Photo from flickr.com/photos/colleen-lane

Ever since these travel booking sites appeared on the internet, people have been using them to jet set all over the world. The thought was, with the click of a button, I can buy the cheapest airline ticket to anywhere I want to go. Whenever we would give travelers a price on a flight, they would compare it to the prices online. “But the prices online are half the price!” – Oh, but are they?

Prior to January 2012, travel booking sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, and Travelocity were advertising prices that didn’t include fees and taxes. You could find a flight that appeared to be a $298 flight to Europe, but once you clicked through and were about to purchase your ticket, the price would total up to something like $800. The same thing went for any travel package that covers airfare. The advantage of using a travel agent during these times was to speak to someone who would give you the price as is, not one that was misleading.

The new DOT laws (effective January 26^th, 2012) require companies to include mandatory flight taxes and fees when advertising airfares and travel packages. The moral of this story is the internet isn’t always the right way to go. The average traveler visits ~22 travel related sites during 9.5 research sessions prior to booking. That is a lot of time and energy spent on the internet that you could be spending more productively. Working with a travel agent won’t require you to spend multiple research sessions scouring the internet. And we can get you the same prices the internet offers, if not BETTER prices. Leave it to Graycar Travel, we’ll make sure you get the best (honest!) deal for your dream vacation.

Some things to keep in mind when booking your next trip:

• Airfare prices tend to increase with time. Don’t wait until last minute; try to book your airfare 5-6 months in advance.  This is also when you have the greatest chance of landing frequent flyer award seats.

• If you’re traveling within the country, shoot for a Tuesday or Wednesday. If traveling internationally, Monday to Wednesday could be your best bet. If you can only travel on a weekend, Saturday is also a low-fare day.

• Compare (or ask your travel agent to compare) different prices for flights out of several airports. For example, in NJ we can fly out of Newark, LaGuardia and Philadelphia – check each one to find the cheapest flights.

So far Barcelona has been one of the most amazing things I have ever experienced. Between the food, people and amazing architecture, I have been completely overwhelmed for the past three weeks. The food is delicious, between Paella and the variety of tapas, I’m never bored with a meal. The shopping is also another positive, with sales throughout the entire city until the end of February, there is no wrong in buying anything.

The places to visit are The Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, Montserrat, and the Rambla. Each place is an amazing opportunity to take beautiful pictures and see what exactly Barcelona has to offer. Each section of Barcelona has a different feel to it and there’s so much to do everywhere you go. My personal favorite part is Barceloneta. Barceloneta is considered the costal part of Barcelona and the beaches there are absolutely gorgeous. The seafood is always fresh and there’s always something to do at night. Each day is a new adventure and I can’t wait to keep exploring Barcelona.
Lauren, Quinnipiac Class of 2013

The slide show above has photos from Park Guell, Port Vell and other parts of Barcelona. Park Guell is a garden full of archicture situated on a hill in Barcelona built more than 100 years ago. From the top of the park, you can see miles out into Spain. The mystical park is full of mosaic artwork, fountains, bird nests, greenery and more. On site is a museum full of pieces from Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi.

Port Vell has become another fun destination for Barcelona travelers. Palm trees, beautiful yachts, shops and cafes line the harbor. The Aquarium located in Port Vell is one of the largest Aquariums in Europe, so if you’re not actually going snorkeling, this is your next best bet to see some amazing fish. Take a stroll and soak up the sights before heading to shore for a view of the Balearic Sea.

Barcelona happens to be the Destination of the Month on our Facebook page. If you are interested in learning more about traveling to barcelona, contact Graycar Travel or visit us in our location in Hamilton Square, New Jersey.

Go on a cruise if you…

Photo credit: miamism.com

Want to see more than one city or country

Cruises are great – you can see an entire country in less than 2 weeks. This is a wonderful option for those who get tired of the same thing every day or need some variety.

Desire to be entertained

Cruise ships now and days are practically mini cities on water. 3D movie theaters, water parks, ice rinks, main streets filled with restaurants, there’s never a dull moment.

Want a fun-filled family vacation

Many cruises are family friendly. With all of the entertainment we listed above,you won’t be stuck entertaining your children and will have time to actually enjoy yourself by the pool! If you’re looking for something a little more romantic without the waterparks and movie theaters, try a smaller luxury cruise line.

Don’t like flying

That’s right – you can now take a cruise out of NJ, NY, or Baltimore. There’s no need to get on a flight, just to get to a cruise port now. Just remember when you cruise out of these ports, it takes much longer to get to your warmer weather destination. But at least it cuts out all that time spent at the airport!

Stay at a resort or hotel if you…

Photo Credit: flickr.com/people/victoriapeckham

Get seasick or claustrophobic 

Okay, on most ships these days you won’t feel a thing. But if you hit some rough waters, there is a chance you will feel some movement. And if you’re the type of person who gets seasick, you are not going to have fun stuck inside your tiny cabin.

