Traveler Beware Company Out Of Business

Well today I received another notice regarding a cruise lines in financial trouble.
This notice gave me my idea for today’s travel trip.
I have mentioned a few times how important it is to purchase travel insurance but today I think I need to elaborate a little more.
If your travel agent does not offer you insurance, then you need to bring up the subject yourself .If for some reason they say they do not sell insurance you need to cancel your reservation and find another agent .A legitimate accredited travel agent can and will sell travel insurance.
As your agent begins explaining your options pay close attention not all policies provide company default.
This is the coverage that would pay you if your cruise lines or tour company goes out of business, goes on strike, or is bankrupted before or during your vacation.
Also another very important thing you must keep in mind is DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR INSURANCE THROUGH THE TOUR COMPANY OR CRUISE LINES THAT YOU BOOKED YOUR TRIP WITH.
This may sound funny since you are prompted to do this from the cruise lines or tour company every time you book a trip.
Let me explain why I tell you this. If you book your insurance through the cruise line or tour company it does not provide coverage if they go out of business, go on strike, or are bankrupted before or during your vacation.
Always purchase your Insurance through a third party Insurance company. When you are making this purchase be sure that your agent checks with the insurance company to be certain your cruise line or tour company are on their insurable list.
Your agent will provide you with an insurance card. This card has the insurance companies phone number and an emergency number incase you have problems during your trip. If you do encounter problems call your insurance company first they will advise you on what steps need to be taken. Then call your travel agent he or she will be able to assist in figuring things out.
If you have any questions or need to purchase trip insurance please visit http://www.dmttravel.com you can contact me directly through the site.

BUYING NEW LUGGAGE

1. BUYING NEW LUGGAGE When it comes to buying new luggage, there's always the question of whether it should be soft or hard-sided. Although soft-sided luggage has to be fully packed to gain some degree of sturdiness, it is lighter, flexible for packing, and stores easier. Hard case luggage on the other hand doesn't need to be filled to be durable. The hard case protects the contents better, and often comes with built-in locks. Surprisingly, soft luggage tends to last longer, especially if it's made from canvas or high-tech nylon. Hard cases that take a beating often get their hinges and frames bent, while soft cases tend to roll with the punches. Whatever you decide to buy, save the pricey designer bags for your carry-on. Expensive suitcases just beg to be stolen.
2. UNIQUE BAGGAGE How do you know that black suitcase on the baggage carousel is yours? Black is the most popular luggage choice, as it's the most resistant to dirt and scratches, but it's also the hardest to identify. Too often, passengers arrive home to discover they picked up the wrong suitcase because they didn't check the luggage tag. Tying a colorful ribbon on the handle is a good way to identify your bag, but try to pick an unusual color or braid a few colors together as red is the most common choice. Always put your name, number and itinerary inside the bag, as well as on the outside, in case someone picks up your bag by mistake
3. Lock Your Luggage – Many folks like to lock their luggage. Unfortunately, in this post-911 world, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not allow you to lock your luggage for travel. If they wish to inspect your bag and it is locked they will cut it off. No joke. However, there are now on the market TSA-accepted locks that will allow you to lock your luggage, but be opened with a special device by the TSA for their inspection. (Also approved for the UK.)
4. Be sure and check out Skins Footwear
“Our collapsible footwear is a natural for consumers who travel. The ability to wear one Bone over which countless uppers can be built out allows the traveler to pack numerous Skins (uppers) in the space ordinarily required for a single pair of shoes. The fact that airlines are charging consumers to check baggage amplifies the advantages of Skins over ordinary footwear.The bonus is that each built out Skin and Bone combination provides our consumer with consistent fit and all day comfort.
Go to http://www.dmttravel.com for more travel tips

International Travel

1. First thing you need to think about is packing, the one must have is a couple pairs of Skins.Our collapsible footwear is a natural for consumers who travel. The ability to wear one Bone over which countless uppers can be built out allows the traveler to pack numerous Skins (uppers) in the space ordinarily required for a single pair of shoes. The fact that airlines are charging consumers to check baggage amplifies the advantages of Skins over ordinary footwear.
The bonus is that each built out Skin and Bone combination provides our consumer with consistent fit and all day comfort.
Please visit http://www.dmttravel.com/ to see the available styles.

