Travel Tips Archives

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 [email protected]

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 [email protected]

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.

Should You Rent A Car For Your Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando Vacation?

There are many ways to get around Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort. We have used the theme parks transportation, Uber/Lyft, and renting a car. Renting a car for your Walt Disney World or Universal Orlando vacation is an easy process, and probably our favorite.

Once you exit your plane, you will head to luggage on Level 2. Once you grab your luggage, head down to Level 1 and go to the car rental desk. There are several to choose from and we booked Alamo. We had to provide our return flight information or pay a $300 deposit. Once you complete the rental process, you will exit the airport and go to the crosswalk for your vehicle. The staff will tell you the process to get your vehicle.

There are a few important things to remember.

You will pay a nightly parking fee at your resort.
You will be billed for toll roads. (Usually, a month later and will be separate charges from the rental)
You can park for free at your Walt Disney World theme park because you have paid for parking at your resort.
You will pay for parking at Universal Theme Parks, even if you are staying at resort.
Construction around the theme park areas is always evolving and a consistent change. Please know the area you are driving and remember safety.

Pro Tip: Always do a video and take photos with your phone to confirm the condition of the vehicle when you picked it up. Keep these until after you return the rental.

3 Steps to Planning the Perfect Honeymoon

First off, let me congratulate you on these exciting times and this journey that you are about to embark on. I am sure you have been thinking about this upcoming season of your life for a while now, but now it is time to set it in motion. It can be stressful planning both a wedding and a honeymoon at the same time while making sure every little detail is just the way you’ve always dreamt of. I have created a 3-step process for you to follow to ensure that you have the perfect honeymoon with your new partner.

Discuss the details

There is so much to decide during this time that is best to designate a time to sit down with your partner and decide on the following things. Decide on the dates. You may want to fly out the night of your wedding or maybe you want to wait until you have some time saved up to take off work. Decide on where. You may need some guidance as to exactly where you want to go, but you should decide if you want to relax on the beach in the Caribbean or if you want to hit the slopes in Colorado. Do you want to stay domestic or travel internationally? Lastly, you need to set a roundabout budget. This does not have to be exact, but you both need to discuss what you plan on spending.

Find an expert that fits your style

It is now time to put all of the ideas that you have been looking at on Pinterest into reality and this can be overwhelming. I suggest utilizing a travel agent that you feel is the best fit for you and your partner for many reasons. It is important that they know what you are looking for in a honeymoon and that they provide just that. Once you find your travel agent that you will be using you will be able to relay what you and your partner have discussed in step 1 and they will work with you to plan your perfect honeymoon. Your travel agent will be able to find you the best deals, most personalized amenities, and manage all reservations.

Get ready for your perfect honeymoon

Now you have discussed it, planned it, and it is now time to get married and board the plane! It is important to make sure that you have not forgotten to pack anything so check your list twice and your travel agent may throw in some reminders. It is important to remember that this vacation is for you and your partner to spend some quality time together so don’t try and overbook yourself. Make sure you make the trip all about relaxation and romance with your new partner.