“Stretching Your Summer Travel Dollars” Download the Podcast HERE |
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Summer is just about here, and we are heading for one of the most challenging vacation travel seasons in recent history. Gas prices are way up, and that’s pushing up the price of so many other things including hotels, airfare and even food. Cheryl Hudak, President and CEO of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents, offers some money saving tips for summer travel.
Choose the right hotel…
All Embassy Suites Hotels have two-room suites consisting of a bedroom and separate living room with a sofa bed, so families have room to spread out. Embassy Suites Hotels is one of the only upscale hotels to offer a complete complimentary breakfast! Their cooked-to-order breakfast includes custom-made signature omelets and hot items, including bacon, sausage, pancakes, fruit, pastries, cereal, etc. At the end of the day, Embassy Suites Hotels hosts a Managers’ Reception from 5 – 7 PM for all their guests. Everyone can come to the atrium for a beverage and some light appetizers and socialize. www.EmbassySuites.com
Visit a place where summer time is not a busy season…
Grenada is one of the few Caribbean islands that is of volcanic origin and has a lush, tropical rainforest deep within its interior making it one of the last unspoiled destinations in the Caribbean. Summer time is low season in Grenada. Most of the hotels in Grenada offer wonderful specials & deals during this time. It is nicknamed the “Spice of the Caribbean” because there are more spices found in the country, per square mile, than anywhere else on the planet. Grenada also offers visitors world-class beaches, sailing, diving, fishing and hiking. www.grenadagrenadines.com
Protect your vacation with a comprehensive travel insurance policy…
Rest assured there will be plenty of cancellations, delays and lost luggage. Travelers can’t control that, but they can protect themselves with travel insurance – and a travel agent can provide details. AIG Travel Guard, for example, can track lost luggage down and deliver it the hotel. They also cover meals, lodging and related expenses. They can even pay for an evacuation, in case of emergency, potentially saving travelers thousands of dollars for a very small investment.
www.TravelGuard.com
ASTA is the world's largest association of travel professionals. Their 20,000-plus members include travel agents and the companies whose products they sell such as tours, cruises, hotels, car rentals, etc. For over 75 years, ASTA has been the leading advocate for travel agents, the travel industry and the traveling public. Their members continue to thrive as more travelers see the benefits of consulting an expert when making travel arrangements. www.ASTA.org or www.TravelSense.org