Vance World Travel

29/08/2024

When traveling, especially in Europe you often get ABC, meaning "Another Beautiful Church". It can be true, around every corner is another beautiful church. They are wonderful pieces of art, if they are your religion or not.

On this day the weather outside was blah, at best. Chilly, cloudy, and a bit rainy. But we made the most of it. Nothing outside changed how beautiful Lyon was.

Both photos are from the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, Lyon, France.

Photos by me, Kevin Vance

25/08/2024

Starting in May of next year... ETIAS will be required for travels to most countries in Europe, and Real ID will be required for all flights within the US (passport is also an option).

Travel is changing and I am here to help you keep up.

Ensure smooth travels for you and your clients by being REAL ID compliant before May 7, 2025. If your clients use a driver’s license at TSA checkpoints, remind them that a REAL ID-compliant license, marked with a gold star in the upper-right corner, is required to board domestic flights.

While passports and other forms of identification are still accepted by TSA, it's important to stay updated on any changes. You can view the full list of accepted alternatives here: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

For more information on REAL ID, visit: https://bit.ly/3SLnUyh

24/08/2024

I try not to get too into advertising or sales on this page, but I have to say, Escapes by Globus is one of the best deals out there. (and I am not being paid to say that). I really like the offering.

There are some compromises, but the prices are awesome. It's a good way for someone who doesn't think they can afford to travel to special places to actually make it happen.

Samples...
Costa Rico 7 Days, $999 per person for every date left in 2024, $1119 - $1159 for dates throughout all of 2025.

Spain and Portugal Escape, 9 Days
$1649 per person in December, $1699 In January and March.

22/08/2024

Today's tip... Money, specifically cash

When you are traveling internationally, you want to carry as little cash as possible. Each trip can be different, but in general you want to only carry enough cash to pay for a meal in case of an issue with you credit card or if the restaurant doesn't accept credit cards, and you didn't realize it when you ordered (or their system is down, etc).

Credit cards (and debit cards) in developed countries are accepted almost everywhere. They are the safest and they will get you the best exchange rate.

Cash... to get foreign money, the best thing to do is get it from an ATM machine in the country you are going to. You will pay a small fee (around $5), but it's much cheaper than the other options.

The most popular way to get money (and it's the second best, but it can be very expensive) is to get it from your bank... BUT... my bank for example (a major national bank with their name on a stadium) charges a $10 fee, gives a poor exchange rate and a deliver fee... and these fees are charged both getting the money and putting it back at the end. That's $20 + the exchange loss, and the delivery fee. Makes the $5 cost from an ATM look cheap.

I am happy to give advice... ask me anything in the comments, call me, email me.

21/08/2024

Traveling can be overwhelming, but it's the little things that make a place more than just a postcard. Slow down and take in what's right in front of you! ️

Gargoyle and "Man at Work" is from Bratislava, Slovakia
Fuzz Balls are from Avignone, France
all photographed by me (Kevin)

20/08/2024

Food... For some it's why they travel, for some it's just a chance to explore a culture. When we travel, we like to explore many of the foods that we don't have exposure to, or the enhanced quality that comes from local experiences. On most trips we discover a food that we seem to crave for months and associate that food with that trip.

These foods were from either on our Avalon Waterwaysr river cruise, or from local shops in France. My daughter has a saying "the phone eats first"... reminding us to pause for a moment and grab a food picture before we start eating. Of course, it's tough to remember to do when such wonderful smells and temping foods are placed down in front of you.

Leave a comment about your favorite place to eat?

18/08/2024

This is the hospital where Van Gogh was hospitalized (mental) after cutting off his ear. Arles Hospital in the south of France, where he painted a lot while he was a patient. This photo shows one of his paintings from near the very spot it was painted.

For me, I love the connection to history. The little stuff that makes history real, and not just a story in a book. It's one of the reasons I love to travel. To stand in the very place where an event took place.

Another one of my favorite locations for this is the old House of Representative Chambers in the US Capital. There is a marker on the floor at the very spot where Aberham Lincoln's desk was located when he served in Congress. It isn't a recreation, or anything abstract, it marks the very spot on the same exact marble floor I was standing on where Lincoln also stood.

Why do you travel? Do you travel for the history of a place, the beauty or all of the above?

16/08/2024

Leave a comment with your first choice?? 🤔

Ocean Cruise
All-Inclusive Resort
Theme Park
River Cruise

(all photos by me, Kevin Vance)

16/08/2024

Booking of the week...

Returning clients were looking for a special birthday trip. Multiple cities in Italy, in the Spring of 2025.... No problem.

Reflections of Italy, by Collette Tours, 10 Days, 5 cities

15/08/2024

Floating down the Rhone River, in the southern part of France. It was nice to just relax, here the water flow, see the scenery go by. Often times we would just lay in bed, since it faces the window, and just let time pass. Other times I would sit at the table in front of the open French Balcony window.

No one wants to work while they are traveling, but in my case it's a necessary part of the job. However, in situations like this, I can't complain.

