Taking Better Photos With Your Phone -

Let’s face it camera phones have come a long way but they still lack the quality of a point-and-shoot, not to mention your DSLR.  

However some of the best pictures happen during everyday like when you don’t  have your standard camera with you.  Don’t let this stop you from capturing the moment.  Just keep a few things in mind.

Keep your lens clean.  You wouldn’t think about touching the lens of you camera but that’s not always an option with your phone.  Before you get started, just give it a wipe down with a soft cloth.

Avoid the zoom.  Digital zoom is essentially the same as cropping.  Try to get as close to your subject as possible.  Then if you need to crop, you can always do that after you take the picture.

Use natural lighting to your advantage.  The flash on most camera phones are too harsh and you’ll end up with blur.  Try adjusting your angle to get the right lighting.

Hold still.  This is especially important in low light.  Hold the phone with both hands and brace your arms against another stationery object or your own body if necessary.

Remember, you can do amazing things with editing.  

Most of all, take pictures that make you happy.  

Lost Your ID, Now What? -

It happens everyday, your are traveling and next thing you know your wallet is lost or stolen.  Now you have to get on a flight home without your ID.  

Before you fly, consider getting a state issued ID card.  They are similar to a drivers license and typically issued by the same agency.  It’s a great way to establish identity.  If you have more than one form of ID (passport, drivers license, state ID, etc), leave the hardest one to replace in your hotel safe and carry the other.  Also consider making a digital copy of your ID, just in case.

What if you only have one form of ID and now it’s gone?  Start by filling a police report.  Not only will your bank and credit card companies want a copy but it will help prove your identity at the airport.  

Arrive at the airport extra early, cooperate with the TSA and airline representatives and most of all stay calm.  According to the TSA, if you arrive at the airport without proper ID you may still be allowed to fly.  By providing additional information, TSA has other ways to confirm your identity, like using publicly available databases, so you can reach your flight.  Have any other items that could prove your identity available such as a work or school ID.  Be prepared for more intensive screening such as an interview, search of your carry-on luggage and a physical pat-down. 

Make every effort to cooperate with TSA you will not be allowed to fly if your identity cannot be confirmed, you chose to not provide proper identification or you decline to cooperate with the identity verification process. 

Stay Healthy While Traveling

Nothing ruins a trip faster than getting sick.  With it being cold and flu season, now is a great time to get in the habit of:

1. Washing your hands - Good old fashioned soap and warm water go a long way.  Think about how may people have touch that ticket kiosk, bin at security or the arm rest.  I feel the need to wash my hands just thinking about it.

2. Using hand sanitizer - Sometimes you just cant wash your hands.  Keep a travel sized bottle in your bag and use it.

3. Carrying disinfecting wipes - Boarding an airplane? Wipe down your tray table, arm rest window screen, etc.  At a road side rest stop? Wipe down the table before you eat. 

4. Buying bottles water - While the likelihood of getting sick from tap water is slim, having bottled water is better, considering what you would be drinking your tap water from.  Don’t forget that staying hydrated improved your overall health.

5. Wearing socks through airport security - Think about it. Your bare feet touch the floor, you touch your feet putting your shoes back on, repeat with thousands of other travelers.

6. Wearing glasses on travel days - Contacts dry out your eyes causing you to touch them more often therefor increasing the likelihood of getting sick.

While there is no guarantee that you wont get sick, an ounce of prevention goes a long way.

The holiday travel season in full swing.

If you are one on the more than 90 million Americans that will be going over the river and through the woods this holiday season, here are a few tips to save your sanity and actually enjoy the season.

Be Prepared:
-Send gifts ahead of time.  This gives you one less thing to lug through the airport or cram in the car.

-Buy travel insurance.  Between November and February more flights are delayed or canceled than any other time of the year.  Travel insurance will assist in covering unexpected costs if you find yourself stuck for a few extra days.

