Turas Travels

11/09/2024

Remembering the wonderful city of New York today, and always.

10/09/2024

Let's talk fee's.

One of the biggest sources of misinformation about travel agents is fee's. Some agents charge them for planning your vacations. Some charge a flat fee, some charge a fee for a group, and some just add a fee and don't tell you! (Older agents do this, this is how they were taught!)

One thing I wanted to do when I went into business for myself was NOT charge fee's for my expertise. I've been doing this for 22 years and know a thing or two about all things travel related. MOST people can plan their own trips. Some times it's fun, sometimes it's exciting and sometimes it's a huge pain but needs to get done. This is where I decided I'd fit in. To alleviate the hurdles of planning. I don't pad pricing, whatever you're seeing online is the pricing I can get, sometimes I can get it better because of insider discounts, better software options etc. Think of me as your personal assistant for all things travel related. Need a hotel for a weekend getaway? Call me. Need a week long cruise to the Caribbean? Call me. Need to drag a group of 20 somewhere awesome? Call me. Need a complicated trip to Germany? Call me. Need a private driver around Europe? Also, call me! This is what I'm here for.

Some vacations can take over a week to plan before putting any money down on a package. How do I get paid for that? Well, I don't. I am hoping you'll like what I'm presenting you with and after we do the booking the resort, the cruise company, the hotel will pay me a commission for sending you there. THEY pay ME, not you. The commission amounts are already built into hotel/resort/cruise pricing so either the company is keeping it as revenue or they are paying it out to a travel agent. I will never charge a ticketing fee for booking your flights. I won't charge a planning fee. I won't add a percentage onto your package. I pride myself on being available to my clients 7 days a week and outside of typical office hours. I'm here for YOU!!!!

18/07/2024

We cant escape winter. It will show up, eventually.

We CAN escape for a little bit!! A long weekend? A week?? School break??? Let’s chat about your winter plans and options.

Right now getaways with non-stop flight options are on major sale for winter 2025! $1000 per person for flights, transfers and a week at an all inclusive resort! Some resorts are offering free kid rates!! Low deposits make it easy to book your vacay now and take up to 7 months to pay it off!!

The snow is going to show up and you’re going to want your toes in the sand and a margarita in your hand 😍😍😍 let’s chat soon!!!

24/04/2024

Big news from the Dept of Transportation this morning! There has been an update to airlines charging ‘junk fees’ for things and some major changes were announced!

The biggest one is a prompt cash refund. If your flight is cancelled for any reason, they must refund you the purchase price! If your luggage is significantly delayed: cash refund! If you purchase an upgraded seat and get downgraded or your WiFi doesn’t work on board: cash refund!

Big news 🤩🤩

11/03/2024

I came across this while scrolling through one of the apps. Let's talk about the constant mess that is Airlines.

NEVER book your flights through a third-party booking system. EVER. Always book directly with the airline you're going to fly with. Can you use a third-party website to look for sales? Sure. But don't book your actual ticket with any of them: Expedia, Travelocity, Kayak, Google, etc etc. First of all, they are just mindlessly selling space. They aren't considering any of the actual airline criteria when selling seats...they are just selling a spot. Also with the third-party sale you also lose all access to any assistance you might need if you have any issues. While most of these sites do have a sort of "customer service" option, they cannot change your ticket if you miss a flight. They will sell you a new ticket. You won't be able to get assistance from the air carrier either, as you didn't book the ticket with them. Your only option becomes buying a new ticket.

So what happened this weekend in all the fabulous spring break spots? Well, they oversold flights. This is a common practice in the air industry, they stack seat sales. They are hoping some people won't show up (missed flight, upgrades, etc) so the oversold status usually clears up. However when they go to actually finalize a manifest for the flight and realize whoops all the stacked seats showed up for the flight (because it's spring break!) They have to start bumping people from flights. Guess who gets bumped first? Yep, all those third-party purchased seats. EVERY airline has its issues, some are just better than others in a crisis. You have to decide if super cheap flights are worth it, in the long run. As always, if you need help with flights or advice PLEASE reach out to me!! I'm happy to help :)

The moral of the story is: Always get the travel insurance. If you get bumped and have to spend another night....your travel insurance will cover your delays!

