hidden wheels, like the Eastpak Strapverz, for the best of both worlds.”
“Many budget airlines are now getting stricter with their carry-on rules, and wheelie bags are always the first to get checked," continues Thompson. "A duffel is much more flexible when it comes to onboard storage and you can often fit more possessions inside them from the outset too. The real trick is to invest in a one with hidden wheels, like the Eastpak Strapverz, for the best of both worlds.”

GO FAR, FAR AWAY

If you’re travelling to de-stress, putting a lot of miles between you and the office / ex / family is the best way to ensure genuine rest. In a survey by the Institute of Applied Positive Research, 84% of people said travelling to other countries was the surest way to beat stress.
This confirms a separate study by Twitter, which found that users’ posts are happier the further away from home they’re geotagged.

SANDWICH YOUR SEATS

If you're travelling as a pair, always book “sandwich” seats - the aisle and the window seats in a row of three. Unless it’s a full flight, it’s unlikely that anybody will then pick the middle seat, ensuring you have the entire row to yourselves. If somebody does end up between you, simply ask to switch seats so you can sit next to your partner.
Dallas Morning News (via StarTribune)

READ BETWEEN THE LINES AT SECURITY

"If you’re in a hurry, don’t just look at a line’s length - look for the scanners that seem to be filled with frequent travelers, like businesspeople," says Mark Sansom, editor of Food And Travel magazine.
These people will have mastered the art of getting through quickly. Meanwhile, avoid any lines filled with people who will undoubtedly take more time, particularly families with young children.

ADAPT EASILY IN A CHARGING CRISIS

Every now and again, we all forget to pack the right international adaptor. The good news is that it shouldn’t affect your ability to charge your phone.
iStock
As long as you’ve packed your standard charger, you can simply plug the lead into the USB port on the back of your hotel TV.

TO ROCK A LOOK, ALWAYS ROLL

“To maximise luggage space and minimise creases, always roll your clothes when packing,” says Sloan Sheridan-Williams, spokesperson for accommodation portal booking.com.
Not only will your first-night wardrobe be ready to wear, but this technique also provides useful safe havens for delicate items like electric toothbrushes, razors and chargers.
For make packing a breeze, check out these 5 suitcase packing hacks!

CAP YOUR SHOES

Whether your shoes are dirty when you’re packing them - or they get muddy during your trip - that's an easy way to prevent them from marking the clean clothes they’re now bag sharing with, according to Sansom.
Simply grab a cheap shower cap to place them in during transit, and prevent any dirt from getting on your clothing.
Packing a small tumble dryer sheet for a fresh smell in your luggage is always a good idea too.

DON’T PAY TWICE FOR CAR INSURANCE

“Once you’ve decided on the right car hire deal, only buy the basic package,” says Thompson. “Sometimes daily insurance can cost many times what it’s actually worth, as car hire firms make their profits by selling add-ons, which can be absurdly expensive. Instead, arrange your own cover beforehand - or get a general travel insurance package which covers car hire too.”

BOOK EARLY

As well as saving money, booking a trip well in advance also has big psychological benefits. A Dutch study in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life (which sounds like a must-read title to us), found that holidaymakers are happiest not when they’re on holiday, not when they get back, but when they’re looking forward to it. By booking early, you maximise that excitement and anticipation - even if your productivity checks out early because you’re Googling pictures of your destination at the office.

TAP INTO FREE WIFI

As you’re walking around, plenty of places will have free Wi-Fi, but they’ll probably be password protected - and they won't give out that password if you aren't making a purchase. “Sidestep that problem by checking FourSquare, where previous visitors will often post passwords,” says Sansom.
Certainly beats paying the equivalent of another air-fare in roaming data costs.

COMBAT JET LAG BEFORE IT EVEN HAPPENS

"It might sound obvious, but leaving home well-rested will minimise any subsequent jet lag," says Sheridan-Williams. “Ensure you have a relaxing 48 hours before your departure, and pre-prepare a chilled playlist to help you zone out in-flight.”

SLEEP OFF YOUR JET LAG

To further minimise holidaying like a zombie, the Sleep Foundation recommends choosing a flight that gets you to your destination in the early evening, and staying awake until around 10pm local time.
Set your watch to your new time zone as soon as you board the place and, unfortunately, you’re going to need to avoid caffeine and alcohol in the three to four hours before you go to bed.

PRE-MAP YOUR DESTINATION

"Download the area you're travelling to on Google Maps before you leave home," urges Thompson. “The GPS in your phone will work without using mobile data, and with a downloaded map you'll always be able to navigate your way around an unfamiliar area.”

ALWAYS MARK YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE AS FRAGILE

“[Marking your luggage "fragile"] is a great way to ensure that your baggage is handled correctly,” says Thompson.
iStock
“Your luggage will be kept at the top of the pile because of this, which will make it one of the first bags to be released too.”

BUILD YOUR HEAT TOLERANCE

If you live in a moderate climate and holiday in the tropics, the danger is that you spend your entire vacation in the shade because you can’t stop sweating in the sun. Fortunately, multiple studies have shown that you can increase your heat tolerance simply by exposing yourself to it in the days before.
iStock
Hit the sauna or sign up for a hot yoga class and your body won’t get a heat shock when you leave the arrivals lounge.

STAY HYDRATED WITHOUT LEAKING MONEY

Plane filtration systems might ensure a clean environment for passengers - but they also ensure parched throats, dizzy heads and a higher risk of jetlag. Luckily there’s an easy fix: “Invest in a reusable water bottle that looks great and does good,” says Thompson.
“Just take one to the airport empty and fill it up once you’re past security. Something like BRITA’s fill&go Active bottle is ideal: it even improves the quality and taste of tap water.”

STAY AWAY FROM THAT PESKY COLD

Flying can dry out the membranes in our nose - which, when moist, help keep germs moving to flush them out of our system. This can be easily solved with a saline spray you can find in most drugstores - as well as making sure you stay hydrated. Even getting in some of the steam by having a good whiff of your pre-flight coffee is worth a try.

NEVER ORDER THE TAP WATER ON A PLANE HOME

Speaking of hygiene, there’s a damn fine excuse for having a beer instead of water on a plane.
iStock
A study by the Wall Street Journal tested tap water on 14 international and domestic flights. They found everything from salmonella to tiny insect eggs. Likewise, don’t ask for ice if you’re flying from a country with a suspect water supply. The trays will have been filled there, not at home.

