TIPS & TRICKS FROM VACATIONS TO REMEMBER
We always want our clients to be OVER prepared for their vacation so below we have compiled our best tips along with a packing list. Please review carefully at least 2 weeks before you travel and reach out to your travel advisor if you have questions or need clarification on any of it!
These points below will answer 99% of the questions we are asked before a trip including what to pack, who to look for when you land if you have transfers included in your package, how to get your “tickets” (boarding passes), who to call in an emergency, and what to avoid, so please take the time to read when you have a moment to ensure a successful travel experience!
Flights, seats & baggage. Air travel in the 21st century is very different from years past. If you have not flown in 5-10 years, be sure to visit your airline's website to educate yourself on seat selections, online check-in, baggage fees, security at the airport, liquids in checked baggage limits, etc. Some airlines do not pre-assign seats without charging a fee. Whenever possible we do pre-assign seats for our clients but if the airline does charge a fee, you must contact them directly to handle that. SouthWest, Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit Airlines are among those for who we can not pre-assign seat numbers for. Most airlines also now charge a fee for checked bags. Every airline is different and they change their rules constantly so be sure to go to their website for up-to-date information. Many will allow you to check-in for your flight on their website 24 hours before travel and print out a boarding pass but that is not necessary if you are unable. (COVID has restricted this in most cases) If possible, download the app for your airline and review your flight information with your confirmation code from your E DOCUMENTS. This makes alerting you to flight changes much easier and allows you to more easily monitor your seats and gate assignments. Other helpful apps to download are listed below but Vacations To Remember is not responsible for the information found via these services:
VeriFLY - this app works with select airlines to help verify travel credentials (like coronavirus test results and passenger locator forms) for select destinations, in order to make the check-in experience more seamless.
Smart Traveler - this is a free service that offers tips and information specifically for U.S. travelers. You can see what visas and vaccines you’ll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip. Register your trip on the app, which gives your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination. If there’s any kind of disaster or tragedy, the local embassy can contact you to see if you need help.
Mobile Passport - a touchless solution that provides a safe, secure, and streamlined way for U.S. and Canadian passport holders to use a mobile device to submit passport information and answers to entry-related questions to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), then access designated Mobile Passport Control lanes upon arrival in the United States. (Not all airports accept or use Mobile Passport) The app can be downloaded for free and used immediately; it does not require a background check, interview, or pre-approval. Millions of individual and group digital submissions have been securely transmitted to CBP, eliminating long lines, paper forms, and shared kiosks.
Seat assignments. To reiterate, many airlines do not pre-assign seats or now charge extra for that service. Whenever possible we will assign seats for you but this is under the control of your airline and not Vacations To Remember. Please ask us if you have certain requests or questions about your airline seat selection policy.
Packing. Never pack anything in your luggage you couldn't stand losing forever, and, to save space, don't pack anything you don't intend to wear at least twice or that isn't readily washable. Most resorts can provide dry cleaning services, so don't be afraid to pack on the light side. Be sure men bring long pants, collared shirts, and closed-toe shoes for some of the formal restaurants that have a dress code. Tape your name, address, phone, and cell number inside your luggage. Outside labels are as abused as the suitcases themselves and might not survive the journey. Inside, they will. Stuff an extra collapsible duffel bag or two into your suitcase. At the end of your vacation, you'll be glad to have additional luggage to store your dirty laundry or those never-thought-you'd-buy mementos. Before your trip, take a snapshot of your luggage inside and out. This will make it easier for airline personnel to identify your belongings if they are lost. The photos also might prove useful for insurance purposes. Always back a few things in a carry-on should your luggage be lost or delayed or if your room is not ready when you arrive at your hotel (a bathing suit would be a good idea).
Attire. Most resorts are fine with beach/casual attire for breakfast and lunch in their restaurants but if you plan to eat in their fine dining restaurants, please bring appropriate attire. For women, no cutoffs or ripped jeans, or bathing suit cover-ups. For men, some require LONG PANTS, CLOSED TOE SHOES, and a COLLARED SHIRT. Please be sure to pack these items for formal dinners.
