FROM HERE TO THERE

FROM HERE TO THERE

Wow I can't believe another week has gone by.  I hope everyone is traveling or planning their trip.  On my podcast this week we chatted about everything from HERE in the States to THERE in South East Asia.  

I love to talk with people that have traveled to fun and exciting places and really get into the culture.  I brought Paul Madison on my Podcast today.  He just recently returned from living in South East Asia.  He chatted with us about some of the things to do and see and how to experience Indonesia.  Of course we even spoke about food.  Have to try the local cuisine.  I have and Indonesian food is delicious, but can be a bit spicy.  Which is something I love love love.  I invited Paul back to talk more about his experiences in South East Asia.  

So now back on the mainland USA...Jerry Nordun who has been "Getting Around" talked about his time in Atlanta.  He told us about the local transit and how to get around on it.  He then told us about a place that sounds like so much fun for both children and adults.  It is the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta.  Of course Jerry had to name drop as he took a selfie with him and Kermit....

However, he told us about the theater of puppet shows. They have shows for children and then they can see how the puppets work and get the opportunity to work on their own puppets....and for you adults;  They even have shows designed for 18 and over.  Now when I say puppets it ranges from marionettes, to muppets style, to hand puppets and more.  I think Jay Lawrence and I need to go on a road trip and check this place out.  The Center for Puppetry Arts is in Central Atlanta.  

Now last week I wrote about reading the small print.  The airlines are still reeling from the fall out, but they are now working on better systems and better benefits for their passengers if they get bumped.  Remember...stay calm...and if you get bumped it can work to your advantage.

Now that Paul came on the show and talked a little bit about South East Asia...I thought it would be nice to find a great deal for anyone looking to go to Vietnam and Cambodia....How about an Asian River Cruise.  and for a limited time you can FLY free to Asia on a 16 day adventure....or a two fly for price of one on any 8-12 day tour.  This wonderful adventure is on Emerald Waterways.  I can book you on these river cruises and they are fabulous...but remember its a first come first serve, because once its gone its gone and you need to book by August 31, 2017.  

So remember whether you want a staycation or a world wide experience.  You can call me...check our my web site www.zeemichaelsontravel.com you can browse it, you can see what you would like and give me a call or email.  

Read the Small Print

Read the Small Print

I know everyone has seen the video of the gentleman that was pulled from his seat while he was on board a flight.  I know it seems terrible.  So let's try to figure out how you can avoid this.

First things first.  Airlines regularly overbook flights.  It has been a practice for many many years. The airlines also state they do have the right to bump you off.  It's all in legaleaze on the tickets. However, did you know that this can be to your advantage. 

Your thinking how can this possibly be a benefit to you.  Well I will tell you.  If you don't have to be somewhere immediately...like the wedding is at 3p and you are due to arrive at 1p type of thing.  The airlines, usually will request volunteers to be bumped.  Your ticket is still good.  They will get you on another flight and work with the other carriers to get you on the connections.  They will also usually offer up to 200% of your current ticket for future travel.  Sounds pretty good to me.  You get some free travel for being inconvenienced for only a few hours.  Now if there are no takers and the airlines need to bump they let the computer randomly select you.  So they don't know anything other than your name and your seat number at this time.  If this happens...you can explain to them that the wedding is 3pm and you are the best man/maid of honor etc.  They will try to re-accommodate.., if you have no extreme excuse for getting on the flight and you have been mandatory bumped...you may get up to 400% for your inconvenience.  Sounds like more than one flight to me..so maybe you'll be able to take a few  trips.   NOW!!!!!! and this is a big NOW!!!!! If you get irate and start yelling or arguing and screaming and more.  They will send in police/air marshalls/tsa...etc....And in extreme cases you may be banned from flying on that particular airline.  So keep a cool head and remember...being bumped can work out in your favor.

Now I said this is a Read the Small Print.  This is not only for the airlines it is also for Cruises.  When you get all the your papers for your cruise...Read the small print.  regarding cancellation policies etc. This can get you into a lot of trouble if you are expecting all your money back if you cancel and you are too close to sailing.  You may think I am calling the week before.  It may not be good enough.  Usually when cruising you have different time periods with monies you can receive back.  I understand sometimes things happen.  You got the flu the night before or some other catastrophe has happened.  I recommend getting travel insurance.  It a small price to pay and you may just get reimbursed a good chunk of change if something happens.  Some insurances even work if you are on vacation and something happens.  So look into the insurance....doesn't hurt to ask and "read the small print"

Now have a great vacation.  If you need me just check out my website and I will be more than happy to help you.

IT'S BEEN TOO LONG

EATING/CRUISING/AND DISNEY!


I know it has been a long time since I last blogged.  I hope you have been enjoying my podcast.

It has been quite the year already for me. I have been helping people making their travel dreams come true.  I have been monitoring all the new and exciting things that are happening in the travel world, like cruises.

Would you believe, the ships are getting larger and more dynamic.  The cruise lines are adding more ships.  Take a look at MSC Cruises, or Carnival Cruises, even Norwegian Cruise Lines better known as NCL.  Some of these ships are carrying over 4000 passengers.  Some of the new ships look like floating condo complexes.  There are more things to do on board.  Like Carnival has a sky ride.  It resembles a bicycle in the sky. It is high above the top deck and you pedal around.

Now if you don't like large ships that holds 4000 or more.  You may like to take a smaller ship, they are more like a boutique ship.  Check out the Oceania Lines.  Their ships are beautiful...less passengers...and great for those foodies.  The meals are exquisite.  

Remember one thing when booking a cruise.....pick one that is going to accommodate for your lifestyle.  Are you honeymooning....are you with the kids....or is it a girlfriends getaway?  Let your travel agent know what you are looking to do.  

When thinking cruises... the next thing I think of is food.  When traveling put the diet on hold.  (if you can) and try some of the wonderful delicacies of the country you are visiting.  Learn the culture...learn the eating habits.  For example some countries/cultures eat with their hands.  So as they say "When in Rome...."  I have experienced many different cultures' ways of dining.  Not only do you learn something new.  You get to eat great food....and have fun doing it...and yes...I did experience eating with my hands.  If you get the opportunity and you are in a restaurant that is not too crowded...ask what is the local favorite let them know you would like to try something you never had before.  You may just be surprised by what you get.  I remember my roommate and I went into a local eatery.  There was no crowd  and we asked for something they liked.  We were served like kings and educated on how to eat the food.  It was fun and yummy and an experience neither one of us will ever forget.

Now we have talked Cruises and Food...so what else could be new.  Disney!   I know Disney is not new...but Disney World Orlando is adding a Gondola Transportation System.  It will be a cable propelled transit system that will transport people from certain parks and locations.  By putting in these high tech gondolas, they hope it will help alleviate some of the street traffic and of course making moving from park to park easier.

If you would like to send me some of your feedback on some of your experiences or send pictures that we can share with others.  Send them on through.

Remember to enjoy your travel and experience somethings that are new. That's what memories are made from.  If you still need to plan a trip, feel free to go to my website or contact me and let's "make your travel dreams come true."