Travel FAQs
Q? ARE THERE ANY HIDDEN GEMS IN THE WORLD THAT I SHOULD VISIT?
A.Few travelers know what UNESCO stands for (it’s the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), but whenever they hear that a UNESCO World Heritage Site is nearby, they head straight to it. These World Heritage Sites include such heavy hitters has the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Pyramid of Giza. But not all World Heritage Sites are greatly known, including these eight treasures that you should definitely visit if you’re in the area.
Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump – Canada
For more than 6,000 years, Blackfoot Indians chased buffalo herds off a cliff here and then carved their bodies in the valley below.
Semmering Railway – Austria
The spectacular mountain views will make you forget that you’re riding on one of the greatest feats of civil engineering, built between 1848 and 1854 and still running today.
Tsodilo – Botswana
Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” this historic section of the Kalahari Desert is home to the highest concentration of rock art in the world thanks to more than 4,500 paintings.
Longmen Grottoes – China
Here you will find the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907), representing the high point of Chinese stone carving.
Paphos – Cyprus
Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Paphos still holds the remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs.
Old Rauma – Finland
Situated on one of the oldest harbors in Finland, Old Rauma is an outstanding example of an old Nordic city constructed in wood.
Surtsey – Iceland
A volcanic island that formed nearly 50 years ago, Surtsey has been protected since its birth, providing the world with a pristine natural laboratory.
Aldabra Atoll – Seychelles
Comprised of four large coral islands and protected by a coral reef, isolated Aldabra is home to more than 152,000 giant tortoises, the world’s largest population of this reptile.
Q?WHAT ARE SOME COMMON TRAVELLING MISTAKES TO AVOID?
A.Because there are so many variables involved—from the plane tickets and hotel reservations to meals and entertainment—self-planned journeys often go off track or way over budget. As someone who plans trips for a living, professional travel advisors like us have seen our share of mistakes made by even the most experienced travelers. Here are five you should definitely avoid:
Sticking to Set Dates – Airlines and hotels know when people travel most, so they typically raise their prices accordingly. You can save hundreds of dollars by being flexible with your travel dates.
Ignoring the Fine Print – The internet is filled with incredible travel deals that seem too good to be true. Before hitting that “Buy Now” button, take a moment to question how this company can possibly afford to sell their product for such a low price. The answer is usually in the fine print, where that low price comes with a slew of restrictions that will definitely damper your vacation.
Forgetting to Breathe – Many travelers return from a vacation exhausted due to over-planning. To see all of the must-see sights at their destination, they race across town from dawn to dusk, never stopping to soak it all in. It’s okay to miss a few sights, as long as you take the time to enjoy the ones you do see. Travel agents always suggest spending more days at your destination, or to arrive at the embarkation port a day or two early, to give you that added time to breathe.
Stuffing the Bags – Some globetrotters cram all of their items into one carry-on bag, thinking it saves time and reduces baggage fees. However, after a week away—a week spent shopping—those travelers suddenly have no place to pack their newly-purchased items, so they have to buy another bag or suitcase. Moral of the story: always pack with room to spare. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you return home with more items than you left with.
Picking the Wrong Season – Every destination has a perfect time of the year to visit and not to visit. Under the “not to visit” times are those seasons that are too hot, too cold, too crowded or too expensive. Make sure you know before you go…or simply ask us.
Q?WHY SHOULD I HAVE A TRAVEL AGENT?A.8 REASON TO HAVE A TRAVEL AGENT1. CUSTOMER ADVOCACY:If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made.
2. EXPERT GUIDANCE:Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It’s what they’ve been trained to do and they do it every day.
3. PERSONALIZED SERVICE:Instead of an impersonal voice thousands of miles away, travel agents are your neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.
4. PROFESSIONAL ADVICE:Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price.
5. TIME:Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.
6. UNBIASED INFORMATION:Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier.
7. VALUE:Travel professionals have access to online deals, as well as many consolidators that only work with travel agencies. A travel agent will help you find the best products that provide you value.
8. FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE:Many travel professionals have been to where you want to go and will give you the inside-scoop on what to do and when to do it. Look for a travel professional that is an expert in your chosen destination or type of travel.
Q?IS THERE A WAY TO GET THROUGH CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION FASTER?A.If you’re an active international traveler like we are, then you should know about Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
At participating airports, program participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs them to baggage claim and the exit.
Even though the program was created for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify. You will need to get pre-approved for the program, which includes a rigorous background check and interview, and pay a non-refundable $100 application fee.
Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Dutch citizens, South Korean citizens and Mexican nationals. Canadian citizens and residents may enjoy Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program.
To learn more and apply, visit www.GlobalEntry.gov.
Q?WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID HAVING EXPENSIVE ITEMS BEING TAKEN DURING THE SECURITY CHECK?A.Keep your valuables safe! Put your valuables on the x-ray belt last after your bags, shoes, and other personal items when going through security. For large items, tape a business card to the bottom so they can get in contact with you if it’s lost or mistakenly taken.
Q?WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THERE ARE DELAYS TO MY FLIGHT?A.Buy some peach of mind: If the airport is extra chaotic due to bad weather or other travel disruptions, buy a day pass to your airline’s club for about $50.00 – a small price to pay for an oasis of calm, refreshments, and a nice space to lounge and work, but most importantly, access to experienced, unrushed, airline agents who can solve problems and help rebook.
Q?HOW DO I AVOID LOST BAGGAGE?A.We’ve all been there, standing next to the conveyor belt in baggage claim, jostling with strangers to get a good view of the bags as they’re making their turn, hoping that the next black one is yours. The wiser solution is to travel with a bag that’s so visually unmistakable, that you can relax away from the black bag parade and casually wait for yours to arrive. Here are some ways to make your luggage stand out from the maddening crowd:
Tape it Up – Duct tape now comes in a wide variety of colors and themes. Find a roll that suitably expresses your style and tape a few stripes across your bag or on the handle.
With a Bow on Top – Festive ribbons and bows are not just for presents. Tie one on your luggage handle to spot it a mile away.
Get Artsy – Grab some stencils and shake up a can of spray paint. You can creatively stencil your initials in big, block letters and paint on a colorful design.
Iron Man – Iron a distinguishing picture or logo onto the luggage fabric. Be sure to put one on every side so that you can find your bag from different angles.
Stick it To ‘Em – Give your favorite five-year-old a packet of stickers and tell them to go crazy on your plastic bag.
Q?WHAT IS TRAVEL ASSISTANCE & CONCIERGE SERVICE?A.This is such a valuable part of each and every insurance plans. Available 24/7, call prior to departing for assistance or advice. While traveling, one toll-free call gives you access to a variety of travel services such as medical emergency assistance and lost baggage retrieval.
Q?HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MEDICAL EXPENSES?A.Ensure you’re covered if you see a doctor for a medical emergency while traveling. Check before you leave to find out what your personal medical healthcare policy covers and whether it covers you outside the USA. Travelex has a coverage for you – their plans will reimburse for medical expenses from any doctor around the world when seen for a covered medical emergency.
Q?WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A DEATH IN THE FAMILY?A.A death in your family is a terrible thing to deal with at any time. While the last thing on your mind may be dealing with cost of your cancelled holiday with costs typically running into the thousands of dollars; you will be glad you have insurance to keep you covered. Cancel for any reason is something Travelex offers.
Q?CAN I RELY ON MY CREDIT CARD?A.Does your credit card protect you in cases of travel delay, trip cancellation, or emergency medical coverage overseas? Always do your research to ensure you’re fully protected.
Q?WHY SHOULD I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE?A.If you lose your job, a hurricane blows through your destination, or your travel supplier declares bankruptcy, having a comprehensive plan benefits and gets you back on track!
A.Few travelers know what UNESCO stands for (it’s the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), but whenever they hear that a UNESCO World Heritage Site is nearby, they head straight to it. These World Heritage Sites include such heavy hitters has the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef and the Great Pyramid of Giza. But not all World Heritage Sites are greatly known, including these eight treasures that you should definitely visit if you’re in the area.
Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump – Canada
For more than 6,000 years, Blackfoot Indians chased buffalo herds off a cliff here and then carved their bodies in the valley below.
Semmering Railway – Austria
The spectacular mountain views will make you forget that you’re riding on one of the greatest feats of civil engineering, built between 1848 and 1854 and still running today.
Tsodilo – Botswana
Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” this historic section of the Kalahari Desert is home to the highest concentration of rock art in the world thanks to more than 4,500 paintings.
Longmen Grottoes – China
Here you will find the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907), representing the high point of Chinese stone carving.
Paphos – Cyprus
Inhabited since the Neolithic period, Paphos still holds the remains of villas, palaces, theatres, fortresses and tombs.
Old Rauma – Finland
Situated on one of the oldest harbors in Finland, Old Rauma is an outstanding example of an old Nordic city constructed in wood.
Surtsey – Iceland
A volcanic island that formed nearly 50 years ago, Surtsey has been protected since its birth, providing the world with a pristine natural laboratory.
Aldabra Atoll – Seychelles
Comprised of four large coral islands and protected by a coral reef, isolated Aldabra is home to more than 152,000 giant tortoises, the world’s largest population of this reptile.
Q?WHAT ARE SOME COMMON TRAVELLING MISTAKES TO AVOID?
A.Because there are so many variables involved—from the plane tickets and hotel reservations to meals and entertainment—self-planned journeys often go off track or way over budget. As someone who plans trips for a living, professional travel advisors like us have seen our share of mistakes made by even the most experienced travelers. Here are five you should definitely avoid:
Sticking to Set Dates – Airlines and hotels know when people travel most, so they typically raise their prices accordingly. You can save hundreds of dollars by being flexible with your travel dates.
Ignoring the Fine Print – The internet is filled with incredible travel deals that seem too good to be true. Before hitting that “Buy Now” button, take a moment to question how this company can possibly afford to sell their product for such a low price. The answer is usually in the fine print, where that low price comes with a slew of restrictions that will definitely damper your vacation.
Forgetting to Breathe – Many travelers return from a vacation exhausted due to over-planning. To see all of the must-see sights at their destination, they race across town from dawn to dusk, never stopping to soak it all in. It’s okay to miss a few sights, as long as you take the time to enjoy the ones you do see. Travel agents always suggest spending more days at your destination, or to arrive at the embarkation port a day or two early, to give you that added time to breathe.
Stuffing the Bags – Some globetrotters cram all of their items into one carry-on bag, thinking it saves time and reduces baggage fees. However, after a week away—a week spent shopping—those travelers suddenly have no place to pack their newly-purchased items, so they have to buy another bag or suitcase. Moral of the story: always pack with room to spare. Ninety-nine percent of the time, you return home with more items than you left with.
Picking the Wrong Season – Every destination has a perfect time of the year to visit and not to visit. Under the “not to visit” times are those seasons that are too hot, too cold, too crowded or too expensive. Make sure you know before you go…or simply ask us.
Q?WHY SHOULD I HAVE A TRAVEL AGENT?A.8 REASON TO HAVE A TRAVEL AGENT1. CUSTOMER ADVOCACY:If you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience, the agent is there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made.
2. EXPERT GUIDANCE:Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It’s what they’ve been trained to do and they do it every day.
3. PERSONALIZED SERVICE:Instead of an impersonal voice thousands of miles away, travel agents are your neighbors. They know what you want and what you value in your travel experience.
4. PROFESSIONAL ADVICE:Travel agents are there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the lowest price.
5. TIME:Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? A travel agent has all the information at their fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.
6. UNBIASED INFORMATION:Agents work for their clients, not for a travel supplier.
7. VALUE:Travel professionals have access to online deals, as well as many consolidators that only work with travel agencies. A travel agent will help you find the best products that provide you value.
8. FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE:Many travel professionals have been to where you want to go and will give you the inside-scoop on what to do and when to do it. Look for a travel professional that is an expert in your chosen destination or type of travel.
