Silverleaf Travel

11/01/2024

Today is the day! TTC Tour Brands' (Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Brendan Vacations, Costsaver, and Contiki) Black Friday Sales starts now! 😍🥳🥁

They have a wide variety of ways to help you save big on your 2025 vacation, including special daily doorbuster deals for Insight Vacations and Trafalgar tours where the savings is 30%!!

Contact me to help plan and book your next escorted group tour today!

Kim Covert
Owner & Lead Travel Designer
email: [email protected]
tel: 480-70-4022

10/16/2024

I don't book just cruises. :-)

Two lovely ladies came to me to book a trip through Italy, top to bottom, via the train. We customized it so that they would feel comfortable staying in locations that would be most convenient to them since this is their first time traveling on their own through Europe. They wanted to see it all! I love it. 🇮🇹

10/12/2024

Ok folks keep your eyes peeled (but don't look directly at the Eclipse 😅). When Oceania’s preview is out, look for the sailing on Marina July 30, 2026. They will have an astronomer onboard and will be sailing for the Eclipse.

You will have 1 week prior to launch on October 23rd to review the itinerary. If you need assistance in booking your spot on this amazing cruise, please reach out to me. I have a contact at Oceania that will put it hold for you the moment (or before) the sailing opens to the public. There just may be a little surprise for you from me once you’re onboard.

*** ECLIPSE CRUISE DETAILS FOR 2026 ***

Renowned expert Astronomer Dennis Mammana is our guest enrichment speaker

◦ Preliminary program:

• Viewing and photographing eclipses

• The Aurora Borealis/Northern Lights

• Narration of the actual eclipse

◦ Onboard eclipse viewing party (Marina is in Grundafjordur)

◦ Gala Brunch

◦ Special Cooking Demos

◦ Signature cocktail offerings

Kim Covert
[email protected]
480-704-4022

10/08/2024

👣 What's Your Next Destination?

Comment below with your dream destination! Let's see where everyone's adventurous hearts are wandering. 💭❤️👇

10/05/2024

The UK Government has announced the next phase in the roll out of the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). An ETA gives visitors permission to travel to the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland). By April 2025, all visitors who do not need a visa will require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to the UK.

An ETA for American visitors will be required to enter the UK starting January 8, 2025. Americans can apply in advance starting November 27, 2024.

The ETA will be linked to the traveler's passport and will last for two years or until the traveler's passport expires – whichever comes first.

Dates and Requirements:

- Eligible non-Europeans can apply in advance from November 27, 2024 and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025.
- Eligible Europeans can apply from March 5, 2025 and will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.

Costs:
An ETA costs £10 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to six months at a time over two years or until the holder’s passport expires.

Home Office is hosting a series of ETA information events for travel, tourism, business travellers and education organizations with dates available between September and December. The events provide the opportunity for businesses to hear about how travel to the UK is changing, and to ask questions. Register on GOV.UK.

VisitBritain will continue to provide updates on the ETA in their monthly newsletters.

HELPFUL LINKS:

For questions, please click the following link for official UK Government resources.: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta?_cldee=6VVaaYxQClyVyxtnQR9v2qnaLdVw-lmMBhVwPqRUVK4MsyuA9je5kC-Wze7Nszye&recipientid=contact-8f4ed0a03ff1eb1194ef0022483f5a1c-62b6be1943bb4cebab85be0a8b755798&esid=20ff2235-7f74-ef11-a670-002248417aec

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.smartwebportal.co.uk%2F6417_10092024104547.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK&_cldee=6VVaaYxQClyVyxtnQR9v2qnaLdVw-lmMBhVwPqRUVK4MsyuA9je5kC-Wze7Nszye&recipientid=contact-8f4ed0a03ff1eb1194ef0022483f5a1c-62b6be1943bb4cebab85be0a8b755798&esid=20ff2235-7f74-ef11-a670-002248417aec

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-to-expand-digital-travel-to-more-visitors?

https://homeoffice.brandworkz.com/BMS/albums/?album=3486&lightboxAccessID=828F5184-1956-40F2-88B2D7829270BB23&_cldee=6VVaaYxQClyVyxtnQR9v2qnaLdVw-lmMBhVwPqRUVK4MsyuA9je5kC-Wze7Nszye&recipientid=contact-8f4ed0a03ff1eb1194ef0022483f5a1c-62b6be1943bb4cebab85be0a8b755798&esid=20ff2235-7f74-ef11-a670-002248417aec

Information on who can get an ETA and how to apply before coming to the UK.

10/03/2024

LISBON GOLF VACATION!

Portugal’s capital city is a cultural and historical hub set along the Atlantic Ocean coast. From its golf courses and vast green spaces to the bars and beaches that adorn the coastline, Portugal’s capital provides the ideal location for a golf vacation.

