May 24, 2016

Explore Alaska

The Alaskan Experience

Alaska contains some of the most amazing natural landscapes in the world. With beautiful National Parks to kayaking with wildlife it truly has it all!

VIEW VACATIONS >>

Majestic Wildlife and Glorious Landscapes

The journey north is a nonstop odyssey of some of the most remarkable points on the planet.

DISCOVER MORE >>

What kind of vacation would you like to take?

Why cruise to Alaska?

Alaska is blessed with thousands of square miles of unparalleled rugged natural beauty.

LEARN MORE >>

Explore Beyond the Port

Merge the comfort of a cruise with a tour to inland locations in Alaska!

LEARN MORE >>

Speak with an Expert!

Contact your expert to Alaska today!

LEARN MORE >>

Cruise into Alaska

Breathtaking scenery, gleaming glaciers, abundant wildlife, and Native American culture are only a few of the spectacular attractions that draw cruise vacationers to Alaska.

Ships that visit Alaska on a seven-day itinerary typically sail along the Inside Passage and visit Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, stopping at four ports along the way.

For climate and sunlight purposes, cruises to Alaska sail strictly during the summer months, from early May to mid-September. June, July and August can be classified as peak season when average daily high temperatures can reach 75 degrees Fahrenheit, so those looking for the best value should check sailing dates in May and September when temperatures hover around 50 degrees.

A variety of cruise ships sail to Alaska, including luxury vessels and midsize ships – most of which offer expanded kids programs for family vacationers. While the majority of ships sail from Vancouver, BC, Seattle is increasingly becoming a popular summer homeport for many lines. Both embarkation/disembarkation points allow ships to visit the most popular ports on an Alaska cruise, including Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

Our Travel Experts can help you select just the right cruise experience for you, from large ship cruising on Princess Cruises, Holland America Line and Celebrity Cruises or luxurious cruising to Regent Seven Seas Cruises or Silversea Cruises.

Contact:

Uniglobe Five Star Travel

1-800-486-5257

3168 Peachtree Road, NW

Atlanta, Georgia 30305

www.uniglobefivestar.com

March 15, 2016

Travel News: Canada Requires eTA

Starting March 15, new regulations will come into effect for travel to Canada requiring the completion of an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The eTA is inexpensive and can be completed online, but must be completed prior to arrival. The system brings Canada in line with the US which operates ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) for visa-exempt travelers.

The Canadian policy does not apply to US citizens, who will continue to be able to travel to Canada without a visa or eTA. Additionally, if a traveler to Canada requires and obtains a visa, the eTA is not required.

More information including the online application is available at: www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/eta.asp

March 2, 2016

Trends in InFlight Entertainment

It wasn’t so long ago that the roll-out of seat-back TVs was a major enhancement in inflight entertainment. Today, travelers can experience a wide diversity of options from flight to flight. The changes are being driven by market demand, traveler habits, technology development and cost. What options are you likely to experience on your next flight? Your UNIGLOBE Travel expert has the rundown.

What is the newest offering in inflight entertainment?

The latest significant development in inflight viewing is media streaming to travelers’ devices. This involves the use of a traveler’s own device (laptop, tablet or smartphone) to connect wirelessly to a media server located on the plane, serving a large selection of content. Think of it as Netflix in the sky, but instead of the data coming from the internet (on the ground), all the movies and TV shows are stored on the plane.

This trend was built on the back of the large investment that airlines have made in the installation of inflight wifi over the past 5 years. This connectivity provided an opportunity for airlines to rethink the way that content was delivered. The seatback TVs that began to appear on domestic flights in the 2000s are expensive to install and maintain and add substantial weight to the aircraft. So, the opportunity to shift from seatback TVs to streaming media was a natural development.

From a customers’ perspective, most travelers’ devices have a better resolution and viewing experiences than the seatback TVs. The other benefit is that movie and TV viewing will become available on some regional jets that previously didn’t offer any entertainment options.

Do I have to pay for wifi in order to access the streaming content? What if I don’t have a compatible device?

Inflight wifi works by connecting the traveler device to a wifi router on the plane, when then connects to an internet signal either on the ground or via satellite. It is this connectivity beyond the plane that requires a wifi subscription. As the media streaming is from a server located on the plane, no wifi subscription is required. Most airlines are offering the streaming media for free, though some may charge for premium content.

Recognizing that not all travellers have devices to watch TV and movies, or that some prefer a larger screen, some airlines offer tablet rentals.

Which airlines are offering streaming media?

Delta has long been the leader in offering inflight wifi, so they also have a significant head start for media streaming. They offer the service across all of their domestic fleet which are wifi capable. Interestingly, the Delta is not doing away with seatback TVs as they continue to roll out aircraft with the units, providing the customer choice in how to watch. United is making great strides in this segment, with streaming content available on all Airbus 319 and 320, along with most of the most of their larger RJ fleet. The service is also rolling out on many of their other aircraft types. Other airlines are a mixed bag, though access is increasing across the board.