20/02/2024

Do you have your summer 2024 family vacation lined up yet? Is Alaska on your bucket list?! The affordable way to see the best parts of Alaska is a coastal cruise! If you've been on the fence about trying a cruise, the Alaska cruise is the perfect one to try out! You're hugging the beautiful, scenic coastline the entire route. There are so many amazing port stops with numerous excursion opportunities along the way. Depending on your starting port a passport will not be necessary.

The Alaska cruise is a perfect multi-generational family adventure! There are options for all ages of kids & adults including on-board clubs, dances, and kid-appropriate restaurant options. One of our favorites was the 24-hour room service! Need a PB&J at 10pm? They'll bring you one! Want to have breakfast with Mickey Mouse? Disney Cruiseline also offers an Alaskan adventure with all the special Disney touches. The options are numerous!!

A small deposit will secure your reservation, we can plan this up to 2.5 years in advance making this an affordable option. Alaska cruises are on sale now! Let's go!

15/02/2024

Ireland is always calling me for a visit!! Have you been to Ireland yet?! Springtime in Ireland is my favorite time of year to visit. The bulb flowers are in full bloom, and the crazy winter wind and rain is over (usually!) A budget-friendly way to see the great parts of Ireland is on an escorted tour and I love this one! You'll have one night in Dublin (plenty of time in Dublin) and home-based in beautiful Adare to take little day trips to see all the good stuff! You're not fully immersed in a group...just slightly. Budget-friendly: Meals (most of them) transportation and entrance fees are included! Right now this particular itinerary is on sale, but does operate throughout the year if you can't make it next month just in time for St Patrick's Day festivities! 7 day trip for $2200 per person! Let's Go!!!

12/01/2024

I’m off to Hawaii for the week! If you need something urgently from me, please email me. Follow along my latest travel adventure on Snapchat!

08/01/2024

Winter break & Spring break options are still available!! Let’s plan your great escape 🤩

23/12/2023

Merry Christmas!
Happy Holidays!
Safe travels in 2024🤩🤩

18/12/2023

Christmas week! Yay! Nothing makes me happier than last-minute vacation bookings to hand out as Christmas gifts! The ultimate older-kid option is the gift of travel!

Today's edition: I'm sending happy people to Disneyland! If you want a Disney experience but don't want the extreme crowds...Disneyland is a great option. Not only is it the OG standard, but if you go early in the week the crowd situation isn't bad at all! A visit to the original Universal Studios is also really great when you're in that area. This particular destination is a hit with older kids 🤩

Do you have spring break plans yet? Do you need a last-minute Christmas gift idea??!! Let's plan something!

04/12/2023

Anyone ready to upgrade their Snorkeling or Scuba diving experiences?!?! This is Ambergris Caye in Belize! A short domestic flight away from the main international airport, enjoy a full week on this amazing island and top spot for underwater adventures.

Price includes International flight, domestic flight, transfer to the resort on the island, and one week in a one-bedroom suite! This is a "European Plan" reservation, there are abundant local restaurants/cafes/bars to try, nearby!
Let's go!

