Bargain Hunting
Waiting for that special cruise bargain? Unlike airline fares, which tend to increase the closer you get to your departure date, patience can be a virtue when it comes to booking cruises. Often unsold inventory is substantially reduced in price closer to sailing day – in fact, sometimes you can get a normally higher priced cabin, such as a balcony cabin or a mini-suite for less than a lower grade cabin. You can often get savings similar to the early booking discounts, which get snapped up when a cruise is opened for booking. Pinnacle's travel counselors know to watch for these bargains and can help you navigate your way to both savings and the cruise of your dreams!
Airport Refuge
Tired of airport craziness, crowded terminals and the constant chatter of people on their cell phones? There are little-known places of refuge in many major airports across the country and in some foreign countries – airport chapels. Increasingly passengers look for a place of solitude and quiet, and chapels offer people of all faiths the chance to reflect, pray or just experience quiet. Some offer regular services and chaplains for more specific needs. Check your airport's information guide at the terminal or on the web.
All-Inclusive
Looking for a vacation that doesn't end up doubling in price by the time you get home? Consider an all-inclusive resort vacation offered by such companies as Pleasant Vacations, Apple Vacations, Sandals, and Travel Impressions. These vacations are becoming increasingly popular in the Caribbean and Mexico, and undoubtedly will be spreading to other resort locations in the near future. A typical all-inclusive vacation includes not only your room accommodations, but also your meals and beverages including alcohol. You'll have the option to include your air fare (some even include your transportation from your point of arrival/departure to/from your resort), and other resort amenities. What better way to minimize hidden expenses? Let the Pinnacle travel professionals find just the right all-inclusive vacation for you!
SECURITY
Look Confident
It is very important to enjoy yourself when on an overseas trip, whether it is for business or pleasure, and you must not be constantly thinking about what you should or should not be doing. The tips below are meant purely as a guide, some things to consider before you leave and to keep in mind when you arrive : Try to look as if you know where you are going. This may not be easy if it is your first time in that country, but try to look confident, as IF you know. Carrying maps around looking perplexed, and stopping to look at monuments or buildings, obviously shows that you are from out of town, and may attract the wrong type of attention.
Traveler's Checks
Using travelers' checks will always be helpful, as will using a credit card for any purchases made, so that you can take advantage of the additional insurance offered. Do NOT pull large amounts of cash out of your pocket. This will attract attention, no matter what country you are in. It may sound crazy, but it is amazing how many people pull out a wad of cash to buy some small item. Preplan your travels for the day and carry sufficient travelers' checks, with minimal cash for incidentals (such as gratuities), plus a credit card. That should cover all you need and will limit any losses, should something unexpected happen. Avoid "wonderful trips" or to a "super shopping center" rides with people who approach you in the street. This could lead anywhere, and will probably cost you a lot more than by taking a normal taxi. Ask your hotel's concierge for advice – the old rule of thumb that “if something seems too good to be true, it probably is”, is sound counsel.
Reconfirm Your Flights
On the day you arrive, check with your airline to see if it's necessary to reconfirm your next flight. If so, do it then. Many airlines have done away with this requirement, but some foreign carriers still insist on it, and it is still worthwhile to make contact you're your carrier. In doing so, you can provide your local contact details, in case the airline needs to reach you concerning your reservation, flight status, or other issues.
Important Documents
Do not carry your passport and driver's license with you when you're sightseeing or shopping, unless required for immigration or border crossing checks. Leave them in the safe in your hotel. Photocopies will suffice in the event you need to show proof of identification.
