EchelonTravels

The Internet is packed with “do it yourself” vacation planning offering deep discounts. While this may be very attractive for most travel lovers, is this always the best way to plan your vacations? In my opinion, the disadvantages heavily outweigh the advantages of using the services of an experienced travel agent.

From a customer service aspect, arranging a vacation using a bulk travel website can be a nightmare. Most of these discount websites require that once you go through the stages of making a reservation you have to pay in full... more

I am happy to announce that Echelon Travels has joined American Discount Cruises & Travel and will now be able to offer my readers an enhanced travel planning service! This new partnership has given me the opportunity to provide competitive discount pricing for cruises and land vacations along with personal service for my clients.

It has always been the goal of Echelon Travels to provide information on how to experience luxurious yet affordable vacation destinations. This new endeavor with American Discount Cruises will take that mission statement... more

In light of the recent near-disaster of Northwest Airlines flight 253, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new security measures for safer air travel. What are these changes and how will they affect travelers?

Most notably, security for International air travel will be affected the most, especially for flights that will arrive in the United States. Travelers can expect to be subjected to more vigorous screenings before boarding a plane. These increased gate screenings may include searching your personal belongings or... more

With the holidays fast approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what would be the perfect gift for your family and friends. Why not consider doing something a little different and memorable this year? Give the gift of travel!

For a wonderful and thoughtful gift for the romantics on your list, I recommend giving a gift certificate for a cozy retreat at a bed and breakfast. BedandBreakfast.com allows you to purchase gift cards for use at one of their 4,000 recommended locations for any amount you wish. There are no fees or blackout dates... more

Fall ushers in the start of my favorite sport, football! I can’t help but wish for my team (the New York Giants) to once again make it to the Super Bowl. If baseball is your passion, you will soon be looking forward to the World Series or you are excited that hockey season has now begun and your team will bring home the Stanley Cup. If you are a true fan like me, you will want to think ahead about making plans to attend every event so you don’t miss history!

First and foremost, you want to secure those hard to get tickets to major sporting... more

If the lights and glitter of Vegas are calling your name, and you have never had the chance to visit, now is the perfect time to check out all that Las Vegas has to offer!

Of course, Vegas is known mostly for being the gambling capital of the world. But even if you are not a gambler, a wonderful and luxurious vacation can be found in this famous Nevada city. Here are some helpful tips for planning the ultimate trip to Las Vegas!

When is the best time to visit Las Vegas?

Vegas does have a peak season when you will pay top dollar for... more

Everyone wants to get the most for their money when they travel, and it is often recommended to travel off-season for many destinations in order to benefit from this. While this idea has many advantages, you must also weigh the disadvantages so you don’t end up in the middle of a vacation nightmare!

First, try to narrow down where you would like to go. Would it be fun to travel to Vermont or Colorado in the summer? Sure, you won’t be going to ski, however you could stay in a 4 or 5 star luxury hotel at 75% off of the regular winter... more

Travel is definitely exciting, especially when you are going somewhere out of your regular realm. It is important, however, to be aware and safeguard yourself from possible situations that could potentially ruin your vacation.

Important Documents

You cannot travel anywhere without a passport or visa these days, so safeguarding your travel documents are a priority. Always have a photocopy or two of your passport/visa located somewhere safe in your luggage, not in a carry-on. It is also a good idea to scan your passport and leave it with someone... more

I don’t know of anyone who likes to sit in a coach-class seat. When you are checking in at the airlines kiosk, you may be asked if you would care to pay extra to upgrade to a first-class seat. I personally have taken advantage of this from time to time, especially on long coast-to-coast flights, but who wants to pay anything extra for their flight?

There are some tips you can try to get that precious upgrade into luxury airline seating. I have compiled some ‘off the record’ ideas for getting into first-class without it costing... more

You have an amazing vacation planned – a beautiful location, your non-refundable airfare flying you to a luxurious resort – all paid for and just waiting for you to arrive. Then, the unthinkable happens. An unexpected crisis that leaves you with no choice but to cancel your holiday and lose all the money you spent toward it.

My #1 travel planning recommendation is, and will always be, to purchase trip protection insurance in the event something like this happens to you.

Travel insurance gives you peace of mind in so many ways.... more