-Spread some holiday cheer.  Remember that the airline employees, hotel personnel and travel agents are working while you are traveling.  If something does go wrong, you’ll want them as an ally. 

Flying:
-Avoid checking bags if at all possible.  Not only will is save you time at the airport but if your flight is delayed, canceled or you need to catch a connection in a hurry you’ll be prepared.  With winter weather, this is a big one.

-Arrive early.  I can’t stress this enough.  With the increased number of travels, expect longer lines at ticket counters and delays at security.  

-Charge your devises before you leave and consider stashing a power pack in your bag.  Crowds swarm around electrical outlets on a good day but if there are delays getting to one could be brutal.

Driving:
-Keep an eye on the weather.  This seems like a no brainer but too often people only check the conditions at their destination.  Look across your entire route and consider alternatives if necessary.

-Fuel up early and often.  The last thing you want to get delayed without a gas station in sight.

Why Use Travel Agent

At a time when you can do everything online, do you really need to work with a travel agent?  

Absolutely!  

Let’s face it, our lives are busy and time off is limited. Reading online reviews and researching various destinations takes a lot of time and effort. Many travel agents specialize in popular destinations and can provide you with recommendations that otherwise would have been missed.  When you’re booking a getaway, but your unsure of where to go, a travel agent will help guide you toward what you’re looking for.

Additionally, once you start working one on one with an agent, they become familiar with you, your wants and needs.  This makes it easier for them to help you pick out the perfect spot for your next trip.

Using a travel agent will allow the planning of your next trip to be as stress and hassle free as the vacation itself.

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 7

- Food & Beverage

From formal diners to late night buffets to specialty restaurants, there is never a shortage of dining options on a cruise ship.  But why wait to figure these out the hard way…

Types of Experiences — While many cruise lines have introduced relaxed dining in the main dining room, many cruise lines continue to offer a casual, buffet style dining experience each evening at the ship’s Lido restaurant.

Menu Options — You are not limited to one of each appetizer, entree and dessert in the main dining room. You can order two entrees or three desserts if you choose. You can also order appetizer-sized portions of entrees as starters or order a few appetizers for your main meal. It’s a great way to try new foods you’re not sure you’ll like (escargot, anyone?).

Open Beverage — You can bring drinks from a bar or buffet to your cabin or elsewhere on the ship and no one will bat an eye. (Same goes for food.)

Wine Bottles — It’s often cheaper to buy a bottle of wine than a few glasses – but what do you do if you don’t finish the bottle? Cruise ship waiters can mark the bottle with your room number and save it for another night, even for dinner in another onboard venue.

Keeping Young Flyers Safe

Flying with small children comes with an entirely different set of challenges.  If your children are anything like mine, keeping them safe and secure in their seat can be difficult and carrying on a FAA approved safety seat is just cumbersome when you already have your hands full.  

I have had the opportunity to fly quite often and have almost always brought my children along.  We have been using the CARES Airplane Safety Harness for years - passing to from one child to the next.  It is a super convenient way to your young flyer safe.

This harness is designed for children from 22 to 44 lbs (which is from age 1 until they are about 5) and simply slips over the back of the airplane seat and the standard seatbelt slides through the loops at the bottom and it snaps together across the child’s chest. It’s super easy, weighs only about a pound and will easily fit in any carry-on. 

Now they are ready for take off.

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 6

 - Exploring Ports & Destinations

This summer, there are more first-time cruisers ready to embark on the joys and possibilities of a cruise vacation than ever before.  With these tips in mind, we hope to encourage even more travelers to set sail on their maiden voyage for their next vacation.

Time for Tours — Check with guest services, or your travel agent to book tours and excursions that are guaranteed to get you back to the ship on time.


Divide Your Days — Review the ports and destination itinerary in advance and designate specific days for shopping, relaxing and adventure. Don’t try to do too much at each location


Before Heading Out — On most ships, room service is complimentary. Take advantage of breakfast in the room on days in port.