January 1, 2016

Welcome 2016!

May the new year bring you health and happiness!

December 2, 2015

Dealing with Delays

Whether we like it or not, flight delays will happen to us eventually, however knowing your rights and options is key to managing this stressful situation efficiently. Understanding the difference between weather related delays or mechanical issues and knowing your rights within the US or internationally will help determine your next step.

What rights do I have as a Passenger?

Airlines will never guarantee their flight schedule as oftentimes delays are beyond their control, such as weather and airport traffic. In the case of a weather delay, which may be affecting a number of planes at your airport, it is worth asking a gate agent what compensation is being offered. You may be able to get a meal voucher if it is a longer delay, but in the case of weather, they are not obligated to provide anything.

If, however, your flight is delayed due to a mechanical issue or in some way due to the fault of the airline, the airline must provide certain accommodations depending on the length of the delay. Call your travel agent or your UNIGLOBE 24/7 Rescue Line to explain your situation and they can advise you on your options and assist in getting appropriate compensation from the airline.

It looks like my flight will be delayed for a while, what are my options?

If your flight delay is lengthy and isn’t weather-related, call your travel agent or the UNIGLOBE 24/7 Rescue Line to find out what the flight schedules are on alternate airlines and/or alternate routings. If there is a desirable flight with available seats, we can inquire with the airline you were initially booked with if they will endorse your ticket to the second airline. The airline is not required to do so, but many airlines will work with travel agents and passengers to keep you happy, particularly if delays are expected to be lengthy.

For those finding themselves delayed overseas, it is important to note that in Europe airlines in the European Union are required to provide meals and beverages to passengers who are delayed for a long time. EU airlines are also obligated to provide hotel accommodations when a delay necessitates an overnight stay and reimbursement when the delay is five hours or more.

What if I get bumped from my flight?

Airlines regularly sell more tickets on a flight than there are seats available as they count on a certain percentage of no-shows. When more passengers check-in than seats are available, the airline will offer alternative flights with some form of additional compensation in order to entice certain passengers to give up their seat. If no one is willing, the airline is forced to deny boarding to some passengers. If you are involuntarily bumped from your flight you have rights as a passenger. US law requires the airline to compensate you if it does not get you to your final destination within an hour of your original arrival time. At the time of writing, if the new flight gets you to your destination between one and two hours late, the airline must pay you the equivalent of the one-way fare to your destination, up to $400. If the flight gets you there more than two hours late, you’re entitled to twice the cost of your one-way fare as compensation, up to $800.

November 23, 2015

Traveling Gluten Free or Vegan Friendly

For travelers with celiac disease and serious allergies it can be very difficult while on the road to stay within dietary requirements. Hilary Davidson knows this all too well, she is a travel writer, blogger and cannot eat gluten. For those of you facing food choice challenges while aboard Hilary has some advice for you:

Research your options:

Planning ahead is the key to any great vacation, but when it is your health on the line it is important to take a little extra planning time. If you are allergic to common foods or items frequently used in meal basics, (such as soup stock and sauces), it is best to ask for an ingredients list when in a foreign restaurant. By researching places ahead of time it frees you from worry and wasted time while on vacation.

Understand cultural Differences:

When planning a visit to a new destination, be sure you know how to explain your allergies or diet requirements in the local language. For vegetarians and vegans beware that not all countries have the same definition as the USA. Some countries believe vegetarians eat fish and fish stock, and others believe it is just a meal that includes vegetables, but may also include meat.

Have a backup plan:

Pack safe food items, so you always have a fall-back plan. There may be times when in a foreign country that you may not be able to find a meal that meets your needs.

You can still be a foodie:

Many vegetarians have been turning to Happy Cow, a website launched in 1999 to guide travelers to vegetarian restaurants around the globe.

Sandra Beasley, a poet, an avid foodie and someone who is allergic to many things, says if travelers do their homework before visiting a place, it is possible to find a variety of dining options. Find out more about how Sandra lives with her life-threatening allergies in her memoir, Don’t Kill The Birthday Girl.

Find like-minded tourism:

There are all sorts of Vegan friendly vacation destinations popping up. Visit Farm Sanctuary in Watkins Glen, New York which is a rescue center for farm animals. The farm provides tours and overnight stays or go to the Red Robin Son Guest House in Berkshires, New York where they serve up delicious vegan breakfasts that could fool anyone. There are plenty of other vegan bed and breakfasts throughout the country so ask your travel agent to find you one.

