Find out THIS about each Greek Island…

Liz Hough on

One of my favorite places to help plan a vacation is to Greece.  Yes, it has a bit to do with me coming from a Greek family, but also my experience of personally having been to many of the islands. When I first started traveling to Europe, my husband and I picked a 12-night cruise around the Adriatic, Aegean and Mediterranean seas. It was so magical to see the various countries and islands in this area. 

One thing that stood out the most to us was how different the cuisines from one island to the other were. With the freshest ingredients to make sure any palate is completely satisfied, each island has their unique flavor, seasoning, or way of cooking.  Some islands prefer more of a sour taste to their food, and some island like to add more seasoning. I equate this to the way various states in the United States make barbecue, vinegar versus seasoned versus smoked. 

I recently came across this amazing article that helps you really understand what I am talking about. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and next time you eat some Greek cuisine you may know where the owners of the restaurant are from in Greece!

Remember, Life is Better Traveling is always here to help you plan an amazing vacation to Greek islands whether it is via cruise or island hopping. Give us a call when you are ready to plan. 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

You TOO can enjoy airport lounges!

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Airport lounges are often thought of for only frequent flyers or those who have purchased large amounts of points to be granted access. These lounges are known as a place of relaxation with free food and drinks to keep you occupied until your flight. Sometimes you can even get a cat nap while resting on their comfortable chairs. But did you know that you too can access some of the best airport lounges? 

That is right. You and me who have little airline points and won’t purchase points to get into the lounge, and get VIP access. We can book ourselves into the lounge and enjoy the splendors that come with waiting for our next flight, or having a place to relax until our transfer is ready. 

One of my favorite lounges to book people is the Club Mobay Lounge at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There are both arrival and departure lounges that give you access to not only snacks, beverages, and free Wi-Fi, but a Fast-Track service through security, customs and immigration. There are large comfortable chairs to stretch out your legs, especially after a long flight getting there. 

Another favorite of mine is the Nassau Airport, Lynden Pindling International Airport. After a long journey of getting to the Bahamas all you want to do is relax on their pristine sandy beaches, so why not get there faster! When you do Fast-Track arrival service you get your own dedicated concierge. They meet you upon arrival and whisk you through Immigration and Customs. Once your through, the personal service doesn’t stop. You will have your own baggage porter that will collect and load your bags into your ground transportation. When your departing Nassau you can enjoy the same Fast-Track service through check-in and security. Once you are through enjoy downtime in their VIP departure lounge. 

There are several airports that provide these services to you for a small fee. A much smaller fee than purchasing airline miles to get upgrades. Ask your Life is Better Traveling agent if the airports you are traveling to have one of these Fast-Track services that you can purchase. 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Want to take your pet with you on vacation?

Liz Hough on

I have been flying a lot this fall and, on every flight, I have been on there has been a dog. Most times I didn’t even notice them as they are so quiet. I usually find out there is a dog as the owner is talking to their bag asking it if it is doing ok. At first, I was a bit scared until I realized there was a dog in their bag. It always surprises me how good the animal is on the flight. 

Many airports now also have separate animal areas in the airport terminal. This allows the animals to use a separate area for a bathroom and stretch their legs. Some areas are quite large as the one in Las Vegas, and others are quite small. Regardless, bringing your pet along with you on your vacation is now much easier and more widely accepted.  

CLICK HERE to read more about bringing your pet on vacation. 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

 

UPDATE: Attention PA Residents!

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UPDATE: As of September 28, 2018, PA residents will now be able to use their current driver’s license as means of identification to board domestic flights until August 1, 2019.

 

Governor Wolf’s administration released this information…

https://www.governor.pa.gov/department-homeland-security-grants-pennsylvania-real-id-enforcement-extension/

 

As promised, Life is Better Traveling is staying on top of current events so we make sure our clients are always informed.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

 

Are you ready for flu season?

Liz Hough on

It may be a bit too early to start thinking about Flu season but this week I took the kids to get their Flu shots. I always like to be prepared which means getting the Flu shot. But how do you protect yourself when you’re traveling during Flu season? We have some recommendation for you from the CDC, WHO, our Travel Leaders partners, and Life is Better Traveling.