Are thinking of going to a city with a lot to do

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it takes a lot longer than a day to explore all the city has to offer. A lot of cruises will drop you off at a port and only give you 5-6 hours to walk around – this doesn’t give you a lot of time to take in all the sights.


Want to just relax

Hate moving around or rushed from place to place? If your idea of a vacation is getting up every morning, heading to the beach and staying there until the sun goes down, a resort is your best bet.

Are looking to fully embrace the culture

Living in one place for a week or more will give you a much better idea of the culture than if you went for a couple hours. If you’re the kind of person who wants to enjoy the local food, the daily activities or the nightlife, opt for the hotel.

Notes

• You are not limited to one location if you decide on a hotel/resort. In Europe, you can travel by train, bus, or car to different cities very easily and at a decent price.
• You can find cruises at around $300 a person, but these are very short trips. Don’t rule out resorts and hotels if you’re looking to save money. All-inclusive resorts are a great option for families, couples and honeymooners.

Save Money

Before you start working with a travel agency, ask them if they charge for their services. Many don’t charge, and some will actually offer free incentives. Agents have access to finding all sorts of deals, and know which resorts and airlines charge hidden fees.

* Booking a vacation with Graycar Travel won’t cost you a thing, and we can find you better prices than the internet over 90% of the time.

Travel Agency: One Stop Shop

From airline tickets to hotels, ground transportation, trip cancellation, and tours, a travel agent has you covered. This is a huge advantage, because they will also keep your documents organized in one neat little package. Avoid the headaches and let the travel agent call around and book everything for you. Sure, you’re internet savvy, but why do something when you can have someone else do it for you?

Been There, Done That

A good travel agent is an expert on a specific region or type of travel, because they have travelled there multiple times over the years. Hey, it’s their job. They can make recommendations on where to go, where to stay, what to do, how to dress, where to eat, where NOT to go, and more. And yes, you can find all of this information on the internet, but good luck reading through all of it. The amount of information is extremely overwhelming. For example, there are 620,000,000 results when you Google “Italy Vacation” – yikes!

Sense of Security

Travel agents offer a personal touch that a website cannot provide, and they continue to give you that support even while you are away. If you encounter a problem during your trip, travel agents can act on your behalf to fix the problem or get you to safety.

Avoid Scams

Ever been to a hotel or resort only to find that the pictures on their website are bogus? Travel agents have relationships with trusted tour operators, and know which hotels and resorts are legit and which ones aren’t.

Tips and Tricks

Travel agents know little tips that will help you save money and time. Do you know when the cheapest day to travel is? Do you know when the best time to visit a popular tourist attraction is? Do you know which resort has the best bang for their buck? They do! For more travel tips, Like us on Facebook. 

Love food, will travel? Then these destinations are for you. These are three destinations that offer some of the best food in the world, but are also vacation friendly.

Tokyo, Japan

In 2011, Tokyo was named the world’s gourmet capital when the Michelin guide awarded it more stars than any other city for the fifth year in a row. If you’re a sushi lover or noodle, this is the city for you. Where else can you get the freshest fish right off the boat? There’s nothing like dining in this city with its bright lights and interesting culture. Before you head off to dinner, head to the Imperial Palace area. Chidorigafuchi is beautiful for viewing the cherry blossoms.

Can’t miss: fresh sushi, Tonkotsu Ramen, yakisoba, and monjayaki

Italy

Go to the country of Italy, which still has a connection to ingredients and traditions. There are many options here: Puglia, Sicily, Campania, and Piemonte are all regions you should add to your list if you’re looking for rustic Italian food.  Right now, the Amalfi Coast is making a lot of noise in the food world. If you want good food but don’t want to head out into the country, this is your best bet. Since it’s right on the water, expect a lot of succulent seafood, vibrant vegetables and pasta dishes. And you’re not just coming here for the food – the sights are breathtaking.

Can’t miss: Do we even have to say? Homemade pasta, the cheeses, salamis and sausages, and the wine

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is part of the Catalan region, which is has its own culture, traditions and distinctive cuisine. Like other regional Spanish cuisines, Catalan cooking favours spices such as saffron and cumin. Seafood and meat come together in beautifully rich sauces. If you’re a fan of the food served in the states as “tapas”, you will fall in love with Spain. If you really want to get a true taste of Catalan cuisine, stay away from places in La Rambla. Unlike in America, lunch is the most important meal of the day. So spend your day touring the city, and then relax – dinner isn’t eaten until 9PM at the earliest.

