Current TSA restrictions for luggage and carry on items click here.

Other important links:

Current Airport Conditions
Weather Center
Travel Checklist
Currency Converter
Airline Seat Maps
Flight Tracker
World Time Zones
International Dialing Codes

To book online or call a travel agent???

There are plenty of times when you will not need a travel agent. One of those times is NOT your honeymoon! Use this guideline for when to book online and when to call a travel agent.

When to book online:

1. You just need point to point air tickets. 
2. You know which hotel you are staying at and which car to rent.
3. You are flexible with your dates of travel.
4. Book online on Tuesday and Wednesday for the best fares for most airlines. Travel on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday.
5. Internet sites to use: www.specialoccasiontravel.com for packages or any airline website for air/car only.
6. Use your reward travel miles for flights costing over $250. Be sure to call the airline to check availability if you don't see it at their website. You can book most reward travel up to 330 days out
7. Sign up for the complimentary travel tips and specials at www.specialoccasiontravel.com.

When to call a travel agent:

1. For great package deals. I will check several wholesalers to find the best prices. 
2. You don't have the time to look on the internet for your vacation and would like suggestions.
3. You don't have the expertise for the area you want visit.
4. You want to get the best pricing available for a package - air, hotel, car/transfers.
5. You want a package that includes a special fare.
6. You have never cruised before or have no idea which cruise to choose.
7. You enjoy personal service and attention.

CHOOSING A DESTINATION:

1. What are the three things you want to get from your destination/vacation?
   
2. What activities would you like to participate in?
   
1. Water sports
2. Museums
3. Shopping
4. 5 Star Dining
5. Spa/fitness
   
   
3. What is your budget?
   
1. Economy
2. Moderate
3. First Class
4. Luxury
   
   
4. What are some of the best vacations you have had? Why?
   
5. What time of year will you vacation and by which mode of transportation?
   
6. How much time do you have for your vacation?
   
7. Do you have the proper documentation for your destination?
   
8. How much time do you have to plan this vacation? Perhaps it is worth hiring a Travel Coordinator.
   

GETTING THE MOST FOR YOUR DOLLAR:

1. Can you travel off-season?
   
2. Can you fly midweek? Can you include a Saturday night stay?
   
3. Stay in a "Run of the House" room. It is typically less expensive than an ocean view.
   
4. Buy a vacation package rather than trying to purchase air/hotel/transfers separately.
   
5. All-inclusive are usually less expensive than EP (European Plan - No meals included) in the long run.
   
6. Can you use consolidator or charter air?
   
7. Have you called a travel coordinator for competitive pricing? The Internet is not always the least expensive package rate.
   

CRUISING CONSIDERATIONS:

1. What date, length or destination do you want?
   
2. What cruise line and ship will best meet the needs above?
   
3. Do you want casual, semiformal or formal atmosphere?
   
4. Have you cruised before?
   
5. What price range are you looking?
   
6. What type of cabin do you want? Inside, outside, balcony. Do you want a guaranteed cabin?
   
7. What size ship do you prefer? Do you want large cruise line or smaller ships?
   
8. What time do you prefer to dine? Small table or large?
   
9. Smoking or non-smoking?
   
10. Any special requirements? Lower cabin for those prone to seasickness.
    
11. Are you celebrating a special occasion?
    
12. What are the cancellation policies?
    
13. How to pay for the tips and on board purchases?
    
14. Do you want travel protection?
    

TIPPING GUIDE:

1. Hotels:
   Bellhop $1-2/bag
   Doorman $1 for taxi
   Maid $2-3/night Parking Valet $1
   Room Service 15%
   Spa Treatments 15-20%
   
   
2. Airports:
   Skycap $1/bag Electric cart driver $1-2
   
   
3. Transportation:
   Taxi 15% of fare
   Tour guide $10/all day or 15%
   
   
4. Restaurants:
   Waiter 15-20% Sommelier 15% of wine bill
   Coat check $1/coat
   
   
5. Cruises:
   Cabin Steward $3-4/person/day
   Head housekeeper $5/person/cruise
   Waiter $3-4/person/day
   Busboy $1.50-2/person/day
   