24 hours prior and at the airport. It is recommended that you download your airline’s APP and check-in 24 hours prior to get your boarding pass electronically. Then be sure to arrive at the airport and check-in for your flight 3 hours prior to departure for international flights. That does not mean enter the parking garage 3 hours prior. Please know that the TSA security lines are very long, especially in the summer. It can take 2 hours to get from the front airline counter to your gate. Your flight departure time is not the time you can arrive at the gate. They close the doors to the plane WELL before that time. Be sure to give yourself PLENTY OF TIME and DO NOT MISS YOUR FLIGHT. If you do, work with the airline directly at the airport to try to get on another. We have no way to rebook you on another flight if you miss yours without charging you for an entirely new ticket.
Passports. Be sure to have them ready and that they match the name as it appears on your airline ticket (aka E-travel document). I can not stress enough how important it is that you apply for your passport early, know where it is well before your departure date (I have had way too many people THINK it is in their top drawer and the night before they are to leave for their trip they discover it is NOT!), and be sure it has not EXPIRED (happens a lot as well). Some countries even require it not to expire for a year after you return from your trip. You can ask me if your destination is one of those if your passport is due to expire soon. Always carry your passport as well as cruise and airline documents (E-travel documents) on your person and not in your luggage or carry-on bag, which might easily be misplaced or lost in the confusion and hurry of travel.
Airline cancellations and delays. While we would love to be able to avoid these, they are a real part of today's travel experience. I always suggest checking the airline app or calling the airline the night before a trip to ensure your flight has not been canceled or rescheduled for a different time. They rarely inform the travel agent of this anymore. If you know in advance, you will be much less inconvenienced than if you find out at the airport. Also, be sure to go by the most recent itinerary received from us for flight info/confirmation codes. This would be your E TRAVEL DOCUMENT and not your initial invoice. Many airlines also offer a free text service you can sign up for to get updates on your flight. If you do have a canceled flight during travel, please work with the airline for rebooking. As your vacation planner, my hands become tied the day you depart. The airline takes control of your booking and unfortunately, does not allow me to change anything. Of course, if you are AT the airport, your best bet is to always work with the airline personnel on-site. They can do so much more than the reservations agents at their toll-free number. So many people call me first when this happens and waste valuable time that could have been spent working with an airline representative and during that time the flight they would like to be protected on gets full. This is just a reality of modern air travel and it isn't always pretty or fun! I am always happy to provide advice or a sympathetic ear but also, often these situations come up at 6AM when I am not even in the office yet. If you do have a glitch with your flights and work out an alternative plan with the airline, be sure to email me so I can advise your shuttle and the hotel of your later arrival time!
Checking in at your hotel. Be sure to have a major credit card with you at check-in. If you plan to use a debit card, be sure it has at least $300-$500 on the account and no holds or low limits set by your bank. All hotels and resorts will put a temporary charge on your card card to “open” the room. This will allow you to make phone calls or charge extras to your room and pay with your card at check out. This also protects the hotel from any damage caused by guests. It is a normal practice by all hotels and resorts worldwide. Your room will be available for check-in no later than 4PM. (In most cases). If you arrive early and your room is not ready yet, you will be allowed to leave your bags with the front desk and enjoy the resort. You may want to have a change of clothes in your carry-on if you prefer not to stay in your traveling clothes.
Timeshares / Vacation Clubs. This has become quite an annoyance for vacationers so we like to warn you that you may be approached at the airport or your resort by a “vacation planner”. Do not fall prey to this! You do not need to attend a breakfast or a seminar or any sort of presentation. The only thing you may be asked to do is confirm your return transfer with the tour desk and if so, please be sure to do that. Any other “invitation” is not something to spend your time on while on vacation so if asked, be sure to ask plenty of questions before accepting. Many resorts will also have an area exclusive to their timeshare members. Please ask me if this is an issue for you so I can advise you more about it.