- See more at: http://www.cruising.org/about-the-industry/press-room/press-releases/new-to-cruising-clia-travel-agents-reveal-best-tips-for-first-time-cruisers#sthash.7T8rGiS2.dpuf

New Orleans: Not just Bourbon Street & Beignets

There is no place is quite like New Orleans.  From it's rich history to it's unique cuisine, from the southern mansions of the Garden District to the elaborate ironwork of the Spanish balconies in the French Quarter - The diversity of the city means that there truly is something for everyone.  

When most people think of New Orleans the first thing that comes to mind is Bourbon Street.  This famous French Quarter street is the perfect place to host your bachelor party, birthday or a girls getaway.  Yes, it’s the most iconic street in the city, but let’s be honest it can get old real quick.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s kinda fun to see once but if you spend all your time here and think this is what the city is all about, you’re wrong.

Frenchman Street is just a few short blocks from Bourbon and the French Quarter. Its most popular section is a two-block stretch between Royal and Decatur which is known for its wide variety of live music.  Frenchman has a more mature, laid back, jazz vibe than the drunken debauchery of Bourbon Street.  If you want to get a more authentic New Orleans experience, skip Bourbon Street and head straight for Frenchman Street, and never look back!

Just two blocks from Bourbon Street is one of the most photographed buildings in New Orleans, St. Louis Cathedral. This iconic cathedral is open for self-guided tours daily and group tours by appointment.  It's located next to Jackson Square facing the Mississippi River.  Take a walk around the Square, snap a few photos, listen to music from street performers, and check out the local art on the fence. One of the best vantage points for getting a picture is on the river platform on the other side of the street from the cathedral. Walk up the ramp next to Cafe du Monde, you’ll see the canon and have views of the Mississippi River on one side and the cathedral on the other.  

The National WWII Museum is a can’t miss.  Full of powerful images, unique interactive exhibits and extraordinary artifacts, the museum brings to life courage, teamwork and sacrifice of the brave men and women of WWII. One experience that you must make time for is the 4D film  “Beyond all Boundaries”, narrated by Tom Hanks.  This moving film provides first person insight from the 1930s prelude to war to a global tour of what it took to fight the war both at home and abroad.  This is an experience that that everyone needs to see as it truly puts the events of WWII into prospective.  Some of the images are graphic representations of the horror of war and may not be suitable for all ages.

If you can't make it to NOLA for Mardi Gras, don’t worry visit Mardi Gras World.  Located just south of the convention center and cruise terminal, here you can enjoy the magic and pageantry of Mardi Gras everyday.  During the tour, visitors learn about the many traditions surrounding Mardi Gras parades, balls and music, as well as the intricacies of float designing and building.  Tours run every 30 minutes, last about an hour and are great for all ages.

New Orleans is considered one of the most haunted cities in America and with almost 300 years of history it's easy to understand why.  While there are dozens of tour operators, we opted for Haunted History Tours.  They offer a variety of options so whether your looking for ghosts, vampires, voodoo, or cemeteries, they have something to stir your senses.

Step outside the French Quarter and take the St Charles Streetcar Line, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, on a tour through the Garden District.  Enjoy a leisurely ride taking in the stately mansions and travel from Downtown and the Business District, through the Arts & Warehouse, Garden District, past Loyola and Tulane Universities and to the Audubon Park & Zoo.  The St. Charles line was listed by the National Park Service as a National Historic Landmark in 2014.  The streetcars are both an attraction and unique form of public transportation with an 24 hour pass costing only $3.00 and stops all over the city.

Nothing says New Orleans like the paddlewheel riverboats.  There are two wildly popular cruise lines that offer daytime cruises as well as dinner Jazz Cruises, The Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen.  A tour aboard an authentic 19th century riverboat is, for many, the highlight of their New Orleans experience.