October 19, 2015

UNIGLOBE 24/7 Rescue Line

If you’ve ever slept through your alarm, your taxi was late, the traffic was a nightmare, you misread your itinerary, it’s suddenly painfully obvious that you’re about to miss your flight. By the time you arrive at the airport, the airline has declared you a no-show. You’ll likely be charged a penalty for changing your ticket and you’ll have to wait in line and suffer the consequences as check-in agents try to accommodate you on a later flight. Worse, if you booked your own flight through a discount website or consolidator, it may come with so many restrictions that absolutely no changes or refunds are allowed.

Book your trip through your UNIGLOBE agency and you have options. As soon as you suspect you’re not going to make it to the airport on time, call us or call our UNIGLOBE Rescue Line. After quickly reviewing the fare you paid, your frequent flyer status and the airline’s policy on ticket refunds, your agent can instantly book you a new flight. You’ll avoid the long waits and uncertainty of dealing with check-in agents at the airport.

Our UNIGLOBE Rescue Line is a toll-free service* available to clients who are either en-route internationally and need assistance, or who require our services outside our office hours. Our service is an extension of our business staff with senior consultants available to assist you with access to your travel profile and reservations.

The UNIGLOBE Rescue Line includes:

World-wide 24-hour toll free assistance from more than 80 countries
Assistance with new air, car and hotel reservations as well as changes and cancellations for existing itineraries
Available for travellers with international needs while en-route
Collect calling from countries without toll-free or no-charge service
Leave-behind itineraries for family and co-workers so they can reach you in an emergency

Travel knowing you are protected against changes and unforeseen circumstances. Contact us today for complete details.

*Calls to the After Hours line are subject to additional charges a list of which can be provided to you upon request.

October 5, 2015

Hot Cruise Deals

Best Cruise Values:

Our Hottest Offers:

Holland America Line: 10-Night Southern Caribbean Seafarer Cruises

August 5, 2015

Buying Travel on the Internet – Think Before You Click

Despite media hype pitting travel agents against the Internet, travel agents continue to embrace the Web as a valuable source of travel information and encourage their clients to take advantage of it. However, you should always exercise caution before buying travel products online.

Buying travel on the Internet is not for everyone. You have to know what to ask and when to ask it or you could end up wasting hundreds of dollars and countless hours on a trip that fails to meet your expectations. As part of our continuing mission to provide useful travel information for our clients, we want to address many of the common concerns and questions you may face when considering buying travel online:

Should you use the Internet to plan a trip?
Absolutely! But the key word here is “plan”. The Internet is a great source of information about destinations, hotels, attractions, local transportation and weather and more. However, the Internet often doesn’t provide the detail and depth travelers need to prepare a complete itinerary. Travelers should always consult a professional travel agency before making any travel purchase.

Do consumers get the lowest airfare from a travel website?
Not always. Most “bargains” sold on the Internet are usually for limited times and are highly restricted, forcing some travelers to change their itineraries to include a “red-eye” flight or layovers. Some sites that allow consumers to perform a search for the lowest price don’t include discounted consolidator air tickets. While other Internet sites do offer these tickets, traditional travel agencies offer the same discounts, in addition to valuable customer service and expertise.

Are tour prices cheaper online?
Usually, no. Although many wholesale tour operators maintain Web sites, they don’t offer discounts there. Your UNIGLOBE Travel Consultant can help you choose the tour that’s right for you and in most cases save you money.

Is the Internet a good source for hotel discounts?
Although several hotel chains offer discounts on their websites, duplicate promotions are usually available offline. Hotel discounters have sites as well, but the best deals usually come from chain-sponsored promotions and parallel deals offered through your local travel agent. Your experienced UNIGLOBE travel agent can also help clients find hotels at locations most convenient for you.

Other common consumer concerns about buying travel online include issues of security, cancellations and customer service. It is particularly important for those planning trips involving groups, young children and the disabled to seek the help of a travel agent. In addition, today’s consumers are increasingly seeking unique, customized trips that often require the assistance of a skilled travel professional.

The bottom line is that smart travelers know their time, money and travel dreams are too important to be left floating in cyber-space. And the customer satisfaction that comes with a travel agent’s hard work, expertise and quality service will never go out of style.

July 8, 2015

Preferred Vendor: Classic Vacations

Classic Vacations provides perfectly tailored vacation experiences for discerning travelers. For nearly 30 years, all types of travelers – individuals, couples, families and groups – have trusted Classic Vacations to plan memorable and enriching vacations to the world’s great destinations.

When Classic Vacations first opened its doors in 1978, it focused on a single destination: Hawaii. As the company has grown, so have their offerings. In addition to Hawaii, Classic Vacations now provides luxury vacations to the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Europe and the South Pacific.

Their services include a full line of vacation components – hotels, car rentals, flight options, in-destination activities and private transfers. Classic Vacations is based in San Jose, California.

Destinations