Travel Tips Archives

Passport Stamps: What You Should and Shouldn’t Let in Your Passport

There’s something undeniably exciting about collecting passport stamps. Each one represents a new destination, a special memory, and the thrill of international adventure. For many travelers, seeing those stamps fill up the pages is a badge of honor—and a rite of passage.

But did you know that not all passport stamps are created equal?

While it may seem harmless or even fun to get a stamp at a national park, themed destination, or region that doesn’t require a passport for entry, it’s best to say no when it comes to stamping your official passport.

Why It Matters

Some tourist attractions and unofficial locations offer novelty passport stamps as a fun keepsake—but using your actual passport for them can lead to serious issues. Many countries take passport security very seriously. When customs officers see stamps that aren’t from official border control agencies, they may interpret them as tampering or fraud.

The result? You could face extra questioning, delayed entry, or in some cases, be denied entry altogether.

The Simple Rule to Follow

Only allow official passport stamps from countries that require one for legal entry.
That means the stamp must come from a recognized border or immigration checkpoint—not from a park ranger station, souvenir booth, or visitor center.

What to Do Instead

Love the idea of collecting unique stamps from your travels? You’re not alone! A great alternative is to carry a travel journal or keepsake passport-style book designed specifically for fun stamps and stickers. Many national parks and attractions offer these, and they make fantastic souvenirs—without risking your real passport.

As Your Travel Advisor…
I’m always here to help you navigate the details—big and small—that make your travel smooth, safe, and unforgettable. Whether you’re planning your first international trip or checking off a new country from your list, let’s make sure you’re passport-ready for every step of the journey.

Happy travels (and official stamping only!)

Why Who You Book With Matters Just as Much as What You Book

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is more than just picking a package—it’s about making the right choices from the start. And that begins with who you trust to plan your trip.

Not All “Disney Travel Agents” Are Created Equal

Anyone can call themselves a “Disney travel agent,” and if they do, this means they are most likely not familiar with Disney policies and guidelines. No one is a “Disney travel agent”.

Before you book, ask yourself:

✅ Is this agent an expert, or just someone who dabbles in vacation planning? How many Disney vacations do they book in a year?
✅ Do they personally visit Disney theme parks often, staying up-to-date with changes?
✅ If using the call center, has the phone representative been to the parks?

Some agencies hire hundreds of agents, and not all of them have the hands-on experience needed to guide you through the nuances of a Disney trip. Booking with a knowledgeable, dedicated professional ensures you don’t make costly mistakes.

Choosing the Right Resort: A Small Decision with a Big Impact

Saving money upfront can sometimes cost you more in the long run. For example, if you choose Disney’s All-Star Resorts instead of Pop Century, you might think you’re getting a better deal. But here’s the catch:
🚍 All-Star Resorts share buses, meaning you could wait over an hour+ for transportation.
🚠 Pop Century has its own dedicated buses and access to the Disney Skyliner, which makes getting to the parks easier.

Now, imagine needing to book an Uber or Minnie Van™ daily to avoid long bus waits. That could add up to $100+ per day—money that could have been used toward a better resort with better amenities!

Know Your Dates or Risk Missing Out

Disney is all about timing. If you don’t know the key dates for your trip, you could miss out on some of the best experiences:
📅 When is your final payment due? Missing it could cancel your entire trip!
🍽 When can you book dining reservations? Popular spots like Cinderella’s Royal Table fill up fast.
⚡ When can you purchase and select your Lightning Lanes? Some attractions, like TRON and Rise of the Resistance, require strategy!

Avoid Booking Pitfalls: Do You Know What Works for Your Family?

Some travelers unknowingly book dining reservations inside a park on a day they planned to rest or pick Lightning Lane selections that don’t suit their family’s preferences. Having an expert on your side ensures your itinerary makes sense and maximizes your time.

The Biggest Mistake: Booking with an Inexperienced Agent

We often hear from guests who booked their vacation with an agent who wasn’t truly knowledgeable—and now they’re scrambling for help. Unfortunately, we can’t work for free to fix mistakes made by someone else. Think about it this way: Would you want to do someone else’s job without being compensated?

How to Pick the Right Travel Advisor

Before you commit, ask these essential questions:
🔹 How many times a year do you visit Disney?
🔹 How often do you stay updated on Disney changes?
🔹 Can I reach you easily if I have questions?

When you book with a true Disney travel expert, you get insider knowledge, stress-free planning, and a vacation tailored to your family’s needs.

Don’t leave your magical experience to chance—book with a pro who lives and breathes Disney, like one of our Fairytales and Sunsets Travel Advisors!

You can secure your Disney World vacation package with us for $200 deposit per package. Plus, utilize the layaway opportunity and make your deposit, then payments leading up to your vacation on your Disney World vacation.

