Currency Exchange Rates

 A topic that I get asked a lot about is

foreign currency

Specifically should it be purchased in advance, once you arrive or should everything just go on a credit card?

My answer is always the same...it depends!

In order to try and help get at the right answer for the right traveler, I will ask a traveler about their spending habits in general.  Do they usually carry cash, or do they use their credit or debit card?  Have they aready checked on their cards to see what they will be charged if they used them internationally? 

Personally, I like having some pocket money when I first arrive in-country.  I use this to buy a coffee at the airport, tip a cab driver or bell hop, or maybe to get a quick bite if I have to wait for my ride. Some establishments and businesses will have a minimum purchase requirement to use a card, while some might not accept a card at all.

Credit and debit cards are pretty convenient, but it may not be the best way for YOU...you need to check with your issuing card company or bank to find out what fees are involved with a foreign transaction.  Most have a fee and I've seen them be as high as 10% although most are in the 3-5% range.  That can really add up!

You can get your currency in advance at some banks and some travel agencies.  You can find out what exchange rate they can purchase the currency for you...make sure that you ask about any extra fees such as shipping that will be added on to your transaction.  You can also purchase your currency at international airports.  AMTs are widely  available and might be another good option for you to take advantage of.

One thing I tell travelers that if they use a credit card to purchase currency, some credit card companies will treat it as a cash advance and charge the higher cash advance interest...NOT COOL!

In my book there are 2 big No-Nos...the first it NO TRAVELER'S CHECKS...NEVER!  This advice it the exact opposite of what I used to give back in the early and mid '90s...but things change and you will thank me for this heads-up.  Traveler's checks, especially Euro Traveler's Checks aren't accepted at most establishments due to fraud.  If you can find someone to take them, there is a stiff fee for the exchange...Remember...JUST SAY NO TO TRAVELER'S CHECKS!

The 2nd No-No is don't change money at your hotel or on the ship if at all possible.  If you must, you will pay a BIG convenience fee.  Try to plan in advance and change your money at a local bank in town. 

There are several other questions that you might need to answer before you find the best solution for you.  The key is to educate yourself about your options and then make the best decision for your situation.

~Trish

Airfares...

So I've been working on a lot of airfares to Europe...which isn't surprising since Europe is my passion and my favorite destination.

As I've been looking at air schedules and airfares, I've really been surprised that they are so high even when booked well in advance and there's plenty of availability.  It's not been unusual in the last few months for me to find fares over $1500 a ticket in coach for this fall and summer fares even higher than that!

It's really shocked some of my travelers although I haven't had anyone change their mind just based on the airfares.

I am excited to tell you that over the last 5 days or so, I've noticed that the fares on both domestic and international trips has dropped just a bit.

It may not last, so if you have a trip coming up now might be the time to get that airfare!

Thinking about my visit to the Normandy Landing Beaches

Today I'm thinking about the thousands of white crosses that I saw on Easter Sunday this year when I visited the American Cemetery in Normandy France.  Our service men and women are to be admired and thanked for the service that they are willing to give to our country.

On my visit I found that standing on the cliff at Pointe-Du-Hoc really left me humbled and proud.  The very deep scares left from the bombs really helped me see how big the explosions must have been and made me think about how frightened these young men must have been.  Yet, they had a job to do and had the courage and bravery to push ahead in order to liberate first France, and then the rest of Europe. 

My father spent 30 years in the Navy and my Grandfather also served.  I thank them both today for their service and sacrifice.

Thank you to all military personnel and their families all they do for me and my family!

Floriade 2012...only 316 days to go!

Once every ten years an event takes place in Europe….Ok, ok…so Germany’s Oberammergau Passion Play was in 2010 and is over-not to return until 2020.   Hmmm what to do in the mean time?

What’s that?  There is another event that runs every 10 years in Europe? I’ve never heard of it…what’s it called?  Floriade  and from today…May 24, 2011 there are only 316 days until the gates open!

Hmmm…Floriade?  So why haven’t I heard of it before?

Well, for one thing it’s only every 10 years and has only been around since 1960.  That means that in 2012 it will be the sixth Floriade.

Here’s a link so you can brush up on your Floriade history.

 http://www.floriade.com/floriade-2012/history

This is a flower show in The Netherlands and runs from April 5^th to October 7^th 2012…well; really it’s so much more than just a flower show!  I’ve pulled this quote from the Floriade website.

“The Floriade Park covers 66 hectares and encompasses 5 unique themed worlds separated by wooded areas. Each world has its own decor, programme and activities. Worlds in which you'll see, feel and experience nature in a totally different way each time.”