GO FAR, FAR AWAY

If you’re travelling to de-stress, putting a lot of miles between you and the office / ex / family is the best way to ensure genuine rest. In a survey by the Institute of Applied Positive Research, 84% of people said travelling to other countries was the surest way to beat stress.
This confirms a separate study by Twitter, which found that users’ posts are happier the further away from home they’re geotagged.

SANDWICH YOUR SEATS

If you're travelling as a pair, always book “sandwich” seats - the aisle and the window seats in a row of three. Unless it’s a full flight, it’s unlikely that anybody will then pick the middle seat, ensuring you have the entire row to yourselves. If somebody does end up between you, simply ask to switch seats so you can sit next to your partner.

READ BETWEEN THE LINES AT SECURITY

"If you’re in a hurry, don’t just look at a line’s length - look for the scanners that seem to be filled with frequent travelers, like businesspeople," says Mark Sansom, editor of Food And Travel magazine.
These people will have mastered the art of getting through quickly. Meanwhile, avoid any lines filled with people who will undoubtedly take more time, particularly families with young children.

ADAPT EASILY IN A CHARGING CRISIS

Every now and again, we all forget to pack the right international adaptor. The good news is that it shouldn’t affect your ability to charge your phone.
iStock
As long as you’ve packed your standard charger, you can simply plug the lead into the USB port on the back of your hotel TV.

TO ROCK A LOOK, ALWAYS ROLL

“To maximise luggage space and minimise creases, always roll your clothes when packing,” says Sloan Sheridan-Williams, spokesperson for accommodation portal booking.com.
Not only will your first-night wardrobe be ready to wear, but this technique also provides useful safe havens for delicate items like electric toothbrushes, razors and chargers.
For make packing a breeze, check out these 5 suitcase packing hacks!

CAP YOUR SHOES

Whether your shoes are dirty when you’re packing them - or they get muddy during your trip - that's an easy way to prevent them from marking the clean clothes they’re now bag sharing with, according to Sansom.
Simply grab a cheap shower cap to place them in during transit, and prevent any dirt from getting on your clothing.
Packing a small tumble dryer sheet for a fresh smell in your luggage is always a good idea too.

DON’T PAY TWICE FOR CAR INSURANCE

“Once you’ve decided on the right car hire deal, only buy the basic package,” says Thompson. “Sometimes daily insurance can cost many times what it’s actually worth, as car hire firms make their profits by selling add-ons, which can be absurdly expensive. Instead, arrange your own cover beforehand - or get a general travel insurance package which covers car hire too.”

BOOK EARLY

As well as saving money, booking a trip well in advance also has big psychological benefits. A Dutch study in the journal Applied Research in Quality of Life (which sounds like a must-read title to us), found that holidaymakers are happiest not when they’re on holiday, not when they get back, but when they’re looking forward to it. By booking early, you maximise that excitement and anticipation - even if your productivity checks out early because you’re Googling pictures of your destination at the office.

TAP INTO FREE WIFI

As you’re walking around, plenty of places will have free Wi-Fi, but they’ll probably be password protected - and they won't give out that password if you aren't making a purchase. “Sidestep that problem by checking FourSquare, where previous visitors will often post passwords,” says Sansom.
Certainly beats paying the equivalent of another air-fare in roaming data costs.

COMBAT JET LAG BEFORE IT EVEN HAPPENS

"It might sound obvious, but leaving home well-rested will minimise any subsequent jet lag," says Sheridan-Williams. “Ensure you have a relaxing 48 hours before your departure, and pre-prepare a chilled playlist to help you zone out in-flight.”

SLEEP OFF YOUR JET LAG

To further minimise holidaying like a zombie, the Sleep Foundation recommends choosing a flight that gets you to your destination in the early evening, and staying awake until around 10pm local time.
Set your watch to your new time zone as soon as you board the place and, unfortunately, you’re going to need to avoid caffeine and alcohol in the three to four hours before you go to bed.

PRE-MAP YOUR DESTINATION

"Download the area you're travelling to on Google Maps before you leave home," urges Thompson. “The GPS in your phone will work without using mobile data, and with a downloaded map you'll always be able to navigate your way around an unfamiliar area.”

ALWAYS MARK YOUR CHECKED LUGGAGE AS FRAGILE

“[Marking your luggage "fragile"] is a great way to ensure that your baggage is handled correctly,” says Thompson.
iStock
“Your luggage will be kept at the top of the pile because of this, which will make it one of the first bags to be released too.”

BUILD YOUR HEAT TOLERANCE

If you live in a moderate climate and holiday in the tropics, the danger is that you spend your entire vacation in the shade because you can’t stop sweating in the sun. Fortunately, multiple studies have shown that you can increase your heat tolerance simply by exposing yourself to it in the days before.
iStock
Hit the sauna or sign up for a hot yoga class and your body won’t get a heat shock when you leave the arrivals lounge.

STAY HYDRATED WITHOUT LEAKING MONEY

Plane filtration systems might ensure a clean environment for passengers - but they also ensure parched throats, dizzy heads and a higher risk of jetlag. Luckily there’s an easy fix: “Invest in a reusable water bottle that looks great and does good,” says Thompson.
“Just take one to the airport empty and fill it up once you’re past security. Something like BRITA’s fill&go Active bottle is ideal: it even improves the quality and taste of tap water.”

STAY AWAY FROM THAT PESKY COLD

Flying can dry out the membranes in our nose - which, when moist, help keep germs moving to flush them out of our system. This can be easily solved with a saline spray you can find in most drugstores - as well as making sure you stay hydrated. Even getting in some of the steam by having a good whiff of your pre-flight coffee is worth a try.

NEVER ORDER THE TAP WATER ON A PLANE HOME

iStock

Speaking of hygiene, there’s a damn fine excuse for having a beer instead of water on a plane.A study by the Wall Street Journal tested tap water on 14 international and domestic flights. They found everything from salmonella to tiny insect eggs. Likewise, don’t ask for ice if you’re flying from a country with a suspect water supply. The trays will have been filled there, not at home.Editor note:We hope these tips will help you with your next vacation destination.  For great ideas on places to go check out this site:  CULA Travel - Travel with Taste!
 We are here for you and will guarantee to meet or beat prices you find on-line!  Bon Voyage!

River Cruise Tips

Are you looking for a cruise where you are immersed in the culture?  A river cruise is one of the best ways to explore cities, towns, and villages as these boats can sneak into the nooks and crannies of the country you are visiting.  We found this article and thought it was a great way to find out if a river cruise is for you; it includes best times to go and challenges you may find along the way.  Check it out!
Article credit:  Carolyn Spencer Brown; Cruise Critic Editor in Chief
Vineyards in the Valley of the River Douro, Portugal

A river cruise is a wonderful way to relax, watch the world drift by at a leisurely pace and explore the towns, cities and countryside of Europe and exotic destinations around the globe.

