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If you're like us, you may be seeing a lot more of your friends traveling this summer or fall--or maybe you are taking that much anticipated trip that was put off or delayed due to the pandemic. You may have also heard, or experienced, some of the unfortunate interruptions or delays in the travel industry like lost baggage, flight delays or even cancellations. We know the moment a flight goes from 'on time' to 'delayed' to 'canceled' is one we never want to experience, however, like most things in life and travel, we can't always foresee these changes. At Shared Travel, we strive to help our clients feel as prepared and resourced as possible before your upcoming travel plans and we wanted to share a few of our favorite tips as it pertains to flight interruptions or cancellations. WORKING WITH AIRLINESThere are a lot of reasons flights can become delayed or canceled and it is important to know what your options are. For flights using American companies, the Department of Transportation has just launched an interactive dashboard to help aid in understanding what airlines are responsible for and what to do when compensation has not been provided in a circumstance where it is deserved.
CONTROLLABLE DELAYS OR CANCELLATIONS When airlines are experiencing strikes or understaffing, you may find that your flights are becoming delayed simply due to a limited amount of workers, pilots and attendants. If this causes you significant delay or a cancellation to your flight, you may be entitled to vouchers, compensation or refunds. According to the Department of Transportation, "A controllable flight cancellation or delay is essentially a delay or cancellation caused by the airline. Examples include: maintenance or crew problems; cabin cleaning; baggage loading; and fueling.Airlines are required to adhere to the promises that they make in their customer service plan, including commitments to care for customers in the event of controllable delays or cancellations. The Department will hold airlines accountable if they fail to do so." UNCONTROLLABLE DELAYS OR CANCELLATIONS We all know that weather is the most common reason for delays are cancellation and that while flights hope to be scheduled around major weather events, it can still be unpredictable and unavoidable. Regardless of the cause of delay or cancellation, it can be a good practice to simultaneously get in line with Customer Service as well as get online or on the phone with an airline representative to help aid in the flight changes. Take into consideration that if your flight is significantly delayed or canceled and you are trying to obtain vouchers for meals and/or hotels, these services can only be provided by the airport customer service representative. Additionally, the Department of Transportation has created a helpful page for Refunds and whether you are entitled to one. Whether or not the cancellation of your flight is weather induced or controllable, airlines are required to issue you a refund if a cancellation or significant delay occurs and you wish to no longer travel. One important thing to note is that each airline has a different definition around 'significant delay' and the Department of Transportation has not issued a definition for airlines to adhere. Check with your airline to know for sure!
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If you've been waiting for those cheaper airfare prices, you may soon be rewarded with the fall prices of travel. Our friends at Centrav and Wall Street Journal are tracking prices and finding that gap between summer travel and fall travel will be wider than usual. According to the flight and travel tracker app Hopper, the average price for a round-trip domestic flight is around $298, compared the summer highs of over $400. How does this compare? Normally, the difference between summer and fall prices sits between 10%-15%, however this fall we could see price drops of up to 26%. Before we start thinking everything is going back to 'normal,' we also need to remember that these fall prices are still roughly 19% higher than they were back in Fall of 2019, before the COVID19 pandemic began. If you're looking at International Travel this fall, you'll be please to hear that prices are also dropping at some major hubs like London and Amsterdam. Travel in September and October can be up to 25% price difference than it was earlier this summer, according to flight tracking websites like CheapAir. GREAT TIPS TO KEEP IN MINDTrack your prices: While summer prices and price tracking were outliers, the fall should bring back some of our usual trends. This means that prices should drop steadily up until 20 days before travel, when prices will start to climb quickly. While waiting can save you money, make sure that you are tracking the prices so you know when to act quickly. Keep flexibility in mind: If you are able to be flexible with your travel dates, you may be rewarded. Weekdays tend to be at lower cost that weekends, even during the fall. Also, booking flight times earlier in the day may provide a great buffer in the even of those pesky delays and flight cancellations. WHETHER OR NOT YOU'VE BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING FOR FALL TRAVEL, NOW IS THE TIME TO CONTACT US AND ALLOW US TO BOOK YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!Are you preparing for an upcoming trip? Are you a notorious over or under packer? We know that traveling by airplane can be both exciting and a means to an end to get to that idyllic destination. We've done our fair share of accumulating sky miles and wanted to share some of our must-haves for our carry-on luggage. We hope they save you some headaches, and if you think we should add anything, share with us your best tips and essentials in the comments below. 1. Travel documents, passports and copies While you’ll obviously need boarding passes and passports to make it through security for those international destinations, we suggest copies of your passports and travel documents as well. This is helpful not only as you travel to your destination, but can be very useful when you arrive. We suggest leaving your physical copies behind in the hotel safe (unless you'll need a legal copy for your outing) and taking your copies with you. 2. noise cancelling headphonesNoise cancelling headphones are a must have on flights as you have so many other noises competing for your ears--babies, a snoring neighbor, or even the jet engines. If they are wireless, we suggest making sure they are fully charged before take-off.