  • The CDC recommends a yearly influenza vaccine for anyone over 6 months of age who has no contraindications.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) says that “Precautionary measures should be taken to limit transmission. People should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing, then throw it out and wash their hands thoroughly and regularly.”

For those flying, Travel and Leisure gives the following tips:

  • “Choose a window seat over an aisle seat. Fewer people passing by means fewer opportunities to catch germs.”
  •  “Pack a small bottle of nasal spray (often available at airport convenience stores, if you forget) to stay well-lubricated.”
  •   “The tray table is one of the dirtiest places on the plane. Whereas the bathroom is subject to mandatory cleanings, no one is guaranteed to be wiping down the tray tables between services. Having a small vial of antibacterial gel or wipes will help you kill any germs in your area before you even come in contact.”
  •    “Contrary to popular belief, you should actually turn on your overhead vent. When someone sneezes, those germs can quickly spread to those in their immediate area. Turning on an air vent increases air circulation and can move germs away if you’re sitting next to someone who might be sick.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Take these precautions when traveling to a foreign country

Liz Hough on

Are you nervous about traveling to a foreign country or even to another state?  Are you unsure whether you would encounter a language barrier in a foreign country?  Do you wish someone would tell you what precautions you should take when traveling to a foreign country? 

 

I am here to help!  In this newsletter I am going to give you some amazing advice, as well as some great advice from other travel agents as to which precautions to take when traveling to a foreign country. 

 

  • It is highly recommended that all travelers purchase travel insurance to protect themselves if they become ill or injured, particularly in a foreign country and require medical treatment and/or evacuation.

 

  • To maximize one’s personal safety and security while traveling in international destination:
    • Follow your instincts and avoid any areas or situations that seem as though they could become dangerous.
    • Stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.
    • Know and respect the laws in the country you are visiting.
    • Visit only legitimate businesses and tourist areas, and avoid areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.
    • Leave your itinerary with a friend or family member back home.
    • Check with your cell phone provider prior to departure to see if your phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G/4G international networks.
    • Do not display expensive looking jewelry, large amounts of money or other valuable items.
    • Make sure to have a charged cellphone and fully charged power block with you at all times. 
    • Know where your exits are in case you would have to get out in an emergency. 
    • Make every attempt to travel during daylight hours and stick to main roads.

 

  • Additional precautions travelers can take, just as they would at home, include:
    • Have someone you trust with you.
    • If something seems suspicious, remove yourself from that situation.
    • Be a good citizen. If you see a fellow traveler needing assistance don’t be afraid to help.
    • If traveling with children, be sure to keep an eye on them at all times, especially near water as the resorts do not offer lifeguards.

 

  • We recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their travel plans at https://step.state.gov. This will help the State Department contact travelers if there is a family emergency in the U.S., or in the event an emergency transpires in the place where the individual is traveling.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Travel Agents Save Wintry Weather Disasters

Liz Hough on

It is only the beginning of March but believe it or not, people are planning and booking their winter vacations for next year.  Why?  Everyone loves to travel to warmer weather and the Caribbean and Mexico are usually the top places we book.  A few days relaxing on the beach and taking in some good amounts of Vitamin D makes everyone’s spirits lift up.  Unfortunately, wintry weather can disrupt travel plans.  It is a known fact that travelers who book through a trained travel agent professional have many advantages over those who “go it alone.”

 

 

Here are some of the advantages when you book with a Life is Better Traveling travel professional:

 

 

   1. Life is Better Traveling Travel agents are trained to monitor situations like winter weather that may impact their clients’ travel plans. As such, they also can work on alternative travel plans and can likely have those in place the moment the need arises.  In some cases, such as weather, airlines are not required to provide accommodations. Travel agents can proactively find accommodations for their clients in when weather disrupts travel plans.

 

 

   2. If changes in travel plans are necessary due to weather or mechanical issues for example, many times, travel agents can rebook clients for no additional charge or are able to obtain travel vouchers and/or refunds that clients may not know are due or available to them.

 

 

   3. We stand ready to assist clients who may encounter major transportation delays or cancelled flights. If necessary:

  • We will help our clients secure other flight arrangements.
  • We will work to rebook hotel and car rental reservations.
  • We will work to find alternative modes of transportation to get our clients to their destination.