Among the best Lisbon golf courses, we find the Royal Óbidos course, designed by Seve Ballesteros, which offers a stunning oceanside landscape. The beautiful Praia D’el Rey course, set upon sloped dunes atop a large strip of Atlantic coastline, is one of the best courses in Portugal. The Oitavos Dunes course, labeled as the ‘best golf course in Portugal’ features links-style fairways lined with woodland and countryside, adjacent to jagged cliffs that overlook even more of the Atlantic coast.

Situated a mere two hours drive from Lisbon, the Algarve boasts a large selection of world-renowned and famed golf courses to include in your golfing bucket list. A Lisbon and Algarve tour can be combined so you can experience the very best golf Portugal has to offer.

To inquire, contact:

Kim Covert, Owner & Lead Travel Designer
email: [email protected]
tel: 480-704-4022

10/03/2024

Well, that's a wrap! After a week onbored the Norwegian Joy for a travel conference with 500 other travel agents from around the US, I'm happy to be home. I met with so many different travel suppliers - both cruise and land. It's so good to reconnect with suppliers that I already work with and to meet new ones that I look forward to working with in the future. I toured the ship, toured each port (Eastern Canada), I got to experience many of the activities on board (race track was fun), had a Mojito flight in the Mojito bar, drank many glasses of wine, ate fabulous food, went the show, and of course attended many sessions showcasing our travel partners. I mean, it was work after all. Ha ha. 

09/25/2024

Red eyes are no fun but me and my travel agent buddies have arrived in Quebec City! We joined a quick walking tour of the city then dinner at the Fairmont. Tomorrow we board the Norwegian Joy.

09/18/2024

All US Citizens Can Now Renew Passports Online for First Time Ever

To take advantage of the service, U.S. citizens must be in the country, and passports that have been expired for more than five years are not permitted to be renewed online.

This page includes information about our online passport renewal system, and instructions to complete your application.

09/11/2024

New airline passenger rights explained, with effective dates

https://pirg.org/edfund/resources/new-airline-passenger-rights-explained-with-effective-dates/?fbclid=IwY2xjawFOv3ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHWAMPGKcgnGMu9S0PxaAIHRU2_KVUoAhpFUyDnDrhEohh9der2d6Mt5Rgw_aem_xnr83cSpmwflzEkLWXZzBA

Just-passed federal law and DOT rules require no-hassle refunds, up-front baggage fee disclosure, bans on family seating fees, 24/7 live customer service and more

08/31/2024

New podcast episode alert! All aboard for our latest adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer! 🚂 In this episode, we'll take you on a mesmerizing rail journey from the vibrant city of Denver to the red-rock panorama of Moab. Experience the breathtaking landscapes, unparalleled luxury, and unforgettable moments we encountered along this scenic train route. Tune in to hear about:

- The stunning Colorado Rockies vistas and awe-inspiring landscapes.
- Exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and insights into this luxurious train experience.
- Top tips for making the most of your Rocky Mountaineer adventure.

Ready to embark on this adventure with us? Hit play and let’s get rolling! 🚆🌄

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2198867/15675171

All aboard for our latest adventure on the Rocky Mountaineer!  In this episode, we will take you on a mesmerizing rail journey from the vibrant city of Denver to the red-rock panorama of Moab. Experience the breathtaking landscapes, unparalle...

08/29/2024

Now that you've seen my post about my trip, are you ready to embark on your own journey through the breathtaking Canadian Rockies or the stunning American Southwest? Book now and enjoy savings of up to $1,400 CAD per couple on select 2025 Rocky Mountaineer packages. Act fast—contact me for more info before September 6, 2024!

Kim, Owner & Lead Travel Designer
Silverleaf Travel
email: [email protected]
tel: 480-704-4022

08/28/2024

I just spent the last few days on a Rocky Mountaineer rail vacation from Denver to Moab to try it out so I can better assist my clients. We started by arriving in Denver the day prior. The next morning we boarded the train for a roughly 8 hour day to Glenwood Springs. They served us breakfast and lunch and all the drinks that you could ever want. We saw lots of fun cocktails being served. The scenery was so beautiful and the crew onboard was so fantastic that the time just flew by. We did have some delays on the tracks, which is different than when you take trains in Europe. So with our delay, we didn't have much time in Glenwood Springs. But we stayed in a really cute hotel that was across the street from the train station. The next morning we got an early start to head to Moab where we were served breakfast and a light snack before we got off the train just outside of the city of Moab at around 1 PM. Rocky Mountaineer took such good care of us that we didn't need to do much other than fly in and out!

We chose to stay an extra day in Moab so that we could see Arches National Park with Moab Adventure Center but there's so much to do in the area, I suggest saying a couple of extra days. There is a direct flight from the Moab airport back to Phoenix on Contour Airlines.

I learned a lot on this trip and look forward to working Rocky Mountain in the future. They also have amazing itineraries in Western Canada!

Stayed tuned for a new podcast episode on my
Podcast called Passport Required.

08/24/2024

A testimony on why travel insurance is so important….

