Tips&Travel

More Airlines raising baggage fees

2010-01-18T14:14:00.000-08:00

This should not surprise anyone who travels, as I noted last week during the first round of baggage fee changes that the rest would soon follow....they have.

Effective for tickets issued on or after Jan. 18, 2010 for travel on or after Feb.1, 2010, US Airways has matched Continental, Delta and United and raised its online baggage check-in fees by $3 to $23 for the first bag and by $2 to $32 for the second bag. For airport check-in, the fees remain the same at $25 for the first bag and $35 for the second bag.

Effective for American Airlines (AA) tickets issued on or after Feb. 1, 2010, AA will increase its domestic checked baggage fees by $5 for both online and airport check-in. The first checked bag will be $25 and the second checked bag will be $35.

Airline fees, baggage fuel and otherwise

2010-01-14T09:35:00.000-08:00

In reading my early morning memos from ASTA, I came across the latest in raised fees. I knew United and Continental had raised their baggage fees since a passenger is planning to leave our local area and we were checking fees for him.

The year of lower prices,etc., has come to an end. Airlines have already raised fees for checked luggage and surcharges for fuel, and passengers should expect more of the same as the industry attempts to return to profitability. Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Continental Airlines all recently boosted the fee for checking bags.

Last week, the five largest carriers raised the round-trip fuel surcharge on routes between the U.S. and Europe by $20. "Passengers will face higher prices as we go through this year," said David Swierenga, president of AeroEcon, a consultancy in Round Rock, Texas.

Another thing to remember is the most airlines no longer accept cash for drinks and purchase of food on flights. Many people still do not realize this. You have to have a valid credit or debit card to purchase food and drinks. If you don't have one but do have cash....it isn't going to do you any good on that long flight when you get hungry and thirsty.

If anyone is traveling, whether for business or pleasure, they should be aware that the really low prices that were prevalent in 2009 are not going to hold for 2010 and beyond. There are still some good values out there and using your Travel Agent can help you through the maze.

Wedding Chocolates, Valentine's Day-Don't Forget...

2010-01-11T19:19:00.000-08:00

Weddings are a very special occasion, and are meant to be shared with friends and family. What better way to thank the people you love for their support than Chocolate Remembrances? Or even better, chocolate that you can have your photo and wedding date embossed directly onto the chocolate!

Guys - Remember her on Valentine's Day as well!!

Gals - Do your part on Valentine's Day as well!!

There are many chocolates (and flavors as well as mint, raspberry, white, dark and milk chocolate) to choose from. Email us for a sample!

Weddings and Chocolate, a great marriage!

2010-01-09T18:20:00.000-08:00

Weddings are a very special occasion, and are meant to be shared with friends and family. What better way to thank the people you love for their support than Chocolate Remembrances? Or even better, chocolate that you can have your photo and wedding date embossed directly onto the chocolate!

Oops, don't forget that Valentine's Day is literally right around the corner!!

(Want to try first? Let us know by email via the website and we can send a sample!)

New Air Travel Regulations, Vacation Planning,

2009-12-28T10:56:00.000-08:00

What a year this has been - for everyone. Travel has been one of the areas hit hardest and all of us in the industry have felt it. We like to keep in touch with our customers, friends and those who walk in and out of the office door. Travel by air has been affected in many ways....you can't take cash on a plane anymore, debit and credit cards are the norm for food and drink while in the air. Bags (except for good old Southwest Airlines) are pricey. People have been re-thinking just how much they really need to take on a trip.

Another change has been liquids, makeup, and all that we used to take for granted, shampoo and the like to just put in our carry on's - that's changed as well.

Passports are now commonplace for everyone. It's amazing but I still have people thinking they can go to Mexico or Canada without one. As far as identification...it's the most in value for 10 years!

This last weekend has seen airports scrambling with higher, toughened security..more patrols, more dogs, etc. International airports have just GOT to get better at identifying who gets on planes. Watch lists have got to be a part of every day and every hour for airport security, no matter where the airport is located.

Men and Women who are part of the NATO task forces in places like Iraq and Afghanistan are to be highly commended for their service. Place them all in your thoughts and prayers daily, as well as their families. Remember not just the NATA forces but all men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces serving in worldwide locations as well as at home.

Keep in touch and put TRIP BLIP on your vacation horizon screen - sign up and get notifications of places YOU are interested in and want to go and see at some time.

Valentine's Day and Wedding Favors - check out the images above (there are many more) and ask us for our pdf's for orders and ideas!

Everyone, anywhere, please have a safe and Happy New Year!

HOLIDAY TRAVEL - Planning? Book Early!!

