In recent years, there has been a lot of buzz about last minute travel deals.  In the last few weeks, we have been dealing with a lot of people calling our office to see what kind of last minute specials they can get.  Unfortunately, in the last two years or so, last minute travel has become a myth.  It almost never exists.

The first reason is simply that if flights are not full, airlines are canceling flights rather than offer radically discounted seats.  The airlines are in trouble, and this is their knee-jerk response to tightening the belt.

Although hotels will occasionally run last minute summer specials, it is usually for weekday travel, for Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursday.  They also mean last minute as in the next 10 days.  Unfortunately, where the hotels slash prices, you will still pay through the nose for airline tickets.

The only last minute deals that are still around are the last minute cruise deals.  These cruise ships are leaving, end of story.  Therefore, the ships will go crazy trying to fill up the  ship.  If you leave in Texas, Florida, California. Organ or Washington, this is great news for you because you can get a hold of a last minute cruise deal without paying for air.  Last minute cruise deals can be good for other state residences too, it is just important that you choose a deal from your closest port.  If your in New York, try going out of Florida instead of California.

The key in planning a last minute is to be flexible.  You cannot have a strict budget of $800 and only be willing to travel to one very specific place.  And although you can get great last minute deals, you should not expect a five star property at a two star price.  Specials are available, but think more like 25-40%.  $500 a night for a five star suite is pretty good when it normally costs $950.  Think in terms of VALUE not bottom line.  If your main concern is paying as little as possible, you are better off booking at least 6 months ahead.

Hello everyone!

I know it has been a while since I have made a post.  With so many people trying to book summer honeymoons and with 5 bridal shows in the next 10 weeks, it has been a bit crazy in my office.

I just thought I would do a quick post about an Italian honeymoon I am putting together for some clients of mine, Amanda and Angelo.  With three whole weeks to spend in Italy, this pair want to see and do as much as they can without being too rushed.  Here is the Itinerary I built for them, and let me tell you, I would go on this honeymoon myself!  By putting them in some excellent 4 star hotels, the cost of this honeymoon with all you see below (except for the air and train tickets), this honeymoon is only going to cost a little over $7,000 total for two.

October

10
Depart LAX

11
Arrive Venice
12
Gondola Ride
Venice

13
Train to Milan
Milan

14
Last Supper Tour in Milan
Train to Florence in the afternoon
Florence

15
Morning Visit to Accademia to see David
Day at leisure
Florence

16
Morning visit to Uffizi
Day at leisure
Florence

17
All Day trip to Chinque Terra
Evening at leisure
Florence

18
Afternoon trip to Pisa
Evening at leisure
Florence

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Train or Taxi to Tuscany area
Evening at leisure
Tuscany

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Maybe wine tour from hotel
Evening at leisure
Tuscany

21
Day at leisure
Tuscany

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Taxi to nearest station.  Train to Rome.
Evening at leisure
Rome

23
Vatican tour
Evening at leisure
Rome

24
Tickets for open city bus for day at leisure
Rome Night walking tour
Rome

25
Tickets for open city bus for day at leisure
Rome

26
Train from Rome to Naples
Evening at leisure
Naples

27
Pompeii and Herculeam tour
Evening at leisure
Naples

28
Capri and Anacapri excursion
Evening at leisure
Naples

29
Taxi or bus from Naples to Sorrento or Positano
Sorrento/
Positono

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Sorrento/
Positono

31
Sorrento/
Positono

November
1
Train/Taxi to Naples.  Fly Naples to Rome, Rome to  LAX

If you are planning an Italian honeymoon, and are not sure what to do, where to go or how to make it fit into your budget, give me a call or send me an email!

Hi everyone!

I am sure a lot of you have heard on the news about the grounding and cancelations of thousands of flights.  Let me tell you what I have been dealing with as an industry insider…

First of all, 2/3 of my clients who were booked on either ATA or Aloha were able to use the cost of their tickets towards the purchase of new tickets on a different carrier.  These are clients who purchased a prepackaged deal, and who, in essence, purchased tickets from American Express Vacations instead of directly through the airlines.  This is definately a plus for those interested in booking with a travel agent.  I have clients who ended up paying the difference, which is twice what their original tickets were, but at least their money is not simply gone. 

I do have some clients who insisted on trying to cut the price of their package by booking ATA flights directly from the  airlines.  These people did not get any credit and now have to dispute the charge with the airlines through their credit card company.  One couple was so upset, they canceled their honeymoon.

I have been receiving a lot of calls and emails about people concerned with the airlines.  There is really nothing that can be done.  No one is sure how the government will intervene with bankrupsies, and no one is sure what will be happening next.  As far as we know, American Airlines should be fine once they meet the high maitence standards, and should be flying soon.

The upside of clients who book with us is that if they are stranded, if their flights are canceld or if the airline they are on goes out of business, my clients can rely on me to assist.  Wether they need a place to stay, a new ticket or advise, they have the safty of the largest seller of travel in the world.  On top of that, they have a personal travel agent who is ready with a friendly greeting and a breath of calm.

