Travel Concepts

01/08/2025

SPOTLIGHT SUPPLIER OF THE WEEK: Beaches Resorts

Save up to $750 off your next Beaches Turks & Caicos or Jamaica vacation - receive extra value of $400 Instant Credit, $175 Spa Credit, and $175 Experience Credit when you stay for 7 nights of longer! Start your planning with your favorite member of the Travel Concepts team now!

01/05/2025

Heads up, U.S. travelers! In 2025, two new entry requirements will take effect for anyone planning a trip to the United Kingdom or the European Union.

First, beginning next week, January 8, the UK will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for visitors and those transiting through England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland. This online application must be completed before arrival and costs about $13. For details and to apply once it’s live, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.

Meanwhile, the EU is rolling out its European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) “sometime in 2025,” though no official start date has been announced yet. This new requirement will apply to trips into the participating EU countries—such as Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and more—and will cost around $8. Like the UK’s ETA, you’ll need to obtain ETIAS online before you go. Keep an eye on updates and, eventually, apply here: https://etias.com/etias-requirements/etias-for-american-citizens.

If you’re heading to Europe in 2025 and beyond, be sure to plan ahead - and share this post with your fellow travelers. Safe journeys in 2025, everyone!

01/03/2025

SPECIAL OFFER: Buy one airfare and get one free when you book select 2025 CIE Tours guided vacations. Choose from 26 different itineraries to Ireland, Scotland, England and Iceland from most U.S. gateways and travel between June 1 and August 31, 2025 - but you must book with us by January 31st.

01/01/2025

12/31/2024

Happy New Years Eve from the office in Holliston, MA! We're dreaming of Caribbean beach destinations this winter and have a question: Aruba, Jamaica, or St. Lucia?

12/30/2024

The PERFECT gift for 2025...a captivating 7-Day Journey Through Ireland with Travel Concepts and The Celtic Tenors, May 1-10, 2025!

Start your adventure with an optional pre-night stay at the Portmarnock Golf Club, North Dublin, before diving into the heart of the Emerald Isle. Tour highlights include:

Welcome to Dublin & Malahide: Arrive at Dublin Airport and settle into the scenic coastal village of Malahide.

Royal Hillsborough Castle: Enjoy tea and scones at this politically significant and beautiful castle, followed by a journey to Belfast.

Exploring Belfast: Discover Belfast's rich history, including the political murals and the Titanic Quarter, complete with a performance by The Celtic Tenors.

Giant’s Causeway & Antrim Coastline: Marvel at the geological wonder of the Giant's Causeway and take in the stunning Antrim coastline.

Historic City of Derry: Explore the only completely walled city in Ireland, full of history and vibrant culture.

Donegal's Wild Atlantic Coastline: Tour West Donegal, visit Triona Design, and enjoy quaint local pubs.

Sligo Sheepdog Demonstration: Witness the intelligence of Atlantic Sheepdogs and explore Sligo, a charming coastal seaport.

Cliffs of Moher & Doolin: Experience the majestic Cliffs of Moher and savor traditional Irish music in Doolin.

- Stay in luxurious accommodations including The Hilton Hotel, Belfast, and Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel plus enjoy three enchanting performances by The Celtic Tenors!

Questions? Contact Chris or Kelly at [email protected] or 508.879.8600! Immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Ireland on this unforgettable journey!

12/27/2024

As tempting as it may be to brag about your foresight in planning and budgeting for a vacation, it’s critically important these days to do it mindfully. Guidelines to keep safe on Social Media while on vacation...

Read More:

Sharing your vacation is a huge part of the fun. But we spoke with an online privacy expert about what you SHOULDN’T be sharing in real-time while away.

12/23/2024

From our team to yours!

12/22/2024

REMINDER: Aruba has implemented a $20 Sustainability Fee for visitors arriving by air to the island. This fee will support a number of projects aimed at enhancing and improving sustainability efforts on the island. Read this and more info about your next vacation in Aruba:

Are you planning to book a trip to Aruba from the USA or Canada? Read Aruba's official travel restrictions for the USA or Canada before booking your trip.

12/20/2024

2025 Europe requests are HOT right now. Over the last couple of weeks we have sent out dozens of proposals to clients - and booked many, including Italy, France, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Germany, Croatia, and more.

From singles to couples to families and even larger groups. If you are considering Europe for your next adventure - especially if travel is during summer and fall - we should be talking about your plans NOW!

12/19/2024

REPORT: CNN worked with the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) to show how trusted and verified advisors help their clients navigate through challenging travel situations. With summer vacation season upon us, headlines around the country are focused on travel delays made worse by the potential of aviation strikes, technology failures, and wild weather worldwide. Yet, longtime travelers know: If it wasn’t strikes, technology or weather, it would almost certainly be something else...

Read more: https://bit.ly/4gn3Cr0

12/18/2024

Christmas Markets are in full swing in Europe right now! This is an amazing time to visit - and many of our favorite tour operators and river cruise lines offer fantastic itineraries to help you explore! Plan for 2025 and 2026 with us now!

📸 Dresden, Germany

12/17/2024

Ho-Ho-Hold onto your suitcase! Our new newsletter just landed, bringing tidings of merry escapes. Picture yourself jamming in the Caribbean with Phil Coulter & The High Kings, crooning with The Celtic Tenors in Ireland, and scoring holiday deals so good, Santa’s jealous - think $5,000 off Silversea suites, Royal Caribbean’s Kids Sail Free (yes, really), Disney discounts, Globus tour bargains, and more.

Missed last week’s Holliston Holiday Stroll? We’ve got snapshots—no eggnog spills, promise. Feeling gift-giving pressure? A Travel Concepts Gift Card is more thrilling than Aunt Ethel’s fruitcake.

Make 2025 your year of grand adventures! Ready to trade tinsel for travel? Let’s go! Read it all here: https://mailchi.mp/81ecbc6d2068/dec2024email-main

12/16/2024

Wow, wow, wow! What an amazing experience our gang is having on AmaWaterway’s stunning AmaReina! Tonight our group had a private dinner in the Chef’s Table Restaurant…7 incredible courses paired with wine and all included as part of our tour. Thank you, Crystal, and all the team at AmaWaterways for an awesome experience! We are loving every minute of it!

12/15/2024

Question: How often do you patronize your LOCAL auto body shop, hardware store, hair stylist, produce market, bakery, florist, country store, (non-chain) restaurant - or Travel Agency? We support our local causes, live locally, respond when you contact us and generally make your life easier when you travel. We'd love to talk to you about your next great vacation!

12/14/2024

Kelly and the gang are kicking off their pre-cruise trip in beautiful . They’ll join up with the rest of their small group tomorrow in Nuremberg and head off with AmaWaterways for the Iconic Christmas Market Cruise! 🎄

12/13/2024

Dreaming of Travel in 2025? The Time to Plan is Now!

From the awe-inspiring US National Parks and breathtaking Alaska cruises to the stunning Canadian Rockies and iconic European cities, the best summer and fall adventures are waiting for you. But space tends to go wuickly in these top summer destinations. Planning ahead ensures you get the best options for tours, flights, and accommodations. Let us help turn your 2025 travel dreams into reality.

12/12/2024

The Magic of Christmas on Europe’s Rivers...It’s never too early to plan an unforgettable holiday season. Imagine sipping mulled wine as you stroll through enchanting Christmas markets along the Rhine, Danube, or Seine. With Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, and Viking, your dream winter wonderland awaits in 2025/2026.

These itineraries book quickly - reserve now for a front-row seat to Europe’s most festive traditions. Contact us today to plan your journey today!