2009-10-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Traveling over the holidays? It would behoove everyone to listen: “Holiday travel procrastinators do so at their own peril this year, and practical travelers should be shopping now and buying before the end of October.” (Rick Seaney, Online Travel Guide)
There are parents with kids in college who, when waiting to book for Thanksgiving or Christmas from one week to the next, thinking they could get “better deals” are finding that prices are doubling from one week to the next.
The lesson?
“If you book way in advance, you can get really good deals,” a parent said.
Airlines now have an advantage in the endless game of cat-and-mouse with travelers. Because of the recession, they have been grounding planes. Fewer seats for sale gives them more power to set prices, since they are less desperate to get even modest fares to help fill up planes.
The number of domestic seats for sale is down 5 percent this month, compared with October last year, and they are down 21 percent from October 2000, according to OAG, an aviation-data firm.
Look and/or book online at www.eaglepointtravel.com

NO PASSPORT REQUIRED! (for some) Available for worldwide bookings

2009-10-16T09:36:00.000-07:00

Puerto Rico - ah...no passport required for USA residents. We have a beautiful 14,000+ sq ft ocean front villa available. Specialist 50% off pricing for a limited time (For travel Oct 1 - Nov 13, 2009. 5-night minimum. Vacations must be booked by November 1, 2009. This beach front villa sleeps up to 26 with 10 bedrooms. $1250 per night

Winter travel: Book 5 nights by October 31st & Get 2 additional nights FREE. (For Travel Nov 14, 2009 - Apr 30, 2010.Book by October 31, 2009.)

December 26-25 (Holiday rates - book now, receive free gift)

Call (888 421 0270) or email us NOW for more information (www.eaglepointtravel.com)

This beach front villa is great for weddings, corporate travel, groups, family reunions -

AFRICA, CAMPING SAFARI, CLASSIC SAFARI

2009-10-16T08:30:00.000-07:00

While there are those of us who have already experienced a touch of snow....there are others who are looking to winter vacations. Think AFRICA!! Botswana has a marvelous Classic Safari for the Camper person. It is 6 days and is priced from $1230 per person (air is not included), which begins in Livingstone and ends in Maun. This is a marvelous, exciting, not to mention hands on safari experience with nature walks, game drives and a change to see how people and wildlife co-exist. Call or email us for a detailed itinerary (www.eaglepointtravel.com). This is not a large group safari but more to 6-8 couples which is for an intimate, hands-on, working together experience not soon to be forgotten! Don't forget, our winter is their summer! (Or, warmer weather)

Baggage Fees, an update

2009-10-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

If you are a United Airlines flyer, I was reading new information today about their baggage fees. Wonder who else will follow? United Airlines has put a new twist on baggage fees with Premier Baggage, charging customers a flat price that allows them to check two standard bags at no additional cost every time they fly on a United or United Express operated flight in a year. Customers can purchase a subscription for an introductory price of $249, entitling them to check two standard bags on United and United Express operated flights domestically and internationally, where applicable, rather than paying to check bags each trip. The annual subscription also covers the standard checked baggage charge for up to eight companions traveling under the same confirmation number as the subscriber. Mileage Plus Premier members are exempt from first and second bag fees on standard bags. The purchase of a Premier Baggage subscription does not waive fees that would ordinarily be assessed for oversized and overweight bags, and does not cover the cost of checking bags beyond two standard bags. For more information, visit www.united.com/premierbaggage

Airlines, Airfares and general travel

2009-10-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

Planning for 2010 and beyond: Everyone needs to be aware that Southwest (and others) are raising their fares, which to most of us is no surprise. Airlines have cut capacity and even some cities that normally had different airlines flying in and out...now find themselves with instead of 4-5 airlines servicing them, they are down to 3. This causes prices to go up...due to demand. Because there is going to be less seating practically everywhere, PLEASE do yourselves a favor and plan/book your vacations, weddings, honeymoons...business trips, as early as you can. You can always go to www.eaglepointtravel.com to the online booking page and pre-book air...whether business, pleasure or (gasp) last minute trips...some none of us can foresee. The following is a note I saw on USA Today (today):
Southwest recently introduced a sale on tickets between Phoenix and San Diego as well as other destinations, but the prices of the sale tickets are higher than the low fares many travelers have grown to expect. Tom Parsons of BestFares.com says the prices are "not really that bad" although they are higher than the airline's historical range of sale fares. Other airlines have also boosted fares. "The writing is on the wall," Parsons said. "We had nine months of great travel bargains in 2009. Air travelers will be paying much more (in 2010) than they did in early 2009, as much as 50% more." USA TODAY (10/1)

AIRLINES - new Charges, take that Credit Card!

