Join us at the Australia Event on Monday!!

Join Us at this Exclusive Australia Event:

Australia allures with its sophisticated cities, stunning coastal and mountain regions, indigenous culture, and world-class food and wine. This exclusive event will guide you to insight and perspective on the vast country and culture of Australia.

While you are there, get a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Australia*!

WHAT: There's Nothing Like Australia Event

DATE & TIME: January 24, 2011 at 6:00 P.M.

WHERE: Sheraton Bloomington, 7800 Normandale Blvd, Minneapolis, MN

ITINERARY:
6:00 P.M. - 6:15 P.M. REGISTRATION

6:15 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. WELCOME RECEPTION
Enjoy drinks & hors d'oeuvres while mingling with Australian locals, travel experts, and industry executives

7:00 P.M. - 7:45 P.M. EXPERIENCE AUSTRALIA
Learn to speak Australian, try Australia's very own Vegemite, learn Aussie
Rules Football, enjoy Australian music and entertainment

7:45 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. GRAND PRIZE DRAWING
Roundtrip airfare for two on Qantas Airways to Australia*

Ever wondered what it would be like to sail in Sydney Harbour, experience the vibrant cultural scene in Melbourne or dive the Great Barrier Reef? Join Travel Leaders at this exclusive event to discover your ideal Aussie adventure and register for a chance to win roundtrip airfare for two to Australia*!

TO CONFIRM YOUR SEAT AT THIS EXCLUSIVE EVENT -
RSVP by January 24, 2011
email: travelleaders@suntimetravel.com or contact our office in River Falls, Red Wing, or Rochester. See below for phone numbers and office address.

Visit Australia

http://www.australia.com/campaigns/nothinglikeaustralia/us/great-aussie-sale

Contact us for details on your dream trip to Australia!!!!!

Wedding Show at Treasure Island, Red Wing, MN Nov 7, 2010

ISLAND DREAMS WEDDING SHOW
TREASURE ISLAND RESORT & CASINO

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 2010

from 11:00am - 3:00pm

BRIDES STOP IN OUR OFFICE – FOR A FREE TICKET!

Stop by our Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel Booth
at the Island Dreams Wedding Show.
We look forward to seeing you!
Island Dreams offers you an elegant and fun opportunity to plan your wedding and to connect with the area's leading wedding professionals all in one day and one place! Discover the perfect menu, wedding accessories, flowers and more - everything you need to make your dream wedding as perfect as you've imagined. Make the most of your most precious resource, time and bring the fun back to wedding planning!

Travel Leaders Pursuit of Paradise Sept 7-25, 2010

Who doesn't want to win a FREE trip!

Click here for details on this pursuit, and to download your puzzle game piece!!!

Travel Tips

TRAVEL TIPS

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for your next travel adventure:

Before you leave, use a printable checklist of items you need to pack, and where you'll be packing them (carry-on or checked luggage.) Include all your frequently-forgotten or last minute items: batteries, cell-phone charger, toiletries, etc, and leave blanks for the specifics about clothes, shoes, and other valuable items. Keep a copy of the list with you. If your checked baggage gets lost, you won't have to try to remember what it contained, and you can share the list with the airline.


Before traveling, always get an extra ATM card. A spare card can save the day if the ATM machine eats your card unexpectedly, or if you damage your card along the way.


Flight delays are more common these days with unpredictable weather and tighter security. It only takes a single episode of almost not making it to the port on time - or missing the ship altogether! - to make getting in town the day before... very much worth it! Plan to arrive a day early, and choose a hotel that offers transfers from the airport and to the pier.


It's easy to forget your cell phone, laptop, and other power cords when checking out of a hotel. Increase your chances of recovery by writing your name and contact information on a piece of masking tape and securing the tape to your power cord.


After checking into your hotel room, go back out and count the doors from your room to the nearest stairway. In case of fire, the stairway may be the only way out. If you had to crawl under a blanket of smoke, you could just feel the doors and count down until you know you have reached the safety of the stairway. Don't forget to pack your trusty flashlight, in case you need to exit during a blackout.


On cruise ships, most hallways and doors look alike. To help identify your room, bring along a picture of something familiar and tape it to your door. No personal pictures, for safety reasons.