27/11/2023

Black Friday! Small Biz Saturday! Cyber Monday! How about Travel Tuesday!!!
(Today is Monday, so let's cover a few things for tomorrow!)
It's time to use your PTO. It's time to plan some days off school for the kiddos. OR Let's plan a summer vacay when the kids are off school! A quick adventure? A luxury staycation closer to home? A long weekend away, but not far? Sports trip? Winter skiing? Summer mountain hiking? IT'S ALL POSSIBLE!!!
Things to keep in mind: If you are planning a future getaway that you know about, and ALL you need is a hotel room? Message me! I might not be able to get a better rate, but I can usually add some value to your room (free upgrades, breakfast, late check-out etc) There are some huge hotel discounts tomorrow, in some cases up to 50% off depending on location, dates etc. Even some Disney Discounts!
Cruises!! Almost all the cruise lines have discounted rates, and discounted deposits right now! If you book your future cruise through me I can add on some extra amazing exclusive amenities! Always check with me before booking your cruise! Are you new to cruising and want to take it easy your first time? There are some really fun 3-day quick options!
Are you in the planning stages for a group? Family getaway? Multi-generational meet-up? Bachelorette party? Destination wedding group?? All things I specialize in! Message me to get the ball rolling for some ideas! (let's talk about my faves!) Group trips are so fun, but you need a trip manager (me!) and I'm happy to negotiate group discounts, group rooms & group tours/transfers on your behalf! Tomorrow there are some amazing discounts on escorted tours! Discounted deposits! Where have you been thinking about going in the next year or two??!!
There is literally nothing too small to help plan for you. As always, I do NOT charge a planning fee. Never feel bad for asking for my advice, or to do a little looking around for you. Ultimately, my goal is happy clients! Overcharging for travel is not one of my favorites, or my ultimate goal. I'd prefer happy clients over a few extra bucks. Suppliers pay me for your booking...commissions come out of a supplier's bottom lines 😉
Thanks for supporting my small business! It's because of you wonderful people who LOVE to get away, that I am able to keep doing this ❤

22/11/2023

It's that time of year again when adventure meets savings! Whether you've been dreaming of exploring new destinations, a relaxing beach getaway, or diving into thrilling experiences, the travel deals of Black Friday and Cyber Monday (and super secret Travel Tuesday!) are here to make your dreams a reality.

From discounted flights to incredible hotel offers, jaw-dropping tour packages, heavily discounted cruises, and more, these limited-time deals are your golden ticket to unforgettable journeys, and I can help you find the perfect deal for you! Let me know what you are looking for and let's make it happen!

25/10/2023

Who's ready for some Disney planning??!!! Did you guys know Disney has a "College of Knowledge" for travel agents...and all the really good ones (like me!) spend countless hours of time taking all the modules offered by the College of Knowledge so we are up to date on all the things Disney! I'm not just a seller of Disney...I'm a Disney College graduate (Yay!) It's Disney's 100th anniversary this year and they have some great things planned!
Disney vacations are not for the faint of heart. They are not easy and quick to plan...there are SO many moving pieces to it. It is a one-of-a-kind magical experience that your kiddos will never forget and is on the bucket list of must-see!
To me, personally, it really doesn't matter which park you visit...they are all super great & offer the similar Disney experiences you expect. I love that there are options for the Disney experience to fit your family style needs. Both parks have some of the same nostalgic rides, they both offer the parade and the fireworks shows.
Disneyland In California is quaint, smaller & the OG! The nostalgia factor is alive and well at Disneyland. Coming in at just under 500 acres, it is an easy-to-navigate park over the course of a couple of days. There are numerous nearby hotel options, making it easy to fly into LAX, take a shuttle to your hotel, and easily walk to the parks. There are plenty of other fabulous things to see and do in this area making it a great fit!
Disneyworld is the superstar! Coming in at 25,000 acres this park was built for fun & adventure. Both parks offer similar ride experiences, but Disneyworld has 4 theme parks & 2 water parks. Disneyworld also has an extensive network of shuttle options to make getting around to the different parks, easy! There are numerous options for staying at the park to fit every budget. The meal plan has returned this year!! The pandemic forced the meal plan option to take a break, but it is back and better than ever. The meal plan option offers another way to keep your trip on budget offering meals, snacks, and drinks for pre-purchase while you are staying and visiting Disney parks. I LOVE this option.
Let's talk briefly about the cruise option. If you are on the fence about a cruise, Disney is the one to try first. It is pure luxury with a Disney vibe. Character breakfast? Yep! Adults-only areas away from all the kids? Yep! Huge cabins that fit everyone comfortably? Yep! But, is it just buffets crammed with kids? NO! It is a foodie paradise! Disney owns their own island in the Caribbean making it extra magical! It is possible (and recommended!) to do the 2 or 3-day cruise and add a few days at Disneyworld to get the full experience.
Are your older kids really into Star Wars? There are AMAZING immersive Star Wars experiences at both parks, Disneyland has the bigger experience. Are your older kids ready for Europe but you still want a Disney experience? We've got Paris! Disney also offers river cruise and bus tours around Europe with a focus on experiences for the older kids (Disney-ish, I call it)
Disney offers amazing payment options: A deposit will secure your reservation and you can take up to two years to make payments on the vacation of your dreams. Are you ready!!?? Let's chat about some options. Let's get something booked for your kiddos!