2009-09-28T08:34:00.000-07:00

Airline news - Last Wednesday, American Airlines added a $10 “fuel miscellaneous surcharge” to the vast majority of its fares - but only for travel on three very specific days: the Sunday after Thanksgiving (Nov. 29) and Jan. 2 and 3. United Airlines followed suit, others probably will as well.

You’ll note that the Sunday after Thanksgiving is one of the two busiest travel days of the year (the other is the Wednesday before the holiday) — and of course, Jan. 2 and 3 are also quite popular. So, if you can leave a day or so earlier and come back a day or so later, you won't be paying the extra money.

Some of you may remember that, last year, procrastinators were rewarded with lower fares during the holiday period, but that probably is NOT going to happen this year, all of us would be surprised if it did.

Airlines have changed and cancelled (or re-arranged) many of their flights from certain cities...flights to Mexico are already sold out in many areas (important to remember if you are in an area that has people who typically go home to Mexico for Christmas holidays. Which means that the other flights in to LAX will be harder to get as that is one of the cities that is a focal point for going on to Mexico.

ALSO - VERY IMPORTANT - take along a credit/debit card - cash is no longer being accepted on MOST MAJOR AIRLINES for drinks and snacks. If you don't have one with you, it's liable to be a LONG LONG flight.

An African Safari for Christmas or Birthdays

2009-09-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

AFRICA - a safari, what do those words bring to mind? Did you think a two man tent by the river? Not today - these are just some images of Africa and safari tent life. Check out the African safari video on the website. We have escorted packages from $3780 per person in January - add a hot air balloon ride for $485! Go via South African Airways from JFK or the West Coast (LAX) (air is not included). These are luxury safari trips with early morning and evening game drives. Plenty of time for relaxation and socializing, with new friends and among the Masai as well. Get to know the local people and their culture while on a marvelous safari vacation. It is something you do not want to miss!! Call or Email us for more info - 888 421 0270 or www.eaglepointtravel.com for info and videos.

Carnival Ships, New Ports, Exciting Departures

2009-09-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Good news for those on the East and Southern Coast lines - Charleston, S.C., will have year-round cruises when the Carnival Fantasy moves in May. The Fantasy, which can accommodate more than 2,000 passengers, will operate multiday cruises to the Bahamas and Key West, Fla.

Then for Alabama, Mississippi etc states - the Carnival Elation, which also holds more than 2,000 passengers, will move to Mobile, Ala., replacing the Fantasy. So there will be more ports to choose from regarding departures to Mexico and the Caribbean waters!

Perfect for weekend getaways, Honeymoon trips and also for Destination Wedding planning. Don't wait til the last minute to make decisions about where and when to go, call (888-421-0270) or email (pma@eaglepointtravel.com) soon. Go to www.eaglepointtravel.com to check out itineraries and start planning for your 2010 vacation.

AUSTRIA BECKONS

2009-09-16T09:51:00.000-07:00

Fall is here - check out our various Wine favorites, newly added is the Culinary & Wine Mecca of Austria, you can zip over to Vienna and the surrounding area starting at $1589/3 nights per person (including airfare - JFK - other gateways are always available)

So Carolina, Charleston Wedding

2009-08-27T22:03:00.001-07:00

I had arranged a Destination Wedding for a couple from Ohio and have just found out that the wedding on Wednesday August 26, 2009 was successdful and very enjoyable. We arranged the accommodations which was as 2 BR beachfront house in Folly Beach, So Carolina, about 3-5 minutes from downtown Charleston. We found them a wedding planner and arranger, A Charleston Wedding in downtown Charleston who worked with the bride and groom from Ohio and everything was arranged from here for lodging, wedding, flowers, photographs which included DVD's and a video. The entire wedding and honeymoon was under $4000. Photos to follow on www.eaglepointtravel.com/clienttestimonials soon. Be sure to check them out.

Exploring Paris' Belleville area-a local haunt

2009-08-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

One wonders where the time goes? It is the end of the summer and smart travelers are gearing up for Fall travel or Spring travel ideas to save money and get early booking savings. Want to see a part of Paris that few know of?

MEET THE ARTISTS AND RESIDENTS: a tour for $17 (12 euros), offered several times weekly.

Just a few Metro stops away from the city's major monuments lies the overlooked Belleville neighborhood that's worth the detour, especially in the company of Angenic Agnero, who runs the nonprofit organization Paris par Rues Meconnues (Paris Along Unknown Streets).

Agnero has been walking the streets of the neighborhood for 10 years interviewing its residents. She now holds the keys — or rather the door codes — to many buildings, allowing visitors to discover a hidden side of the area. Once the doors close, it's easy to imagine you're miles away from Paris, in the quiet countryside.