With more than 100 river ships launched over the past four years -- and 20 more debuting in 2017 -- along with an increasing number of river cruise lines and itineraries on offer, river cruising is the fastest-growing sector of the worldwide cruise market.

This means there's never been a better time for first-timers to get onboard. Seasoned river cruisers can expand their horizons and experience new and up-and-coming places. Where will your journey take you? Take a look at our river cruise tips to find out more.


Popular River Cruise Destinations: Europe | Asia | Egypt | South America | U.S. & Canada


What to Expect

Size:

Whether you're in Europe, South America, Asia, the U.S. or Africa, river cruising shares similarities -- along with plenty of dissimilarities  -- from ocean cruising. The first point is that ships are much smaller than ocean vessels, particularly in Europe, where they are restricted in width and length to fit into locks and sail beneath low bridges, and parts of Asia where they have to navigate shallow waters.

Ports:

Unlike ocean ships, river vessels visit a new port each day, sometimes even more than one; passengers can visit up to four countries in a week. Itineraries are port-intensive with a busy program of culture-rich shore excursions -- mostly included in the fare and some fee-extra. An actual full day onboard is uncommon, though there is always cruising time, including nighttime sailing on some itineraries.

Food:

All meals are included, with many lines offering complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, plus unlimited tea and coffee. Some lines are all-inclusive and, in addition to an open bar, they also cover gratuities. There is generally an open-seating policy, so you can sit where you want. Meals can be fairly regimented due to the small size of the galley, so one sitting for breakfast, lunch and dinner is the norm (although some lines are more flexible with timings than others). Lighter meals can be enjoyed in the lounge, or outside on the deck, and some vessels have additional specialty restaurants.

Dress code:

The onboard experience is more laid-back than it is on oceangoing voyages, with no formal dress code. There's usually a captain's reception and gala dinner, where some people opt for smarter outfits, but it's not obligatory. The most important packing tips are to take layers to cope with unpredictable weather and comfortable shoes or sneakers, as many tours involve walking on cobblestones or uneven surfaces.

Entertainment:

Entertainment is low-key -- with the major attraction being the passing scenery (there is always plenty to see on both banks) and ports of call. The intimate nature of riverships also means you'll soon get to know your fellow passengers, and you certainly won't get lost in the crowd.

Cabins:

Staterooms tend to be smaller than oceangoing vessels, but they are not short on home comforts, particularly on the newest ships. Standard amenities include hotel-style beds, bathroom with high-quality toiletries, TV and entertainment system, hair dyer, safe and ample storage space. Some cabins have French balconies and proper walkout verandas, along with stocked mini-bars, suites with butler service and four-poster beds. If you're on a budget, the lower deck cabins have fixed windows but still provide a view, albeit at water level. Because cabin configurations and facilities vary from line to line, and ship to ship within a fleet, be sure to get all the details on how your stateroom will look before you book.

Motion:

When it comes to sailing, inland waterways are very calm and flat, so seasickness is never an issue on a river cruise.

Challenges:

River cruises are not well suited to wheelchair users or passengers with severe mobility issues. Most modern ships have elevators, and some have adapted cabins, but gangways can be steep, depending on the level of the river water, and sometimes ships are moored side by side, necessitating walking across one or more to disembark. Always check with a line before booking to assess how user-friendly it will be.

Editor's Note: Barge cruising -- which mostly focuses on boats that carry less than 25 passengers and ply the waters of even smaller rivers (and often just stay in canals) -- is a completely different style of cruising. They have a very cozy atmosphere and can also be chartered by families or groups of friends. The purpose-built hotel boats or converted working vessels contain comfy cabins and modern facilities, and most have onboard bikes. Read more about it in Canal Cruise Tips.

Choosing a River Cruise Line

Just like ocean cruise lines, each river cruise line has a different style and personality, even though the ships all look pretty much the same on the outside. Comfort and ambiance, as well as inclusions, can vary widely between lines' own fleets. New trends in riverboat design mean that vessels debuting after about 2008 offer a lot more extras and lot more space than the older boats.

Each river has its own limitations, and these determine what size ships operate on them. Locks can limit length, low-hanging bridges can restrict height and union rules for lock managers can determine times boats can cruise. Here are more specifics, by river region.

Aggstein castle ruin and Danube river at sunset in Wachau, Austria

Europe

Europe is the world's top river cruising destination, and it's the best place to start if you've never tried a river cruise.

The largest number of cruises can be found on the Rhine, which flows through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands, and the Danube, which flows from the Black Forest in Germany to the Black Sea in Romania, passing through or between Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria on the way. Which one is right for you?

Offshoots of the Rhine include the Moselle, known for its steep vineyard-covered hillsides and the Main, which connects the Rhine with the Danube through a series of canals. The Danube doesn't have as many tributaries, but if you've already done the central section through Austria's Wachau Valley, try the Lower Danube, which runs through Serbia, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

Other popular rivers include France's Seine, where ships are based in Paris and cruise down to the Normandy region. The Rhone, also in France, offers Provencal experiences between Lyon, France's second largest city and Arles. River cruises through Bordeaux and the Loire Valley are also becoming popular.

Other European rivers include the Elbe, which rises in Germany and flows into the Czech Republic; Italy's Po, gateway to cities such as Venice and Padua, and Portugal's Douro, surrounded by rugged, green scenery.

Russia's Volga, linked to a series of canals, lakes and waterways, is another popular river for cruising, and voyages typically sail between Moscow and St. Petersburg, with overnights spent in each city at the beginning and end of the cruise.

There are also seasonal cruises, including the spring "tulip time" itineraries sailing from Amsterdam through the Netherlands and Belgium. And in winter, Christmas markets voyages, primarily along the Rhine and Danube, are magical ways to celebrate the festive season.

Europe River Cruise Lines:

Most of the major river cruise lines sail in Europe,  including AmaWaterways, APT, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, Emerald Waterways, European Waterways, Grand Circle, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Tauck, Uniworld, Vantage Deluxe World Travel and Viking River Cruises. Amadeus, a long-established Austrian line, and German-owned A-Rosa are now selling cruises in the U.S., U.K. and other English-speaking countries. A newcomer on the scene is ocean line Crystal, which launched its first river vessel in 2016 and has more on the way.