2.It's a smart idea to make copies of your passport. Leave one at home and one packed separately from your original passport in case it gets lost. Remember to take your birth certificate and license with you as backup identification, and keep them separate.

3. Traveling abroad can be a rewarding educational experience or essential to your business goals. But remember, as a foreigner you're always vulnerable and need to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Your passport is a universal piece of identification, so it's recognizable anywhere.

4. Carry as little luggage with you as possible. It's a good idea to limit yourself to a 20 pound piece of luggage that you can easily bring on a plane, and tote around in public. Remember that when you schlep bags, you give yourself away as a tourist, another reason why it's good to pack lightso be sure to check out the Skins line of shoes.

5.0 Familiarize yourself with local laws, language and customs of the country to which you are traveling. Read the security and health warnings of your destination point if one has been issued by the U.S. Department of State. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you so if you get arrested you're at the mercy of the local justice system. It's a good idea to register your name with the local U.S. embassy.

6. Don't leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Lost luggage can be a vacation killer and when you can't speak a foreign language, it can be very difficult to recover your belongings. As always, stay aware of your surroundings and you won't have to worry about someone swiping your bags. Pick-pockets know that American tourists typically carry a great deal of money on them. A money belt is an easy way to guard against these predators. These small, nylon-zippered pouches cost no more than $10 to $15. Keep most of your cash and credit cards in this hidden compartment as reserve, and only put a day's worth of cash in your pocket.
Please go to http://www.dmttravel.com/ for more travel tips and destinations.

Before Leaving Home

1. It's days before vacation and you can't wait to finish work, and head out to enjoy your hard-earned time off. But before you rush out, think about home. You don't want to wake up in your hotel room, wondering whether you turned out the lights and turned off the oven. If you're someone prone to forget, walk through the entire house to make sure every loose end is tied up.

2. Hire someone to mow the lawn and water the plants. Landscapers can charge between $25 to $50 for weekly maintenance. If the price for professional service is too high, try to find a neighborhood kid looking to earn a little spending money. Make sure he or she is trained to use your lawn equipment and that they have a key to lock up the equipment when they're done.

3. Ask a neighbor to check on things, pick up leaflets and collect unexpected deliveries. Give them a key, your alarm code and emergency contact numbers. Have them walk through the house once or twice to make sure everything is in working order. If neighbors aren't available, find a relative or close friend to watch the house while you're gone.

4. Provide detailed written instructions for the care and feeding of your animals including the number of the vet. If you're kenneling your pet, do plenty of homework before you leave. Visit the kennel to make sure it's clean, the animals are happy and your pet is comfortable. Speak with the kennel staff to make sure they're professional and familiar with the feeding habits and general needs of your pet, which can be breed-specific.

5. Piled-up newspapers and magazines give the impression that the homeowner isn't home. It's a cue to burglars that the place is empty and ripe for picking. Remember to stop delivery before you leave.

Visit www.dmttravel.com for more travel tips, destinations and much more.

Packing Tips

" Be Sure and pack your Skins Footwear"
Our collapsible footwear is a natural for consumers who travel. The ability to wear one Bone over which countless uppers can be built out allows the traveler to pack numerous Skins (uppers) in the space ordinarily required for a single pair of shoes. The fact that airlines are charging consumers to check baggage amplifies the advantages of Skins over ordinary footwear.The bonus is that each built out Skin and Bone combination provides our consumer with consistent fit and all day comfort.

1. Lay all your clothes out straight. First one with the collar to the left, second collar to the right; repeat with all other garments. Fold over the sides, then from bottom to top in nice neat bundles. Purchase EBAGS on line. Insert the clothing into a bag, roll to release all air (or if vacuum brand, suction out the air), then seal it closed. No wrinkles, and you save so much space in your luggage and the airline costs for the extra pieces.

2. To prevent bottles of suncreen or shampoo from leaking, I remove the lid and place plastic cling wrap over the open top. Put the lid back on and you have a nice secure bottle. I have yet to have one leak.

3. Pack swim suits and anything wet in a separate zip lock bag. That way you can pack if it is wet and keep other clothes dry. Be sure to unpack it and dry it out when you get a chance.

