Celtic Heritage Destinations

19/06/2024

Good news!

With these six new facilities, our passport network will expand to 35 passport agencies and centers and over 7,400 public passport acceptance facilities nationwide. We are committed to providing prompt customer service to more Americans closer to where they live.

16/06/2024

Let's talk river cruise ships. I get a lot of questions about the ships. It seems, unless you have cruised on a river cruise, it's hard to imagine the size.They are different by companies, but generally the are the same feel, but with different features.
And the elephant in the room? You won't pay more by booking with me. You will get my years of experience, perks of being a trusted partner of two river cruise lines, and personalized service.
Where to?! Contact me at [email protected] or Www.celticheritagedestinations.com

01/06/2024

Happy June 1st! I'm just checking in to say hello and let you know what's going on in my world.
I'm still processing our cruise from Vilshofen to Bucharest. There are so many memories, both fun and poignant.
I'm busy working on an Ireland trip for July for three people, a custom group trip for Ireland in May 2025, a custom wedding anniversary trip to Scotland for September, a river cruise from Vilshofen to Bucharest in September, a three day weekend getaway to Nantucket for October, and a river cruise conference in Vienna in March 2025. Also a few domestic flights and stays for the fall. Today, my fingers are crossed to see my clients safely returning home from their glorious Portugal and Greece vacation. Good times living the dream! I truly love being there to make those trips easier to plan and go smoothly.

14/05/2024

What's on my mind?
I've been hearing some interesting comments from people in my town about what they perceive I do as a travel advisor. I think it's time to do some clarification of what my business is, and how I can help you.
First off,
*I am a Certified Travel Advisor (CTA). That means in addition to my Associates Degree in Travel Marketing from Los Medanos College, I have also studied, and met all the criteria to be a certified travel advisor with The Travel Institute. It's a professionally recognized certification by those in the industry, including cruise lines, tour companies, travel insurance companies, airlines, and so much more.
*I'm not a travel writer or influencer. I just share because it's exciting to travel with my clients, and in the hope that you like my travels and will contact me for your trip.
*No, I don't get my travel comped. That may be what was done in the old days, but not now. I take my business as seriously as you take yours. It's not a hobby. I pay for insurance, fees, and yes, I pay for my travel to investigate destinations so I'm well-informed.
*Do you pay my commission? Yes, every time you book travel on a cruise ship, at a resort, on a tour, or even a hotel, your fare has commission included, WHETHER YOU USE a travel advisor or not.
If you are interested in my services, you can contact me through my website at www.celticheritagedestinations.com



Everyone

23/04/2024

Six of our group have left the ship for their flights home. Six of us will continue to Bucharest with the same ship, Avalon Impression. Saying goodbye to new and seasoned friends was a bit hard. Time flies when you are having fun with friends! Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for working with me on this awesome cruise!

15/04/2024

Clients often ask, when planning a European trip, if the food is good. I'm not an "official" foodie, but I'm making an effort to remember to photograph the meals I, and others, are served. This should reassure those who are worried about the choices for their meals. I've not been disappointed once!

08/02/2024

The training and learning never ends. The demand is high for the coming summer in Europe.

01/02/2024

My heart is full! My client shared this with me in an email. I work so hard to be inclusive in my agency. I love helping people get the most out of their travels no matter how far they go!
"How lovely to know a travel agent who not only arranges unforgettable trips internationally, but who also knows how to organize every detail to create a memorable vacation right here in the states. My trip to St. Augustine, Florida will never be forgotten by me and by family members. Jenny Holmes Senter's attention to every detail involved along the route, and her research & knowledge of the history of St. Augustine... these are just a few of the things that increased my feelings of adventure, comfort, and the reassurance that I needed in order to navigate unfamiliar airports and territory without stress. Her travel tips were invaluable. Never forget that your travel agent can help to enrich your experience of places both near and far."

31/12/2023

Check out my blog post for news about my business!
https://wix.to/qgEu6iZ
https://wix.to/fd2t5rO

I hope in these last days of 2023, you are basking in love and joy. If you are lucky enough to be one of my clients, I am hoping you are looking back on your travels this year with a new appreciation of your destination and absolutely glorious memories! I want to take this time to thank you for allo...

22/11/2023

07/11/2023

Fellow entrepreneurs, does this speak to you? I call it the "committee meeting." 😆

30/10/2023

Going on a plane to Halloween celebrations? Be aware and don't be caught up in a TSA spoiler. Here's some rules just published in the Travel Market Report, a trade magazine for travel agents.

1. Candy, as long as it’s not liquid, is good to carry-on. Starburst, Snickers, Hershey bars, all of it can be carried through security with no issues. However, the TSA says that it is “good practice to remove any large bags of candy from a carry-on bag and place it in a bin so TSA Officers can easily identify it’s not something more sinister than sugary treats.

2. Pumpkin lanterns are good to go through security. Pumpkin-flavored beverages—pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin beer, or pumpkin butters—are not, unless they are 3.4-ounces or less.

And my favorite....I mean REALLY, you think it's a good idea to go through security with a replica of a hand gr***de?

3. For costumes, capes have to come off your body and into the security bin. “A cape could trigger an alarm at the body scanner, resulting in a longer security process,” the TSA said. The same with masks and hats that are part of your ensemble.

4. Fake knives, axes, guns, bullets, gr***des, and light sabers, along with any kind of broom (flightless or not), have to be checked, otherwise they’ll be stopped at security. The TSA this week confiscated a replica hand gr***de at Rochester’s Frederick Douglass International Airport.

5. Another point for those who might be considering bringing a broom through—any potions that go along with that costume, also have to follow the liquid rule.