CHOOSING A BAG:

1. Quality
   
   
   
   1. Strong construction
      
   2. Soft sides
      
   3. Not leather because it is susceptible to mold and mildew
      
   4. Ballistic nylon
      
   5. Tie-down straps inside, extra strap/hook outside
      
   6. No built in locks! No locks allowed on luggage. New TSA recommendation. Use twist locks to keep bag from popping open. Airline will cover lost or damaged luggage and clothing to a maximum of $2500 ($635 on international flights). They won't cover electronics, antiques, jewelry or fragile items. If you are traveling with expensive items, it is worth having additional insurance. Check your existing homeowners or renter's policy, credit cards or travel protection for coverage.
      
   
   
2. Airline carry-on limits
   
3. Number of bags one can take differ by destination
   
4. Most carry on is restricted by size.
   
5. L + W + H = 45 inches
   
6. Multiples of seven like 7 x 14 x 21
   
7. Wheels or no wheels?
   
   
   
   1. Wheels make the luggage heavier
      
   2. Hard to drag over long distances
      
   3. Convenient for short distances
      
   4. Less strain on the back
      
   
   
8. Wheels
   
   
   
   1. Sturdy construction
      
   2. Doesn't pay to buy cheap
      
   3. Hook on latch for extras
      
   
   
9. Back-packs
   
   
   
   1. Swiss Army Brands and Eagle Creek both have them with detachable daypacks.
      
   2. Also have built-in wheels.
      
   3. Be sure to purchase the kind with padded hip belt so the strain is not on the shoulders or back.
      
   4. Remember when buying that they will be heavier when packed.
      
   
   

CHOOSING THE PROPER CLOTHES:

1. Colors: Pick a color scheme of three colors in the dark, light and accent fields:
   
   
   
   1. Black, beige, pink
      
   2. Navy, beige, gray
      
   3. Black, white, blue
      
   
   
2. Materials
   
   
   
   1. Natural fabrics are cool but may wrinkle easily.
      
   2. Knitted fabrics are the best or nylons.
      
   3. Avoid military style clothing.
      
   4. Spandex blend is great for cruising and long air trips.
      
   
   
3. 10 items to make 40 outfits: Warm
   
   
   
   1. 2 tank tops/t-shirts
      
   2. 1 pair of pants
      
   3. 2 jacket/sweater
      
   4. 1 skirt
      
   5. 1 Capri's/shorts/zip-off pants
      
   6. 1 long sleeve shirt
      
   7. Belt
      
   8. Scarf
      
   
   
4. Variations on the above list: Cold
   
   
   
   1. 2 long sleeve tops/t-shirts
      
   2. 2 pair of pants
      
   3. 2 jacket/sweater
      
   4. 1 long skirt
      
   5. 1 zip-off pants
      
   6. 1 long sleeve shirt
      
   7. Belt
      
   8. Scarf
      
   9. Silk long underwear
      
   
   
5. Don't pack list:
   
   
   
   1. Jeans (too bulky and they don't wash/dry well)
      
   2. Expensive jewelry
      
   3. New shoes
      
   
   

EXTRAS NEEDED:

1. Small flashlight
   
2. Scissors, nail clippers
   
3. Compass
   
4. Inflatable travel pillow
   
5. Safety pins
   
6. Rubber bands
   
7. Sewing kit
   
8. Clear Ziploc® bags marked dirty (I like these best)
   
9. Duct tape or Gearaid for mini-rolls
   
10. Toothbrush, paste, floss
    
11. Razor, blades, shaving cream
    
12. Comb/brush, shampoo, hair bands (only pack a hair dryer if one is not available at your destination)
    
13. Deodorant
    
14. Stain eraser, detergent (for extended stays)
    
15. Kleenex (for the countries that don't have toilet paper - Asia)
    
16. Aspirin, cold & Flu medicine, diarrhea medicine, prescriptions in their original containers, vitamins (not always available over the counter in other countries and can you read the directions in another language?)
    