4.I pack items in mesh travel bags. I put underwear and miscellaneous items like sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, first aid kit, etc. in one, and use another larger size for like items such as tops and shorts. It is easy to just take the entire bag out and put it in a drawer or closet, and then pack away again when you leave. Your clothes also do not get mixed up if your luggage happens to be opened by the TSA.

For more travel tips visit http://www.dmttravel.com/ or contact me to find out all our featured destinations at groupspecialist@hotmail.com

What are the benefits of using a travel agent?

What are the benefits of using a travel agent?
You save money, because agents can give you the most up-to-date information on how to get the best value.
You get priority customer service, because The American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) requires its members to adhere to a strict code of ethics.
It’s more convenient, because most agents offer one-stop shopping for all travel arrangements.
It’s easier, because agents have access to education and resource materials to make your travel plans go smoothly.

Electronic ticketing and Long Lines

1.If I use electronic ticketing, what will I need to bring to the airport?
Your driver’s license or other government-issued picture I.D., such as a passport or state I.D. card (the name on the ticket must match the name on your I.D. exactly);
The ticket’s confirmation number; and
The credit card the ticket was charged on.
2.How can I avoid waiting in long lines at the airport?
Before you leave for the airport, contact the airline for an update on the flight schedule. (Late flights will mean an even more crowded airport with longer lines everywhere, so be sure to arrive early enough to make your flight.)
If available, avoid the long lines at the counter using curbside or off-airport check-in or electronic ticket kiosks.

Skins Footwear to focus on Travel Industry opportunity.

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Skins Footwear Inc. developer and marketer of unique patented two-piece interchangeable footwear has inked an agreement with Donna Touchette travel industry veteran to exploit the distribution opportunity within the travel industry. Donna will focus on travel agencies, cruise line boutiques, and travel resort and spa boutiques. Her vast experience and connections within the travel business and her accessibility to countless regional and national travel events make her the ideal candidate to introduce the Skins concept as a natural travel accessory.
Mark Klein, President and Founder stated, “Our collapsible footwear is a natural for consumers who travel. The ability to wear one Bone over which countless uppers can be built out allows the traveler to pack numerous Skins (uppers) in the space ordinarily required for a single pair of shoes. The fact that airlines are charging consumers to check baggage amplifies the advantages of Skins over ordinary footwear.
The bonus is that each built out Skin and Bone combination provides our consumer with consistent fit and all day comfort.
We believe current market conditions will reward companies unencumbered by traditional paradigms who seek logical alternatives to current distribution. The travel industry appears to be a natural fit for Skins.”
Ms Touchette replied, “Early response to the Skins story from the industry leaders has been very positive. I believe this is a wonderful opportunity to add significant value to the services they provide while opening up an important non traditional channel of distribution for Skins”.
Contact Donna at www.dmttravel.com

14 Day Round Trip Cruise LA to Hawaii

September 29, 2010

Limited Space !!!

14-Day Cruise Round Trip to Hawaii from L.A.

Princess Cruise Lines on the Golden Princess

Los Angeles, California 4:00 PM

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

Hilo, Hawaii 7:00 AM 7:00 PM

Honolulu, Hawaii 7:00 AM 11:00 PM

Kauai (Nawiliiwili), Hawaii 8:00 AM 5:00 PM

Maui (Lahaina), Hawaii 7:00 AM 7:00 PM

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

At Sea

Ensenada, Mexico 1:00 PM 8:00 PM

Los Angeles, California 7:00 AM

Inside Cabin 1st & 2nd guests in cabin 1650.00 per person

3rd & 4th guests in cabin 1110.00 per person

Ocean View 1st & 2nd guests in cabin 2100.00 per person

3rd & 4th guests in cabin 1300.00 per person

Balcony 1st & 2nd guests in cabin 2460.00 per person

3rd & 4th guests in cabin 1500.00 per person

Mini Suite 1st & 2nd guest in cabin 3000.00 per person

3rd & 4th guests in cabin 1750.00 per person

Price Includes: Cruise, Taxes and fees, 50.00 donation to Breast Cancer Foundation

