What took me so long?

This year have brought so many challenges to each one of us on our personal and professional levels. Travel have been hit hard for months, on all aspects, and while we navigate these new waters together, as a community, I would like to share some things I consider you should to take into consideration before planning and/or booking your next vacation.

• Travel Insurance - this have been suggested frequently on many of my posts. But why it's so important. Simply put...Peace of Mind. Advisors might have a preferred travel insurance company, but this doesn't mean you can't go with the one you trust. As of today, October 8, 2020; there are travel insurance partners that will protect you if you get sick due to Covid19, did you know that? Protect your investment, travel is an investment.
• Know the new entry regulations -  while many countries are opening their doors to tourists, there might have different entry requirement in place depending on where you live. For example, Costa Rica began accepting US Citizens to their soil, but this opening have been on slow and organized. They have been accepting citizens from 12 states and adding some states on the following weeks. By November 1st, all US States residents are welcome in Costa Rica. They have rigorous regulations in place, like negative test results, travel protection with at least $50,000 medical expense coverage, and more. To avoid deny entry you can read the detail here: https://www.visitcostarica.com/es/costa-rica/lo-que-debes-saber-sobre-costa-rica-si-deseas-viajar-en-el-contexto-covid-19
• Do I need airfare? - it might not seem important or the total opposite. You'll have to evaluate your personal concerns and how airlines are handling Covid19 situation. I had my own experience with Southwest and American Airlines back in June 2020. I flew both, and the safest in that moment for me was Southwest Airlines, which allowed the middle seats to be empty. Not only we were required to wear masks, but also we were distanced between each other and for me that was very important. With American Airlines I did not had the same experience and for what I've heard AA is still filling their planes to the max, no empty seats people! So be very aware of that. Your travel advisor can help you narrow the options, depending of your gateway. 
• Masks or no masks? -  That previous point brought this one up. Not all of us are comfortable wearing masks, and many places are imposing it. So it's not a choice, it's a requirement. If you are not willing to abide by this, my recommendation to you is that your travels will have to wait a little longer.  
• Are you afraid of travel shaming? - Sadly to say, this is happening. Nowadays everyone have an opinion and even worse they think they have to share it. Puertorricans have a saying that reads: "Quiet I look prettier". We must think before we speak; nothing struck us harder in the gut that an unwanted opinion and mostly from someone we know. Don't let other people's opinion hurt you or your plans. 

Do not get discouraged, make a list of your ideas, your likes and dislikes and while more countries open to visit, we as advisors can help you narrow them. This way you'll be able to fulfill what's most important for you and your family. Give yourself the chance to unwind and rest from what this year have brought to us. Time to re organize and shift, towards a better way to reach your goals. Whenever  YOU are ready, we are ready for you. 

Leila Reyes, CTA, MCC
Travel Advisor

When I should book my Vacation?

This is a question you probably have heard or even have asked yourself. As a Family Travel Specialist is a question I've been asked a lot. I know how hard is to take decision, but there are factors on the specific details of your vacation that can help tremendously to help you choose the best time to book your vacation.

First, I suggest you make a list of the details of your vacation. Actually you should make two different lists, one that includes everything that you want and you're not able to negotiate and other that includes things that might be or you are more flexible.  Let's say you have specific dates for your vacation because your children, who will be traveling with you must be out of school, the date you have chosen should go under the list of things you won't negotiate. When creating the lists you should consider the travel dates, if it's going to be a land or cruise vacation, your hotel preferences, how many people will be traveling and if are kids involved, are there payment options available, etc. Taking some time to plan and analyze all the do’s and don’ts will help you to have a better picture of what exactly you want to do. This way you won’t regret your decision, although this wasn't the outcome of Lisa.

A few months ago, Lisa Daniels* asked me to help her plan a Cruise Getaway to celebrate her 15^th Anniversary.  After a wide search I found her cruise, she was very pleased with the itinerary and the Cruise Length, but instead of booking she decided to wait because she has heard that “closer the departure date the lower the fares”. By the way this wasn't planned 6 months in advance, she was only a month from the sailing date, and I couldn't stress her enough to book her cruise that day, because she was risking losing availability on the Ocean View Cabins she requested (which were only 4 available by that time). So I went directly to my "do list" plan. This way I could show her that celebrate her anniversary on a cruise for the dates indicated was a priority for her and waiting to book would put at risk she could make the trip or not. I also detailed her all the options she had, and the possible outcomes. Happily she made her booking that same day, and reduced her risk of losing it.

There are endless factors that can affect your decision, because each vacation is unique. Let me give you another example; let's say you want to spend New Year's Holiday in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL with your family. One thing I can tell you right away is that these dates are peak season in ANY hotel. I will highly recommend you to book as soon as possible once you have agreed the fares and availability for your family vacation. Another advantage is if you book in advance (3-6 months) Disney Resorts allow you to make a down payment and pay your full balance on a later date or on installments. (This option is also available in cruises; you can even book a cruise 2 years in advance in some cases, which is smoother to your pocket.) If your traveling party is 5 or more, availability is something you need to secure. I have a family of 5, and not always I find room for us, that's why I usually book 6-10 months in advance.

Summarizing, whatever I could recommend you to do, will depend on the factors and/or details of your unique and special vacation. although you should not wait if, in fact, are 100% sure of what you want, and when you want it. Do you need help deciding? Please give me a call, so we can start planning your next vacation and the options available you may have to book now or later.

Leila Reyes, CTA
Travel Expert
L R Travel, LLC

817-554-3346

*Names have been changed for Privacy Purposes.