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Five Simple Tips to Manage Your Vacation Photos

May 20, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Thank you Karen Fitting for these great photo tips!

Following these simple tips will not only help you have a more enjoyable vacation, but also an easier, faster time compiling the memories later for a photo album to show off your travels.

Vacation photo tip #1: Prepare. Have a system in place for capturing the memories you collect before you leave. Consider an accordion file, pre-labeled with each day of the trip, something like a coupon organizer. Pre-fill it with paper and an archival pen. Better yet, get some themed Journal Cards and colored markers. While on vacation, this stays open in the room so you can drop receipts, brochures, maps, postcards, anything picked up along the way into the proper section.

Vacation photo tip #2: Re-cap every day. Allow 15 minutes every day to jot down significant memories. Remember that funny story, places visited, how you felt doing different activities. To maximize your efficiency, use journal cards and an archival pen. Each day’s notes can be slipped into the proper section of your organizer. This can become a fun family activity with each person writing their own memory from the day.

Vacation photo tip #3: Get at least two. That’s two copies of brochures, maps, postcards, flyers, etc. One can be used to cut, tear and used while traveling as well as used in your scrapbook (if you wish). The other can be retained to help you write important things about the place or event when you return home.

Vacation photo tip #4: Photos to capture. Signs, streets, view from your hotel room, view from the pool/water back to your hotel room. I use these pictures to help me document where we have gone, activities we participated in and the place(s) we stayed. Remember to get into some of the pictures! If you can afford the photo package for your destination, it’s an easy way to get pictures of everyone.

Vacation photo tip #5: Delete. Yes, this is OK. Delete the bad pictures – the ones that do not contribute to the story. Use waiting time to delete from your device(s).

Bonus vacation photo tip: If you like to send holiday cards with family photos, consider bringing props, like Santa Hats, on vacation. These are often the best times to get the annual holiday card shot!

Universal CityWalk Re-Opening & Guidelines

May 14, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Thank you to our awesome MMT agents Chelsea Gianna and Marisha Gordon for this helpful information for the phased opening of Universal CityWalk!

Universal CityWalk has officially reopened as of 4pm today! While it is open again, things are a little different than they were before. Hours are from 4pm-10pm and only a limited number of venues are open. Currently open venues are: Bubba Gump Shrimp co Restaurant & Market, Margaritaville ( Lone Palm & outside dining only), Red Oven Pizza Bakery (Mobile Orders only), Voodoo Doughnut, Universal Studios store, Hart & Huntington Tattoo (retail store only), select merchandise carts and Hollywood Drive-In Golf. In order to help keep guests safe, all open venues will be operating at limited capacity. This will help ensure social distancing is followed. Team members will also be continuously and thoroughly disinfecting all high touch surfaces, tables & chairs and cashless payments will be accepted at all open venues. Parking is complimentary at this time and only self parking is available. To actually get into CityWalk you will go through a temperature screening process with touchless thermometers, then move through security screening and finally down the walkway into CityWalk.

All guests and team members must comply with the following:

Temperature checks will be required and anyone with a temperature of 100.4+ will not be admitted.
Face mask required for all guests ages 2 and up starting at the security checkpoint. If you do not have a mask there will be paper masks available for free at the temperature checkpoint as well as cloth masks for sale. (Current pricing is 1 for $6 or 3 for $15)
Practice social distancing and keep at least 6 of space in between your travel party and others. There are markers on the floor indicating this distance, and Universal asks that you please stand on the markers until the travel party ahead of you moves forward.

These are the current guidelines, hours, and open venues as of today. As things change we will keep you updated as always!

10 Reasons You Should Use a Travel Advisor

May 13, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Thank you Jen McGurn! Fantastic reasons why everyone should use a travel advisor!

Even if you have visited a destination in the past, it is still a great idea to use a travel agent to book you vacation and here is why…

1) Personalized Service – I get to know my clients needs and wishes so I can book them the perfect vacation. What works for me and my family may not work for you. My family loves to be on the go all the time…another family may want a relaxing beach vacation, or a few days built into their Walt Disney World visit to chill poolside. I also prepare a personalized travel packet for each client with their itinerary, tips and tricks and information about their destination and a little something extra to say thank you.

