Gateway Destinations

Beautifully Restored B & B in Southwestern France

blog — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:15:49 +0000

The Villa Rose is a lovely bed and breakfast in the spa town of Bagneres-de-Bigorre situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains in southwestern France. This professionally decorated home (by its owner, Madame Mecoin) is located in the heart of this charming city, yet boasts a quiet private garden filled with the scent of roses and the sound of a soothing fountain. Each of its four rooms is generous in size and beautifully furnished, that also has modern touches including a flat-screen television and en-suite bathroom with spacious shower. One of these rooms can accommodate three persons. There is also a spacious dormitory on the top floor that can be shared by a large group of children.

The lovely and inviting public areas include a library, tea room and chocolate salon. Although the Villa Rose can accommodate travelers briefly passing through this area, it is very suitable for an extended stay. Breakfast is generous and delicious and can be enjoyed in the garden if guests prefer. More information and photos can be found on their website.

The owner of this unique B & B is eager to share her knowledge of the surrounding area to help guests fully enjoy their visit to this diverse area. Guests can easily walk to the natural hot springs spa to enjoy the invigorating thermal waters or enjoy the public pools of the aqua center nearby. Restaurants are abundant and convenient, and there are ample shopping opportunities including the owner’s popular home accessory store located adjacent to this beautifully restored home.

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting the Villa Rose in March 2012 and having a personal tour by the owner’s daughter and business partner, Caroline. This is a “must-visit” accommodation for your itinerary in this area of France. Please contact me for more information or reservations at 888-429-1242, or info@gateway-destinations.com.

Travel Tips

blog — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 04:39:14 +0000

Obtaining Passports in a Hurry

As a travel consultant, I was happy to learn that Tucson has a passport processing center. In fact, it is one of three mega processing centers in the United States where passports are approved and printed. The Western Passport Center is capable of processing your passport in a very short time, if necessary. This office is operated by the U.S. Department of State and is intended to help travelers who are traveling within 14 days, or have run into difficulties getting their passport processed through the normal channels and already have a travel itinerary in place.

If you are planning to travel internationally soon and don’t have a passport or need to renew an expired one, their center is located at 7373 E. Rosewood Street in Tucson, Arizona. You will need to call the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778 for an appointment. Normal office hours are Monday through Friday.

To assist all travelers with their passports, regardless if they are traveling within 14 days, the Western Passport Center in Tucson is holding a Passport Day on March 10, 2012 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm – no appointment necessary.

For normal processing turnaround, currently four-to-six weeks, travelers can contact www.Travel.State.Gov to find out the nearest passport acceptance facility. You can also apply online at this same website if you are older 16 years of age – other restrictions may apply.

Questions? We’re happy to help – give us a call at 520-529-1242 or toll free 888-429-1242.

Holiday Airline Travel

blog — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:54:01 +0000

A few reminders to minimize stress if you are traveling during the holidays…

Remember to check in for your flight 24 hours before departure
Make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time – 2 hours for domestic travel and 3 hours for international this time of year
Gifts should remain unwrapped as TSA may open them to check contents (regardless if in checked or carry-on bag)
Wear shoes you can easily slip off, and minimal or no jewelry to go through security quicker
Smile! You never know who may smile back!

Traveler’s Checks – Do I Need Them?

blog — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 01:42:34 +0000

Using Traveler’s Checks has become nearly obsolete for travel today, as the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has made it quick and easy to get foreign cash in MOST tourist areas abroad. Of course, some areas you visit may not have an ATM or the network may be down, and they may not accept a credit card. In this case, you will need cash – this is where a Traveler’s Check may come in handy. Due to a lack of popularity, however, some businesses no longer accept them and younger clerks may not even know what they are, so be prepared to cash them at a bank if you decide to use them.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement

blog — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:47:03 +0000

When purchasing items in Europe, you will be charged a Value Added Tax, which can be significant (up to 25%). Foreign visitors can usually get reimbursed for this cost in several ways but you must request a form from the merchant where you purchased the item(s).

You will then need to complete it with your name, address and passport number and present it along with your receipt(s) to a Customs office at an international airport, port or border before departing Europe for the U.S. If the country is not in the European Union, you must get it stamped when leaving that country before traveling to the next. Otherwise, purchases made in the EU countries can be accumulated and stamped by one Customs officer in your country of departure. They may ask to see the unused item(s) so make sure you don’t put it in check luggage first. The Customs officer will stamp the form, which you then must take to a tax refund office at the airport, port or border OR mail it in the envelope provided.

If the amount of your purchase is large enough, this is worth taking the time – but be sure to allow some extra time at the airport.

Purchasing Airline Tickets

blog — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 01:37:16 +0000

I know many of you prefer to purchase your airline tickets directly. With the stricter TSA (Transportation Security Administration) requirements, be aware that they should be purchased in the exact same name as on your photo identification (passport, driver’s license, etc.) that you are using for the trip. They are currently more forgiving on domestic flights than international.

Your passport name may not be the same as your driver’s license, so be especially careful when you are purchasing international tickets. It is costly to have the airlines change/correct your name. You may even be denied boarding if they do not match. Of course, making airline reservations is one of the many services provided by Gateway Destinations.

Checking “Carry-On” Baggage

blog — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 19:45:20 +0000

Perhaps you have tried to carry on a bag and been told by the flight attendant that your bag will have to be “checked” due to its size or lack of space? If this happens to you, make sure you insist on receiving a claim check showing your final destination and claim check number. My son just experienced this situation with Southwest Airlines and was not given a claim check number and he didn’t think to ask for one. Unfortunately, his luggage did not arrive with him at his final destination.

After completing a “Lost/Delayed” Report with Southwest, he was told that it is difficult to trace luggage without a proper claim tag. After numerous phone calls and elevating the problem to a supervisor, his luggage finally surfaced after four days and was delivered in time for a wedding he was attending. Don’t forget to ask for a claim check, make sure it indicates your final destination, and keep it with you until you retrieve your luggage.

Mail Service While Away On Vacation

blog — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 16:58:10 +0000

Have you ever worried about mail piling up while you are traveling or had to arrange for someone to pick up your mail for you? The US Post Office has an easy solution. You can easily put your mail on hold by going to their website at www.usps.com. Click on “Receiving Mail” and select “Put mail on hold.” You can specify stop and re-start dates in one easy step, and hold mail for up to 30 days with this method.

Using a Travel Checklist May Save Headaches

blog — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:51:08 +0000

Taking some time to plan ahead before leaving for your trip will likely reduce stress and allow you to get your vacation off to a good start. Details can easily be overlooked if left to the last minute. Try using our checklist to ensure a smoother departure. Download a copy to keep on hand!

Southwest Airlines Mileage Program

blog — Mon, 16 May 2011 05:35:07 +0000

If you are already enrolled in Southwest Airline’s Rapid Reward program, you should be aware that they have dramatically changed their frequent flyer program for earning free flights. It is now on a point system versus credits, and they have partnered with other companies to earn points in your SWA program (hotels, car rental agencies, restuarants, etc.). There are no blackout dates for flights and your points do not expire. Obtain all the details at www.southwestairlines.com and click on Rapid Rewards.