The Season:

The river cruise season begins in early spring (typically in late March) and runs through late fall (the best time for value-seekers). Lines keep a handful of ships available for the holiday markets season (late November through New Year's Day) on the Rhine and Danube. And then they put ships away for the season, usually spending off-months on maintenance and refurbishment.

Challenges:

Too much rain or not enough can be problematic for river cruises, particularly in, but not limited to, spring (when snowmelt fills the rivers) and fall (when the rainy season begins). Rising or falling rivers can mean that passage under low bridges is not possible or that water levels are too shallow to permit safe cruising. Typically river lines plan ahead -- and in these situations may organize longer day trips, using roads to get around, or even for passengers to swap ships at key trouble points.

Red entrance gate opening to the forbidden city in Beijing

Asia

Myanmar, formerly Burma, has become the hot destination for river cruises in Asia, with lines launching more ships in order to meet demand. Most cruises are on the Irrawaddy, ranging from four-night mini-cruises from Mandalay to Bagan to two-week itineraries from Yangon and Mandalay, or Bagan. Even more remote is the Chindwin, the largest tributary of the Irrawaddy.

Another up-and-coming destination is India. Sailing on the Ganges, the country's holiest river, most cruises are seven-night sailings from Kolkata coupled with a land-based itinerary and visit to the iconic Taj Mahal. Even more remote is the Brahmaputra, in India's Assam district.

The Mekong River runs through Cambodia and Vietnam, with the most popular seven-night cruises wending their way from Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City (many then opting for land tour extensions that visit Hanoi), passing rural villages, exotic temples and floating markets. New cruises take in the Upper Mekong, from Laos to China.

Smaller colonial-style vessels are used on the Irrawaddy, Ganges and Mekong, carrying from 10 to around 60 passengers.

Elsewhere in Asia, there is China's Yangtze River, which typically start and finish with a land-based stay in Shanghai and Beijing. Cruises range from three days to one week and will include a transit through the huge Three Gorges Dam. River ships that ply the Yangtze are much larger than those on other Asian rivers, so have more onboard facilities such as shops and coffee bars.

Asia River Cruise Lines:

APT, Abercrombie & Kent, AmaWaterways, Avalon Waterways, CroisiEurope, G Adventures, Grand Circle, Pandaw, Riviera Travel, Scenic, Uniworld, Wendy Wu and Viking River Cruises offer cruises in Asia.

The Season:

Some Asia operators will go year-round, while others stick to the main April-to-October season.

Challenges:

On the ships, the cruise lines offer similar levels of service and quality as other regions, but the terrain can be rugged, and touring can be challenging. Disembarking on sections of the Mekong and Irrawaddy can involve walking on narrow planks and climbing muddy banks, so travelers need reasonable levels of fitness and mobility. The focus is on smaller, more rural pleasures, rather than major cities. (Visits to the major urban metropolis are usually organized as pre- or post-voyage experiences.)

Sunset over the Nile River bank

Egypt

Following the course of the Nile is an impressive and authentic way of tracing the course of Egyptian history. Nile river cruises traverse the waters between Luxor and Aswan, with itineraries ranging from three days to a week in length. On most trips, the major port stops along the Nile include Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, but longer cruises may also call at Dendera and Qena (and spend more time onshore, to boot).

Egypt River Cruise Lines:

Abercrombie & Kent, Oberoi, Uniworld and Viking are among the river cruise operators offering Nile itineraries, although travelers can also book Nile cruises on chartered vessels through various tour operators.

The Season:

Nile River cruises operate year-round, but the high season is typically from October to May when it's not too hot.

Challenges:

In recent years Egypt's tourist industry has been blighted by a spate of violent political uprisings and terrorist attacks. Although the tourist areas along the Nile are currently not affected by travel bans, the U.S. Department of State and U.K. Foreign Office advise visitors to be aware of the potentially volatile situation that has seen many river cruise companies curtail their sailing programs.

Squirrel monkeys

South America

Several oceangoing cruise ships offer itineraries on the Amazon River, but they tend to focus on Brazil (from Manaus, the Amazon's largest city, to Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires), where the river is wider and ports are more urban. A cruise on this section of the river is almost like being at sea.

But riverboats that ply the Amazon can maneuver into even more offbeat parts of the Amazon basin and offer a much more adventurous experience. (Peru's portion of the Amazon is particularly popular.)

Ships embark in Iquitos or the newer port just upriver in Nauta. Instead of touring cities or ancient temples, you'll trek through the rainforest to look for monkeys, river dolphins, parrots, sloths, insects and fascinating plant life or visit small villages where you can interact with the indigenous people. More so than on other river cruise itineraries, you'll actually spend little time ashore because the voyages focus on the river itself, with motorboat rides along the water's edge to look for bird life, piranha fish and alligators.

South America River Cruise Lines:

Aqua Expeditions, Avalon Waterways, Delphin, International Expeditions, Lindblad Expeditions and Pandaw offer Amazon itineraries.

The Season:

Amazon River cruises operate year-round. The water levels do fluctuate, however -- up to an astounding 40 feet -- with December through May being the high-water season and the rest of the year low-water season. High-water season floods the forest, allowing you to move deeper into the forest via skiff and zip around smaller tributaries that, otherwise, are inaccessible. Low-water season permits more onshore walks.

Challenges:

A rugged place to explore, passengers need a good basic level of fitness. Crime has been an issue on the Amazon; cruise lines have reacted by beefing up onboard security.

The U.S. & Canada

In 2012, the Mississippi River, which had seen several of its riverboats go out of business, began a true renaissance when American Queen Steamboat Company refurbished the 1995-launched American Queen. In 2015, American Cruise Line (ACL) launched the brand-new Queen of the Mississippi paddleboat.

The Mississippi and its connecting tributaries is the most visible of North America's rivers when it comes to cruise lines, and the main itinerary is a seven-night cruise between New Orleans and Memphis, although you can also take an Upper Mississippi cruise between St. Louis and St. Paul. The Ohio River is also popular. ACL's other boats cruise along the East Coast's Intracoastal Waterway, the Chesapeake Bay and New York's Hudson River.

In Oregon, there are also seven-night cruises on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, which are gaining in popularity. They follow the historic route used by 19th-century explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark when they journeyed across the U.S. in search of the Pacific Ocean.

Several lines also offer warm-weather cruises along the Saint Lawrence Seaway, which skirts the borders between New England and Canada, as well as the Great Lakes.