So what can you do?  Well…

1.  If you have already booked, there is nothing much you can do.  I suggest that if you paid with a credit card, that you contact your card and ask if there is any travel purchase protection plans you can buy into.  This would protect the amount you charge with your credit card and should bankrupsy occure, may offer some protection.  Talk to your credit card company, as each one is different.

2.  If you have yet to book, try to fly on big name airlines versers smaller/cheaper airlines that are less stable.  A good rule of thumb is if it flies internationally and nationally, they are large enough.

3.  Ask your travel agent if they offer any insurence that covers trip interuption, travel company disbandment and bankrupsy.  Make sure to refer to your policies terms and conditions.

Just remember, this upheaval is effecting travelers, travel agents, tour operators, hotels, other airlines and credit card companies in a big way.  If you are feeling a bit stressed, taken advantage of and depressed about alternatives, you are not alone.  The greater part of everyone’s week, both this week and last, was spent trying to resolve these issues as best we can!  No matter who you are talking to, be it your travel agent, your tour operator, your airline of choice or your credit card company, we all still value you, our customer, and will be doing are best to work to offer you the best options available.

Thanks to everyone for their patience in the last weeks!

Our free honeymoon registry has been going strong for the last five years. With this concept becoming extremely popular in the last year or so, we have expanded our program to our clients and have continued to look for ways to improve our service for honeymoon couples.

I am really excited to announce that we have finally added a way to make a gift to any honeymoon registry online. Again, there is still no service fee charge of any kind. Engaged couples pay nothing, and their friends and family pay nothing for this service.

To sign up for a registry, or to send a couple who have registered with us a gift, simply visit our website at www.amtweddings.com and click on the Honeymoon Registry drop down menu. Click on give a gift and make sure to completely fill out each field.

Enjoy!

October and November are the unofficial beginning of the new travel year.  This is when pricing is available for the most popular travel months of June through August.  To promote products, resorts and travel consolidators will offer what is often called the early booking discount.  This could be anything from a free night, a special amenity such as free breakfasts, or up to $100 off the hotel stay a night!  This is just one benefit of booking any travel early. When it comes to booking travel for a honeymoon, it is even more important to book early, especially if you are planning to travel between May and August.  These are the most popular wedding months, and honeymooners must compete not only with regular travelers high season, but an increase in other honeymooning couples.  This means that special room categories, such as honeymoon suites and oceanfront properties, will sell out quickly.  And with such an important trip, you do not want to leave it to the last minute chance.

Booking early also gives you the ability to get you air fare at a lower price as well.  Air usually gets more expensive the closer you get to a departure date.  And with air pricing changing on a daily basis, the first price at the earliest time is usually the best.

Once you have a deposit on something, there is no worrying about what could happen.  So weather you are traveling for your honeymoon, a destination wedding or any other type of vacation or getaway, book early to avoid the stress of loose ends!

The other day I sold a honeymoon for seven nights to the St. Regis in Bora Bora, Tahiti.  This world renowned resort plays host to a number of celebrities and the wealthy elite. 

But you would be surprised at the price…

It is only about $1,000 more to stay in an over water honeymoon villa at the St. Regis than if you were to stay at a moderate Bora Bora resort.  Bora Bora and Tahiti are pricey destinations in the first place, so if you are going to spend the money anyways, go all the way!

 Make sure to let all Tahiti resorts know you are honeymooners so that you will get extra amenities and prices.  Just don’t leave your marriage certificate at home.  This document is a must to allow you to get the honeymoon perks.

I have really worked hard to be as accessible as possible for clients and potential clients, and so I am proud to announce yet one more innovative way I am here to serve all of you honeymooning couples out there. I will now be able to receive instant messages via AOL instant messenger, also known as AIM. My screen name will be AMEXHoneymoons, and I will be happy to field any questions, comments or concerns. Feel free to contact me at any time!

Everyone interested in travel, wether it is for a family vacation or a honeymoon, fears hurricanes in tropical destinatons. In responce to my clients many concerns, I wrote this article about travel and hurricanes. Enjoy!

When is hurricane season? Depending on who you ask, the answer is usually different. Some will say that for the Atlantic Ocean and North Pacific, it’s from August until October, while others say June to November. Some say the South Pacific is prone to hurricanes from November to May, while others say it is year round. Basically, there is not certain way to predict any type of weather, and these “seasons” are mostly based on when past years data. The problem is, each year is different, and sometimes drastically so. The reality is that a hurricane can happen at any time in any month at any sea side destination!

Hurricanes could happen in any costal region in the world at any time of the year. Without trying to sound harsh, there is no way to be able to avoid a hurricane other than traveling to a land locked destination. But this does not mean you should never travel. You could step outside your door tomorrow and be struck by lightning, but that does not mean you should become a recluse. Fear should not drive most of decisions you must make in life. So if you want to take a vacation, honeymoon or destination wedding to a costal region during one of the supposed “hurricane seasons”, do it.

