Discovering Gems in America’s Parks

August 17th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on Discovering Gems in America’s Parks

Did you know that purchasing an annual America the Beautiful Pass gives you unlimited access to over 2000 federal recreational areas? Not only does this include all 63 national parks, but also historic military sites, wildlife refuges and more.  The cost is $80 per year and allows two users or a carload.  Check out the details at the USGS website.

Is it Too Late to Plan Your Winter Holiday Vacation?

June 14th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on Is it Too Late to Plan Your Winter Holiday Vacation?

If you want to get away for the winter holiday break and especially with a family group, now is the time to get your plans in place. Fewer Americans are traveling out of the country this winter which means hotels, resorts and lodges in the US (including Hawaii) are filling up quickly.  With cruising resuming out of Florida and the Caribbean soon, demand is high for these very sought-after vacations.  Need ideas?  Call us to begin planning your winter getaway!

Travel in Today’s Uncertainty

May 17th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on Travel in Today’s Uncertainty

With destinations opening up to tourism, you may be asking “what happens if there is another disruption to travel due to Covid?”  In light of recent uncertainty, many cruise lines and tour operators have responded with very flexible cancellation policies never seen before in the industry.  Even domestic airlines have continued to allow free changes in order to regain consumer confidence in travel.  These unprecedented benefits make your travel decisions easier and give you the “peace of mind” to resume travel

What Covid-19 Requirements are there for International Travel?

April 12th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on What Covid-19 Requirements are there for International Travel?
More and more foreign destinations are lifting travel bans, especially if you have chosen to get a Covid vaccine, but keep in mind each country has different requirements for entry.  Some may require you to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test (even if vaccinated) before your departure and/or completion of their unique health questionnaire.  Regardless of which country you travel to, you will be required to have a Covid-19 test within 72 hours of your return departure to the U.S. – hopefully, this policy will be modified soon for vaccinated travelers.  Call us at 602-923-1542 for an up-to-date list of countries that are welcoming American travelers and what requirements are involved.
Some countries have additional Covid-related requirements once you are in the country which may require extra time so plan accordingly.  Case in point…I’m traveling in Mexico right now and my domestic airline (after arriving from the U.S. via American Airlines) required completion of an online health questionnaire at the airport which required a smartphone or tablet, took extra time for check-in and for me to translate Spanish. None of this was mentioned when purchasing the tickets or checking in online.
You CAN travel to a number of foreign destinations now but let Gateway Destinations streamline the process for you!

What about my travel credits?

March 17th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on What about my travel credits?
If you are one of the many travelers who had a scheduled trip cancelled due to Covid and replaced with a Future Credit or Voucher, make sure you note the expiration date by which you need to apply your credit to a new trip.  Airlines especially have specific requirements for using your credit but also tour companies, hotels, cruise lines, and travel insurers – all with varying policies.  Our service includes keeping track of this for you so your travel investment is protected.
Don’t forget about travel in your US backyard as well as Mexico and the Caribbean – call me to find out where you CAN travel!

Need to find the status of your passport?

February 15th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on Need to find the status of your passport?
Have you applied for a new passport or submitted a renewal request and wondering when it will be processed?  Remove the guesswork and check the status by going to:  https://passportstatus.state.gov.  This information is normally available about 14 days after submittal of your application.  Current processing is taking about 8 – 10 weeks for new or renewal passports so plan accordingly so you can be ready to travel to more destinations once travel restrictions are lifted.

Ideas for Saving Money in Travel

January 11th, 2021 / blog / Comments Off on Ideas for Saving Money in Travel
Who doesn’t like to save money? Especially when you are receiving a great value! In partnership with many of my preferred travel suppliers, we are kicking off 2021 with great travel ideas and savings. Below is just a “taste” of what is available but hurry as these promotions are time-sensitive. Call us today to plan your next adventure and save money!
  • Oceania Cruises – Past guests save 10% on a variety of 2022 cruises AND enjoy free airfare, shore excursions, beverage package and Shipboard Credit!
  • AmaWaterways – Complimentary pre & post-cruise hotel stays on certain European itineraries!
  • Viking River Cruises – Reduced international airfare!
  • Victory Cruise Lines – Up to $3000 off per cabin for their new ship sailing Alaska!
  • Travel Impressions – $200 Instant Discount for Air & Hotel packages to Mexico, Caribbean, Central America & Hawaii!
  • Sceptre Vacations – Valentine’s Savings of $150 off any Custom Itinerary to one of their many destinations!
  • CIE Tours – Companion Flies Free to any of their scheduled Ireland itineraries!
  • Ponant Cruises – Save up to 30% on an Arctic expedition!
  • Silversea Cruises – Up to 20% Savings for 2021!
And what is more, most cruise lines and tour operators are offering reduced deposits and “peace of mind” assurance to remove any worry about reserving your next vacation.
Much of the fun is in the planning!

Where can I travel?

December 14th, 2020 / blog / Comments Off on Where can I travel?
While many borders are still closed or have quarantine requirements and cruise lines are conducting trial cruises in the next few months, let’s focus on where you CAN travel in the near future. Have you ever considered one of these destinations?
  • Central America (all) – Costa Rica, Ecuador, Peru, Honduras, Belize, Panama, Guatemala, Nicaragua
  • Tahiti
  • Europe – Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina
  • Mexico
  • Asia – Cambodia, Bangladesh
  • Mid-East – Turkey, Dubai
  • South America – Ecuador, Brazil, Peru, Columbia
  • Caribbean – Anguilla, Antigua, Barbuda, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Bonaire, Curacao, Grenada, Jamaica, St Barts, St Kitts, Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent, Grenadines, Turks & Caicos
  • Africa – Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Namibia, South Africa, Ethiopia, Senegal, Ghana
Of course, the US offers a lot of travel diversity and Hawaii just opened mid-October (I just returned from there!). Although travel to Alaska is permitted, an expensive COVID-19 test is required upon arrival. Whether traveling abroad or domestically, please know that most locations require a negative COVID-19 test and requirements vary greatly. Call us today to navigate your next adventure!
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed holiday season full of cheer, good health and peace!

Forgot ID When You Arrive at the Airport?

October 13th, 2020 / blog / Comments Off on Forgot ID When You Arrive at the Airport?

Few things are more stressful than arriving at the airport and realizing you left your ID at home.  If you are flying internationally, you will need your passport for sure.  If flying within the US, however, TSA is more lenient if you forget your normal government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license.  Think about what other proof of identity you may have with you such as military ID, Global Entry card, Social Security card, student ID, work-related ID badge, etc.  Are you carrying travel documents (itinerary, confirmations) showing the same name as on your flight tickets?   Having an electronic copy of your passport or driver’s license may help as well.  The decision is ultimately up to the TSA officer being convinced you are the same person as on your tickets but it is worth pursuing – just ask my niece who successfully boarded and flew from Eugene to Reno!

Are Airlines Really Eliminating Change Fees?

September 14th, 2020 / blog / Comments Off on Are Airlines Really Eliminating Change Fees?

As you know, Southwest Airlines has never charged dreaded change fees but all other domestic airlines have for quite some time.  This all changed in early September when United announced they are eliminating change fees for all domestic flights (except for Basic Economy tickets) AND to Mexico and the Caribbean.  Other large carriers – American, Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian Air have followed suit with some slight policy differences.  This coupled with low fares and greatly improved onboard cleanliness procedures makes for an ideal time to reserve your next vacation!

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