North American River Cruise Lines:

American Cruise Lines, American Queen Steamboat Company, Blount Small Ship Adventures, French America Line, Lindblad Expeditions, St. Lawrence Cruise Lines and Un-Cruise Adventures.

The Season:

You can find North America river cruises from March to December, but sail dates and seasons will vary, depending on the particular river you'd like to sail. Christmas market cruises along the Lower Mississippi began in 2015.

Challenges:

One big difference between European and American river cruising is that most of the latter's cosmopolitan cities grew up around coastal ports, rather than rivers. So while you may visit the Mississippi's New Orleans and Memphis, the Chesapeake Bay's Baltimore or the Hudson's New York, these trips definitely are for slower-paced travelers.

Cultural and Culinary Theme Cruises for 2018-19

How to Plan an Over-the-Top Destination Wedding and Honeymoon

This great article in a recent Travel Agent Center will prepare you for the perfect wedding, honeymoon, or even proposal.  See what is hot right now and don't forget to jot down this number.  Rhonda, Culinary Latitudes Travel,  will provide you with a quick estimate on your romantic get-away! +1 (772) 888-1563 Article by: Travel Agent Center;  Joe PikeDavid MosederMatt TurnerAdam Leposa | 

Various reports put the revenue generated by the wedding industry as high as $76 billion annually, with average wedding costs reaching new highs year after year (more than $35,000, excluding honeymoon, according to The Knot’s most recent Real Weddings Study). To help you get your slice of the cake, Travel Agent spoke to a number of top experts in the destination weddings and honeymoons market and uncovered several trends and tips on everything from the proposal, places and products to the pitfalls of planning. Here’s what we learned:

Destination Proposals The practice of traveling to a beautiful location to pop the question began to catch on a few years ago, mostly among Millennials looking for a cool, splashy way to promote their engagement on social media. And now, Carolee Higashino, president and founder of White Orchid Wedding (WOW) in Hawaii, says the niche is all the rage these days, from simple proposals to elaborate ones on the beach.

“Many couples are booking our services to arrange for their secret surprise by hiring a paparazzi photography session complete with a ceremony site, flowers, champagne and an intimate dinner for two,” says Higashino. “Often family and friends are invited as well and appear once the willing participant says yes.”

“Resort staff have always been more than willing to lend an assist in this area — and now hotels are beginning to capitalize with special add-on packages,” says Scott Wiseman, president of Travel Impressions. “One of our popular packages is the Secrets Resorts ‘Pop The Question’ package, which features a photo shoot, bouquet of roses, sparkling wine and additional special touches [ranging] from a romantic rose petal- and candle-lined path to the words ‘Will you marry me?’ written on the sand.”

Wiseman also recommends The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel in California, which offers two proposal packages that have all the trimmings, including a kneeling cushion.

“If you’re aware that a proposal is in the works and are not recommending one of these commissionable packages, you’re leaving money on the table,” says Wiseman. “Beyond financial motivations, helping to make your clients’ special day even more memorable is a great way to cement loyalty.”

Couples looking for an out-of-the-box idea to celebrate their big day can opt for an underwater wedding offered by Buddy Dive Resort in Bonaire.

Unusual Weddings / Venues Perhaps the biggest trend in selecting a wedding type or venue is quite simply avoiding a boring, traditional, ballroom wedding and instead opting for a once-in-a-lifetime ceremony.

“No one is getting married in a box anymore,” says Jenna Mahoney, travel editor with Bridal Guide Magazine. “The days of getting married in a basic ballroom are over because people realize you can be anywhere when you are in a ballroom. People now want a sense of place and a sense of experience.”

To avoid a dull celebration, here are a few popular, out-of-the-box types and venues that will wow every guest invited.

Naked Weddings / Vow Renewals: Jamaica’s famous all-inclusive, adults-only, clothing-optional resort, Hedonism II, is not your average getaway and thus doesn’t tote just your basic offerings. Weddings and vow-renewal ceremonies are always complimentary here and the tux and traditional white gown are definitely optional. Wedding packages include a personal wedding planner, a choice of location — whether it be white-sand beaches, lush tropical gardens or waterfall lagoons — a minister, marriage license, champagne, a wedding cake, flowers and music.

Underwater Weddings: Buddy Dive Resort on the Caribbean island of Bonaire specializes in offering underwater weddings. Their underwater wedding package starts at $450 per couple and includes dive equipment for bride and groom, an underwater video with editing and music included; and a wedding ceremony at Buddy’s Reef. Witnesses, champagne and additional services such as photographer, hairdresser and make-up, bridal bouquet, wedding dinner, party with live music are available upon request.

Weddings at a Volcano: Lena Brown of Largay Travel recommends clients get married in the Napali coast of Hawaii and take a Zodiac to a beach that has a stone-hole arch where the 1976 “King Kong” movie was filmed on Kauai. There is a cabin in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that you can rent and you have to hike down to it, says Brown.

Higashino tells us that White Orchid Wedding has also organized incredible experiences atop Maui’s volcano Haleakala at sunrise and even performed ceremonies on the Big Island near an active lava flow.

“We love utilizing historic and / or culturally significant spots as well as places that have the true essence of Hawaii,” she notes.

Get Married in the African Bush: Marsha Carroll of Travel Beyond points to Africa as a trendy spot for fresh wedding idea, specifically a simple ceremony in the African bush.

“All the planning will be arranged by the safari camp, and the intimate experience offers an unforgettable ceremony,” she says. “If you prefer something more traditional with ethnic clothing, a Masai blessing can be arranged.”

Not-So-Ordinary Domestic Weddings Travel Agent also rounded up a few destinations in the U.S. for the most Instagram-worthy weddings.

In Palm Springs, CA, plan a wedding at The Merv Griffin Estate, the former home of the late singer and television host. Available on the 39-acre property are an infinity-edge pool, a two-plus-acre pond and equestrian racetrack — all of which are perfectly suitable settings for a wedding. Book the couple and their guests on-property.

The estate has two guestrooms in the main house, four guest cabanas to the east and an 1,800-square-foot guesthouse to the north. Nearby, the couple and their guests can explore the Mount San Jacinto State Park or Lake Cahuilla, or they can tee off in Hideaway or Madison Golf Club.

Chateau Cocomar is a castle-looking estate in Austin, TX with opulent chandeliers, elegant gardens and French-style ballrooms. It’s a wedding-focused venue, so it offers a Bridal Dressing Suite, Groom’s Dressing Suite and Family Dressing Suite. There are also seven additional Deluxe Overnight Suites.