We know that preparing for a trip abroad contains many questions about foreign currency and credit card usage. We have gathered some information from top financial companies like NerdWallet as well as some of our own thoughts to help give you five tips for using your credit card abroad . While we may have some favorites that work for us, none of these tips are promotions for companies that we have partnerships with. 1. BRING Cards that are widely acceptedOne thing you'll want to keep in mind is the type of credit card you bring abroad. While it may seem that all credit card companies are the same, you're going to have much more luck carrying your Visa or MasterCard abroad than you will a Discover or American Express card. Discover and American Express are working on amending this dilemma, but we advise taking a more widely accepted card and making sure you bring multiples. No one wants to be stranded at a shop with a card that gets declined and this can happen for a multitude of reasons. To put your mind at ease, diversify the types of cards you bring and embrace the unexpected.
We often get asked what to pack or take when going on a first-time trip to Hawaii. Though you may have taken tropical trips before, there may be a few things added to your list you had not thought of before. (All of the links are simply for your benefit and we do not receive any commission from these products) Kauai combines the beauty of rolling green landscapes and tropical foliage on the Nāpali Coast with the majestic red rock and secluded waterfalls in the Waimea Canyon. Wherever you travel in Kauai, we know that the Garden Island of Hawaii will welcome you with rich and beautiful landscapes. CLOTHINGIt's probably pretty obvious that you will definitely want your sunglasses on a tropical trip like Kauai, but one thing we would add to your packing list are sunglass keepers like these so that you don't lose your sunglasses on boat trips or hikes around the many beautiful waterfalls Kauai has to offer--believe us, we've done it! Like many tropical places, the weather in Kauai can shift from day to day and is prone to having intermittent rainstorms. Because of this, we suggest packing a lightweight rain jacket that is breathable and waterproof for those afternoon showers.
One thing we can all agree on is that life is never dull! The good news is that the Omicron variant is abating and previously closed countries are opening their borders to international travelers. In celebration of that, we are highlighting the seasons in Australia as well as unique world festivals that are back in 2022! Plus, we are featuring private driver vacations in Ireland, Britain and Iceland; and igniting your curiosity transatlantic cruising, new ways to see the world, Go Local Tours by Oceania Cruises, and exclusive accommodations in The Haven by Norwegian® and Princess Sky Suites. All of which we hope ignites your passion to travel. Contact us today so we can create an extraordinary vacation specifically for you. in the know: Travel experiencesCIE TOURS: Private Driver Vacations for Ireland, Britain and Iceland Picture yourself riding a gentle Icelandic horse amid the magnificence of the island’s rugged landscapes. Or discovering Scottish history by traveling into the Highlands and visiting its finest castles. Or speaking with artisanal and traditional food producers as you sample the cheese, chocolate, and bread at a centuries-old Irish market. And perhaps at the end of an exciting day, relaxing by the fire in a pub, listening to traditional music and chatting with locals.
