The Answers to Commonly asked Questions

(A photo from my window at Sandal's Royal Bahamian) 

There are certain questions that, as a travel agent, I get asked frequently. They are excellent questions and cover information that I wish all of my people knew! Most of them are regarding the ways to get the best deals when traveling, so I’m going to outline the questions and answers here for everyone to benefit!

Let’s start with the most commonly asked question:

Q: What is the best day of the week to buy plane tickets?

A: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the best days to find a good deal. This is because that’s the day when the airlines post their new inventory and lower the prices of flights that aren’t selling, as they would like.  

Next most commonly asked question:

Q: What are the cheapest days of the week to fly?

A: Coincidentally Tuesdays and Wednesdays are also generally the cheapest days to fly as well, since you are avoiding both the weekend and business traffic

Q: How far in advance should I purchase my airline tickets?

A: The best time to book is 60-90 days out. As a general rule of thumb, the further out you are flying, the sooner you should get your airline tickets.  If you are inflexible with you dates you should also book further out when there is more availability.  If you are using air miles book as far in advance as you can since mile seats sell out fast - ESPECIALLY if you are traveling using miles during the Holidays.

Q: What’s the best time of year to save money on travel?

A:  If you want to save money and avoid crowds there are certain times of year to save on different places. You can get cruises and land vacations to the Caribbean very cheaply during hurricane season, which runs June-November. (Although I’d recommend getting good travel insurance if you chose to go then!) Europe tends to be less expensive in the winter, because it’s colder. It’s cheaper to go to Asia during the rainy season, just be sure to bring your umbrella and read up on Monsoons!

Q: How can I get my dream vacation for a discounted rate?

A: Consider focusing on the type of vacation you would like to create, rather than a specific location. For example, you want a relaxing tropical beach vacation and search several destinations rather than having your sights set only on St. Lucia. Maybe a flight to Jamaica or Cancun, Mexico will give you the same type of experience for a fraction of the cost.

Q: The best place to book flights?

A: Why my website of course! www.danasglobaltravel.com

For more information or if you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact me at danasglobaltravel@gmail.com.

Cruising

 

(A photo of The Disney Fantasy and Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the  Seas)

With the endless delicious buffets, cruising can seem like a dieter’s nightmare. However, there are ways to stay fit and still have fun on a cruise. There are 12-14 floors on the average cruise ship and most people take the elevators. Much to my Mother’s dismay on our last cruise, we took the stairs about 90% of the time. I can tell you, after walking up 6 or 7 flights of stairs I felt a lot less guilty about drinking a mojito or getting a fro-yo!Cruise ships are also equipped with state of the art workout facilities. Most of them are in the front of the ship looking out over the ocean! It makes your jog much nicer. Cruiseline’s also offer a variety of fitness classes as well which can be a lot of fun. I attended an amazing sunrise stretch class on my last cruise and it was definitely a great way to start the day and stretch after all the flights of stairs I walked to get there! There are also dance classes on cruises. They are a fun way to stay active and out of the sun for an hour or so. Also, learning a new dance can provide not only some great exercise but also learning a routine is great for your brain and helps prevent Alzheimer’s- that is what I call a win-win!

Most cruise line's offer Lighter Fare for the diet conscious cruiser! Let your Travel Agent know of your dietary needs and they will notify the cruise line and make sure that the Chef meets with you and you will have plenty of healthy good food during your cruise! This is a photo I took of one of the Menu's on the Disney Fantasy!

This is a photo of the Rainforest in the Spa on the Disney Fantasy! If you are going on a Disney Cruise a visit to the rainforest room at the Spa is a must. It is the ultimate relaxation. 

Disney Cruise Line currently has a promotion for sailings out of Galvaston, Texas and Miami, Florida where kids 17 and under sail FREE!!! Now that is what I call Disney Magic! Contact me for details! 

Happy Cruising! 

Healthy Travel to Foreign Countries

I’ve been so blessed in my life to have lived in foreign countries. I lived for one year in Spain and one year in Germany. I learned a lot about creating a healthy lifestyle and culture from living in these two places.  In Spain I learned the value and health benefits of relaxation. A country where the majority of the population takes an afternoon nap is fine by me! Every afternoon my host family and I would sit down to a spectacular meal (always healthy- the Mediterranean diet) as a family chat and dine. Then shortly after we would all take a nice siesta. After the nap, back to school or work we’d go! It was wonderful.

When exploring a new place you are generally faced with dozens of options of how to do that, which sites to see, etc. I always opt for a walking tour.  In addition to being generally less expensive you have all of that added exercise walking from one attraction to the other, and you truly get to see and experience the city as you walk by the small shops and stroll along with the cities residents instead of the other tourists on the bus. Exercise, greater cultural learning, AND cheap- that’s what I call a win-win situation! There are many books out there where you can find great information on walking tours. I generally use the Lonely Planet Books, but there are dozens for any given location out there and some books written specifically about walking or biking tours through various countries. Contact me for information on active tours! 

The first photo is a shot a took while on a hike in Bavaria, Germany.

The second photo I had someone take of me while I was walking through the city of Strasbourg, France. 

Bon Voyage!

Beach Vacations

Although for a lot of us the idea of lying on the beach tanning with a cocktail in hand is the greatest draw of a beach vacation, it is not the healthiest activity…though I do advise doing it, just not all day.  You are at the beach! Go swim in the ocean, snorkel, scuba dive, walk  or jog on the beach.  Another favorite activity of mine is yoga on the beach. If you haven’t tried it- you must!

Not into sand or sea life? Not a problem, most beach destinations also have a plethora of pools for swimming in. Not a water person in general? If you cannot handle the sand in your toes- walk through the cute little downtown that most beach destinations have or the boardwalk. And then after you have thoroughly exhausted your physical options- lay down on the beach chair with your pina colada. I mean after that 30 minute walk, swim, jog, dive, etc., you sure do deserve it! 

This is a photo of my husband Jon. He found a Horseshoe crab shell while we were on a guided nature walk on the beach in Hilton Head, SC.

The other photo is me "attemping" to paddle board on the Sea of Cortez in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico!

What are you favorite healthy beach activities?

Family Vacations

With Thanksgiving being a few days away, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about family vacations! Which also applies to visits with family, even if you don't consider it a "vacation." 

Play with your children or someone else’s if you don’t have any. Build a sand castle, run to every ride in Disney World, leap into every pool or lake.  Not only will you be assured a good night’s sleep in a strange bed, you will have had a blast! Go for a walk as a family -- with kids, call it a Nature Hike or Adventure to find a hidden pirate treasure.  

You don’t have any kids in your family? Not a problem!  After a large meal instead of sitting around watching TV, encourage everyone to go on a walk together or, my personal favorite, have a dance party! It will not only be healthy but also create laughter and lasting memories! Another fun filled option is playing an active game.  If you have a large group head outside and play a family kickball game! Is it raining? Play charades or guess the picture. Something where you are on your feet, flailing your arms and having fun! 

This is my nieces and I swimming in a lake this past summer:

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!