There will be an opening show on April 4, 2012 which will be repeated from April 5-9, 2012.  The website states that there will be around 2500 volunteers participating in the show!  The show will include music, dance and theater with beautiful gardens as a fitting backdrop.

Tickets are on sale now…you can buy your season ticket and enjoy six months of unlimited access for a very reasonable cost of 119 euro. Now for most of us a six month stay in The Netherlands is something that isn’t going to happen, but another vey noteworthy bit of news is that the beginning of the Floriade coincides with Tulip Time!

If you are a flower lover, or maybe a lover of “once a decade” evens, maybe 2012 will be the year to enjoy a Tulip Time River Cruise with an excursion to Floriade….Could be the best of both worlds!

Diet Vacation Plan...Cruise a River in Europe!

This afternoon I had the pleasure of speaking with one of my client who just returned from a River Cruise on the Romantic Rhine with Avalon Waterways...she loved it!

She talked about the wonderful cabins, how great the staff on the ship was, how well organized the tours were and about the food!  What really surprised her was the ship served 5 or 6 small courses of wonderful mouth-watering choices, but didn't leave her weighed down.  She said that the walking and touring burned up all the calories that she ate at dinner.  She said she had gained 1 pound while on the trip!

What??? Only 1 Pound? 

The average ocean cruiser gains 8+ on a seven night sailing.  Some sources say 2 lbs per day….that 14 lbs in a week! 

So for those of you who have turned your nose up a cruising because of feeling herded and overfed these options is for you!  Imagine an active, enjoyable trip with just a bit of education, (history, art, culture and architecture) in a relaxed fun atmosphere without all the long lines.  Think about sailing with less than 150 passengers! 

So here's my new "Diet Vacation Plan"

...Take a European River Cruise!

Stroll over cobblestone streets, tread in the footsteps of Royalty in an ancient castle, window shop in a medieval town or even ride a bike!  Then go back to the ship, enjoy an evening of great tasting food with a regional specialty, a glass of wine, (maybe more) or tea and then have dessert! (Hey...It is your vacation and you were active all day!)

Enjoy yourself without over doing it and come home with 1 pound of memories!  It sure beats 8+

Oceania Cruises...tempting pricing for great itineraries!

Wow...what do you think about these itinerary names that Oceania Cruises has give to some of their sailings? 

Asian Wonders...15 days from Singapore to Hong Kong. Ultimate Panama Canal...21 days from San Francisco to New York.  Roman Revelations...14 days from Istanbul to Barcelona or my favorite, Legacies of Antiquity...12 days from Rome to Istanbul

Now, it doesn't take much for me to want to pack up and go, but with names like that my travel juices are really flowing!  The Asian Wonders itinerary really does appeal to me, but if you know me at all, you know why the Legacies of Antiquity is my favorite. 

It's Europe.  But not only is it Europe, it starts in Rome which gives me a wonderful chance to add a pre-cruise package for a few days so that I can really make my vacation something special.  If I really wanted to get crazy, I might even fly into Milan or Venice and make my way down to Rome, visiting the Tuscany and Umbria areas on my way.  I might do a wine tasting, olive oil or cheese tasting or maybe even set myself up with a cooking class.  I'd most likely contact one of my friends at either IC Bellagio or at IDI, (Italian Dream Itineraries) to help customize that part of my trip.

After the hardship, (wink, wink) of spending a few days in Italy prior to my cruise, I'd suffer in silence as I sailed for 12 days on Oceania's Marina...I'd try to tolerate the stops in Florence/Pisa, Corsica France, Sorrento/Capri, Sicily and Malta.  Then I'd steal myself for visits to Athens and Volos in Greece just waiting for my stop in Ephesus before spending the night on the ship and getting off in Istanbul Turkey.  I guess since I was ending in Turkey, I'd have to have a special shopping trip and maybe pick up a new rug for my living room.  Sigh...what's a girl to do?



Now since I'm a Virtuoso Agent, I'd make sure that I had the same amenities that I'd provide for my clients!  I'd have my free round trip airfare, pre-paid gratuities, my $100 stateroom shore excursion credit, $100 shipboard credit, $100 Canyon Ranch Spa Club credit, Welcome bottle of champagne along with my insider connections and knowledge of the best staterooms to help me get by without too much more suffering. 

So what do you think?  All of this starting for only $4999 per person  for an Oceanview stateroom...October 21st would be a great day to board the ship...

Corporate Social Responsibility – Helping Alabama

Good morning Everyone! 