17. Infection treatment, antibiotics, band aids
    
18. Insect repellant
    
19. Sun block, lip balm, sun glasses
    
20. Feminine products
    
21. Eye masks, ear plugs, sound machine
    
22. Travel alarm clock
    
23. Pen, paper, address book, passport (copies left with neighbor and somewhere else in your luggage), maps, visas, reading material (several small books are better than one large).
    
24. Underwear, socks, pajamas, long underwear
    
25. Rain coat, umbrella
    
26. Camera with new batteries and some film. Beware of damage to film.
    
27. Voltage converter and plug adapter.
    

MAKING PURCHASES:

1. If you take cash, use a money belt or neck pocket.
   
2. Traveler's checks are rather expensive to cash.
   
3. Be sure your credit card works internationally.
   
4. Use a Money card - available at banks. It is a pre-loaded credit card.
   
5. Have an ATM card for cash.
   
6. Obtain local currency at airport or American Express- Southglenn Mall.
   

HOW TO PACK ALL THIS STUFF:

1. Start at bottom of suitcase and place around the wheels, underwear, socks and hair dryer if necessary. Try to keep shower products in one bag and make-up in a different one. Put on bottom.
   
2. Underwear in plastic Ziploc bag with one empty that says dirty.
   
3. Layer of drycleaner plastic then alternate the following clothing with long side hanging out of either side of the suitcase. Wide side in.
   
4. Buttoned jacket on bottom facing down. Collar side in from long side.
   
5. Long dress or skirt facing up.
   
6. Pants with waist in first.
   
7. Shorts/skirts
   
8. Long sleeve shirts, sweaters
   
9. Layer of drycleaner plastic.
   
10. Folded t-shirts, tank tops, vests, pjs, bathing suit, long underwear and any other clothing in the middle perpendicular to other clothing.
    
11. Layer of drycleaner plastic.
    
12. All toiletries should be in a Ziploc bag of some type or cosmetic bag placed on the inside sides of the suitcase.
    
13. Place shoes in their own bag on top of all clothing. I try to put them along the side and place each shoe wrapped in something. This is a new FAA Security regulation to check all shoes.
    
14. Small empty nylon bag for the last night of the cruise or souvenirs.
    
15. In outside pockets place your raincoat and reading materials.
    
16. Colored ribbon on the outside of your luggage, work address (not your home) on tag.
    

WHAT TO PLACE IN YOUR CARRY ON BAG or PURSE:

1. All medicines
   
2. Toothbrush and toothpaste
   
3. Flashlight
   
4. Passport (Leave copies (front and back) with someone you can contact)
   
5. Tickets/itinerary
   
6. Address book and pen
   
7. Gum/candy
   
8. Water bottle
   
9. Camera
   
10. Jewelry-none expensive
    
11. Money/credit card - small wallet (one CC, insurance cards, drivers license/ID and cash). Also, consider a neck ID carrier or money belt. Make copies of all of these documents and leave with someone you can contact.
    
12. Inflatable travel pillow
    

CLOTHES COMBINATIONS:

1. One pants and one shorts/or Capri's with:
   
   
   
   1. Solid tank & black jacket
      
   2. Decorative tank
      
   3. Decorative tank & black jacket
      
   4. Black tank & Belt
      
   5. Black jacket buttoned, no tank, & belt
      
   6. Black jacket buttoned with scarf
      
   7. Black tank with purple novelty jacket
      
   8. Shirt with belt
      
   9. Shirt with tank
      
   10. Shirt with black jacket
       
   11. Shirt with scarf
       
   12. Black tank with shirt as a jacket
       
   13. Decorative tank with shirt as jacket
       
   
   
2. Long Sleeved Skirt with: All of the above
   
3. Long or mid length black dress with any of the jackets or shirts with belts and scarves for any dinner occasion.
   

Tips for Healthy Travel

1. See your doctor before leaving for vacation.
   
   
   
   1. You should visit your family physician to discuss any troubling symptoms that might become a problem during your journey.
      