Whether you're going up the Mississippi on a steamboat cruise or down to the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, with six different cruise lines sailing out of the Port of New Orleans, this is an excellent option to extend your vacation!  With the port less than one mile from the French Quarter and a number of hotels offer pre- & post-cruise rates consider this as two vacations in one. 

The Food!  The city's Creole, Cajun and French signature dishes are just the tip of the menu. While exploring New Orleans' culinary wonders, which infuse traditional preparation with an amazing array of South Louisiana spices, produce and seafood, here are a few that we recommend checking out:

• Beignets.  These square French -style doughnuts, lavishly covered with powdered sugar are served all over New Orleans but Cafe du Monde is widely known as the best place around and I couldn’t agree more (as a public service announcement, don’t wear black as you will find yourself covered in powder sugar).
• Jambalaya. While ingredients may vary to include chicken, sausage, seafood and combination of these, one thing is for sure – you won’t be able to get enough of this tasty rice dish.
• Muffaletta. Go to Central Grocery and get a muffaletta. This cold, meat sandwich with olive salad is a classic. It’s sold by the quarter, half or full sandwich. A half is big enough to split with two to three mildly hungry people. The quarter is good for individuals. Go early because Central Grocery often sells outs. There’s usually a line, but it moves pretty quickly.

The People! We found that New Orlean has been some of the most genuinely welcoming people around.  Almost everyone that we came in contact with was quick with a "Hello" and more than willing to offer directions and recommendations.  

Avoid Letting New Time Zones Get To You

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler with thousands of Frequent Flier Miles, or someone who is planning a vacation to a distant location, you are likely to experience some of the symptoms of “jet lag.” With some simple adjustments, you can avoid the new time zone getting the best of you.

Jet lag has to do with the direction you’re flying as well as how long your trip will be.  If you are headed east to west, you will typically experience lighter effects than when traveling eastward.  This can be attributed to “loosing” time and moving your body forward.

Some simple adjustments before, during and after your arrival can help minimize some of the side effects of jet lag.

Before
• Get plenty of rest before your trip.
• Anticipate the time change for trips by getting up and going to bed earlier several days prior to an eastward trip and later for a westward trip.
• Avoid any heavy meals starting the day before your trip through the day after your arrival.
• Seek exposure to bright light in the evening if traveling westward, in the morning if traveling eastward. Select a flight that allows early evening arrival and stay up until 10 p.m. local time.

During
• Upon boarding the plane, change your watch to the destination time zone.
• If its night time at your destination, try sleeping on the plane.  If yo’s daytime try to say awake or take short power naps.
• Keep hydrated and avoid alcohol & caffeine.
• On long flights, get up and move around.  Even simple stretching will keep the blood flowing and

After
• Once you arrive at your hotel, take time to freshen up.  Washing your face and brushing your teeth can have an astounding impact on how you feel.
• Spend some time in the sun.  Exposure to natural sunlight will help you body adjust to your new time.

Of course there is no one way that is perfect for everyone but with a little planning, these tricks will help make your next trip more enjoyable.  So, where do you want to go next?

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 5

Vocabulary

Here are a few of the commonly used terms to get you ready to set sail courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Aft - the back or near the back of the ship
Atrium - the central court (or center area) of a cruise ship, usually rising through more than one story of the ship’s interior
Berth - a built-in bed or bunk, as in a ship’s cabin or stateroom
Bow - the very front of the ship
Bridge - the navigational control center
Captain - the person in command of a ship
Deck Plan - an overhead diagram of the cabins and the public rooms
Disembark - to unload (passengers or goods) from a ship
Dock - where your ship ‘parks’ when in port
Forward - the front or near the front of the ship
Gangway - allows you access on and off the ship
Knot - a nautical mile
Leeward - the side of the ship that is out of or away from the wind
Midship - the middle of the ship
Muster Station - a specific location on ship to gather, based on stateroom
assignment
Pier - a structure built out over the water and supported by pillars or piles:
used as a landing place.
Port - the left-hand side of a ship as one faces forward. Remember “Port”
has four letter just like “Left”.
Port of Call - regular stopover(s) on a cruise itinerary.
Purser - a ship’s officer in charge of accounts, freight, tickets, etc., esp. on
a passenger vessel. Important to you - a Purser takes responsibility for all
money, transactions.
Ship - You always cruise on a “ship,” never a “boat”
Starboard - the right side of the ship while facing forward (bow).
Stateroom - your cabin or berth
Stateroom Steward - a person whose work is to maintain the guests’
staterooms while onboard
Stern - the very back of the ship
Tender - a boat for carrying passengers to or from a ship close to shore.