For a totally far-out idea, suggest to your clients The Old Dairy, located in Bath County, VA. Surrounded by the Allegheny Mountains, this venue was previously a fully functional dairy that operated until the second half of the 20th century. Currently, it’s a popular wedding venue with two silos providing the backdrop. Don’t worry: The property is fully restored and includes a dance hall. Tip: Make time to enjoy the natural hot springs. The property also has luxurious interiors, master bedroom suites, soaking tubs, heated floors, large decks and outdoor fire pits. The wedding party will also have access to the exclusive Warm Springs Dairy Community Center, so they can choose to cool off in the outdoor pool, or visit the fitness center, whirlpool and sauna.

Just to the southwest, in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains, is The Lodge at Brother’s Cove. This is a great venue for couples who enjoy adventure and fresh mountain air. The Lodge at Brother’s Cove is located on 450 acres; guests can get married outside or indoors under iron chandeliers in front of floor-to-ceiling windows.

Guests can be booked at the main lodge or at any of the other 50 cabins located on the property, sleeping anywhere from two guests to 24. We recommend the Fireflies in the Night property, whose three stories can accommodate 20. Each of the seven rooms has its own flat-screen TV, private en suite baths, a full kitchen, two dining tables, a fireplace, game room, multiple decks, hammocks and picnic tables.

Honeymoon Destinations / Hotels

The St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai is seen as one of the hottest properties to honeymoon at in Hawaii. When it comes to the two biggest trends in honeymoon planning, several advisors we spoke to point to a client’s desire to get married in an exotic location and also their willingness to wait for peak season for the best experience.

Daniela Harrison of Avenues of the World Travel tells Travel Agent that her honeymoon-bound clients are choosing bucket list-type destinations like Sri Lanka, Africa, Maldives, Thailand and the Cook Islands, while traditional favorites like Mexico, Caribbean and Europe will always be popular.

“Africa is certainly one of the most romantic destinations for a wedding, honeymoon or anniversary,” says Marsha Carroll of Travel Beyond. “Africa has an allure that’s captivated the imagination of romantics at heart, boasting wide open spaces, breathtaking sunsets, stunning landscapes and the thrill of wildlife encounters.”

In Mexico, Pamela Walker of Escapes.ca says, she recently received “rave reviews” from a couple she booked at the Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa in Merida, while Sayulita is a great destination for a more chill honeymoon just north of Puerto Vallarta.

And as far as properties go, over-the-water bungalows are dominating honeymoon bookings in both the Caribbean and Mexico.

“Honeymooners have alternate options open to them with opulent overwater bungalows, suites and villas now available in Mexico and the Caribbean, including El Dorado Maroma, a Gourmet Inclusive Resort, by Karisma in Riviera Maya; Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island; Sandals South Coast in Jamaica and Sandals Grande St. Lucian Spa & Beach Resort in Saint Lucia,” says Jack E. Richards, president and CEO of Pleasant Holidays.

Pamela Walker of Escapes.ca says she recently received “rave reviews from a couple she booked at the Rosas & Xocolate Boutique Hotel + Spa in Merida, Mexico.

The new over-the-water bungalows are so popular, says Anna Swenson of Journeys Inc., that travelers will even opt for a shorter trip — three nights instead of a week — to have a chance to stay there. Another option is to split a shorter stay in a bungalow with a stay in a lower-priced suite.

“They can get the amazing experience, if for a short time, and as a bonus, get those ‘Instagrammable’ pictures to show their friends and family back home,” says Swenson.

But although the Caribbean and Mexico may be the latest destinations to get into the over-the-water bungalows market, Richards says the South Pacific still remains the most desired location for this room category for clients looking to go “dream big” or go home.

“An iconic overwater bungalow perched above the translucent waters of a South Pacific lagoon in Bora Bora, Moorea or Tahiti is still the ultimate in ‘dream big’ honeymoons,” he tells Travel Agent.

Meanwhile, Walker says, “I love Playa Resorts’ Sanctuary Cap Cana in Punta Cana. It’s a beautiful, adults-only resort with a spa-like feel. There are gorgeous oceanfront luxury villas and private island suites. There are many unique features such as the Blue Marlin Restaurant on stilts over the water, and the incredible castle surrounded by a moat.”

Other unique and faraway destinations that are trending are Morocco, Bali and Thailand, notes Walker. Selena Bohinski of First Class Travel also points to Thailand as a hot honeymoon destination, while Singapore and the Maldives are also popular.

For domestic honeymoons, Hawaii is still king. Higashino says the hottest properties to honeymoon at in the Aloha State include Four Seasons Resort Maui; Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort; Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui; The St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai; Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina; The Laylow, Autograph Collection on Oahu and Four Seasons Resort Lanai.

And regardless of where they choose to celebrate their honeymoon, Hannah Schremp of Frosch Travel says many of her clients are willing to postpone their honeymoon in order to travel during the peak season of their desired destination.

The Over-the-Water Bungalows at Sandals South Coast in Jamaica are an enticing option for honeymooners.

“So, if their wedding date doesn’t coincide with ideal weather where they would like to travel to, they are happy to wait,” Schremp tells us. “They’ll do a stay-cation or a quick weekend getaway directly after the wedding and then wait six months to go on their dream honeymoon.”

Mahoney of Bridal Guide Magazine says “buddymoons,” in which the recently married couple invites friends to join them on their honeymoon, is continuing to grow in popularity.

She notes that the trend was born when former “Friends” TV star Jennifer Aniston got married in 2015 and had a honeymoon that included all of her friends.

“Last year was really the first year we heard about it,” says Mahoney, “but this year, we are starting to see properties getting in on it, like the Four Seasons Bora Bora.”

Trendy Wedding Locales

The Caribbean remains a popular destination for weddings and honeymoons, according to several travel agents that we spoke with. The reasons being that it’s a quick flight and the atmosphere of the Caribbean and the people “seem to say, ‘Let’s party!’,” according to Julia Shore from Reid Travel. However, she tells us that she’s taken a special interest in Morocco lately.

“I love it so much that I have visited twice in the last four months, and can’t wait to return in March,” Shore says.

A few key points that make Morocco a great destination are that it’s easily accessible from the U.S. (especially the East Coast) and that it’s also an exotic and romantic destination. Shore tells us that there are plenty of “spectacular venues,” and that includes Moroccan palaces and hidden riads, as well as desert oases and beaches.

Palaces, hidden riads, as well as desert oases and beaches make Morocco a trendy destination for weddings and honeymoons. Seen here is the Royal Suite at Ansanga Riads Collection in Marrakesh.