   2. Many health concerns can be addressed prior to your trip and worries about illness or discomfort can often be alleviated by working with your doctor.
      
   
   
2. Motion Sickness can be controlled.
   
   
   
   1. People who experience motion sickness are familiar with the dizziness, nausea, queasiness, and upset stomach that may accompany car, boat and plane travel. Motion sickness usually results when the brain gets conflicting information about movement.
      
   2. When traveling by car, try to sit in the front seat and avoid reading. When traveling by boat, sit as close to the middle of the vessel as possible and look straight ahead at the horizon, a fixed point that will not move.
      
   3. Today's high-tech cruise ships are built for comfort, with stabilizers for smooth sailing, and most passengers experience little or no motion sickness.
      
   4. When flying, try to sit near the wing of the plane, or the side where you are accustomed to driving. Earplugs also may help.
      
   5. Check into over-the-counter help like from Bonine. There are some over-the-counter and prescription medications available to help prevent motion sickness. Remember to use caution when taking them, as many cause drowsiness, which can impair your ability to drive or operate a boat or plane.
      
   
   
3. Problem with the digestive system.
   
   
   
   1. People with digestive disorders such as diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome may also require frequent bathroom visits during long trips. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications are helpful, and there are prescription medications available for people who may experience more severe symptoms.
      
   2. Avoiding stress, caffeine, and certain types of high-fat foods can help keep these conditions under control.
      
   
   
4. Allergy sufferers.
   
   
   
   1. People who suffer from allergies to molds, mites, dust, pollen, animal fur, insects, foods, and other substances should take the same precautions on vacation as they do at home.
      
   2. Bring any prescription or over-the-counter anti-allergy medications used on a regular basis.
      
   3. Bring an antihistamine in case of accidental exposure to a substance that triggers an allergic reaction.
      
   4. Pack your own pillowcase for use in hotels, especially if you have sensitive skin. Some hotels even offer non-allergic pillows and non-smoking rooms. Ask your travel coordinator for availability.
      
   
   
5. Joint, muscle aches and arthritis
   
   
   
   1. The inflammation of the joints that occurs with arthritis may be especially troubling during long trips that restrict movement.
      
   2. Taking frequent breaks to walk around and relieve stiff joints and muscles can make car, plane and cruise trips more enjoyable.
      
   3. Remember to pack (in carryon only) aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, or any prescription medications you normally use for arthritis.
      
   4. Your travel coordinator can arrange special assistance at the airport and recommend hotels, tours and cruises that cater to persons with limited mobility.
      
   
   

HOW TO GET MORE INFORMATION:

1. Visit www.specialoccasiontravel.com for information on honeymoons, second honeymoons, anniversaries or specialbirthday celebration travel.
   
2. Call a travel coordinator and take advantage of their time and expertise!
   
3. Visit the following sites before you leave:
   
   
   
   1. Safety and Passport information- http://travel.state.gov
      
   2. Weather - www.customs.ustreas.gov
      
   3. Flight departures and arrivals - www.flyfaa.gov
      
   4. Visas  - www.embassy.org/embassies
      
   5. Cruise Opinions - www.cruiseopinions.com
      
   6. City Guides - www.zagat.com or www.bestreadguides.com
      
   7. Airport Info - www.flydenver.com
      
   8. TSA Regulations - www.tsatraveltips.us
      
   
   
4. Contact Ellen Keralla at 720-200-0243 or 1-800-691-0243 for help with all
   your travel coordination or by email at Ellen@SpecialOccasionTravel.com.