Although unknown by many, Belleville has had its share of fame. "La vie en rose" singer Edith Piaf reportedly started her career here singing in the streets.

Many of Paris' ceramists, mosaic artists and various artisans call the Working-class area of Belleville home. Instead of lecturing on the area's long history, Agnero introduces you to her friends and shares stories, including one about a man who traveled to France by boat illegally and named his bar Le Petit Navire (the small boat) to show his gratitude.

Don't forget to pick up locally made hats, gifts and made-to-measure leather shoes they will mean so much more when you are back home, especially when you know you didn't go to the duty free Mall area but rather experienced the "local" look and feel.

A Stay in Santorini, Explore Caves and Caldera

2009-08-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

What is a 17th century ‘canava’???

We know, and have a place for a party of up to 9 to stay for (from) 270 Euros a night this Fall. Santorini is beautiful and waiting for you.

Call or email us for more information. Toll free 888-421-0270 and leave a message.

This luxurious Santorinian retreat and has been refurbished to the highest standards; decorated with handmade Italian tiles and traditional stone work combined to create an eclectic mix of all the modern conveniences without losing sight of the simplistic Cycladic style.

Bags, Second Bags and Now---Sporting Equipment

2009-07-31T14:21:00.000-07:00

This little blurb comes under "changes" - and travel awareness. British Airways has announced new implementation of baggage fees. This new "Sports Allowance" will affect golfers, tennis players, and all other athletes in days to come.

Everyone who travels knows they sometimes (??) pack too much. I know I do at times. At the time I think that I have to have this or that, when I come home I think, how dumb, didn't use them at all and could have used the room on the way back for things that I got on that trip.

If you find you are going to need more...take a moment, think, then if you really really need it and can't live without it during your trip - call good ol' UPS or Fed Ex and ship a box or whatever to your destination. No more lost luggage (for that extra money we paid to make sure it flies with us).

Destination Wedding people are always smart to think ahead and ship their wedding dresses ahead of time, doesn't matter where they are getting married...the dress will be there before you.

Check us out as we try to let you know about new Rules and Regulations when we get the news.

Trip to Poland

2009-07-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

Off season is coming! Just in from the Poland Front - a land of rolling hills with mountain views in the distance, green and friendly. Weather in July was slightly rainy-misty, rained a little but was gone within minutes. Kind of like washing the air, then leaving to go elsewhere. Fred said: Wonderful castles and markets, traveling through the "old town sections" was the best (and he's not a shopper). Visited towns of Krakow, Wroclaw, Gdansk, Auschwitz (they have tried to make it "look better" but is "heavy", I can imagine with all those lost spirits floating around...you "feel" that) but a place that should be visited and not forgotten. Plus Warsaw ahs great sights, food and nice people. The roads are terrible...major highways are in good shape. There are tourists in Poland, more Europeans but there are still Americans traveling here and there.

Tokyo Travels, Coffee speaks

2009-07-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

When traveling, are you a coffee drinker? I was reading an article about coffee this morning. I am not a coffee drinker, rather a tea drinker with sugar and cream (must be my English/Irish side). However, I know tons of coffee enthusiasts and this article brought something to mind. I remember when living in Japan, years ago as part of the military "family" you could buy lots of beer, Sake, and tea, fabulous rice (I love fried rice, a place outside of maingate Iwakuni had some of the best!)...just about anywhere.

Coffee was found mostly on base. Now, it seems, that has changed dramatically. Japan has "coffee houses" and kiosks more than likely. Starbucks is there! But this new round of coffee is spendy! Be prepared to spend approximately up to $10 for a cup of specialty coffee in Tokyo.

Specialty shops, one even owned by a Japanese Seattleite architect named Macchinesti, a one-minute walk from the Hiroo subway station, and others....one in the Roppongi district is a three-minute walk from the Hibiya Line subway stop and has tables in front that create a cozy cafe for people watching, named Bar Del Sole (an Italian place); then find the office workers' dream Zoka, which has three locations, including one 100 yards from the Akasaka-Mitsuke subway stop, an airy cafe filled with office workers who seem drawn to the hum of La Marzocco, the espresso maker.

The Ginza, always popular with locals and tourists, has "atmosphere" named Café de l’Ambre, which opened in 1948, owned and operated by a 95-year-old owner who got his start by using Indonesian beans destined for Germany that were waylaid during World War II. He is an advocate of aged coffee with that made with Cuban beans harvested in 1974, Colombian beans from 1989, etc. However, similar to a fine wine list, prices are not cheap. A cup can cost up to 1,360 yen.

