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.