Prices do not include: Air Fare, Transfers or Trip Protection Plan

http://www.dmttravel.com/

groupspecialist@hotmail.com

Alaskan 7 Day Cruise August 21, 2010

Princess Cruise Lines Golden Princess Sails August 21, 2010
Total per Person
Inside Cabin Cat J 1st and 2nd guests $1050.00 based on double occupancy
3rd and 4th guests $750.00
Ocean View Cat D 1st and 2nd guests $1550.00 based on double occupancy
3rd and 4th guests $850.00
Obstructed Ocean View Cat 1st and 2nd guests $1350.00 based on double occupancy
3rd and 4th guests $850.00
Balcony Cat BC 1st and 2nd guests $1750.00 based on double occupancy
3rd and 4th guests $950.00
Mini Suite AB 1st and 2nd guests $1950.00 based on double occupancy
3rd and 4th guests $1050.00

*A Passport will be needed for this cruise

Price Includes: 7 day Cruise, cruise taxes and fees, port charges
Price Does Not Include: Air, Trip protection Plan
Trip protection should be purchased by guests at time of sign up .If declined a waiver must be signed
Donna Touchette Cruise N Travel Experts 928-377-3923
groupspecialist@hotmail.com
http://www.dmttravel.com/

Packing liquids and medications

1.What’s the best way to pack liquids?
Use plastic bottles and only fill them half way (in case they’re crushed or the contents freeze and expand), place plastic wrap over the top, and put the cap on tightly over the plastic wrap. You also might want to pack them in plastic freezer bags.

2.What about the medications I need for my trip?
Pack them in your carry-on luggage, so it will be less likely to be lost. Your carry-on bags will also do less harm to temperature-sensitive medications. Additionally:
Carry your medication in their original bottles to help avoid security questions.
If you have any questionable drugs or particularly large supplies, you might want to bring a letter from your doctor stating you have a legal right to use these drugs.
If you’re traveling outside the U.S., check to see what you can take with you. (Legal medications here might be illegal elsewhere.)

Frequent- Flyer Vouchers and unused tickets

1.Is it advisable to buy someone else’s frequent-flyer vouchers or unused tickets?
No! Most Airline programs have rules against this, and you could be denied boarding if caught. Further, with today’s airport technology, your chances of getting caught are good. Besides, many of these items are easy to copy or fake, so you might end up the victim of fraud.

2.How can I get the most out of my frequent-flyer points?
Check several itineraries. (Different routes or days traveled could save you money and get you more points.)
Check airline partners. (Many airlines have partnership agreements that can earn you frequent-flyer points on your regular airline.)
Stay in hotels on your program. And charge meals and services to the hotel room to earn even more points. (You can even use credit cards that earn you extra points.)
Use rental cars on your program.

Is it safe to use airport's wireless internet service?

1. Is it safe to logon to an airport's wireless internet service?
Yes, it's okay to surf the web wirelessly, but think twice before entering personal information such as banking passwords or credit card numbers when connected wirelessly. Open hotspots are also hotspots for hackers.
Here’s how it works: Though you think you’re logging on to the Internet through a legitimate wireless hotspot such as an airport’s, cafés or hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi service, wireless hackers are creating look-alike networks to steal your information. The network’s name might be the same as the legitimate name or it might be different. For example, when turning on your laptop at the airport you might be asked if you want to join the "Free Airport Wireless" network. It may be the real thing, or it may be a hacker’s network. If it’s the hackers, your laptop is an easy target.
2.How can I get the most for my money on a short cruise?
You might consider a during-the-week, four-day cruise, instead of a three-day weekend cruise. Because it’s harder for people to get away during the week than on the weekend, there can be less demand for the four-day cruise, so you might get that extra day for less money.

TSA is mandating

TSA Secure Flight data.
The implementation date for domestic flights is set for May 1, 2009 with the international flights following by the end of the year. TSA is mandating that all airline reservations have pertinent client information added to them. If you refuse to disclose, you will not be able to get a boarding pass at home or at the airport until the information has been provided. Ultimately failure to disclose will lead to missing your flight with no refund. Trip Protection insurance does not cover this.Pertinent passenger information to be collected
Full Name
Date of Birth
Gender
Nationality
ID = Travel Document
Expiration Date of Travel Document
Issuing state or country of Travel Document

Acceptable ID’s include / The two most common forms of ID’s are below in RED
· Drivers licenses or other state photo identity cards issued by Department of Motor Vehicles (or equivalent) that meets REAL ID benchmarks (All states are currently in compliance)
· US Passport
· US Passport Card
· DHS Trusted Traveler Cards (Nexus, Sentri, Fast)
· US Military ID (active duty or retired military and their dependents)
· Permanent Resident Card
· Border Crossing Card
· DHS-designated enhanced drivers license