24/10/2023

I got the notification that today marks my 4 year anniversary of Turas Travels! 4 years ago today I literally jumped off the deep end into a small business...a micro business even! It's only me! My office meetings are quick! This wasn't an easy decision for me especially after 15+ years of being at a couple of different huge travel companies around the world..this was a huge step. But it was necessary for my family. The pandemic would hit a few months later and I was devastated, professionally. Just as we're climbing out of the pandemic dark hole I would be devastated again, by cancer. But I decided this business was everything and I would see it through regardless of my hurdles.

I lived for many years in Ireland, where my travel industry roots first started. It seemed fitting to me that I named my company after my favorite early adventures. Turas is the Irish word for journey! Life is an adventure and your next journey begins here, with me!

As when I first started 4 years ago, I still don't charge a fee for my services. I am paid by suppliers I use to do your bookings, and not every supplier provides me with a commission! If I've ever helped you book just a flight, I did it for free. Airlines haven't paid a commission since the 1990s! But I did it because I enjoy helping clients with their travel needs....this is way more than a job to me! Travel is my whole life and I always wanted that reflected in my services to my clients even if that means I'm not making a commission off my time helping you with your booking.

Referrals are EVERYTHING to me! It means not only are you happy with me personally and professionally but you value me enough to refer my services to your friends, colleagues, and family members. It is the ultimate thank you

31/08/2023

Travel Scam Alert!!!! Here's another reason to use a trusted travel advisor (ME!!) when booking travel, ESPECIALLY in this post-pandemic era of wild weather, wild civil tensions & everything else under the sun that can cause major disruptions to your travel!
This one is a telephone scam, and preys on people who are vulnerable because of delayed or canceled flights. I have heard of numerous people falling victim to this!!
AAA booking data reveals that international travel is up more than 200 percent compared to 2022. With more money being spent on travel, in comes the potential for more unscrupulous people to take advantage.
The scam specifically targets people who search for an airline’s phone number online because their flight has been canceled or delayed. More often than not, it's a fake phone number that looks like a real airline number! Those fake phone numbers lead callers to an unrelated, third party that will ask for reservation information and credit card numbers to pay for a “service fee” or price difference between flights (which is sometimes a typical charge!)
In some cases, those fees are hundreds of dollars. AAA wants members, and all travelers, to be aware of these types of scams to avoid falling victim.
If you are in the process of traveling & at an airport please go straight to a gate agent for assistance. Before leaving on your trip, download the airline app to your phone or take down the 800 number and keep it in your phone. Remember that airlines will not charge you to change a delayed or canceled flight at anybody who tries to do so is a fraud!! Sometimes in the heat of the moment with all the anxiety & stress these small details can be overlooked or forgotten...which is what these scammers are betting on.
But perhaps the easiest and most important way comes at the urging of AAA – use a reputable and professional travel advisor. They are the true troubleshooters and have plenty of solutions for you!
Me, for example!! I'm A travel advisor who will be there for you in the event something goes wrong. Working with a trusted travel advisor, like me, from the start of your booking process ensures you're taken care of throughout the entire vacation process and avoid scams.

23/08/2023

Europe is finally launching the ETIAS is a visa-waiver program in 2024. It is similar to the current Electronic System for Travel Authorization used in the U.S. for European visitors (ESTA). You will need to apply for the ETIAS visa prior to any travel to Europe.

The form will act as a preauthorization system to allow travelers from 63 countries outside the Schengen Area, including the United States, to enter the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a full visa.

ETIAS will cross-check visitor information with government databases and watchlists before issuing authorization to enter. The information collected will also be used in data tracking for business and tourism purposes. The application fee is around $8 and is valid for three years. Click below to review more information.

All the latest news, requirements, facts and information on the European Travel Information and Authorization System - ETIAS.