 

  4. With limited airline seats available, Life is Better Traveling travel agents have the resources needed to quickly rebook clients and reserve the next available seat.

  • Travelers who book on their own either have to “roll the dice” by calling an 800 number or standing in a lengthy customer service line to try get rebooked. Using a travel agent can essentially move you to the “front of the line.”

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

Why Uber is a great way to get around…

Liz Hough on

Have you Ubered lately?

Forget conventional taxi service, Uber is the new way to get around.

I was recently at a farewell party and one of the guests was talking about how she used Uber to get to the restaurant.  The person she was talking to ask her if she felt safe using this service and she replied, yes.  The person who asked the question said she would not feel safe using the service but has heard that people have had good services.  So it has me thinking, if I need a mode of transportation and didn’t want to use a taxi would I use Uber?

 

For those of you who do not know what Uber is here is the description of the business straight from their web-site: Uber is evolving the way the world moves. By seamlessly connecting riders to drivers through our apps, we make cities more accessible, opening up more possibilities for riders and more business for drivers. From our founding in 2009 to our launches in hundreds of cities today, Uber’s rapidly expanding global presence continues to bring people and their cities closer.  They are rapidly growing as the Uber service is available in 59 countries and 311 cities and growing.

 

So how do you Uber? You simply go on their website and sign up for their App which can be easily downloaded on any smart device through the Apple Store or Google Play store.  Once you download the app you put in your criteria of where you need to be picked up, what time, and what place to drop off.  They also pride themselves on having clear pricing for your trip and you can even pay through the app.  I feel that having already paid for the services up front is very helpful and I don’t have to worry about having cash or giving the correct change. 

 

Is Uber safe?  I know for certain that taxi cab drivers are not always the most reliable or safe drivers.  I have been swindled by a few taxi drivers overseas as they have taken the scenic route to get me to my destination.  What ends up happening is I pay an arm and a leg for what should have been a 2 minute ride.  We also hear about people who rob taxi cab drivers or vice versa.  Unfortunately, this is the risk involved when using these types of services.  Uber is on a mission thought to ensure the safety of both the passengers and drivers.  Each Uber driver must undergo a background investigation including a criminal background check.  They also make everyone take their code of conduct which Uber says gives everyone in the “vehicle has a shared standard for respect, accountability, and common courtesy.”  Make sure to ask the driver the name of the person they are there to pick-up.  This also helps with confusion and safety.

 

So will you Uber?  I really like that I can pre-pay my ride.  This helps with not allowing the driver to take you on the scenic route unless it is on their time and dime.  I would be more likely to use this service in the United States when I don’t have a whole bunch of luggage with me.  Carrying around luggage is already a hassle, then when your Uber car pulls up and it can barely fit your carry-on let alone the four other pieces of luggage you have with you can be nerve racking.  I think this concept is great as it has helped people who are drinking make sure they don’t get behind the wheel, as with the case of a few of our friends at this farewell party the other weekend.  I am always for a service that may save a life.

 

Next time you need a taxi, consider using Uber! 

 

P.S. Did you know that Uber is throughout Europe and a great way to quickly get around the city to see sights?  When you are ready to book your next European vacation, make sure to ask your travel agent the best way to go about using Uber. 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

You need THIS app for international travel!

Liz Hough on

Don’t leave home without downloading this app… 

 

One of the main bottlenecks when coming back into the United States after international travel is getting through Customs.  Filling out forms on the plane, waiting in long lines, and answering a bunch of questions about your recent trip is tiring.  What if I told you there is now a way to do most of this through an app?  Would you download a simple app to your phone if it could save you time getting through customs?  I know I would. 

 

The Mobile Passport Control app is an app that can do just that, help you get through the whole process more quickly.  All you have to do is download the app to one of your smart devices, i.e. tablet or phone.  Once you download the app, create a profile with your passport information including name, gender, date of birth, and country of citizenship.  Once you have this set-up, you are ready to use the app on your next international trip. 