Bring an insulated travel mug on your next cruise. Coffee and tea are abundantly available on board, but cruise cups are notoriously small, so you'll need refills for a proper morning jolt. If coffee's not your thing, the mug comes in handy for preventing spills in buffet lines. Poolside, the insulation keeps drinks frosty. Save luggage space by stuffing your mug with small items- scarves, ties, or even jewelry.

Do you have a favorite Travel Tip you'd like to share with others? Please send it to travelleaders@suntimetravel.com. We'll include it in a future Suntime Travel Newsletter.

For current Transportation Security Administration information for your upcoming travels,
contact your Travel Expert at Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel

Tips for Healthier Travel

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/travel/10-tips-for-healthier-travel-1411724/

Read this article, thought it was worth passing along. Great tips!

Also, if you haven't read the Travel Leaders tip site, this one is worth the reminder!!!

May is Disney Month

May is Disney month here at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel.
I've been posting some fun facts about Disney on our Facebook Page
Are you on Facebook? I've been on Facebook more lately than my blog, so please visit me there, and become a fan!!!

What is your favorite Disney memory?
I have lots! One of my first memories of Disney was (of course) from when I was a child, and visiting Disneyland in California for the first time. We were walking in the park, and Goofy, who was dressed up for Christmas with his white beard on and Santa hat, came skipping by, and patted my Dad on the head. Now, as a child mind you, my Dad was the tallest man alive!! And to see this big ole character skip by and pat him on the head was the funniest thing for me!!! I still remember it to this day!

Become our FAN on Facebook!!!!

CLICK HERE to become a FAN of Travel Leaders Suntime Travel River Falls, WI.

Please visit us on Facebook! We post many updates there as well as this blog, and we've got some great pictures there as well. Can't wait to see you there!

2010 Survey!

The link to our second-ever consumer survey is here.

Please take a few minutes and help us out with filling out this survey!!!

It's cruising time!!!! Welcome to the Wave Season!

We at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel are happy to assist you with all of your travel needs. Now, it's time to talk cruising, and WHY you NEED us to assist you with all your travel plans!!

Please check out this article from The Today Show: CLICK HERE

7 Trips you should never book online
(According to Chris Elliott.....he's great!!)
Those seven trips Elliott says you should never book online include:
Cruising
Traveling around the world
When you don’t have the time
If you’re uncomfortable with the inter-Web
Traveling internationally
Doing something exotic
Special events

Please ask us for details on all of our cruise specials!!! NOW is the time!

Hastings, MN Wedding Gala

Do you know a Bride or Groom planning a Wedding or Honeymoon?

COME VISIT US AT:
2010 Hastings Wedding Gala!
Sunday, January 24, 2010

Hastings Country Club
2015 Westview Drive, Hastings, MN
Noon - 4:00pm
Brides may REGISTER TO WIN one of three
$200 Bridal Bucksto be used at participating businesses

Come visit our booth!!! Tell the agent that you seen THIS notice on our BLOG, and receive a special small gift from Travel Leaders Suntime Travel.

Hobbit Travel Closed!

As some of you may have heard, Hobbit Travel has closed their doors. Temporarily? Maybe, maybe not, but for now there are likely a lot of stranded travelers with reservations paid and no airline confirmations.

Are you one of these passengers? Do you need to be rebooked on another airline?
Please contact us, we can help you make a new reservation. Our agency and our agents are professional and willing to help you out!!!

We've been in business a long time, and realize the importance of good service and VALUE for you....our client..... It's not ALWAYS about the lowest price. Sometimes the lowest price isn't the best value. We take the time to understand your needs and wants for your dream vacation, and will assist you in any way we can to make your dreams come true.

So take the time to meet our agents, and book with confidence with Travel Leaders Suntime Travel. Contact us: melissa@suntimetravel.com

Here is the latest article I read in the Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/travel/79947677.html?elr=KArksLckD8EQDUoaEyqyP4O:DW3ckUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUss

Holiday Travel

Here is a great little article with some helpful travel tips for traveling around the holidays!
I've even been quoted in this one! Yay!
Check out these suggestions:
http://www.travelleaders.com/travelleaders/AboutUs/269625?ssSourceNodeId=5050

Before Leaving Home
The watch words from Travel Leaders experts are simple: "Be Prepared."