Travel is for Everyone!

The question I get asked more than anything when I go on vacations is “How do you afford it?” I get the the feeling that some people think the world is just too expensive. People begin the planning process and instantly become so overwhelmed that it is easier to just close out and move on. “One day,” they say, and close out their search. Well I have great news because what some people don’t understand is how easy it can be with a little bit of planning. There are so many amazing vacation options that we can book, sometimes over a year in advance, and you can make payments. This gives you the benefit of time. Time to plan, time to save, time to breath, and get excited about what’s to come.

It doesn’t have to be stressful, nor should not be stressful. If it still feels overwhelming, that is where I am here to help. Discussing your dream vacation with a professional travel agent is complimentary. We have resources and inside knowledge, utilizing our services provides you with someone taking care of you behind the scenes no matter what your budget is. I want to see you out in the world. I want that “One Day’ to become an actual countdown filled with excitement, until it is the night before and you’re lying in bed knowing you will never get sleep tonight because that One Day is NOW. I promise you, it is the best feeling in the world and I want to get you there. Email me today to get started on your “One Day” adventure plans!

Your Guide to Picking The Best Time To Visit Walt Disney World

Our biggest question received, when is the best time to visit Disney World? My suggestion is to consider the following things and then decide when you should visit the most Magical Place on Earth!

Your children’s schedule. I know you are always busy with your children’s activities throughout the year. You should consider which weeks are the most convenient to travel with them. Keep in mind school attendance and test requirements. If you do not have worry about this, move to step #2.
Are you dreaming of the sweet treats and international food cuisine options? If you said yes, then consider one of the festivals for a wide variety of amazing foods, including treats, and plan your dates accordingly. Dates will vary for each, but the months will stay close to the same.

Taste of Epcot International Festival of the Arts January to February
Taste of Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival March to July
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival July to December
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays November to December

Consider the Crowds! When the schools are out on break, families are eager to visit. The major holidays are also busier because many guests want to celebrate the holidays together in Disney World! If you can visit when the schools are in session and not during the holidays, you will see lower crowds. My favorite months are January, February, March, October (typically hot but I love fall), November, and December.
Pricing and Promotions! Reflect on #3 and consider the slower times because this will be when you will see the best pricing and promotions. The easiest way to break it down, Disney will use the lower pricing and promotions to fill the rooms and resorts. Have you ever wondered why your resort was not included in a promotion? The promotions are going to be used for a set number of rooms at each resort that is need of being filled. The resorts that sleep families of five are limited on promotions because there is a high demand.
Final thoughts to consider:

If you love the holidays, November and December are for you!
January and February tend to see ride closures due to refurbishments.
Want cooler temperatures? Consider November through February; March can also see nice temperatures.
You can visit Disney World at any time. The important thing to remember is thoughtful planning is important to create magical memories.

Our agency visits Disney World every 4-6 weeks so we can provide our clients with the most current information. We would love to help you plan your next memorable vacation to Happiest Place on Earth! If you have any questions or want to reach out for a quote, feel free to reach out to me at tammy@fairytalesandsunsets.com

Should You Attend Disney After Hours Boo Bash or Disney Very Merriest After Hours?

We just returned from Disney World and attended the second Disney After Hours Boo Bash Party. The party hours were 9:30pm to 12:30am. Here are our thoughts on it and how you can decide if the After-Hour events are right for you.

Disney After Hours Boo Bash was so much fun! We experienced lower crowds, short wait times, our favorite character cavalcades, and of course Mickey snacks and drinks. The DJ Dance Party was hopping with guests having a ghoulish time!

The Character Cavalcades included:

Mickey’s Happy Halloween
Disney Villains
Jack’s Nightmare
Maleficent’s Fiery Prowl

The Disney Photopass® were taking magical shots. What a great way to celebrate with your family and friends by capturing those magical moments! Another Disney fan favorite is having access to purchase exclusive After Hour Disney merchandise. We have learned over the years that when you see something at Disney you want, buy it then or you will miss out!

The Trick-Or-Treat locations were well appointed throughout the park. Don’t worry, they hand out bags at the beginning in case you forget to bring your own bag. There is also a teal-colored bag for our allergy friendly friends. You grab this at the start and at each treat location, they will give you tokens you will cash in at the end of night.

Let’s not forget the Specialty Food and Beverages.

Mocha Chocolate Chip Frozen Drink- perfect to keep you going until the end of the night!
Apple Ginger Dale Frozen Drink- frozen apple cider with ginger ale, topped with Twix candy bar pieces, and whip cream
Prince John Sucker Frozen Drink- Tart green apple lemonade slush topped with a ring pop
+18703150225 Maleficent Churro- extra sweetness with chocolate cookie crumbles, purple icing, and green and purple sprinkles.