Important Things to Concider

1. When ever you go away from your hotel,
EACH OF YOU SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO GRAP A BUSINESS CARD FROM THE FRONT DESK THAT HAS THE HOTEL NAME AND ADDRESS ON IT. DO THIS REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE GOING OUT ON YOUR OWN OR WITH THE GROUP.
With this information you will always to able to get back to your hotel with no problems.
2. Do not leave any cash in your rooms when you leave. Each of you should keep a little cash in different areas on your person. Each of you should also have a credit card.
3. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
4. Always make sure that you have your passport on your body whenever you leave your hotel rooms.Do not leave them in your rooms, not even just to go eat.
5. Be sure and have your Trip Insurance information with your other travel documents on your person when traveling. Hopefully you will not need them, but if you do you will have no worries. If you face any problems, Illness, missed flight, lost luggage there is contact numbers for you to call. Do this right away!
6. If you want to purchase souvenirs during your trip I would try to use your credit card as much as possible. That way you have proof of purchase, and tracking if a problem arises.

Make Sure Before You travel

1. Be sure and have any medication, camera, jewelry (I would not even take any jewelry) in your carry-on. Do not pack these things in your checked bags. AND DO NOT PACK ANY CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS.
2. You will only be allowed one suitcase not weighing over 50 pounds, one carry on and a purse or small brief case type item. If you go over the weight restrictions the airlines will charge you big.
Tour companies only allow one suit case per person on the bus.
3. If you are parking yourself at the airport, please remember to write down where you parked and place it somewhere handy that you will remember. When you return home you are going to be very tired and trying to remember this stuff is just too hard.
If you are arranging other transportation to and from the airport be sure and have their contact information, so you can get in touch if you need to. I would give them a call when you return to the states before your connecting flight takes off to touch base and review your pickup details.
4. Be sure and carry a jacket with you onto the airplane, they generally keep the cabins very cold and that would be a long miserable trip if you cannot get warm.
5. There will be instructions in your documents stating when and where your tour guide will greet you and you will join the group. We will go over these documents together.
6. You are going to need a travel plug converter in order to use any of your electronics over seas.
DO NOT PLUG IN ANY OF THEM WITHOUT USING THE CONVERTER YOU WILL FRY YOUR APPLIANCE, CAMERA, PHONE, CURLING IRON, HAIR DRYER, ETC. You can pick one up at Wal-Mart.
For more travel tips vist www.dmttravel.com

Before You Travel

Travel Tips.
1. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
2. Be sure and call your Credit Card Companies and tell them the dates and the destinations of your vacation.
3. You might want to go to your bank and get some currency before your trip. You should be able to get some at the airport but that would be just one more thing to have to do then, and I think you would get a better deal from your bank.
4. Make sure and make a copy of your passport, carry that copy in your carry-on.
Also leave a copy with your travel agent or a family member.
5. Make a copy of your itinerary and place it inside your checked luggage, right on top. That way if your luggage happens to get misplaced the airlines will have the information needed to forward it to you.
Also leave a copy of your itinerary home with a family member or friend.
Another thing to consider is for you to share suitcases. Each pack half your clothes in the others suitcase.
That way if one losses their luggage you at least have something to wear until your bags show up.
If by some chance your luggage is not there, go directly to the claims center and let them know. If you are going to be greeted by a tour guide be sure and tell them also .Then call your Travel Insurance Company.
For More Travel Tips go to www.dmttravel.com

