Ambiance Travel Consulting

News from the Office...
 

      First, I have to apologize for this issue being late. Like most American's I took off most of the Labor Day weekend holiday when I should have been putting this newletter together! All the same, I think you will find it just as informational and hope you enjoy reading! It's not too late to book your Christmas trip and I hope our guide will help you decide where you want to go for the holidays. Holiday trips can be a wonderful alternative to the traditional frenzy of shopping, parties, gift receipts and meal planning. Take the whole family on a trip (could be a great family reunion oppertunity!) and forget everything but a good time! Cruise lines especially go all out to make their holiday sailings extra magical with beautiful decorations, special entertainment and wonderful holiday feasts! It's dinner with all the trimmings and none of the dishes!  To avoid the crowds in the south why not go to Europe where many of our wonderful Christmas traditions started? Want something warmer? The Mediterranean is nice even in winter. Whatever you choose to do for the holidays it's not to late now but don't wait too long! Holiday dates fill up quickly.

-Nina Van Harn

Ambiance Travel

Christmas Travel Guide

Our Snapshot Christmas Travel Guide is split into different sections depending on what type of traveler you are.

For the shopper:

If you are flexible enough in your schedule and wish to escape before the holidays for a little shopping, a River Cruise to Europe could be just the thing. Several cruise lines including Viking River Cruises offer special sailings to the Christmas markets in early December and include knowledgable guides to assist you in where to shop. Come back with memorable gifts as well as something new to share at the Christmas & New Year's parties!

For the Couple wanting to escape the Frenzy: Many couples, especially if newly married or without children end up arguing about which side of the family to go to. Skip the debate and hit the sand! Even a short 4-5 day cruise will be the perfect escape and you can mail everyone a postcard or little gift from the Islands. Want to avoid the masses of children on holiday sailings? Book on a line like Celebrity or take a longer cruise on Princess.

For the Whole Clan: Taking everyone from the toddlers to the grandparents? No line offers more for everyone then Royal Caribbean. With everything from wine tastings and trivia to mini-golf and surfing on board you can be assured everyone will have a most memorable Holiday! Although, their 7 day sailings may seem pricey, consider what you are saving not purchasing gifts and food for the feast or their 4-5 nighters are a great value! Add a couple days pre or post cruise for added vacation time.

For the immediate family: Want to get away with just the kids? First look at our Experience Highlight section for a wonderful idea. Celebrate in the privacy of your own "home" with the perks of being away in a tropical paradise! For a longer more memorable trip take advantage of low airfare and head to Southern Italy or Greece. Stay in a private villa or take a cruise around the Mediterranean. It will be a Christmas they will never forget!

Check out a fun blog entry about cruising during the holidays here: Adjani's Blog

     While packing make a list of the things you put in your suitcase while you put them in. This way if you are interupted while packing you will know what you already packed. Or, the day before you leave and are wonder "Did I pack the..." you can just reference your list to find the answer. It is also a handy thing to have in the event your luggage gets lost!

     Are you already starting to worry about what to get people for Christmas? Why not give them travel? Many airlines, cruise lines etc offer gift certificate options. If a whole cruise is a bit much then find out if they have any upcoming trips and contact their travel agent to arrange for a special gift. Onboard Credit if they are on a cruise, certificates for snacks and meals on their flight or a welcome gift basket for their hotel stay. You can wrap a special card mentioning what the gift is going to be in a small box for them to open on Christmas. They will greatly appreciate the extra enhancement to their vacation!

Surviving the Flight

Another worry about the holidays is airfare. Whether flying to catch a cruise or catch up with some of Grandma's cookies many will need to fly to get to their destination. The holidays are probably some of the worst times to fly just because of the shear numbers of travelers. How do you avoid delays and long lines? Here are a few tips:

• It will be worth the money to book direct flights if possible. No worries about missing a connection and sitting in an airport for 6 hours with 1000 other people. 

• Try to catch the first flight out in the morning. Peak times are convienent times so pick the inconvienent to save time in lines. You could also pick the last flight out of the day and hope to get a little sleep.

•  Allow plenty of time to get to the airport both for departure and return flights. Schedule the extra time into your holiday merry making plans. This will reduce stress should something unplanned arise such as a flat tire, winter storm or forgotten gift.

• Pack light. Yes, you've heard this one a hundred times but it still holds true. With tough security it will pay off to re-think your packing list especially, if visiting family. Is Aunt Ann going to have a washing machine available for your use? Could you buy some of your toiletries when you arrive and leave any unused products for the hosts future guest use?

• Ship gifts ahead if possible. Why worry about it getting smashed in the suitcase or trying to carry it all onboard? Better yet, reduce packing and buy gift cards.

• Don't wait for last minute airfare. Book the better flights now and save your nerves. Same for hotels & rental cars.

• Bring a deck of cards. Even the most carefully thought out plans can get de-railed so be prepared for possible delays. If you are traveling solo you may be surprised how many people you could get for a game of cards!

• Pack a healthy dose of common courtesy and understanding. Everyone is just trying to fullfill the words to that old song "I'll Be Home for Christmas". Some just may be having a harder time than others. If you come across a grumpy airline employee or fellow passenger remember that they may be having a hard time getting home which can be frustrating.

Happy planning!