 

 

How do you use the app when coming back into the US?  It is actually quite simple.  Select “New Trip” in the app.  In your new trip you will put in your arrival airport, airline, take a self-photo, and answer the series of CBP inspection related questions.  Note: only select airports are participating currently visit https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control for the full list of airports.  Once you have Wi-Fi or data available to you, submit your information and you will receive a receipt with your encrypted quick response code or QR code. 

 

When you get to the CBP officer they will scan the code and verify your information. 

No more filling out forms on the plane and answering a ton of questions with the CBP officer.  You are doing all the administrative tasks in advanced which helps reduce passport control inspection time and, therefore, overall wait times.  You will still have to go through the line, no skipping the line, but this will dramatically decrease the amount of time you are waiting. 

 

If you are traveling with your family, great news!  You can add up to 12 profiles for a single household and submit only once for those 12 people.  This helps out families who are traveling with little kids because you can easily do this on the plane, submit once you get off the plane, and get through CPB quickly. 

 

Currently this app is only available to United States and Canadian citizens.  Eligible travelers can download the Mobile Passport app from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.  After all, Life is Better Traveling when making it easier for you. 

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

 

Which type of road trip does your family take?

Liz Hough on

When my husband had the opportunity again to speak at a conference in Charleston, South Carolina we instantly decided to turn it into a family vacation.  We had taken the family two years ago when he had the opportunity to speak and we had so much fun.  Deciding to go again was an easy decision.  The tough part was getting there.  Flying to Charleston from Pittsburgh is easy as they now have direct, non-stop flights, but we decided to take an adventure.  A road-trip adventure. 

What comes with a road-trip?  There are two ways to do a road trip.  The first I like to call the “Just Go” road-trip which doesn’t involve much planning at all.  If you don’t like to plan, then this may be the option for you.  The “Just Go” road-trip involves leaving very early in the morning, way before the kids are even awake.  You can leave at 1am or 4am, just anytime before the kids would wake up for the day.  The night before you simply put the kids into their clothes they are going to wear the next day and let them sleep in them for the night.  When it comes time to leave, you move them from their beds into the car and “Just Go!” 

With the “Just Go” road-trip you can plan to stop along the way or you can drive straight through depending on how long it will take you to get to your destination.  Driving straight through is the goal, but as with many kids, the constant asking “are we there yet” can be a big reason to add in a stop or two along the way.  My recommendation for kids six years of age and under is to try to stop every four hours when they are awake.  Four-hours is a good amount of time that allows you to cover a large distance.  This amount of time also helps get the kids out of the car to expend some of that built up energy. 

The other type of road trip I like to call the “Scenic” road trip.  With the “Scenic” road trip you build in more places to stop and see various sites along the way.  This type of road trip takes a lot more advanced planning.  The planning that is involved includes mapping out places to visit along the way with shorter breaks in between, usually 2 to 3 hours in the car before a stop.  Each stop is something fun for the kids to do like a zoo, museum, battlefield, caverns, a farm, an Amish market, or the world’s biggest ball of yarn. 

Picture: Pixabay

The “Scenic” road trip also involves sleeping at various motels and hotels along the way until you get to your final destination.  Depending on the areas you will be stopping, you want to make sure the accommodations receive good reviews from other families who have stayed there.  You don’t necessarily have to stay in the same area as one of your stops.  If you plan to be in that area late, then it is a good idea to stay there.  If you decide that you want your road trip to be a “Scenic” road trip, you can easily map it out on Google Maps and find local hotels and sights.  You can also contact a travel agent to help you come up with a plan. 

You can also do a combination of “Just Go” and “Scenic” road trips.  There really is no right or wrong when planning a road trip as long as you are planning it to fit your family’s needs.  Just remember, Life is Better Traveling!

Stay tuned next month for more on my road trip adventure to Charleston and my family’s adventure.

Fill out the form below to get started planning your next European Vacation.  Looking for a motor coach tour, self-drive, or private tour, we can easily put together the perfect European vacation for you and your family’s needs. 

When you book your vacation with a member of the Life is Better Traveling Team, you are supporting local families and business.  Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 4 years, we have become an AMAZING travel agency due to your support!

Please understand we get several requests per day for European vacations. We provide experiences for our clients that provide a lot of value. If you are looking for a budget vacation, that is NOT us.

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