2) Building Relationships – this piggy backs on #10. I get to know you and your travel style, so the next time you are ready to book, we can get right down to business. For example, I recently met with a client to book her at one of the Sandals Resort. We got to talking and she mentioned her back issues. That tipped me off that a two hour shuttle on a bumpy road from the airport to the resort might not be the best way for her to start a vacation. We quickly moved them to a closer resort and the next time I book for them, accommodating her back issues will be on my radar from the start.

3) Experience – I have traveled to many of the destinations that I book so I can give you first hand knowledge. I have sailed on multiple cruise lines, and visited Disney World more times that I can count – and at various times of the year. I’ve stayed on site and off-site. I’ve dined in several of the restaurants and know the best viewing spots for parades, fireworks and shows. I spent three summers visiting Colonial Williamsburg. I visit New York City every chance I get and my daughter’s first 5 vacations were to Myrtle Beach. I also know the best times to travel to avoid crowds or bad weather.

4) Knowledge – Marvelous Mouse Travels is a Platinum Earmarked Disney Vacation Planner and a preferred Sandals Agency. I have the knowledge of over 200 agents behind me. And in addition to traveling, I spend a lot of time learning about destinations. I spent three days in Feb. at an onsite training at Universal Studios – Orlando. In May, I sailed the Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas with 48 fellow agents and received training from a Royal Caribbean executive. I attend webinars and keep up to date on news and deals on a variety of destinations. I am certified by Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Sandals, Universal Orlando and a graduate of the Disney College of Knowledge. All of the agents at Marvelous Mouse Travels are always learning and training to serve our clients better.

5) A Travel Agent Saves you money! I always look to make sure I am finding you the best price available for the type of travel you are booking. AND – if a better deal becomes available, I will adjust your reservation to reflect that. For example, I saved a family over $1,500 by rebooking them into the Free Dining Promotion in Disney World when it became available.

6) Reduce Stress and Save Time – Planning a vacation can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead of combing through multiple websites looking for activities, car rentals, hotels, etc. Contact me and I will take care of as much or as little as you like.

7) Dedication – I am dedicated to making sure you have a wonderful time. That means if you book a Walt Disney World Vacation with me and you just have to eat at Chef Mickey’s, I am up at 6 a.m. the day your dining window opens making those important reservations. If you are cruising and really want to swim with dolphins while docked, I’ll call and get that scheduled for you!

8) Advocate – Face it! Sometimes things go wrong on a vacation. Nobody wants that to happen, but if it does, I am here to deal directly with the vendor to get your issue resolved to your satisfaction. Marvelous Mouse Travels has developed strong reputations with our providers and that definitely works to your benefit. I

9) Advise – Not sure what to pack for an all-inclusive or cruise. I have a tip sheet for that! Traveling with a guest with special needs? I can provide you with all the information you need to accommodate those needs. Want to know what the weather is like in Alaska in June? I can tell you that.

10) There is no cost to you! My personalized planning services do not cost you a thing!

Travel with me to Longboat Key Florida!

May 6, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels Leave a Comment

Thank you Brittney Lapicki for this fantastic overview of Longboat Key!

Looking for an upscale vacation destination that includes white sandy beaches, beautiful golf courses, incredible restaurants and shops, and luxury resorts? Well I have the place for you! Longboat Key, Florida is located on the West Coast between the Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. This beautiful island includes 12 miles of private sandy beaches, the perfect secluded destination!

Stay at the Resort at Longboat Key Club, where you can enjoy majestic views and fine dining! Need to relax? Enjoy time at their spa or out on the water using their Yacht Services! Other resort options include the Zota Beach Resort and Hyatt Regency Sarasota!