For instance, couples can opt for a sophisticated garden wedding in Palmeraie (a palm oasis of several hundred thousand trees outside of Marrakesh), an Atlas Mountain where couples and their guests can enjoy the “star-laden Moroccan skies,” or in the Sahara, which can be followed by sleeping in tents or a private estate. This follows the trend that couples are looking to tie the knot in unique locations, but these also tend to be more intimate, as further destinations can be prohibitive to some guests.

Mexico is Pleasant Holidays’ number-one choice for international destination weddings, with Riviera Maya, Cancun and Los Cabos being the top picks, says Richards.

“Mexico resorts also make the planning process easy and seamless, with onsite wedding coordinators and directors of romance, free ceremonies, special promotions and more,” Richards adds.

Mexico and the Dominican Republic are also Travel Impressions’ biggest sellers for destination weddings.

“Resort brands such as Breathless, Dreams, Hard Rock, Karisma, Palace, Palladium and Secrets have become pros when it comes to executing picture-perfect nuptial ceremonies tailored to the dreams and aspirations of each couple,” says Wiseman.

“We went to the Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa for our honeymoon,” Shayna Pierce of Academy Travel, A Frosch Company, tells us. “What I recommend about that destination is that there are so many activities to do while you are there.” And while Breathless may give the impression of nonstop party, Pierce says, “It really is not. There are a number of opportunities to get away from the party scene, including the quiet pool.”

Hawaii is Pleasant Holidays’ top choice for domestic destination weddings, with Oahu and Maui being the top picks.

“While oceanfront sunset weddings are predominantly the most preferred option, guests are opting for the islands of Maui, Kauai and the Big Island for the most intimate offerings from these beach / oceanfront wedding venues,” says Higashino. “While many love the hustle and bustle of Waikiki, it can be a challenge to find a sunset spot without being inundated with people.”

Disney’s fairy-tale weddings are said to be a hit among second-timers, who have children from prior marriages. Seen here is the Walt Disney World Orlando.

Wiseman also points to Hawaii, as well as Las Vegas and California, as the most popular for destination weddings, although he noted that Travel Impressions is seeing some “renewed interest in Florida, spurred by Disney’s fairy tale weddings, which are a big hit with second-timers when children from prior marriages are in the picture.”

Products and Assistance Agents are not wedding planners, so it is important for an advisor to seek the proper assistance from someone, either onsite or elsewhere.

“Clients need both of our skill sets and expertise; they want someone to scout venue with them in a destination, design all the elements and also handle their travel logistics,” says Heather Christopher, owner of Heather Christopher Travel Consulting. “Most wedding planners already have their plates full and are not well equipped to handle travel and hotel contracts on top of their regular duties. The partnership between the two can be as simple as handling hotel blocks for local weddings and building from there.”

Bohinski recommends joining The Knot or WeddingWire so couples can find you easily during their wedding planning process and to attend local bridal shows that fit your market and clientele.

“One thing that has helped our agency so much in booking destination weddings is attending wedding FAM trips and seeing the ceremony and reception set-ups in person and learning firsthand what is included at each resort,” says Bohinski. “Every resort is so different in its own way and being able to experience the resort and meeting with the resort staff and wedding staff is so important.”

Michelle Carbone tells us that seeing the resorts in person has helped set her agency, Michelle’s Destinations Unlimited, apart from the competition. “And you know people onsite usually can get to know your local rep or BDM in the process,” she says. “It’s important to ask lots of questions to properly qualify your clients and make sure they end up in the right resort.”

For further assistance, Higashino says White Orchid Wedding uses all the latest in event-planning apps and especially social media avenues such as Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, Social Tables and Hootsuite. She also says many event planners find Aisle Planner useful.

“I have been planning weddings and events for over 25 years and the best advice I can give is to be patient and listen to your customers’ needs and desires,” she tells Travel Agent. “Create their celebration to always exceed their expectations and take pride in your work. You must stay savvy with current trends and utilize the latest tools available in the trade. Stay personal with clientele, nothing worse than automated messages. Answer your phone and be professional at all times. Be sure you are a fit with your client as you often will be working side by side for quite some time throughout the planning process”

As far as new products go, Mahoney tells us the traditional photography packages offered at hotels are beginning to evolve with drone rentals set to be all the rage this year and beyond. Mahoney says more and more hotels are beginning to offer drone packages for couples looking for some spectacular aerial shots of their ceremony.

A Pair of Proposal Packages Get Engaged Like a Royal: Meghan Markle isn’t the only American who can have a royal engagement. Now, The Milestone Hotel, London’s boutique five-star hotel overlooking Kensington Palace, is offering a special “Royal Engagement Package” to celebrate the upcoming nuptials between Prince Harry and American actress Markle.

The two-night package includes Royal Afternoon Tea for two; a romantic turndown with pink Champagne on one night; a chauffeured Bentley to a Hatton Garden jewelry store; a horse-drawn carriage around London to celebrate the new engagement; a private tour of Kensington Palace and a photo session with a hotel photographer in front of Kensington Palace.

Il Salviatino in Italy is offering the “Perfect Proposal” package. Seen here is one of the GreenHouse Suites, which have glass-encased living spaces.

A “Perfect Proposal” in Tuscany: Il Salviatino, a restored 15th-century villa located in the Tuscan hills of Italy, is offering the “Perfect Proposal” package, which includes accommodations for two nights in the room of the couple’s choice; a daily breakfast buffet; a one-hour couples massage at LA SPA; a romantic, candlelit, three-course dinner; and a three-hour tour with a personal shopper who will escort clients to the best jewelers on the Ponte Vecchio and Via Tornabuoni for the best fashion findings.

Avoid These Wedding Planning Pitfalls Understand the Needs of Bride vs. Groom: Just because two people are destined to be with each other doesn’t mean they necessarily have the same tastes and interests, says Travel Impressions’ Scott Wiseman.

“Clients often come into an agency with two different ideas of what their dream wedding should be — and then you have outside influences such as the sister who appoints herself wedding planner,” he says. “As a travel agent, your job is to take all of that feedback and distill it into the perfect experience, which is no easy task.”

Do Not Avoid Using a Planner: While White Orchid Wedding’s Carolee Higashino recommends using a wedding planner, she also urges agents to reconsider hiring a planner the day of the actual wedding.