•Protecting the Home Front
•Keep Copies of Important Items
•Confirm Departures
•Checking-In Online
•Travel Fully Charged
•Dress Comfortably

Airport Arrival
While Travel Leaders experts agree on many of the strategies outlined, one piece of advice was voiced more than any other: "Get to the airport early."
•Increase Minimum Advance Time -- "No matter what the guidelines tell you, make sure you're at the airport well in advance," advises Melissa Gutting (Travel Leaders, River Falls, WI). "The normal recommended time is 90 minutes for domestic travel and 2 hours for international travel. When traveling around the holidays, plan on 2 hours for domestic and 3 hours for international. It's not worth it to add the stress of running late into the mix of all the other added stress building at the airports
•Airport Check-In

Airport Security
Over the past year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented its new Secure Flight Rule, which theoretically should not impact the airport security screening process. However, Travel Leaders experts have practical advice for further speeding up the process.
•Know TSA's Rules Before You Go
•Match Your ID with Reservation
•Know Your Carry-On Restrictions
•Minimize Security Procedures

Beyond Security
•Remain Alert
•Food
•Staying Healthy
•Keeping Kids Happy – "If you're traveling with children, bring snacks, bring games – anything to help keep them entertained so they don't feel the stress of holiday travel," explains Gutting, who adds, "Happy kids bring happy parents."Patel also suggests, "Hand-held games, books, coloring books and crayons are good ideas and easy to carry. Be sure you have extra batteries for electronics. Don't forget about you. Bring along that book or magazine you've been meaning to read, load up your iPod with holiday tunes or some of your favorite songs."
•Boarding Your Flight – "Expect to 'gate check' carry-on bags on the jet way," cautions Gray, who adds, "The airlines do not charge these bags as a checked luggage.""Are you flexible on your travel times or dates?" asks Gutting. "If so, tell the airlines that. Most of the flights around the holidays are flying in a sold-out situation, or perhaps an oversold situation where they will be looking for people to give up their seats. When you arrive at the counter for check-in, you can put yourself on this list, and be eligible for any vouchers or bumps or first class upgrades that become available, just for being flexible." But beware – always be sure to ask when the next flight they can confirm you for departs.
•Once On Board

Patience Is a Virtue
"Expect the unexpected," urges Anderson. Janowski is quick to add, "If a situation arises where you need airport personnel assistance, be pleasant."

"One of the first things I advise my clients to do when travelling during the holiday season is to remember the reason that they are running this 'Gauntlet of Holiday Travel' – to spend time with family and friends to create new memories," reminds Lederle."Remember, no matter how hard you try, there are going to be things you cannot control, like the weather, traffic and long lines," cautions Patel. "Recognize this now and remember that patience is truly a 'virtue.' Remember, patience is the key."

"Be flexible and be prepared," advises Elaine C. Goad, CTC, ACC (Travel Leaders, Tyler, TX)."Flights can be full and people can be cranky. Just don't join in the cranky crowd – it is the holidays. Be happy!"

"Keep your sense of humor and when all else fails, remember to give thanks for even having the opportunity to travel and visit family and friends," offers Lederle. "There are many who are not as fortunate."

- H1N1 INFLUENZA, JOB LOSS, HURRICANES -
PROTECT YOUR TRAVEL INVESTMENT

Travelers need to take the proper steps to cover vacation travel plans during uncertain economic challenges, the upcoming flu season, and our current hurricane season.

Emergencies can happen before or during your trip.

Don't forget to pack your travel insurance!

What if you lose your job due to involuntary termination or layoff?

What if you become too sick to take your trip, or need medical assistance while on your trip?

What if there's an emergency back home and you have to cut your trip short?

What if your luggage doesn't show up when you do?

What if you lose your wallet or identification?

Severe weather anywhere in the world- from thunderstorms and downpours to full-blown hurricanes, can frequently impact vacations at this time of year. Weather-related flight delays can lead to missed air connections and cruise departures. The best way to cover your vacation investment against the impact of severe weather is through a travel insurance plan that includes comprehensive trip cancellation, interruption and travel delay coverage, as well as 24-hour assistance and emergency travel services including emergency cash transfers, replacement of lost travel documents, coverage for emergency medical needs, and email and phone messaging to family and friends.