Room requests. We do all possible to request bedding and other things asked of us, however, please realize these requests are just that. We can not GUARANTEE anything specific. If you arrive at the hotel and your request has not been honored, (high floor, king bed, etc) please ask to speak with a hotel supervisor or manager. Unfortunately, we can not force the hotel to do anything they are not able. If you did not pay extra for an ocean view, more than likely you will have a “resort view” room which can be a view of the gardens, or another building or at best, a portion of the pool area. Please know that preferred views attract a higher cost. A request for an ocean view will not be granted if you did not pay the ocean view rate.
Cell Phones. Please check with your cell phone carrier regarding your international data plan. Most will charge extra for roaming so you may want to turn off your cellular data before departing and use the hotel wifi.
Dining. Many resorts require dinner reservations to be made in advance (upon arrival, not prior to departure) for their nicer restaurants. Be sure to ask at check-in what the procedure to do this is. Each resort is different and some resorts do have an assigned location and window of time to do this so ask where/when this is and be sure to go there to make dining reservations for the week if you so choose.
Tipping. While tips are technically included in the all-inclusive package, in Mexico and the Dominican Republic tips are widely accepted and appreciated. US dollars are always welcomed so feel free to bring a supply of US $1 bills to show appreciation for wait staff at the resort and people who assist you along the way! (At Sandals resorts tipping is not allowed for any staff other than butlers and spa personnel).
Who to call. If you encounter ANY ISSUES while traveling, please know that our suppliers all have 24/7 help desks and that contact info is on your E DOCUMENT. They can assist with issues once you arrive on property, should any arise. Please do not hesitate to utilize these services if you need any assistance after hours.
Reminder. Some islands/countries have sand fleas on the beach at different times of the year. They can affect the person sitting next to you but never bother you (and vice versa). Each person's body chemistry is different so be prepared by bringing some bug spray with you --- just in case! There is an 80% chance you won't be bothered by them but if you are, avoid the $20 gift shop charge for a remedy!
So that’s it! Be sure to remember that you are traveling to a foreign country with different rules and customs from the US. Do not hesitate to ask if you are not sure of anything and please be prepared for a different experience if this is your first time traveling outside of the US. Hopefully, the above information has answered many questions for you but if you still have some, feel free to reply to this email and inquire — we would be happy to set up a phone call to go over this in more detail if needed.
OUR PACKING LIST SUGGESTIONS:
Media
Cellphone and charger
Digital camera, batteries, memory cards, manual
iPod, /MP3 player and headphones, batteries, mini-speakers
Camera case
Journal/notebook and pen
Mini-DVD player or DVD-capable laptop and DVDs
Reading material
Travel guide(s)
Medical
Antibiotic cream
Anti-diarrhea medication
Band-Aids
Birth Control
Bug repellent
Cortisone 1% anti-itch cream
Extra pair of eyeglasses
For the shuttle ride: Sea-sickness bands or pills
Pain reliever
Prescription medicines
Feminine products
Money & Documents
Cash
Copy of marriage license, if necessary
Copy of medical history, if necessary
Copy of vacation packing list
Copy of your passport should it get lost
Driver's license/international driver's license
Emergency numbers and embassy address
Frequent flyer/frequent guest cards
E-ticket airline and hotel confirmation
Passports and visas, if necessary
Photo ID
Travelers checks and receipt (keep separate)
Vaccination certificates, if required
Virus tests, if required
Vouchers/coupons/tickets
Your itinerary
Miscellaneous/Extras
Face masks for the flight
Anti-bacterial wipes
Bubble bath
Binoculars
Currency converter
Duct tape
Keys
Krazy Glue
Lint roller
Luggage locks approved by TSA
Massage oil
Plastic Zip-Loc bags
Playing cards
Q-Tips
Sports gear (tennis racquets, golf clubs, swim goggles)
Sunscreen/SPF
Sunglasses
Inflatable tube/float/beach balls