Tokyo, for those who know, can be chaotic, this place, although NOT smoke-free, can be a coffee haven for those seeking a refuge, with low conversations intermingled with the sounds of soft jazz...Tajimaya Kohiten, which opened in 1964 and refurbished in 1987, is equally evocative and marginally cheaper. It is south of the west exit of the Shinjuku Station with 13 types of straight coffee, including Cuban Mountain (750 yen) that was mild and smooth and Grade 1 Sumatra (650 yen).

So, these are only some of the "coffee hangouts" you can find in Tokyo alone. Take a coffee break with some of the world's finest in a place you might not think to look!

A New MAUI Look at the Whaler!!

2009-07-08T07:07:00.000-07:00

How long has it been since you visited Maui? Well, take a deep breath and think about going back - The Whaler on Kaanapali beach has been redone!! Summer Preview Rates from only $239 per night for travel Now – August 23, 2009. (Two night minimum stay required)
The Whaler on Kaanapali Beach has elevated its guest experience by creating a warm and relaxing, yet decidedly upscale, ambiance throughout the exterior of the property. (This has always been one of my favorite spots in the area, not only for lodging but also for meals and/or drinks overlooking the magnificant ocean views)The Whaler overlooks a garden courtyard which underwent a dramatic makeover. Lush, new landscaping includes a soothing new waterfall and koi pond, an array of tropical flora such as taro, red and pink ginger, fragrant plumeria trees and wider pathways that transform the courtyard into an ideal destination for reflection or a romantic stroll.
The oceanfront pool deck was refreshed and the jet spa was enlarged. New lounge furniture and poolside cabanas were added for guests to comfortably lounge by the pool while gazing out over the ocean.
Highlights:Prime beachfront location
Fresh pineapple in every room
FREE In-room high speed Internet access available (via Cable Modem)
Children receive a FREE beach bucket & shovel at Check-in!
Year-round children's program, Camp Kaanapali (available to all Maui Aston properties)
Next door to 36-hole Kaanapali Golf Courses (You can rent clubs or take your own--if you do, check with your airlines for extra fees for taking them as well as baggage charges since they have all pretty much gone up!)
This is an ASTON property and we also have specials for Fall bookings as well and gifts for all that book with us. Don't wait...go to www.eaglepointtravel.com and email or book your trip today (you can use OnLine Booking tools).

An airline fee note for all travelers

2009-07-07T14:31:00.000-07:00

US Airways Baggage Fee Reminder - Effective July 9, 2009, US Airways will charge travelers an extra $5 “service fee” to pay for checked bags at the airport – making it $20 for the first bag and $30 for the second bag. Travelers that pay for checked bags online will pay the current rate of $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag.

Remember to check in ONLINE and save money and airport aggravation!

Icons, Fawcett and McMahon

2009-06-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Man, this has been a tough week! Ed, Johnny and all the other things McMahon did in his life - although his last few years were filled with sadness and problems. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Farrah Fawcett - cute, bright, cheery, an icon herself. I can remember cutting my hair like hers years ago, kind of no muss no fuss when you didn't want to and glamourous when you did. Ryan O'Neal - theirs is what love, companionship and togetherness stand for - whether you are married or not, it's the "standing together" in tough times that does it. Comes also from one who knows. To also stay close with friends with Lee Majors, her ex, who has nothing but good things to say. Wish there were more like both of them. Light a candle for all of them, please.

Business Options

2009-06-20T22:13:00.001-07:00

Because so many are small business owners out there (even the large ones as it seems no one is protected)..I have a question - feedback would be nice. Do you feel that credit card merchant account companies should "be there" for their customers (you)? Or do you feel they are on their own page and timetable and really don't care?

2009-06-19T09:20:00.000-07:00

I forgot, actually, I needed another cup of tea and hit the wrong button...so, here's more de-stress info. Have you cruised and been to Cabo, only to wish you could spend a little more time there...whether to do sports game fishing which can take a little longer (you have a Marlin, but have to get back or be forgotten, what a bummer to say good by to the fish!), duty free shopping or to take advantage of perhaps a little longer tour? Well, you can in 2010, two different dates for an overnight 2 day cruise stay in Cabo San Lucas. (If enough people do this they MAY consider more stops similar to it). Carnival Elation will offer two unique 6-day voyages from San Diego with a 2-day call in Cabo San Lucas plus a call in Ensenada. January 18th 2010 & March 6th 2010 are the two dates with FANTASTIC group rates that will go quick. Call us, don't dawdle with this one! 888 421 0270 or go to www.eaglepointtravel.com and email us!