Client went to the ER the night before boarding a cruise (in the port where the ship was departing from). She had Sepsis and was hospitalized for 9 days. Hospital bill was over $83,000! She missed the entire cruise, missed train to go home, etc. Client’s health insurance picked up only some of the emergency room and the hospital negotiated write offs but the bill was still over $33,000. Allianz (the travel insurance company) told her to send her payment receipt and they would refund her. She said she could not pay it and Allinaz said "ok please send us the bill, address and everything and we will pay it directly to hospitals" 😲 She thanked me for "talking her into" purchasing a policy for $246. She also included claims for the train interruption and cruise. Allianz is going to pay all of it! The client literally started to cry.

THIS is why I strongly encourage all clients to purchase some sort of policy to cover them while traveling.

08/22/2024

Glide Along Europe’s Intimate Waterways on a Relaxing Canal Cruise with Abercrombie & Kent!

A&K just released their 2025 European Canal Barge Cruises collection. It reveals a side of Europe most travellers never see. With itineraries spanning the waterways of France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England and Holland, these leisurely paced cruises explore centuries-old vineyards, family-run farms, historic cathedrals and exclusive châteaux secluded off the beaten path.

You can charter an entire vessel for your exclusive use or secure a cabin the way you would book a room in a country inn, sharing the vessel’s amenities, sightseeing excursions and meals with your fellow guests — it’s all up to you.

Contact me to book your amazing canal barge cruise today!

Kim Covert
Owner & Lead Travel Designer
Silverleaf Travel

To book a complementary 30 minute consultation, please go here: https://calendly.com/silverleaftravel/30-min-complimentary-discovery-call

08/14/2024

Exclusive August offers for Palladium Hotels are here, especially for those last-minute reservations. The discounts are amazing!

08/13/2024

Just heard from my contact at Oceania that they are going to launch a new and unplanned FLASH SALE promotion tomorrow on 40 select sailings through 2025. It's supposed to be upwards of 25% off and runs just a short time. Contact me if you'd like to take advantage of this and more!

Schedule complementary consultation call me: https://calendly.com/silverleaftravel/30-min-complimentary-discovery-call

Or to book on your own, here is my affiliate link (I will still service the booking): https://www.oceaniacruises.com/?insider=02dz-kim-covert

08/07/2024

It was really cute. They said "I didn't know I was working with someone so special that they named a rate after them" (if you didn't know, Covert is my real last name).

08/01/2024

Look where I get to be in a few weeks! I'll be traveling on Rocky Mountaineer from Denver to Moab. This will be my first experience with a rail vacation. Train by day, hotel by night. Now I will have first hand experience to better assist my clients. FYI, Rocky Mountaineer also does an amazing job in Western Canada.

You can really save on a last minute trip as I have a promotion for the rest of 2024. Save $1,000 per couple on two-day rail or $1,500 per couple on qualifying packages. AND the promotion for 2025 is here too! Save up to $1,000 per couple when booking "Rockies to the Red Rocks" itinerary or $750 per couple when booking any of their Canadian routes. Promotion ends on September 6th.

Contact me to plan and book!

07/23/2024

07/20/2024

New episode alert! This is our recap of the most recent river cruise we sailed. It was on Riverside Luxury Cruises and it was one of the most amazing river cruise experiences I've been on to date.

In this episode of Passport Required, join Kim and Gary Covert as they embark on a luxurious journey aboard Riverside Luxury Cruises, sailing down the enchanting Rhone River in the stunning South of France. From the moment they stepped on the eleg...

07/18/2024

Thinking of an Alaskan cruise out/into Vancouver? How about adding a rail vacation pre or post cruise? Experience the adventure of a lifetime and combine a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey with an Alaskan cruise. For those looking to explore all North America has to offer, this is the perfect way to see jaw-dropping glaciers, lush forests, and breathtaking mountain peaks all in one luxurious journey.

Contact me to learn more about options and build your own seamless luxury journey!

Kim Covert, Silverleaf Travel
email: [email protected]

07/14/2024

Sorry it's been so long since I posted a new podcast episode. I was a little busy sailing the rivers of Europe the past few months. This is a new episode where I compared the different river cruise lines and more. I hope you enjoy it!

What other subjects would you like us to talk about?

Join us as I take you on a journey on several world-renowned river cruise lines. In this episode, I share my personal experiences and personal opinions, from the luxury of the cabins to the delectable food onboard and exciting shore excursions.&nb...

07/11/2024

If you're a repeat sailor on Holland America, Princess, or Celebrity cruises and are looking to sail by the end of the year, I do have exclusive access to discount "covert rates" (no, not named after me) on select sailings on Oceania. It could be 25%-40% off the public rate!! It's a great opportunity to experience a higher level of cruising. I can't publish the rates, but reach out to me if you are interested in finding a great deal!

FYI, I also have "covert rates" on Virgin Voyages, Paul Gauguin, AmaWaterways, MSC, and Atlas.

Kim Covert
email: [email protected]
tel: 480-704-4022
web: www.silverleaftravel.com