Now that we shared our Boo Bash experience, here is our take on the Disney Very Merriest After Hours. This event runs from November 8^th through December 21^st on select nights and begins at 9pm to 1am.

First, we understand the price is more expensive. Disney added an extra hour to the Merriest After Hour event, so you have 4 hours of holiday magic and fun! It is important to remember this is not your traditional seasonal parties, it is an after-hours event.

Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmastime Parade will have your favorite Disney characters and Santa Claus.

Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show will light up the sky, plus you will get to see the regular nighttime firework show, Disney Enchantment!

If you have any questions on this event, feel free to email us at travel@fairytalesandsunsets.com

Important note: you can enter the park at 7pm with your After Hours ticket. When the party starts, you can experience lower wait times, enjoy sweet treats, magical photo opportunities, plus see some of your favorite Disney characters.

We think both After Hour events are worth the cost and would do it again. We visit Disney World every six to eight weeks so that we can stay on top of all the changes for our clients. Let us help you plan your next memorable Magical vacation!

Click here to watch Disney Villains Halloween Cavalcade

Notriphobia

Notriphobia,

“No-trip-phobia”, the fear of not having any trips currently booked.

If you have never heard of this word then let me introduce you to to it. Notriphobia is that feeling that you get when you get home from vacation and no longer have your next vacation to look forward to. It’s why you book that last minute flight or make an impulse decision to spend the weekend going on a trip with your best friend because you just need a “vacation.” I get it. I do it. I’m with you.

If you get this feeling, then 2020 was probably rough for you. I know it was for me. However, now that travel is picking up rapidly, I want to warn you of a few things.

Don’t allow Notriphobia to ruin your trip!

The pandemic has changed the ways of the travel world and there is a lot that has changed. Flights are different, hotels have different protocols, and countries have new rules to enter and exit. I know that you are excited, and that online deal looks like a great offer, but there is a lot of fine print that is not being read when you place that non-refundable deposit that you will not be getting back, pandemic or not.

Traveling looks a bit different now!

There are a few new things that have been introduced into the travel agent world that might be sticking around. Make sure that you have covered all of your bases before booking the trip.

Vaccinations and Covid Test

If you are traveling out of the country or plan on cruising, then you will more than likely have to have the vaccine or get tested. Each country/ situation is different. There are not many exceptions, and this is being strictly enforced.

Longer Wait Times

Many resorts, airlines, and other suppliers are currently short staffed and experiencing higher volumes than they have experienced in a while, so it is important to not wait until the last minute for anything.

Travel Insurance

Travel Insurance is more important now than EVER! With so Many cancellations and uncertainties you want to make sure you are covered at all costs if an emergency arises. We strongly recommend you get the insurance; It’s worth it.

Book The Trip & Use a Travel Agent

I don’t say any of this to scare you, but to inform you about how the travel industry is doing right now. Book the trip but be informed and thorough. What is the best way to do that?
Use a professional travel agent. We are knowledgeable about what is going on, we know the best deals, and we can ensure that your trip goes smoothly. Plus, we are there to fix any bumps that many come up during your travels. Have a meeting or chat with me or one of our agents here at Fairytales and Sunsets Travel to see how out knowledge and experiences can guarantee you the best trip possible!

What You Need to Know Before Booking Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation

Hello, I visit Walt Disney World multiple times a year. Since the pandemic, I have focused on going at least every other month to stay up to date on the new changes. Here are my best takeaways for you before you start planning.

This is the most important; Park Pass Reservations! I have seen more times than I care to admit guests arriving to Disney with no Park Pass Reservations and being denied entry! This is required to enter the Disney theme parks in Orlando, with a valid theme park admission ticket. Without a Park Pass Reservation, you will NOT be allowed to enter the theme park.
We highly recommend booking with a travel agency that specializes in Disney Destinations. You do not want to trust your vacation to anyone that doesn’t stay up to date on the current changes. Why not use a travel designer that knows the destination inside and out? Put your tax dollars back into your community and support small business.
Temperature Checks: You will have your temperature checked every time you enter a Walt Disney World theme park; even if you leave and come back. You will also have your temperature checked before entering Disney Springs.
Face Masks! They are required on Disney property, including the theme parks and Disney Springs. Anyone ages 2 and up must wear a face mask. Do yourself a favor before going and find one you prefer and bring a few extras so you can swap out during your stay.
Your Resort Pool. The pools have capacity limits so you may have to wait to swim if your pool is at capacity when you arrive.
Memory Maker Photos. Disney’s policy is noted that if anyone in your photo has removed their face mask, you will not be able to download that photo. This is their policy so if you do not wish to follow their guidelines, then we recommend you do NOT purchase Memory Maker. You can take an outdoor photo while stationary while practicing social distancing without your mask.