Q?IS THERE A WAY TO GET THROUGH CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION FASTER?A.If you’re an active international traveler like we are, then you should know about Global Entry, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) program that allows expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk travelers upon arrival in the United States.
At participating airports, program participants proceed to Global Entry kiosks, present their machine-readable passport or U.S. permanent resident card, place their fingertips on the scanner for fingerprint verification, and make a customs declaration. The kiosk issues the traveler a transaction receipt and directs them to baggage claim and the exit.
Even though the program was created for frequent international travelers, there is no minimum number of trips necessary to qualify. You will need to get pre-approved for the program, which includes a rigorous background check and interview, and pay a non-refundable $100 application fee.
Global Entry is open to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, Dutch citizens, South Korean citizens and Mexican nationals. Canadian citizens and residents may enjoy Global Entry benefits through membership in the NEXUS program.
To learn more and apply, visit www.GlobalEntry.gov.
Q?WHAT CAN I DO TO AVOID HAVING EXPENSIVE ITEMS BEING TAKEN DURING THE SECURITY CHECK?A.Keep your valuables safe! Put your valuables on the x-ray belt last after your bags, shoes, and other personal items when going through security. For large items, tape a business card to the bottom so they can get in contact with you if it’s lost or mistakenly taken.
Q?WHAT SHOULD I DO IF THERE ARE DELAYS TO MY FLIGHT?A.Buy some peach of mind: If the airport is extra chaotic due to bad weather or other travel disruptions, buy a day pass to your airline’s club for about $50.00 – a small price to pay for an oasis of calm, refreshments, and a nice space to lounge and work, but most importantly, access to experienced, unrushed, airline agents who can solve problems and help rebook.
Q?HOW DO I AVOID LOST BAGGAGE?A.We’ve all been there, standing next to the conveyor belt in baggage claim, jostling with strangers to get a good view of the bags as they’re making their turn, hoping that the next black one is yours. The wiser solution is to travel with a bag that’s so visually unmistakable, that you can relax away from the black bag parade and casually wait for yours to arrive. Here are some ways to make your luggage stand out from the maddening crowd:
Tape it Up – Duct tape now comes in a wide variety of colors and themes. Find a roll that suitably expresses your style and tape a few stripes across your bag or on the handle.
With a Bow on Top – Festive ribbons and bows are not just for presents. Tie one on your luggage handle to spot it a mile away.
Get Artsy – Grab some stencils and shake up a can of spray paint. You can creatively stencil your initials in big, block letters and paint on a colorful design.
Iron Man – Iron a distinguishing picture or logo onto the luggage fabric. Be sure to put one on every side so that you can find your bag from different angles.
Stick it To ‘Em – Give your favorite five-year-old a packet of stickers and tell them to go crazy on your plastic bag.
Q?WHAT IS TRAVEL ASSISTANCE & CONCIERGE SERVICE?A.This is such a valuable part of each and every insurance plans. Available 24/7, call prior to departing for assistance or advice. While traveling, one toll-free call gives you access to a variety of travel services such as medical emergency assistance and lost baggage retrieval.
Q?HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MEDICAL EXPENSES?A.Ensure you’re covered if you see a doctor for a medical emergency while traveling. Check before you leave to find out what your personal medical healthcare policy covers and whether it covers you outside the USA. Travelex has a coverage for you – their plans will reimburse for medical expenses from any doctor around the world when seen for a covered medical emergency.
Q?WHAT DO I DO IF THERE IS A DEATH IN THE FAMILY?A.A death in your family is a terrible thing to deal with at any time. While the last thing on your mind may be dealing with cost of your cancelled holiday with costs typically running into the thousands of dollars; you will be glad you have insurance to keep you covered. Cancel for any reason is something Travelex offers.
Q?CAN I RELY ON MY CREDIT CARD?A.Does your credit card protect you in cases of travel delay, trip cancellation, or emergency medical coverage overseas? Always do your research to ensure you’re fully protected.
Q?WHY SHOULD I GET TRAVEL INSURANCE?A.If you lose your job, a hurricane blows through your destination, or your travel supplier declares bankruptcy, having a comprehensive plan benefits and gets you back on track!