Can’t miss: jamon (pork), botifarras, suquet de peix and of course, paella

Food Travel Tips

• Before you go, make sure you know how to say all of our favorite foods in their language. That way you don’t end up ordering the wrong thing.
• If you’re on a budget, avoid famous restaurants. Popular restaurants that are well known among tourists can be some of the most expensive you’ll find. Instead, ask the locals for recommendations that are off the beaten path.
• Splurge on one meal a day – you don’t want to eat 3 huge meals every single day when you’re abroad, or you will come back 10 lbs heavier and and will spend a lot of money. It depends on where you go, but you may want to commit to one major meal a day. Most of us wouldn’t dream of eating every meal in a restaurant while at home. Why do we change attitudes on the road?
• Don’t ignore the street food and markets, especially in Mexico City, Rio de Janeiro, Paris and most popular Asian cities.

Spring Break

All-inclusive resorts are great for spring breakers because the price includes food and drinks. There’s no need to wander off the resort premises when everything is included. We have always sold Cancun, and even though Mexico has had a bad rap lately, Cancun is still a good destination for spring breakers. There are some very good hotels in the main area of Cancun, but some hotels do have restrictions on college kids. That’s why it’s important to call your travel agent and find out which resorts are good options.

Punta Cana and the Bahamas have become popular amongst students, but the Bahamas tend to be more expensive.

 Honeymoons

Hawaii is the classic choice for honeymooners. Each island of Hawaii has something amazing to offer, so speak to a travel agent to find out which island is best for you.  If you have the funds, Hawaii cruises make for a romantic getaway; and you won’t have to decide on one island, you can see them all.

A company that has been around since 1981 and still continues to make honeymooners happy?  Sandals has resorts in many of the Caribbean Islands such as Antigua, St Lucia, and Jamaica. They are very upscale and offer many amenities, including access to 15 restaurants per resort, top shelf drinks, butler service, entertainment, scuba diving, water sports and more. You can also get married at many of their resorts which make them a good option for a destination wedding.

Punta Cana also has some beautiful resorts that are perfect for a romantic getaway. Dreams, Secrets, or Excellence have some wonderful adult-only resorts on the island.

If you want to head to Mexico, there are so many hotels in and around the Cancun Riviera Maya area, it can be hard to figure out which one will be the best one for your honeymoon.  Some of our favorites are the Secrets Maroma Beach and Dreams Tulum Resort.

Graycar Travel also does wedding registries, so if you are a bride-to-be, you can register at Graycar Travel. You don’t even have to know where you want to go yet. Friends can buy the gift certificates in advance and put it towards your wedding gift.

Summer Vacation

Cruises are very big for Summer Travel. Alaska is a great cruise destination, but it books up extremely quickly for the summer. There are also cruises that go from New York and Cape Liberty NJ that go to New England and Bermuda. The Caribbean goes way down in price for the summer but then you have a problem with Hurricane season. Aruba and Barbados are some of the few areas that aren’t bothered by hurricanes in the summer.

These are some of our favorites, but remember that there are many resorts, hotels and destinations out there. The right place for you may be completely different then what’s right for another. If you need assistance figuring out where to go and where to stay, give us a call at 800-214-6723.

Experience Italy the best way possible – with Anna Carella and Graycar Travel. Anna Carella is the Italian teacher at Notre Dame High School in Lawrenceville, NJ. Graycar Travel has worked with her to put together an amazing trip to Rome, Capri and Sorrento. To view the itinerary, click on the picture above, here, or just view below. We will be having a meeting about the trip on October 19^th at 6:30pm at Our Lady of Sorrow Church.

Explore. Take in the culture. Learn the history. Relax. With travel experts leading the way, there’s nothing to worry about -just sit back and enjoy!

First start off by creating a packing list. This will help to limit unnecessary items – here is a list of the bare necessities to get you started.

Double Bag Toiletries

Now that we can’t take toiletries and personal care products in our hand luggage I had to find a way to feel confident that packing them in my checked bags wouldn’t result in making a total mess of my clothes. Most cans, tubes and jars will be fine with regard to pressurization but the baggage handling could damage them enough to create a problem. I have also experienced a little leakage but not too serious. God bless those fabulous zip locks. Also be mindful to try and set the items at what would be the bottom of the bag when you are carrying it. Wedge them as securely as you can.

Be Clothing Smart

While I am on the subject of those wonderful PLASTIC zip locks make sure you pack your clothes exactly the way they come from the cleaners – on hangers and in PLASTIC. Plastic reduces the friction which causes wrinkles. Packing clothes is always tough, because you never know what the weather will be like or what adventures you may encounter. If you know you’re going to be spending your time sight-seeing, pack a couple comfortable outfits that have several layers. And don’t forget your walking shoes!

Keep Valuables Close

Never put glasses, prescriptions, money/valuables, passports or travel documents in checked luggage. No exceptions. And don’t keep valuables loose in your bag – keep them in a safe compartment that won’t easily fall out of your carry-on.

Now you’re ready to travel the world – leak & wrinkle free! Not sure where to go? Use our vacation finder tool to find the perfect vacation for you. Have any packing tips for us? Share them with us on Facebook and Twitter.