The Experience Gift

Finding that perfect gift can seem impossible at times.  We spend weeks stressing over getting the the most sought after gadgets and gizmos only to find that the thrill is over before the new year.

This year think outside the box - literally.  

Maybe this year you take a family vacation.  Spend the new year cruising in the caribbean or take the kids on their first ski trip.  You can give tickets to a play, concert, or sporting event.  Buy a family pass to your local zoo or museum and extend this gift throughout the year.  

If you have someone on your list who has a special interest, look into cooking or photography classes. 

You don’t need to break the bank, consider your holiday budget and find something that fits.  

Build memories, strengthen the bonds between you and those you love, and spend time together.  

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 4

— Once on Board

Once you arrive on your ship, it may seem overwhelming but here are a few tips to help put you at ease:

Settle In – One of the best benefits of cruise travel is the ability to visit a variety of destinations while only having to unpack once. Take the time to unpack, settle in and then stow away luggage. This will make for a more stress-free travel experience.

Get with the Program— When it comes to ship literature, be studious. Read the ship’s daily newsletter and activity program. There may be more opportunities to explore or activities you want to try that are posted in these materials.

Appealing Apps — With cruise lines offering a plethora of ways to stay connected while at sea, consider downloading an app like Whatsapp and creating a way for every member of your party to stay connected while onboard the ship or during land-based excursions. If possible, set unique notification ringtones for specific alerts like shows, meal times, etc.

What a Travel Specialist Can Do for You -

In a world where there is endless data available on the Internet, you deserve personalized advice from professional consultants to guide you through the mountains of information.  Where ever your travel takes you, our vacation planners can help.  

Our team has extensive first hand knowledge in specific destinations, have taken courses to become a specialist in locations and has a comprehensive understanding of all the details necessary to make your trip a memorable one.  

Not only will we book the perfect resort for you, but we will work with you to create a complete itinerary including touring plans, dining recommendations, hidden tips and tricks.

Some of the destinations we specialize in: 

• Walt Disney World 
• Disneyland
• Disney Cruise Line
• Hawaii, with extensive knowledge of the island of Maui 
• Norwegian Cruise Lines
• Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas
• Caribbean Island Vacations including Aruba, St. Martin, & Anguilla
• Ireland
• European River Cruises

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 3

- Pre-Booking Events

Excited about your upcoming adventure? We thought so. But before departure day, there are some important items you’ll need take care of first—see below. Plus check out all the things you can pre-book as well as other good-to-know info. 

Spa Treatments — Plan a morning of pampering at the spa with a luxurious lineup of signature treatments, massages, medi-spa services and salon to make you glow from the inside out.

Specialty Dining — For truly memorable culinary experiences, try diner at one of the ships specialty restaurants.  These locations expertly prepared entrees for a cover charge. Get ready to enjoy some of the best cuisine at sea!


Celebrations — If you will celebrating a special occasion during your cruise, you can arrange for wine, or gifts, such as fruit baskets, champagne, birthday cakes, canapés, flowers or other gifts for your stateroom or to the dining room.

Having everything pre-arranged means less time coordinating and more time enjoying. After all, you’re on vacation.

