Tag Archives: Packing

MY TOP 10 TRAVEL TIPS!

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As I get ready to depart for my next adventure to Riviera Maya, Mexico I wanted to point out my Top 10 Travel Tips for a successful Apple Vacation. So, after you are booked and ready to go… make sure you:

  1. Check your passports! You are NOT going anywhere without a valid (not expired) passport that is also in good shape. If you jumped in the pool with it in your back pocket on your last vacation and it is now warped or pages are missing, this could be a problem.  Make sure it is valid and make sure it is in good shape.
  2. Check your travel documents. When you receive your travel documents go over all details and make sure it is the flight you were told, hotel you planned and number of nights you requested. If you advised your travel agent you wanted Dreams Cancun and they booked you into Dreams Riviera, this is all much easier to take care of before you depart.
  3. Pack what you need and be smart about it. Don’t use an overweight suitcase. Every   suitcase is weighed when you check in. If you go over your allowance, you will be charged. Check with your specific airline on the weight limitations.  Don’t over pack! And a word to the wise… don’t bring Grandmom’s irreplaceable diamond ring. If you lose it in the ocean, that’s what you’ll remember from your vacation, not the great time you had.
  4. Lock your suitcase with an FAA approved lock. You can get them for about $10.00 at any major drugstore chain.
  5. Don’t be late! Allow for extra time to get to the airport, go thru security and arrive at the gate. Leave early…especially if there is inclement weather. You’ll never regret leaving early, you may regret being late! Start your vacation on the right foot.
  6. Bring all medicine and valuables in your carry on. I always have a small strategic carry – on with my tickets, valuables and medication as well as whatever it is I need on the airplane AND for my first few hours in resort. Magazine, I-Pod, bathing suite and small travel size suntan lotion are all in there so I can hit the ground running on my vacation!
  7. Bring small bills. An extra tip for service well done is always a nice gesture and if you buy something, you will be given change in their currency. I always bring lots of $5’s and $1’s with me on vacation for tipping and small purchases.
  8. Don’t forget your sunscreen! The sun in Mexico & the Caribbean is very, very strong. Do not let sunburn ruin your vacation. Check expiration dates on your products and use generously.  My suggestion is it to apply even before you walk out of your hotel room.
  9. If something does not meet your expectations upon arrival, for example if you booked and ocean view and you have a tropical view, then speak up. Apple Vacations has resort representatives who are there to help you. Don’t wait until you come home to complain.  Speak up so they can fix the situation while you are there.
  10. Go with the flow. If your dinner reservation is 10 minutes late or the flight is booked and you are across the aisle from your travel party, don’t let it ruin your vacation.  My final tip is to have a good time!

Common sense goes a long way in keeping you healthy

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At a party the other day my sister in law said I might cancel my trip to Mexico, I don’t want to get sick. I said why stay home you might get even sicker!  Something like 400 kids called out sick at my son’s school the other day between stomach bugs and fall colds. I say get me away! Mexico sounds great.

I know the flu and water concerns may make people leery of travel. I say get over it.  That is my personal opinion. I’m not a doctor, but this is the advice I can offer from my personal experience. A conscientious traveler, who prepares and takes minor precautions, will have a great trip. I can honestly say, in my 20 years in the travel business, I have never gotten sick because of the environment I am in. Tequila, well that may be another story. But I do understand the concerns, I was worried taking my son away last year and packed all sorts of over the counter medications, but we honestly never needed any.

Keep in mind, your body is used to your own environment and any change it may have  – be it Florida, Europe, California or Mexico may make your system a little different. But here are some steps you can take ahead of time to have a worry free trip:  Continue reading →

How to pack the essential travel bag

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As I sit here packing to go away, I thought I would share my tips on packing my in-flight bag. We are all allowed 1 carry on and mine is strategically packed like a true professional! As a mommy, who also does not really enjoy flying, the bag must be stacked and packed specifically so there is no searching or anything missing during the flight.

First, you need to select a good bag with accessible pockets. It should be big enough to fit all your items, but small enough to fit under the seat in front of you (where your feet also go). If you board a plane late or the guy next to you takes up the entire over head bin with luggage and souvenirs, you don’t want the bag rows away from you. Choose an affordable bag. The wear and tear of travel can quickly destroy a designer bag and will then put a damper on your vacation. Continue reading →

Memories from the Beach

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090811_beach1I am a beach lover. I am also someone who loves to float, swim, snorkel, play, or even just stand and chat with friends in the ocean.  I love looking at the ocean, listening to it, smelling the saltwater scent, but most of all, I love submersing myself in it. If given the choice, I will always opt to sit in the sand on the beach and swim in the ocean rather than be poolside while on vacation. That’s just my preference.

The average beach-goer brings a plethora of paraphernalia along with them for a day at the beach. A variety of suntan lotions, a hat or visor, sunglasses, aquatic shoes, perhaps something to read or some sort of listening device, a camera to capture memorable moments, snorkel, fins, goggles…these are just some of the items we bring to the beach to entertain us.

In addition to many of these standard items, my personal beach bag includes one rather unique item… Continue reading →

Travel Tips from a Customer Service Expert – Part 2

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Continued from last week….

Packing Tips:

  • Pack only what you can put into your carry-on luggage. Travel is much faster this way and depending on the airline, much cheaper.
  • Valuables, medicines (Benadryl -a must), sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray, swim suit/cover-up, flip-flops, electronics, are a must.
  • Also make sure to include an extra 3 days of any prescription medicine you take for emergencies.
  • Don’t carry scissors or metal objects that can cut (i.e. clippers) with you unless you are going to check your luggage.
  • Stick to your apparel list. Rule of Thumb: Mix-n-Match clothes to reduce volume.
  • Pack lightweight garments that breathe and can dry quickly.
  • Use every space imaginable, i.e. inside shoes, pocketbooks, even on your person, etc.
  • Dress up for your flight, it’s one less thing to pack and it’s a great way to start your vacation.
  • Roll clothes and lay dresses flat (stop wrinkles by rolling clothes in the plastic wrap from the dry cleaner bags-it works great!)
  • Put all liquids in plastic bags – liquids shouldn’t be more than 3oz bottles and put in a 1-quart clear bag. Check out the official FAA Guidelines for specifics.
  • Keep candy and gum in a pocket.
  • Always pack a light sweater for the evening and a travel umbrella.
  • If you like your drinks cold, pack an insulated mug or a huggie for the beach.
  • Never pack your documents or passports. They should be accessible at all times.
  • Pack dry snacks (preferably with protein) to help handle possible flight delays.

The Night Before…Smile!

The night before a trip is fun…and excitement is in the air! Everyone’s packed and ready! The anticipation is building! But, there are miles to go before the sunglasses are down Continue reading →