Where is your most relaxing place?

14/08/2024

Travel Tip: In Ireland, using Uber gets you with a licensed taxi instead of a private car. This is especially convenient when you're unsure of your exact location, as the Uber app directs the taxi straight to you.

📍 Blarney Castle & Gardens, Cork, Ireland.
📷 Photo taken by Kevin Vance

13/08/2024

When we were in Paris, in Metro stations we saw the classic Mickey Mouse logo, over and over again. That was all it took. We knew it was there, but thought we would skip it... we were wrong.

Disneyland Paris is a nice Disney Park. Right now, you can do both parks in one day (a bit rushed), but once the major construction is done, these parks will deserve a lot more time.

This is my second time to Disneyland Paris, the first was in 1998 when it was EuroDisney. It has grown quite a bit. It was a lot of fun.

Have you ever been to a Disney park? Which was your favorite?

12/08/2024

I had the opportunity to explore Paris in April. They were finishing setting up for the Olympics, and the city was as beautiful as ever. The Eifel tower simply calls to the camera. You can see it from all over. Every spot seems to be better than the last one. When you think you have enough photos of it... around the corner is an even better shot.

This describes Paris, around the corner is another place to explore, another beautiful scene. I really enjoyed Paris, and France in general. More photos over the coming days, but these are some of my favorites from Paris.

09/08/2024

I was honored to have earned an invitation to a special conference for high performing agencies. During the week (last week) I had the opportunity to have close access to many vendors and make relationships that will benefit my clients... and in a few cases has already benefited my clients.

We were hosted by Disney World and the Waldorf-Astoria Bonnett Creek. Look at how beautiful this freshly renovated hotel is. The attention to detail, the great staff, and the comfortable surroundings all combine to make a nice stay.

Prices for a regular room are near the prices of the moderate Disney resort. However, this gives you a break from the constant Disney, which some people like. It also is quieter and fewer kids.

08/08/2024

Dedicated to my clients... working during a multiday power outage, day 2. Small generator in the back yard, extension cords all over the house.

(Thunderstorm with hurricane level winds hit on Tuesday)

05/08/2024

A very big thank you to Disney Travel for rewarding my fellow agents and myself with a private show from the Cadaver Dans. The whole evening was a great time!!!

04/08/2024

Awe-inspiring! Experience the beauty of Red Lotus Sea, a hidden treasure tucked away in Udon Thani, Thailand. This breathtaking transformation sees thousands of vibrant red lotus flowers bloom between December and February. This will create an unforgettable memory. Just avoid weekends and holidays… it's too busy.

04/08/2024

You asked, and Virgin Voyages listened — they extended 70% off a 2nd Sailor on all sailings for a limited time so you can extend the vibes of summer for the rest of the year.
Plus, book the Limited View Sea Terrace for the price of The Sea View on most voyages in 2025 and 2026 — because hammock views (and savings) are a big deal. Especially when this upgrade scores you up to $325 in extra savings — on top of over $1,000 of Always Included Luxuries and flexible booking policies that never cost extra. It’s (always) the luxury you deserve and no nickel and diming... ever.

Extended — 70% off a 2nd Sailor plus free balcony upgrades on most sailings in 2025 and 2026! >>>MORE

03/08/2024

Nature and architecture meld beautifully at Praia das Catedrais on Spain’s Galicia coast. The awe-inspiring natural rock formations are reminiscent of Gothic cathedral arches. Interested in feeling the Atlantic breeze on your face and enjoying the beauty of this captivating beach paradise? # PraiadasCatedrais

03/08/2024

Home to more than a third of Greenlanders, the capital of Nuuk has a thriving arts scene. Also known by its Danish name of Godthåb (Good Hope), Nuuk has a busy old Colonial Harbour with Nuuk Cathedral, colorful wooden houses, and avant-garde architecture. Swan Hellenic's Canadian Arctic and Northern Lights cruise itinerary is the gateway to Inuit experiences and natural adventures on the fjords among the icy seas and spectacular mountains. Want me to get you more information?

Go Beyond >>>MORE

02/08/2024

Experience the epitome of luxury at Adaaran Prestige Water Villas, an all-inclusive exclusive retreat nestled in the breathtaking Maldives archipelago. Private sun decks, glass portals for marine life viewing, personalized butler service, crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant sea life, and gourmet dining. What else can I tell you?

02/08/2024

Champs De Mars Park surrounds the Eiffel Tower, providing a place for Parisians and tourists to relax and enjoy the view. This is one of the locations for the 2024 Olympic Games. Save $400 per couple on the April 1 & 22, 2025 tour departures if you book by 8/21/24.

Save $400/couple on Europe Tours >>>MORE

01/08/2024

Admire the contrasting colors and textures of Purmamarca, a picturesque town nestling in the Jujuy region of Argentina. It's no wonder that Cerro de los Siete Colores, this breathtaking hill of seven colours, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site! You'll be sure to capture its rich cultural heritage, its many picturesque trails and its nature and wildlife discovery tours on your mobile phone!