I hope you found this helpful. If you have any questions, please let us know. We specialize in Disney Destinations and would love to help you plan your next Magical Vacation!

We provide a day-by-day itinerary, provide insider tips, book your dining reservations, and assist before, during, and even after you travel should you need us.

Tips to Get your United States of America Passport

Tip 1:Gather Documents Early

You are going to want to apply for your passport at least 3-4 months before your trip. You will need to gather everything you need such proof of identification and U.S. Citizenship before you begin.

Tip 2: Prepare Your Application Package
Go online to Click Here to Go to US Passport Application and fill out the form but DO NOT SIGN YOUR NAME because it needs to be witnessed at your appointment at the post office. Photocopy your proof of citizenship documents as well as your proof of identity.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment

Make sure that you schedule your appointment by using the Retail Customer Appointment Scheduler and select “New Passport with Photo Services” for service type.

Tip 4: Pay your fees at the Post Office

Passport Fees can be different depending on the occasion so make sure you check it out before you head to your appointment. Click Here To Calculate Your Passport Fee!

Here are a few important tips on your passport requirements.

Your passport must not expire at least 7 months from your travel date.

Your passport pages cannot be full. Please make sure you have another page for a new stamp.

Your passport book must be in good condition. No torn pages or damage.

You Cannot travel internationally with a Passport Card; always order the Passport Book!

Pull out your passports, please make sure they are in great shape, check the expiration dates, and confirm the all the information we have on your reservation is correct. Double checking each other can save you time and money.

Tips For Staying in a Real-Life Castle in Ireland

Now that you have decided that you want to go to Ireland it is time to choose where you will stay, and I am here to tell you that you don’t want to miss out on staying in one of Irelands enchanting castle hotels. These are all castles that have been turned into a hotel to give tourists the ultimate stay.

There are many options that meet different needs such as luxury, convivence, and an authentic experience. So, find the one that best matches your wants and dreams and let’s go!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Ashford Castle is one of the oldest and most famous castle hotels in all of Ireland. It is over 800 years old and is one of the most romantic and luxurious. Only hotel guests are allowed to check out the property which makes it quite exclusive. This castle gives off fairytale vibes.

Adare Manor could be considered one of the nicest castle hotels in Ireland. Its unique feature is that it is a “calendar house”; there are 365 windows, 52 chimney stacks, 7 pillars, and 4 tours that represent each season.
It has been fully updated with automatic motion lights, automatic key cards, and a fine dining option that offers 5 course dinners.

Cabra Castle Hotel is a great option if you are trying not to break the bank but still wanting the full experience. Cabra Castle Hotel still has the 18th-century castle vibes but with the modern touch from its amenities. Guests here will experience the great staircase, the long hallways, high ceilings, and the countryside view from the patios and terrace.

No matter which one of the castle hotels that you choose you will be glad that you got to experience this bucket list item!

The Top Three Ireland Pubs You Need to Visit

If you are interested in visiting Ireland or have been before then you know that the #1 thing you must do is visit an Irish pub. Here are the top 3 pubs in Ireland that you won’t want to miss!

Top of Coom: This is Ireland’s Official Highest Pub (OSI verified) at over 1045ft above sea level. Located in Kilgarvan, just a short, scenic drive from Killarney. This is a family-run establishment which has been with them for five generations and hopefully many more to come. Whether you’re looking for a creamy pint of Guinness or a comforting cup of tea, you’ll find it here. As Ireland’s highest pub, a visit to Top of Coom is sure to deliver stunning views which you would not find anywhere else.

The Brazen Head is Irelands oldest pub. In fact, there has been a hostelry here since 1198. The present building was built in 1754 as a coaching inn. However, The Brazen Head appears in documents as far back as 1653. The Brazen Head offers live music as well as offers renowned storytellers that tell tales of Irish life in past times. So, make sure to swing by and check out a piece of history while you grab a drink.

The Church: If you are a fan of Guiness then this is the spot for you. Why? Well, St Mary’s Church on the corner of Mary Street and Jervis Street in Dublin city center happens to be where Arthur Guinness was married in 1761, exactly 2 years after Guinness was first founded. And what was once a church, in true Irish style, is now one of Dublin’s most stunning bars. Complete with original stained-glass windows and organ, it’s basically still a church just with the seats removed and a large bar in the center.

If you are looking for a place in Dublin to experience a real Irish night out, then head to the Temple Bar District. There is a good chance you will hear lots of Irish music, come across great food, and plenty of local pubs.