So many people in the Southeast have been affected by the tornadoes that torn through our area last week!  I'm noticing that there is a lot of compassion for our neighbors and everyday we hear another amazing story...both happy and sad. 

There is always a need if we look, but right now we certainly don't have to look very hard or long to see it!  I have a lot of respect and admiration for those people who are taking vacation time to help out and also to companies who are allowing their employee to volunteer without docking time! 

Thank you ___(your name here )________ for stepping up and helping out!  My hat is off to you!

I wanted to copy in an article that our Debbie Szafran wrote on Social Responsibility..I thought it was very timely.  Without further ado...Here's Debbie!

If companies throughout the nation are looking for ways to appeal to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mission, Alabama’s recent devastation, due to tornado damage, is a place to begin.

Companies can give back to these communities through donations of money, supplies, time and talent. Many companies now include CSR as part of their meetings, conventions and incentive programs. Participants often express how rewarding it is to not only attend, but to bring hope to communities in need.

According to Convention South and a recent Edelman Global Consumer Survey, “67 percent of Americans believe it is no longer enough for corporations to simply give money away to a good cause, but they also need to integrate good causes into their day-to-day business. And, 61 percent of Americans have a better opinion of corporations that integrate good causes into their business, regardless of the reasons they do so.”

Alabama companies can reach out by requesting their company host the next national or regional meeting in the Tuscaloosa or Birmingham area. This not only brings additional revenue to the area, but there is also opportunity to bring attendees who are willing to provide service. Corporations have been known to rebuild homes, raise money for schools, restore parks by planting new trees, donate food to shelters, and the list goes on.

CSR can have a tremendous impact on the health of our planet and the well-being of people. Information on local causes that best fit your group activity can be determined through meeting and incentive companies and the local Convention Visitor’s Bureau.  Reach out today, and let’s help our area begin to recover through CSR opportunities.

Sutton & Associates, a division of Alabama World Travel, is a full service incentive travel and meeting planning company offering creation and design, site selection, contract negotiations, management, production, and on-site supervision. For more information, go to www.suttonplanning.com.

I love a challenge!

Let me just say, "Hooray!"

Many of you know that I tend to be pretty competitive when playing a game...I love a bit of friendly competition and enjoy working on and finishing puzzles.  Well tonight I've been looking for a solution to a horrible airline schedule for HOURS and wouldn't accept what I was finding at face value. And guess what? 

!! Success !!

I found a way to save a client not only money, but a least THREE (3) connections on an international flight for his family of four which will save them many hours in travel time!  Sometimes it pays to be stubborn!

Bottom line...saved the family $634.40, three connections and 10 (yes TEN) hours of travel time!

So, would you like to be my client?  Give me a call!

I'm going to bed now...with a smile on my face and a satisfied spirit of accomplishment.
Sweet Dreams!

~Trish

Well what to write about today...pondering the possibilities

Well, what to write about today...there are a load of possibilities out there!  What it I pull something from the news?  The biggest story seems to be Osama Bin Laden's capture and death and what that means for us.  Hmmm....

I could also write about the terrible storms that swept through the southeast last week which produced over 362 tornadoes in a 24 hour period which devastated Tuscaloosa and caused flooding in Missouri. There are people who need help.  I could tell you to check with our local media websites, the Red Cross or contact a local church in order to donate to the relief efforts.

I could write about the cost of gasoline and the effect that will have on our summer travel plans, or even spin it and talk about the really great discounts on European Cruises in the Mediterranean...if you can afford the airline ticket to get there since fuel has increased the ticket price.

I could talk about the great training seminar that Alleigh and Nancy from Avalon Waterways provided on our Seminar at See sailing from Paris, and how they really care about helping Travel Advisors succeed.

I could write about my personal goal of getting up every day at 5am to have a time of personal development since I can't seem to carve time out for myself if I do it later in the day.

I could tell you all about my wonderful friends, my crazy pet, my beloved family or even share my personal sorrows...I just can't decide.

I could tell you about all of these things, or none of them at all...I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

I want to go again!

Good morning!  It's not been a bad start for a Monday morning.

I was reflecting on my trip to France and thinking about how much I enjoyed it and what, if anything, I'd do differently the next time.

It was a wonderful trip, but just like everything in live, it didn't go just exactly as I had planned.

First of all, I had borrowed and new technology with me.  Hmmm  I like to imagine myself a bit of a "tech geek".  My kids would laugh at me for even thinking that, but hey, for my generation I am a bit cutting edge!  LOL 

The netbook I had was from my office and I really did enjoy the light weight convenience and it was really easy to use.  That would definitely get packed for my next trip.