Tuesday Travel Tips, February 24th, 2009

There appears to be a strong correlation between sitting for many hours in a cramped airline seat (or bus, car or train seats) and the possibility of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs, a condition which has been tagged "Economy Class Syndrome" by some travel writers.
Studies are now being undertaken to examine the full extent of this connection, but physicians generally agree that sitting still for three hours or more, especially if the seat cushion presses against the bottom of the thighs, encourages blood to stagnate in the lower portion of the legs. This may cause swelling, stiffness, joint pain and fever, and increases the odds that a blood clot could form in the veins. This blood clot could then break loose and travel to the lungs where it could constrict the flow of blood to the lungs, creating a pulmonary embolism that could result in severe health problems or even death. Embolisms can occur hours, or even days after the clot is formed.
While the risk is small for most healthy people, many airlines are issuing warnings to their passengers both on their websites and when long-haul tickets are purchased. In addition, some airline sites offer exercise routines that can be performed while seated to keep the blood flowing. The following tips will help keep you in circulation:
Drink lots of water, and avoid beverages that dehydrate (coffee, tea, alcohol)
Avoid salty food; snack instead on healthy foods to encourage good circulation
Wear support socks that apply the proper amount of compression to the lower legs
Get up and move around the aircraft cabin occasionally (aisle seats make this easier)
Exercise your feet and legs four to five minutes every hour when seated.
If your legs are not long enough for your feet to rest comfortably on the floor, use a footrest or prop your feet on your carry-on bag. This will reduce seat pressure on the back of your thighs that may inhibit circulation.
If your legs are long, try to board at the first announcement to increase the odds that your carry-on luggage can be stowed in the overhead bin, allowing you to take advantage of all available leg space.
For extra comfort and protection from swelling and DVT, alternating pressure seat cushions enhance circulation by shifting the pressure points where your body comes in contact with the airline seat.
Of course, if a traveler is currently suffering from circulation problems or has a history of blood clots, a physician should be consulted prior to flying.

Travel Tip Tuesday, February 17th, 2009

1. Be sure and carry a jacket with you onto the airplane, they generally keep the cabins very cold and that would be a long miserable trip if you cannot get warm.
2. There will be instructions in your documents stating when and where your tour guide will greet you and you will join the group. We will go over these documents together in person, phone or via e-mail @ groupspecialist@hotmail.com
3. You are going to need a travel plug converter in order to use any of your electronics over seas.
DO NOT PLUG IN ANY OF THEM WITHOUT USING THE CONVERTER YOU WILL FRY YOUR APPLIANCE, CAMERA, PHONE, CURLING IRON, HAIR DRYER, ETC. You can pick one up at Wal-Mart or a retail store near you.
4. When ever you go away from your hotel,
EACH OF YOU SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO GRAP A BUSINESS CARD FROM THE FRONT DESK THAT HAS THE HOTEL NAME AND ADDRESS ON IT. DO THIS REGARDLESS IF YOU ARE GOING OUT ON YOUR OWN OR WITH THE GROUP.
With this information you will always to able to get back to your hotel with no problems.
5. Do not leave any cash in your rooms when you leave. Each of you should keep a little cash in different areas on your person. Each of you should also have a credit card.
6. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
7. Always make sure that you have your passport on your body whenever you leave your hotel rooms.Do not leave them in your rooms, not even just to go eat.
8. Be sure and have your Trip Insurance information with your other travel documents on your person when traveling. Hopefully you will not need them, but if you do you will have no worries. If you face any problems, Illness, missed flight, lost luggage there is contact numbers for you to call. Do this right away! And you can always contact me through my web site at www.dmttravel.com from any location.
9. If you want to purchase souvenirs during your trip I would try to use your credit card as much as possible. That way you have proof of purchase, and tracking if a problem arises.
I will continue to come up with as many of these tips as I can to make your travel experience
A GREAT ONE. Thank you for your business
Call Today to book your dream vacation or destination wedding.
Donna Touchette 928-757-3368 or 928-377-3923