As you have been doing your own travel dreaming or research, you may have come across this word: all-inclusive, and it sounds too good to be true! In a world that seems set on nickel-and-diming its consumers, the idea of an all-inclusive sounds completely made-up. Well today, we wanted to share with you what you can expect from an all-inclusive destination.
All-inclusive destinations can deliver surprising luxuries, service and cuisine at an affordable and pre-determined price. In most cases there are no additional fees to participate in activities or entertainment. Once you've booked your vacation, you are able to indulge in delicious meals, unlimited drinks and many activities, all without the worry of running up a huge tab. Whether you are planning your travel in peak summer or a later winter, there is a perfect destination for you! Travel agents from all over the world have shared their input and now we want to share the best of the best with you. Whatever time of year your travel is, know that our agents are here to listen to your desires, questions, and dreams and help you curate the memorable trip that fits you!
Inspired to book a trip to one of these idyllic locations??
Do you want to combine multiple idyllic European cities with gorgeous and scenic transportation? We think it is time for you to check out a River Cruise! We wanted to share some reasons why River Cruising is gaining even more popularity as it includes some extras and amenities that you may not have even thought about. And if you are already convinced and want to see one possible route and ship, check out this video for a beautiful Portugal river cruise we have the option of booking for you. cruise without a crowdWhile your picture of a cruise might be more like the ocean liners with around 3,000 guests on board, you can expect to find around 150 people on the larger river cruises. That's a whole lot less crowds and a whole lot more of the quiet cruising you may be looking for. take a complimentary bikeSome river boat companies come equipped with complimentary bikes (or even e-bikes) that you can take off the ship to tour the city. Whether your bike takes you to a nearby quiet countryside or to a local biergarten for a bite and brew is up to you! glimpse a french boulangerieHave you ever woken up and just wanted the freshest baked goods? Imagine sailing through France and waking up to a port where a quick morning stroll would take you to some delicious croissants or pain au chocolat! fall asleep to castle ruinsWith many romantic castles having a footstool on the rivers of Europe you could easily fall asleep with some of the most breathtaking views of castles that one can only find on a river cruise. Are you Ready to cruise the rivers of the world?In the age of the internet, you might be wondering, "Isn't it just easier to book my own trips?" With the advancement of technology and the world at your fingertips, there are a lot of options out there--but with so many options come an increase in confusion and stress about finding the best deal. Time and time again, the experts will tell you to find yourself a trusted travel agent and we have to agree! We wanted to share a few reasons why we believe using a travel agency is to your benefit and will ultimately help you have a more successful booking and travel experience. SAVES TIME + LESS STRESSAverage Americans spend 200 days daydreaming about their vacation, but are becoming fatigued after just 40 minutes of research! The internet is full of information and there are an overwhelming amount of options. Have you tried googling 'Tuscan Villa' before? 10.9 million results return with many pages that look the same. We believe planning your dream vacation should be fun! Allow us to handle all the calls, research and booking so you don't have to. EXPERIEnCE + PASSIONWe have spent years traveling, researching and building relations with key companies & destinations! We are your best value since we can gather all your options to create the best experience at the right price for your budget. We design with your budget in mind, ensuring you find that perfect package that fits your needs! EXTENDED POSSIBILITIESWe can suggest enhancements to your dream vacation that you may not have thought of and can handle all the moving parts with ease. Your finished travel plans will have everything you need to fly, drive, and explore your destination. We take care of all of the details so that you can relax and relish in what is important--making new memories! We're Here for You!It is no surprise that unexpected travel interruptions happen! Whether it is a weather event, a pandemic, or you need to cancel your own trip, we're here to help you navigate the sudden changes and refund policies. Booking with a trusted travel agency means that instead of waiting on hold for a national call center, you get to speak to someone right away and we will do what we can to rebook your travel or work towards a refund. Are you Ready to start Planning your next adventure? |
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