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 2

 — Deciding on a destination 

Deciding on tinerary options range from close-to-home destinations to some of the most far-flung corners of the globe. Here are some broad strokes recommendations:

Beach Bums: Caribbean, Mexico, Mediterranean/Greek Islands, Hawaii, Bahamas, Bermuda, South Pacific

Nature Lovers: Alaska, Galapagos, Central America, Amazon River, Antarctica, New England/Canada, Norway

Culture Vultures: Mediterranean, North Europe/Baltic, European rivers, South America, Southeast Asia

Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers - Part 1

- Planning & Packing

Tap Into the Experts – It is a fact that 70 percent* of cruise travelers use a travel agent to book a cruise and there’s good reason. CLIA-certified travel agents have toured and traveled on cruise ships and can counsel travelers about everything from travel insurance, transfers and flights to dining options and cabin locations.

Browse the Blueprint — Get a lay of the land (or ship in this case) before boarding by previewing the ship layout on cruise line websites. Getting familiar with the ship before boarding can make the first few hours of exploring simple and even more exciting. 

Consider Packing Some “Nice to Haves” – While everyone can figure out the basics of what to pack, there are some items that only the most seasoned cruisers know to bring on a cruise vacation.

• Power Strips – Bring a power strip to make it easy to plug in multiple electronics.
• Dry Erase Board - Cabin doors are metal so bring a magnet to mark the outside of the door, making the cabin stand out and easy to find.  Also consider a magnetic dry erase board to use inside of the cabin to write notes to cabin mates or post daily itineraries.
• Wrinkle Release Spray – There are no irons available on most cruise ships, so bring along some wrinkle release spray to freshen up packed clothes.

- See more at: http://www.cruising.org/about-the-industry/press-room/press-releases/new-to-cruising-clia-travel-agents-reveal-best-tips-for-first-time-cruisers#sthash.7T8rGiS2.dpuf

When is the right time to travel with your children?

As a parent and a travel agent, this is the most frequently asked question by families.  I believe that with proper planning and reasonable expectations, there is never a “wrong” time. 

Babies, Toddlers & Pre-Schoolers — We took our youngest on her first flight when she was only three months old and by the time she was three she had been to Hawaii, Palm Springs, North Carolina, Mexico, multiple trips to Walt Disney World and her first cruise.  We adjusted our schedule, planned for breaks and learned to go with the flow.  

When traveling with toddlers and pre-schoolers, experiencing new places is seeing real magic.  Watching them playing in the ocean or meeting their favorite characters will melt your heart.  They might not remember but you’ll never forget.

Finally, traveling with pre-schoolers gives you the most flexibility in regards to timing.  When planning your vacation to popular destinations, consider going during the school year and avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower costs.

Grade Schoolers — Giving children the opportunity to experience the world firsthand instills a greater understanding of the world around them.  By experiencing new things and meeting new people, they are learning that they are members of a global community. 

Teenagers — The most challenging issue when traveling with teenagers is balancing their schedule and commitments with the rest of the family’s available time.  At this age, missing school is usually not an option therefore travel may need to be planed around school breaks but this is a time to spend together as a family before they are off to college and out of the house.  

Choose to Cruise

October is Plan a Cruise Month – if cruising is on your bucket list, this is the perfect time to get a great deal.    

The Disney Wonder

There are cruises that offer non-stop fun sailing through the sun soaked Caribbean and itineraries that feature castles and cathedrals alone Europe's historic rivers.  You can sit back and snuggle under a blanket while passing by Alaska's glaciers or discover something closer to home with a trip down the mighty Mississippi.

Celebrity Infinity

Each year more and more people are choosing cruising over land vacations.  With almost endless itineraries and a vast array of ships, many cruise lines allow you to personalize your experience.  So if you like the idea of traveling to multiple destinations while unpacking only once and appreciate excellent dining options and top notch service, there has never been a better time to take your first cruise.  

Follow our weekly Friday series, Insider Tips for First Time Cruisers, to help you plan your first cruise or learn something new for your next trip.