Tuesday Travel Tips, February 10,2009

Things to know before you go
1. You should have two credit cards (Different accounts)
2. Be sure and call your Credit Card Companies and tell them the dates and the destinations of your vacation.
3. You might want to go to your bank and get some currency before your trip. You should be able to get some at the airport but that would be just one more thing to have to do then, and I think you would get a better deal from your bank.
4. Make sure and make a copy of your passport, carry that copy in your carry-on.
Also leave a copy with your travel agent @www.dmttravel.com or a family member.
5. Make a copy of your itinerary and place it inside your checked luggage, right on top. That way if your luggage happens to get misplaced the airlines will have the information needed to forward it to you.
Also leave a copy of your itinerary home with a family member or friend.
Another thing to consider is for you to share suitcases. Each pack half your clothes in the others suitcase.
That way if one losses their luggage you at least have something to wear until your bags show up.
If by some chance your luggage is not there, go directly to the claims center and let them know. If you are going to be greeted by a tour guide be sure and tell them also .Then call your Travel Insurance Company.
6. Be sure and have any medication, camera, jewelry (I would not even take any jewelry) in your carry-on. Do not pack these things in your checked bags. AND DO NOT PACK ANY CASH, TRAVELERS CHECKS OR CREDIT CARDS IN YOUR CHECKED BAGS.
7. You will only be allowed one suitcase not weighing over 50 pounds, one carry on and a purse or small brief case type item. If you go over the weight restrictions the airlines will charge you big.
Tour companies only allow one suit case per person on the bus.
8. If you are parking yourself at the airport, please remember to write down where you parked and place it somewhere handy that you will remember. When you return home you are going to be very tired and trying to remember this stuff is just too hard.
If you are arranging other transportation to and from the airport be sure and have their contact information, so you can get in touch if you need to. I would give them a call when you return to the states before your connecting flight takes off to touch base and review your pickup details.
More of What you need to know before you go next week, If you have any questions now please contact me through http://www.dmttravel.com/
Talk to you soon
Donna Touchette

Travel Tip Tuesday January 27,2009

Ok , For the last few weeks I have hopefully provided you with a lot of helpful information for traveling with your pets. If you need more details or need additional information please contact me at http://www.dmttravel.com/.
I am attaching several 800 number for the airlines, when planning to travel with a pet always call the airlines and talk to them direct to find out all their rules and regulations concerning your pets travel.
• Air Tran Airways - 800-247-8726
• American Airlines - 800-433-7300
• Continental Airlines - 800-525-0280
• Delta Air Lines - 800-221-1212
• Jet Blue Airways - 1-800-JETBLUE
•Midwest Airlines - 800-452-2022
• Northwest Airlines - 800-225-2525
•Pan Am Airways - 800-359-7262
•Southwest Airlines - 800-435-9792
•Spirit Airlines - 800-772-7117
•United Airlines - 800-241-6522
• US Airways - 800-428-4322
Next week I will start on a new subject which I hope you will find interesting.
In the mean time have a great week and will talk to you soon , same time same place!!
Donna

Travel Tip Tuesday January 20, 2009

Continue Travel Tips for your Pets:
Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.• Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's kennel. A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.• Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo stress during hectic travel periods.• Carry a leash with you so that you may walk your pet before check-in and after arrival. Do not place the leash inside the kennel or attach it to the outside of the kennel• When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.
Please visit www.dmttravel for more tips
Donna

Travel Tip Tuesday January 13th, 2009

Continue Pet Travel:
Use direct flights.•Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded below the cabin.•When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling with you and whether your pet is with you or below the cabin. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.• Do not ship pug-nosed dogs or cats such as Pekingese, Chow Chows, and Persians in the cargo hold. These breeds have short nasal passages that leave them vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke in cargo holds.• If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes, particularly if your pet is traveling below the cabin.• Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar—a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.• Affix a travel label to the carrier with your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination, and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives.
Please visit http://www.dmttravel.com/ for more travel tips for your pet and yourself.
Donna

Pet Travel :Travel Tip Tuesday January 6, 2009

Happy New Year.
Because we all love our pets so much for a few weeks I would like to talk about traveling with them.
I will post a few ideas each week, but if you are intending to travel soon with your pet please visit my site at www.dmttravel.com/pet.html for all the information fast.
If you decide to take your pet with you when you go abroad, you should check with the embassies of the destination countries as to specific requirements that must be met before a pet may be brought into the country. Many countries have strict health, quarantine, agriculture, wildlife, and customs requirements and prohibitions. A listing of foreign embassies and consulates in the U.S. is available on the Department of State’s website at http://www.state.gov/s/cpr/rls/dpl/32122.htm. Foreign embassy and consulate contact information can also be found on the Country Specific Information for each country.
Note: In a crisis in which chartered or military aircraft or ships are used to evacuate Americans from a danger area, pets will not normally be permitted on the carrier. The pet owner will need to make other arrangements in order to remove the pet from the area. (Service animals, such as guide dogs, are not considered pets and will be accommodated if possible.)
Next week will be talking about what you need to know to have your pet travel on an airplane.
For all your travel needs please visit me at www.dmttravel.com