If you are looking for something to do away from the beach or pool, enjoy time golfing on the Harborside or Island side courses at the Resorts at Longboat Key Club. Enjoy wildlife and nature by visiting the Mote Marine Aquarium and the Quick Point Nature Reserve. Rent Paddle Boats and Kayaks for the day or enjoy a fishing charter out in the Gulf. Sarasota Bay Explorers can also be perfect for those who love nature tours and cruises.

Restaurants on the Island include: Euphemia Haye, Harry’s Continental Kitchens, Lazy Lobster, Maison Blanche, Blue Dolphin Café, and my personal favorite for a great burger or fish, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.

Looking to get off the island and enjoy some shopping or time in Sarasota? Then take a quick 10 minute ride and you can enjoy shopping, night life, and a number of other fun adventures. St. Armands Circle, located on Lido Key, on island in route to Sarasota is great for outdoor shopping and dining. Enjoy European cuisine at Cafe L’Europe, snow crabs at Crab & Fin, Cuban sandwiches at Columbia, or Coconut Shrimp at Tommy Bahama, followed by ice cream at Kilwin’s.

Continue to Sarasota where you can find the Van Wezel Performing Arts and John Ringling Museum. Baseball fan? Enjoy watching the Orioles during spring training at the Ed Smith Stadium. Other beautiful sites include the Marie Selby Botanical gardens or the Sarasota Jungle Gardens. Stay active by engaging in the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Ecotour, Snorkeling & Dolphin Excursion, Paradise Adventures, Sarasota Paddle Board Co., Bike rentals and City sightseeing tours. This is a destination that will give you everything you are looking for!

Why You NEED Travel Insurance!

April 27, 2020 By Marvelous Mouse Travels

Thank you Jen McGurn for sharing your personal experience!

This post isn’t fun or exciting, but it is important and this tip could potentially save you thousands in the long run.

When you are budgeting for a vacation, it is really important to build the cost of travel insurance into that budget. Travel Insurance is extremely reasonable. Generally speaking, a family of four can expect to pay under $200 for a week’s vacation. Of course that price varies based on destination, ages and length of travel.

But let’s talk about the WHY? First of all, travel insurance offers cancellation coverage. Depending on the plan, there will be a variety of covered reasons including, but not limited to: severe weather, illness, an act of terrorism and even termination of employment. Some plans actually offer Cancel for Any Reason.

Travel Insurance also protects you in the case of delayed or interrupted travel. Imagine you have booked a $6,000 cruise and your flight is delayed. You, in turn, miss the ship. The ship is not waiting for you and they have already been paid. Without insurance, you are really out of luck.

With that being said, exactly what does an airline owe you if your flight is cancelled or delayed? Every carrier has its own set of policies. Typically an airline will offer compensation if they are responsible for the delay, however, if the delay or cancellation is weather related, the result of a labor dispute or caused by some other unforeseen circumstance, they most likely will not offer a refund or cover lodging and meals.

Let’s talk about health and emergencies. You may be thinking, “I have health insurance. I’ll be fine.” That is true to an extent. BUT – most health insurance plans do not cover you when traveling internationally.

Also – and this is BIG – travel Insurance can cover medical evacuations or transport.

Case in point, several years ago while visiting Myrtle Beach, my father contracted MRSA and experienced many complications from his diabetes. He was taken to a local hospital and his health insurance covered his medical treatment. His stay became quite lengthy and we were told he most likely would not survive the drive back home to Maryland. The cost to have him medically transported home where he could be treated by his own doctors was more than any of us could possibly afford.

Additionally, had he not survived, we would have faced a huge cost to get him home for a funeral. After 3 weeks, he was released against medical advice and my mother drove him home where he was readmitted for treatment by his doctors.

Had he had travel insurance, the situation could have played out very differently. He could have been treated at home and my brother, sister and I would have been able to visit and help our mother out.

I have also been on two separate cruises where an individual had to be medically evacuated. During a recent training, our Travel Insured rep informed us that helicopter evacuations can exceed $30,000!

When you think about all of the “what-ifs,” doesn’t it just make sense to protect yourself?