“Use a planner. Always. You may think you are capable and you may very well be, but, why? It is a huge burden of stress on the very day you hope to enjoy and cherish for the rest of your life,” she says. “Reconsider hiring a ‘day of’ planner as this often is not actually cost effective and you will feel quite stressed once again when passing over all of your details to someone at the final hour. As many couples are not experts in event planning, often something goes amiss and can become an issue in this scenario. Be sure to cover outdoor events as tropical weather can be unpredictable.”

Don’t Skimp on Memories: Higashino also urges advisors to invest in a great photographer and cinematographer to tell your story for years to come.

“Hire professional transportation for your events especially if your guests plan on imbibing,” she says. “Do not count on taxis and Uber, as they can be unpredictable and not available in certain parts of the islands. Do not try and be a travel agent for your guests, they are capable of managing this themselves. Align yourself perhaps with a travel agent partner to help your guests with these needs.”

White Orchid Wedding’s Carolee Higashino urges advisors to invest in a great photographer and cinematographer.

Don’t Overwhelm Yourself: Avenues of the World Travel’s Daniela Harrison tells us the best wedding specialists are the ones who give proper attention to every detail of the wedding, which is why she tries to limit herself to handling about one or two weddings per year. “They are so time intensive and take so much patience and hand-holding,” she tells us.

#GetSocial: In addition to creating a clever wedding hashtag for guests to include in their social posts, many couples are opting for a personalized Snapchat filter — essentially replacing the otherwise popular photo booth. This is according to findings of wedding trends gleaned by Destination Hotels. The team at San Diego’s Paradise Point Resort & Spa, for example, reports seeing more wedding attendees use live video capabilities on Facebook and Instagram to commemorate the special day. With today’s technology, friends and family who aren’t able to make it to the wedding don’t have to miss out on all the fun when they are able to tune into the action in real-time through social media.

For more on your perfect wedding or honeymoon, please contact Rhonda at Culinary Latitudes Travel+1 (772) 888-1563 We are here to help you with a free estimate!

The Best New Culinary Experiences for 2018

The Vatican, Rome
PHOTO: Trafalgar is introducing new exclusive, after hours dining experiences at the Vatican for 2018. (photo courtesy of Trafalgar)

Working with a Travel Agent for the First Time

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Man and woman seated
PHOTO: Man and woman seated. (photo via Pixabay/5688709)

Wanna Save Money? 5 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent

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FEATURES & ADVICE  LISA IANNUCCI  DECEMBER 25, 2017
Sunrise at Moraine Lake, Alberta, Canada
PHOTO: Travel agents take care of the granular details so you can relax and enjoy your vacation. (photo via Flickr/James Wheeler)

Is Social Media Putting Travelers at Risk?

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Winter can be a busy time for travel. Snowbirds try to escape the cold. Grandparents long to visit loved ones in distant cities. Jetsetters want to ring in the New Year in a memorable locale.

Regardless of the season, travel brings photo opportunities that are prime for posting on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. But fraud-savvy people think twice before engaging in what's known as "instabragging." Here are examples of what could potentially go wrong and some protective measures to consider.

Social Media Risks

In 2017, Pew Research reported that seven in 10 Americans use social media, and more users join every day. This can be a fun way to connect with friends and relatives. But it's important to recognize that your "friends" aren't the only ones who might follow your posts and view your photos. Thieves also troll social media for signs that your house is empty or that you own something valuable — and then they strike.

No one tracks the number of thieves who found their "in" from social media. But many criminals admit that an empty house provides an opportunity for theft — and social media activity can tell them when you're away or when you purchase an expensive item.

Consider Maria and Pat, who were excited to visit their grandchildren for Thanksgiving. But they needed someone to watch their cat Buddy. So, Maria turned to their neighborhood Facebook group for petsitter recommendations. Her post included the couple's street name and the dates they'd be out of town.

When Maria and Pat returned home, Buddy was safe, but several electronic devices were missing. The police eventually caught the thief who had stolen from several neighbors over the holiday weekend. He told police officers that social media posts had led him to target specific victims that he knew were traveling.

Insurance Issues

Something as seemingly harmless as checking in at the airport or a fancy restaurant announces to criminals that you're away from home. It's like leaving your front door unlocked and your windows open while you're out — which is why some insurance companies argue that lax social media practices may violate the reasonable care provision of homeowners' or renters' policies.

An insurance policy's reasonable care clause stipulates that policyholders must take reasonable measures to protect their homes from thieves, such as locking doors and turning on security systems. Insurance companies could, in theory, deny a claim if you've posted information that causes thieves to target you. But, if you're caught engaging in irresponsible instabragging, the insurance company is more likely to increase your rates or cancel your policy after paying a claim.

Beyond Vacation

It's important to exercise caution on social media — even when you're not traveling — to safeguard your belongings and your family from sharing too much on social media. Start by thinking about how a thief could use your posts against you.

Consider this example: On Christmas night, Jaime posts a picture of her dad, watching football in front of his new 52-inch flat-screen television. Her brother Johnny comments that Dad seems frustrated that he couldn't get his new "girlfriend" (Alexa) to turn down the volume. Aunt Polly, who lives across town, comments that she can't wait for Dad to visit on New Year's Day.

It all sounds like playful banter — unless you're a thief who now knows that:

    • Dad owns two valuable pieces of electronic equipment (a TV and a device with a digital assistant), and
    • Dad's house will likely be empty on New Year's Day.

Here, the would-be thief was thwarted, because Mom didn't accompany Dad on his visit to Aunt Polly's house. However, this scenario also shows how social media posts can put not only your assets at risk, but also your loved ones.

10 Safety Tips

To avoid sharing too much information, consider these 10 smart social media practices:

1. Keep social media pages and posts private.

2. Don't provide your address or other personal information on any social media platform.

3. Don't brag about expensive purchases or trips.

4. Don't share photos from inside or outside your home. (These pictures can tell thieves where you live and what you own.)

5. Don't mention any smashed windows or broken alarms in your home.

6. Accept friend requests only from people you legitimately know.

7. Never announce when you're going on a vacation or traveling for work.

8. Never announce your check-in at airports, vacation destinations or local restaurants.

9. Use social media groups with caution. Although these groups limit access to members only, they can quickly grow, and there may be no one monitoring who's invited to join the group.

10. Share these tips with friends and family members, especially kids and grandkids who constantly post on social media. Young people are often more likely to brag and less diligent about security issues.

Also, consider investing in a home security system to prevent theft. These systems have become more affordable and user-friendly in recent years. Additionally, many systems now include cameras and can be accessed remotely with a laptop or smartphone.

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Article:  Thomson Reuters Checkpoint, December 20, 2017