The new "basic" international phone that I purchased for my international trips was adequate, but I did miss having all the bells and whistles of my Android phone. I have an UK phone number and a US phone number linked to the international phone, and my family and office can reach me in an emergency or just to chat.  Texting from the phone is hard because of not having a keypad, but hey...it makes the cut for the next trip.

The next item that I had was a digital camera.  You ask yourself, "What? She borrowed a digital camera? I thought she just said she was a tech geek!  She should have one of her own!"  Please allow me to defend my self with one word....KIDS!  I had one, but it was dropped by one of my offspring who I love dearly.  I haven't replaced it because I mostly use my phone to snap shots, but this time I felt a camera was in order to do France justice.

I borrowed one from the office at the last minute and had never used it before.  The pictures that it took were WONDERFUL!  It was like I couldn't hardly take a bad picture it I tried, but alas...I couldn't get the silly thing to charge and after the 2nd day it was dead.  Sad Day to again quote Becky!

I will surely take a digital camera on the next trip.  I'm thinking that I'll purchase my own and learn to work it before the trip so that I won't be disappointed and miss capturing a memory!

Thanks for letting me share my thoughts with you today!

~Trish

My Body Clock is Wacked!

Good Morning!

Morning came for me today at 5am which is decidedly nicer than 4am! 

What to do with this extra time?  Bible Study first and then the dreaded balancing of the checkbook!  As I was entering the transactions I smiled as I remembered my recent trip.  The charge for Internet at the hotel, the meals that we ate and the splurge that I made at the Monet Museum gift shop in Giverny!  Good times...then what's this? 

There are little Visa charges for international bank fees...those didn't make me smile.

Bank fees seem to be a fact of life so I suggest that you do a little homework prior to your overseas trip, or for purchases you make from the US from foreign companies such as Skype or Jajah.  Find out what each of your cards would charge when purchasing internationally so that you can make an informed decision as to which one to use.  With just a little extra effort you might be able to avoid a nasty surprise and keep a little more of your hard earned money!

Back home, Adieu France!

 Well, we've made it back home...me here to Montgomery and Mom back to Chattanooga.  We must say adieu to France for now at least!

I woke up at 4am this morning and wasn't able to go back to sleep...that would have been 11am in France.  I called mom at 5am and she had been up for 2 hours already!  LOL  I guess we will be in bed by 7pm tonight!  What Fun!

The flight home was much nicer than the flight over on the Airbus Aircraft. There was a good bit of turbulence over the Atlantic, but never the less I did grab 40 winks.  At one point I remember thinking to myself, "I'm snoozing and my mouth is WIDE OPEN!  Nice..."  I'm sure the man in the window seat found that very attractive!  LOL

I have added some more of the many photos that we took on the trip.  I will continue to add new posts and information about the trip for the next little bit as updating the blog just wasn't possible during part of the trip!

Many of you iindicated that you loved the photos of Monet's Garden, so I will try to dedicate a blog just to that morning and try to upload all of the pictures there.

Have a wonderful day!

Guest Blogger...My Mom, Betty!

I've asked my mom to share with everyone her impressions of our vacation so far.  She has asked me to type for her, so in I let you know that in advance!  LOL

"I enjoyed our pre-cruise visit to Paris, especially the hop on hop off tour buses, but I've really loved the cruise down the River.  It's beautiful and relaxing yet I'm learning alot about the history of the region.  I'm looking forward to our visit tomorrow to the Landing Beaches of Normandy."

"I will be glad to get back home to be able to see my kids, grandkids and greatgrandkids and maybe even the new house that my bid was accepted on 2 days prior to our trip!"

"The people are nice and friendly on the cruise, the food is really good and I've enjoyed everything so far."

Well there ya' go folk...straight from my guest blogger...My Mom Betty!

My New Friend Zoe from Rouen!

Hello Everyone!  I made a new friend today at lunch...her name is Zoe and she's 3 years old.  (4 next month)

Zoe, her mom & dad and big sister sat next to us today at the bistro that we were having lunch in.  I always love to sit outside, (as any of my friends will tell you) and in Europe their sense of personal space is different than that of an American.  It's not bad, just a bit strange until you get used to it.

Zoe's family was there for a pre-birthday lunch for her sister who will turn 6 on Easterday this year.  Zoe was extra hungery waiting for her food and a bit fidgety.  Her mom apologized to us polietly and explained in English what was going on.  We already had our food, along with a basket of French Bagget.  We offered the girls some bread until their food came and guess what...I have a new friend!