We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance for your upcoming trip.

We can provide you a quote in just a matter of minutes.

Contact your Travel Expert at Travel Leaders/Suntime Travel today!

Luggage/Baggage Fees go up again!

No big surprise I guess, but it's still funny to me the nickel-dime, nickel-dime action going on at the airlines!!!
Did you know......
Now with USAirways, they charge the SAME service fee to call in for a ticket as we at Travel Leaders Suntime Travel do.....that is insane! Do you think when you call USAir, they give you the same service that a travel agent would?
Same service fee, WAY different service.....

Also, the luggage and baggage fees are on the rise.....big shocker.....
The first bag is now $20 and the second bag is now $30 IF you prepay online
But at the airport it's up to $25 for the first and $35 for the second. (non-prepaid)

I'm assuming that the other airlines will follow suit, as they all do beat to the same drummer in most cases.....

Have you been on http://www.suntimetravel.com/ yet?
We have a fabulous guide that can assist you in planning for your luggage fees, and so much more! Click on Traveler's Tools, and click on Airline Luggage Guidelines and Policies, then click on your specific airline. How helpful!!!!!!!!!

As with all of these nickel-dime fees that the airlines are charging, who are they helping, and who are they hurting? Ultimately, it's always the traveling public that is hurting......always.

YouTube Family Travel to Disney

Thank you to Travel Leaders on TWITTER, for posting my video!!! How fun!

Now you can see me........yes me!!
I'm online...... Minnie Mouse ears and all!!!

Check it out:
Insider tips for family vacations to Disney - watch video from our expert!

CLICK HERE: http://bit.ly/j4HGV

Twitter with Travel Leaders!

For those fellow tweet friends out there, check out the Travel Leaders Twitter page!!
http://twitter.com/TravelLeaders

Currently, you can see my fellow co-worker Jody talking about destination weddings, and the owner of Suntime Travel Debbie talking about eating ants with her family!!
WILD!!

http://bit.ly/DZHeV for Debbie

http://bit.ly/j4HGV for Jody (and others)...scroll down to Jody Meyer...

Thank you to Travel Leaders for posting these great videos, it's great to get first hand info from agents who have seen and done quite a bit in this business!!!!!

Andrew Zimmern visits Travel Leaders

Andrew Zimmern visits Travel Leaders for a Special Edition of Bizarre Foods



Even though this is not OUR agency, I thought you'd like to see what Andrew is up to, and how much he LOVES Travel Leaders!!!!!

Stay tuned for more Bizarre Foods blog posts!!
We love Andrew Zimmern!!!!!!!!

Andrew-- Take me with you on a Bizarre Food hunt!!!!!!!!!!


What's the most Bizarre Food YOU have eaten in your travels?????
Comment for me, would love to hear from ANYONE on this subject!!

Survey

Do you have time to take a quick survey?

YES????

THANK YOU!!!!! (click link below)

We invite you to take our Travel Leaders' Travel Trends Survey!
A survey is being conducted to gauge trends and travel interests among Travel Leaders' clients throughout the United States. This is an anonymous survey and all answers will be combined, across the country, to reveal the top responses.
Among the questions included:
· If you could win a trip anywhere in the U.S., which would you choose?
· What is your dream international destination?
· If you won $5,000, how much would you use toward (travel, shopping, paying bills, investments, savings)?

It should take less than 5 minutes to complete.
Thank you for your participation.

Begin Travel Trends Survey >

THANK YOU!

Twitter's the word...Twitter...tweet tweet!!!

Here are some of my fav's

Travel Leaders (of course!!): http://twitter.com/travelleaders

Andrew Zimmern (love this guy!!): http://twitter.com/bizarrefoods

I'm a huge Disney fan (this twitter site is un-official, but I like it): http://twitter.com/TheDisneyBlog

Another great site with great YouTube links, thank you to The Disney Blog: http://thedisneyblog.com/2008/06/26/disney-parks-slowly-moves-onto-twitter/

Barbados: http://twitter.com/BarbadosTravel

Do you have a favorite that you'd like to share with me? Please drop me a line!!!