01/08/2023

August 1 means we are 6 months from February! The perfect time to get the heck out of the cold North. ALL the warm beachy destinations are on sale now! Let's get something booked so you can get your toes in the sand and forget about winter for a minute 😍

26/07/2023

Of course, you CAN book your own travel...but WHY would you want to when you have me!

Reason number 6: NO FEE'S!! My services are completely free of charge, to you.

07/07/2023

Travel Tip Friday! Who wants to travel FREEEEEEEEEE!!!!
Did you know you can organize a group and receive your travel, free? If you have always wanted to travel with extended family, your church group, your corporate group, your old college buddies, or your gal pals...the list of group potentials is endless!!
As the group 'coordinator' YOU can get your trip space free!
An example is on a cruise! With as few as 5 cabins (that's 10 people) your cabin would be free! Maybe you guys have always wanted to visit the homeland? Ireland? UK? Italy? Germany? An escorted tour abroad also comes with a free or reduced fare option for the group coordinator.
Destination wedding? Did you know most resorts offer a free suite to the bride & groom? Most resorts offer a wedding space free, and a wedding coordinator free of charge for booking your friends & family with their resort.
Let's talk about your group options. As your fave travel agent managing your group is one of my specialties! Turas Travels never charges fees for this service, I am happy to help get you on the vacation of your dreams with your group and make it easy to manage for you! Let's chat!

30/06/2023

Travel Tip Friday! Let's talk about your travel plan.

Lately, the airlines have been a mess....again...and we need to talk about what your plan is when you face major airline adversity on the day of travel.

The easiest & best way of staying on top of potential delays, cancellations, and the need to re-book a flight is by using the app specific to your airline, on your phone. Not only can you modify everything about your flight through the app but it is also convenient for keeping track of your boarding pass! You don't need a paper version anymore. If a flight is canceled or delayed significantly the airlines will open the flight for re-booking through the app which saves you the hassle of standing in a line with 200 other people. Do it all through the app! Typically all fee's are waived when this happens...which brings me to my next topic: Refunds & Compensation.

Who pays for my inconvenience when a flight is canceled or delayed? The quick answer: No one. The airlines USUALLY will provide a voucher for a meal, or if it's a long delay they might provide a hotel voucher and they will typically re-book you on the next available flight without any fees (luggage, seats, change fee etc). However, there isn't a law stating they have to provide compensation outside of re-booking your flights. That being said, if you did have to re-book a flight on your own due to cancelation or delay, you DO have the right to ask for a refund of fees paid on the initial flight. Did you pay to have all your seats together for your family of 5? The airline will refund that. Did they charge you a change fee when you re-booked an extremely delayed flight? The airline will refund that. Just know that you will have to front the money first, and request a refund after your travel for this sort of refund. As your travel advisorI will always request maximum refunds available on your behalf, typically it involves letter writing, phone calls, and emails...nothing quick and easy...but I'm happy to do this for my clients!

What about other expenses incurred during my super fun delay?! Well, the short answer is: Travel Insurance. If you want ALL the things covered for any sort of crazy potential delay, travel insurance is the only way to go. If you are spending thousands of dollars on a vacation, or traveling with a very tight budget, then you'll want the security blanket that travel insurance provides. It's not just a policy for medical insurance coverage in a foreign country...it covers trip delays! Typically if you are delayed longer than 6-12 hours you can start getting reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses related to the delay. Maybe it's just a hotel overnight or a couple of meals, but maybe your cruise ship left two days ago and now you need to fly into the next port to meet the ship...all of that would be reimbursed when you file the claim! Even if you don't use me to book your vacation, please please please reach out to me for a Trip Insurance quote!!! I am happy to be your travel insurance guru & make sure you don't end up out of pocket during potential travel delays and cancellations.

My number one travel tip: Don't check a bag. Learn to pack effectively and efficiently and travel with a carry-on bag. If your flight is delayed significantly, your checked bag will hang out behind the scenes sometimes for days on end until it reaches you again. Travel insurance will reimburse you for having to purchase a couple of things to replace what you're missing in your lost checked luggage but definitely not for a full wardrobe replacement! If you need tips on packing for a trip using a carry-on, let's talk! I'm a master packer and I'm here to help!! Let's talk about your travel plan and what your needs are so your trip will be manageable even in the face of major problems!