And what if, of all the 365 days out of the year, out of all the islands and coastal regions in the world, a hurricane hits your destination during one of your luxury vacations? Take actions to protect yourself. When you purchase your vacation, simply purchase travelers insurance. Most insurance protects you and the money you invested in your vacation in cases of a natural disaster. The best recommendation is to book your trip through American Express Vacations and add American Express’ Cancel For Any Reason Plan. This insurance runs from $89.00 to $129.00 per person, and must be purchased at the time of deposit. It covers the complete cost of your trip, including air, plus medical protection, baggage loss and emergency evacuation costs. And you can cancel for any reason, so that if a hurricane hit the week before and your reconsider, you will not be stuck with the bill. Seize the day, but protect yourself just incase!

There is no reason to get into a fuss about hurricanes. Your travel could be affected by the break out of wars, famine, illness, terrorism and other natural disasters. The fact is, these variables could suddenly come into play at any time. Its the same story with hurricanes. The best you can do is not to panic. Do not let fear of the “what ifs” dictate they way you live or travel. Purchase travelers insurance for those what if situations, take a deep breath and enjoy!

It was nice to see so many happy couples this weekend at Bride World’s two day LA wedding expo. Brides and grooms from all over Los Angles flocked to this event. Brides with plans from 2009 to brides with less than a month left to go were looking for a great place to honeymoon. The top three most popular places were Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean. Europe was so popular, we ran out of brochures on both days. The hot topic was our free honeymoon registry, which I am proud to announce is FINALLY going to be automated on our website so that brides, grooms and guests can view the registry online and gift online! There were lots of people also interested in destination weddings, especially in Hawaii. There was one couple who is all set to be married in Spain! Everything was incredible. The Bride World people really know their stuff! Check out their show in Costa Mesa in October at http://www.brideworld.com where we will, of course, be show casing our stuff.

One of the most frustrating things I here in my line of work is “Well, Expedia is beating your price by…” Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity claim to offer the best price…sometimes even guaranteed. Others offer to beat any price or to match it. These new sites have put many a travel agency out of business, and claim to have conquer the consumer base by offering quality product at a lower cost. The volume done by these sites is said to make up for their marginal profit. So, I am happy to explain to travelers and honeymooners alike what exactly the difference is between online travel services a travel agent, and to debunk these myths!

When you call your local travel agency and ask for a price quote on honeymoon package, most consumers will check against one of the more popular travel websites to see what prices better. True, two thirds of the time, you will find that the internet will beat the travel agent price by about $150. So what is the difference? The travel website will assure you that it is the same package. They will even give you the exact same flights. But when you book with Orbitz or Expedia, they often do not take the seats off of the availability list immediately like travel agents do. This makes it easier for your flight to be over sold. And because your seats were the last tickets to be issued, you will be the first travelers to be bumped on an overbooked flight.

In addition, your hotel room will be in a “less requested area”. This means that while your room will be the category promised, you might have the ocean view room next to the ice machine or the ocean view above the resort night club. Maybe it is in the only wing that did not receive renovations. And the worst part is, once you arrive and discover your room to be lacking, the help desk with the internet travel sight can do nothing to help you, if you even get through in the first place. The resorts and hotels are aware that you are going to be in the most unfavorable rooms, in fact, that is why they sold them to the internet travel site at a discounted rate in the first place.

Travel service sites proudly proclaim that they are able to further save customers money by selling large volumes of travel and collecting a smaller fee. There is some truth to this. Orbitz and Travelocity do have a large volume of travel reservations made, but what little they make in commission they make back in changed or canceled reservations. When you book your package, the price may not cover a number of other fees, such as a daily resort fee, an out of state car fee or some other taxes and fees that are asked to be paid at the airport, resort or cruise ship. Travel agencies will include this in their pricing.

And heaven help you if you have a change in plans. Depending on which site you book with, small changes to your itinerary can cost you between $50 to $100. Most travel agencies offer a travel insurance that covers you and your travel companions if you should have to cancel for a medical or personal emergency. American Express Travel offers a cancel for any reason insurance that even covers your airline tickets. These internet booking engines are now beginning to offer “insurance”, but it rarely covers cancellations in full. Should you have to cancel your internet trip, you might get less than half of the total cost of your vacation, or none at all.

So buyer beware! The internet is a beautiful thing, but for travel arrangements, it is not always as good as it seems. Your local travel agent is there to offer the customer care you need back at home while you’re traveling abroad. When it comes to planning a luxury travel vacation, you are truly better off using a travel agent. You will be guaranteed your place on a plane. If you don’t like your room, your travel agent can have it fixed in a matter of moments. And should there be a problem or if you should need to cancel, your travel agent will fight the battle to reschedule your plans at the lowest cost possible. Travel agents are not focused on quantity, but quality. In this day in age, travel agencies stay afloat with their repeat clients, who swear by them. So travel safe, not sorry, and call a travel agent to hear more benefits that each agency offer their clients.