By the end of lunch, Zoe was over on my side of the table, almost sitting in my lap trying to teach me  French!  As we were leaving she said to me in French, (translated by her mom),  "Good bye my new little friend!"  Too Cute!!

I will post again about Rouen and post pictures, but I wanted my new friend to have her own!

Claude Monet & Giverny

Hey Everyone!

Another beautiful day in France!  It is in the mid to upper 70's and the sky is blue yet again. 

I love Avalon Waterways, but because of the nature of the internet available, it's really only reliable for checking emails.  Not for working, or in most cased uploading pictures on my blog.  Today I'm in an internet cafe and have some beautiful pictures to share of Claude Monet's Gardens!

Leaving Paris- au revoir

Bonjour Dear Readers!

My internet was really spotty yesterday, so I wasn't able to update you so I'm going to start by telling you about yesterday...my last day in Paris. I must say that the weather here in France is abnormally warm for this time of the year!  It's in the upper 70's, clear blue skies, fluffy white clouds...just my kind of day!

We started out our day with a shore excursion...a 3.5 hour motorcoach tour around Paris..  It was nice to get a professional tour with a licesenced local guide with all of the knowledge and passion that Isabelle had for her city!  One of my favorite stops was the beautiful and peaceful Luxenburg Gardens!  There were tulips in bloom and the garden was refereshing!  The Parisian people come outside into he gardens and parks quit a bit as their apartments can be really small.

In the afternoon Mom and I took the optional excursion to the Palace of Versailles.  It was about a 30 - 40 minute drive from Paris.  We had a scheduled time with our group, so we didn't have to wait in the very long line.  Our guide was again very knowledgeable and made the trip so special!  The Palace was so opulant with all the Gold Leaf.  I will add pictures a bit later!

Once we came back to the ship, we rested for a little bit before heading out to dinner off the ship!  Now don't get me wrong, the food on the ship is ABSOLUTLY wonderful!  REALLY!  But Mom and I were invite to dinner by Avalon Waterway and were excited to go.  We took a cab over to a little area of Paris that Jean-Loup our cruise director recommended.  WHAT A TREAT!

Imagine a little plaza with a very intamate feel, not a touristy area, but locals...with at least 4 little cafes with outdoor bistro tables.  We had a wonderful meal, wonderful conversation, wonderful weather, wonderful shopping, wonderful walking and then a wonderful trip back to the ship!  LOL 

On the way back, we were just in time to see the Eiffle Tower's sparkling light show that lasts for 10 - 15 minutes every evening!  WOW!  Pretty stinking cool!

Some of you have emailed me and asked me about the ship, the food and the people.

The ship is very nice as expected.  Our beds are very comfortable, with a pillow menu and a fluffy comforter and soft blanket.  There is 172 sq ft in our stateroom...which is one of the largest river cruise stateooms in Europe.  The shower is large enough for me to be able to shave my legs without any problem!  (A major accomplishment on any cruise vessle)

Our stateroom is near the back of the ship...2 rooms from the back lounge with the coffee maker!  Machito, capachino and coffee available at the touch of the button! 

There is a very nice buffet breakfast with egg station, a lovely buffet lunch with also a "quick light lunch" available in the lounge.  The dinner is a sit-down affair with white table clothe and wonderful service.  It's about 6 courses, but don't worry!  Each course is smallish...(Not too little) but enough for a good taste and not to fill you up too much so that you can enjoy the rest of the meal.  I wish that you were all with me so you could enjoy it with me!

OK...this is pretty long so I'll go for now.  I will try to upload some pictures soon.

Bye

Beautiful Weather!

Tuesday- The Day We Board the Ship!

We are at the Pullman Hotel enjoying free Coffee, (yummy) along with complementary WiFi.  We are going on the optional Eiffle Tower Tour with a guide in a just a bit.  Mom is very excited about getting to go up to the 2nd level.

This morning as we were giving our bags to the Bellman, I told him, "Gracias"!  Way to mix up the languages!  LOL  I do things like that all the time.  Usually it's with German...I start off strong, but then find my self ending with a thank you in either Spanish or French!  Yikes.  It always works out well due mostly to the fact that I say it with a hugh smile on my face!  I get a look like, is she joking...is she touched in the head?

We've just met our first fellow passengers...Carolyn and Ralph!  They are from Oregon and will be taking the Eiffle Tower with us!

Bye for now!!

A Day Outside in Paris!

I asked for a Step-Daddy...do you see the reaction?



It was a beautiful day