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Planning your first visit to Alaska!

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CUBA - now "officially" even safer to travel within!

The United States Department of State has revised its travel advisory for Cuba to Level 2, "exercise increased caution," down from the previous Level 3, "reconsider travel”.   This is a welcome move which more accurately reflects the reality of the situation in Cuba, that there are no health or security risks of note.  Level 2 is the same level as the State Department has issued for France and the United Kingdom. This changes the perspective that the travel warnings previously imposed by the Trump administration were politically motivated, seeking to reverse the progress that the Obama administration made with improved relations between the United States and Cuba. We here at GO Enterprises applaud the administration’s recent move which indicates they are eliminating politics when it comes to decisions regarding the safety of U.S. Citizens traveling into foreign countries in general, Cuba in particular in this case . The above official information is get

CRUISE LINE LOYALTY PROGRAMS

As is the case with most companies, cruise lines try very hard to retain their clientele, doing everything they possibly can to get you to reserve your next cruise(s) with them again instead of going to the competition.  Michael's Club - Courtesy of Celebrity Like airlines, hotels, car rental agencies etc., cruise lines have their own “frequent client” programs, designed to entice cruisers to rebook with them, offering additional perks to reward their frequent clients.   These perks range from free or reduced costs on wifi, dry cleaning, spa treatments etc., to upgraded accommodations, invitation to sit with the captain at dinner one night, ability to reserve specialty dining and excursions before others, priority embarkation, free transfers, reduced pricing, access to special areas on board only for higher level loyalty club members or suite guests (such as Celebrity Cruise’s Michael's Club pictured here) and more.     ~ CRUISE LINE LOYALTY PROGRAMS ARE AN EXCELL

Travel Agent Specialization - So Beneficial!!

It’s a great big world out there.  As a traveler, can you rely on yourself to adequately research a new or slightly known destination or way to travel for you on your own?  The internet you say?  It’s a great big internet out there as well.  Do you think the average travel agent knows everything about everywhere and every way of getting around?  If you thought NO, you are absolutely correct!!! ~ AS POTENTIAL TRAVELERS CONTINUE TO BE OVERWHELMED WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF INFORMATION ONLINE, THERE’S BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN TRAVELERS TURNING TO TRAVEL AGENTS WHO CAN HELP THEM WADE THROUGH EVERYTHING AND ACT AS A TRUSTED AND EXPERT ADVISOR, AGENTS WHO SPECIALIZE IN SPECIFIC KINDS OF TRAVEL ~                         Excerpt from a recent Travel Weekly article As is the case in many professions, specialization makes sense.  Doctors, Lawyers, Architects, Chefs, Artists, Contractors, etc. etc., your viewpoint towards specialization should also apply to your travel planning; selecting a t

Tips on Researching Destination Information

Destination information – How to Find Great Useful Information to Suit Your Travel Needs So you decided to vacation somewhere that has enchanted you and your partner / family, perhaps one of those extra special “bucket list” locations, like Switzerland or the Galapagos Islands, etc. etc.    You start looking into details, wanting to find out everything you can to make this trip extra special in every way; what are the “must see” attractions, when is the best time to travel there, do I need a visa, will my English be understood and perhaps more importantly will I encounter people who speak English to me, etc. etc.   Where do you get this information?   There is a plethora of info available at your fingertips through several forums such as the internet of course, along with your local library or bookstore, perhaps word of mouth from a friend who has been there, and the official tourism bureau.   However, finding concise, non-biased useful reliable current information without wading

Cruise voyage pricing; how to secure the best possible price with the most perks

Regent Mariner in Alaska  ~  Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises   Cruises are considered by many to be the best value in travel; the allure of sailing our oceans, seas and numerous scenic rivers with fine dining, entertainment, and stops at interesting ports along the way at an attractive price paid in advance has become ever so popular. There are two primary ways to secure fantastic cruise pricing while getting the best promotions & perks:       Tapping into pre-reserved “group blocks” of suites & cabins       "Last minute” discounted pricing GROUP BLOCK SPACE This is the terminology used by the travel industry for multiple suites / cabins that are pre-reserved without specific names of the travelers. It does NOT mean that you the cruiser needs to be a part of a group.   It does NOT mean that you will be herded around with other cruisers within that group block. It does NOT mean that you have an inferior suite / cabin, or less access to

ADVICE ON WORKING WITH TRAVEL AGENTS

As a consumer of goods & services one always wonders if they are getting the best deals, the best advice, the best service possible.  The best way to get expert advice and great deals is to check with a bona fide specialist with years of experience and certifications proving their expertise. This is the case across the board regardless of the profession; doctors, lawyers, interior design, etc. and is most certainly the case with travel agents. ~ It’s a great big world out there, be a bit skeptical of any agent who claims they know the entire world intimately.  Specialization is the key, find a certified specialist with years of experience and corresponding affiliations with travel industry associations ~ When you call a cruise line or tour operator you typically reach an entry level call center agent who has a very limited script to follow speaking of their products & services only, with management instructions on what to “push”.  They typically can only provide ve