14/06/2023

I am so blessed I have this memory with my parents. It would be 3 short years after this photo was taken and my mother was dying and three years after that dad would be gone as well. Having this family trip together was amazing. I’ll never reclaim my whale watching boat trip with my mom. Or the lumberjack event with my dad. Or this beautiful train journey to the mountains of Denali. We ate reindeer chili and took turns playing cards and watching the wildlife out of the back car.

Let me help you plan this style of trip with your family! Did you know if you travel in a group, the group leader can travel free? The adventure of Alaska is amazing and this trip was effortlessly easy and really perfect for everyone in our group. There was something for everyone 🤩🤩 If you’ve never considered a cruise before or have a preconceived notion that they suck, or are crammed full of people and bad food and constant waking water…let the Alaska cruise-tour change your mind! It was luxury without the price tag. It was immersive in Alaskan culture, top notch service while staying at a lodge in the national parks. You aren’t on open water, always within site of land. Pack your binoculars because you’ll see bears along the shore!

Let’s make your multi-generational family trip a reality ❤️❤️❤️

09/05/2023

Under Construction: Turas Travels is expanding and building a new website Travel Essentials Store! Check back for space-saving packing options, trendy packing cubes & make-up bags as well as essentials for cruising and road trips!

Be on the lookout for a fun Travel Essentials subscription box! 🤩

What is one of your favorite travel essential items? What have you always wanted to try, but haven't? Turas Travels will be looking for product testers this summer for some useful & personal feedback on our new store products! Comment below!!

28/04/2023

Destination Friday! Where is Turas Travels sending clients this week? Germany! Specifically, the Bavarian region of Germany along the Romantic Road.

Desperate to rebuild tourism in the post-war era, Germany in the 1950s came up with the idea of the Romantic Road. The first visitors were friends and families of the American soldiers stationed in the large bases in the Bavaria region but the idea of the trail from Würzburg to Füssen soon became wildly popular with other tourists to the region.

It's not too hard to see the reason for the popularity - despite the modern roots of the idea, the tour combines the historic cities of Würzburg and Augsburg with the three medieval walled towns of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Dinkelsbühl and Nördlingen, and then finishes off with the popular tourist highlights of Neuschwanstein Castle and the German Alps. There is a LOT packed into this particular area and has long been one of my personal favorite road trips.

Flying into Frankfurt and picking up a comfy rental car this journey starts in Würzburg, also a main location for River Cruises, as the Main river flows through here. I was focused on seeing the road area, as a whole, but wanted to spend the night in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Rothenburg belongs in a fairytale storybook. Honestly, this entire route is straight out of a fairytale! Rothenburg is a prime example of a walled medieval town, nearly untouched from years of harrowing war, and its beautiful buildings, walls, and alleyways make it a very popular tourist destination. However, once the bus loads of tourists have moved on for the day the town gets quiet and turns into a blissful old town to enjoy at your own pace. There is something so peaceful about walking amongst the stone walls under the moonlight.

The Romantic Road starts to head into the alpine foothills and through smaller villages until it reaches the towns of Schwangau and Füssen. Perched up high on a hill of its own you can see the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. King Ludwig started planning the castle in the 1850s and it was never completed on the inside, but the hike up to the castle is impressive and the view is amazing. There are several other Ludwig castles in the area, my favorite was Linderhof...built in the same style as the Palace of Versailles complete with a hall of mirrors and perfectly manicured gardens. Linderhof is the smalles of all of Ludwig's castles but the most complete and lived in. It was his favorite!

Past the little mountain town of Füssen is the capital of Bavaira, Munich. The storied history of Munich dates back to Roman times where a heavily travelled trade route from Rome passed through Munich. The history, architecture and culture of Munich are still on full display today most notably with the popularity of Oktoberfest, an almost month-long celebration of German Food & Beer! Munich is also a great homebase for alpine skiing and exploring parts of Austria.

Let's talk about planning your trip to Germany! There are numerous options for escorted bus tours as well as putting together a customized itinerary. How can Turas Travels help you today?