“When traveling with homebrewed potions and lotions, remember TSA’s magic 3-1-1 rule. This means if traveling with a liquid, gel, cream, paste or lotion (including fake blood) each item can only be 3.4 ounces or less and must fit into a plastic quart-sized bag if being carried through a security checkpoint,” the TSA said. “If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, the rule applies. Larger quantities of liquids should be packed in a checked bag.”

6. And, finally, costumes that require travelers to paint their face, while fun, aren’t permitted.

“A painted face in homage to IT is perfect for nighttime terror, but TSA prefers travelers do not fully paint their faces when traveling through checkpoints. Officers still need to match travelers to their ID picture,” the TSA said.

Happy Halloween!!!

28/10/2023

What happening at Celtic Heritage Destinations? I'm helping two people find their dream vacation to Ireland, helping a group referral from another travel consultant with a group of 8 with a custom tour to Scotland, and getting our Diana Gabaldon river cruise groups air booked. Busy times! Oh...and just musing on a group tour to Ireland next fall...who's interested!?

18/09/2023

Check out my blog post!

I recently received an email from clients, who I spent the last 10 months in contact with them planning a very custom tour based on their tastes, ideas, and dreams. We started with a Zoom meeting because they live 150 miles from my office. I asked dozens of questions to find out how they like to tra...

13/09/2023

I've noticed that sometimes a week in my business, as a travel agency, takes on a theme. Air is the theme this week. And it's only Wednesday, but so far, three people have reached out to me wanting me to fix their flights because life changed their flight plans!
As you can imagine, I've booked A LOT of air in my twelve years in business, and even before that when I had a job that required arranging travel for my supervisors. And as such, I have advice, and because it's my job and my business reputation relies on said advice, I give solid advice. You might not like the advice if it doesn't agree with your ideas. That's okay, I'm not there to argue, only give the best advice I can with the information I have at the time. Here's a few things that might save you time and money.
*Contact me when you need help on a flight...before you book. My fee to book air is a lot cheaper than my fee is to fix a booking (and I won't take on 'fixing' for third party bookings). I certainly know you are capable to book air, but I have some thoughts on that air that you may find helpful.
*$90 change fee for an airline is cheap, just pay it. I can't fix that change fee.
*Air continues to be a bit wonky. Be aware that almost any flight you book today will change by the time you fly. Be vigilant. Be flexible. And some airlines have a better track record than others. I get my information from trusted resources.
*Trust me. I've built my business on truth and honesty.

29/08/2023

This gave me a big belly laugh today! This is the truth! I have fun, but seriously, I can't turn off the travel agent in me. Checking my emails constantly, texting, thinking about my location (who counts elevators and front desk staff while on vacation!? 😂🥴). I can't stop, but I do love traveling!

23/07/2023

I forgot my Friday check-in (see previous post!). What Celtic Heritage Destinations did I work on this past week?

And sadly, I had to turn away a couple of clients due to my work load. Learning to say 'no' is hard for me. It's important to plan ahead for that dream trip --- at least 8 months ahead or more. The number of travelers this year is once again setting records.
Scotland (YAY-my most labor intensive tour to date to meet this whisky lover and artist's dream trip. And I loved every minute of creating this trip).
Florida
Palm Springs
Prague
Germany
France

23/07/2023

What is the hardest thing for you as you prepare for a trip?
Is it packing?
Work/life balance?
Saying goodbye to the family or pets?
Or something else?

14/07/2023

Friday Check-In:
Here's what's on my desk today:
-Madrid
-Eastern Europe
-Diana Gabaldon Cruise in April 2024
-Amtrak train travel
-Scotland

13/07/2023

"Hot town, summer in the city" came to mind when I walked out of Ukiah Trophies just now. I had to make a run to Ukiah to pick up Celtic Heritage Destinations water bottles. Thanks Heather Penny for always working with me on these great client gifts!

30/06/2023

Thanks Willits Weekly for the great ad in this year's Meet the Merchants insert! This is me folks! Let me know if you have questions!

26/06/2023

Where is the Celtic Heritage Destinations water bottle? Lillehammer ski jump, Norway!

25/05/2023

Are you suffering from air fare sticker shock? An air consolidator that I have used put it best in an email that I received this morning.
Airfares to Europe will go up.
Why? In one week, I am seeing a substantial jump in prices for travel to Europe.

Summer flights to Europe are already booked at 75% capacity. There won't be sales to fill the remaining seats.

Airline employees are lobbying for higher wages, which will lead to higher prices.

Booking for travel is back to 2019 levels.

Plan ahead, don't get held hostage by high air costs.

But wait! If you can travel in fall, travel to Europe is still a great option.

As kids go back to school, the crowds thin out, and the pace is less hectic.

The weather, while changeable, often is still good.

Prices are lower in the shoulder seasons, fall and spring. But fall is my favorite time to travel to Europe.

12/04/2023

I'm back in the office and going through hundreds of emails. Such a slog, but sometimes you find gems! I wanted to share with you that two of my favorite river cruise companies are having some pretty awesome sales right now. If you have been thinking of a river cruise, contact me and I can share with you the beauty of river cruising, either in the USA or destinations beyond! Follow the links on my website
https://www.celticheritagedestinations.com/

25/03/2023

A new view from my hotel window this morning after an almost 6 hour train trip yesterday. Today will be a day of exploration.

22/03/2023

This week, I've been testing this theory again, and I wholeheartedly agree that experiential travel is my favorite type of travel. Especially when I have time to see, touch, ask questions, and learn about history, geology, theology, culture, and so much more about a destination. How about you?