Barb Derbowka
Barefoot Adventures Inc.
Travel Consultant

Phone (403) 509-9583
Fax (403) 509-9340
1110 Centre St. N
Calgary, AB Canada
T2E 2R2

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Archive for the ‘Travel Tips’ Category

Are All-Inclusives Right for you?

The term “all-inclusive” means almost everything offered at the resort is included. All meals, watersports, outdoor activities, and child care are included in one price. You usually have to pay for spa, golf and excursions.

All-inclusives are great for people who don’t like to worry about spending extra money, or not worrying where to go to eat or even what to cook!

It is a lot easier and safer staying at a resort, although some would argue not as exciting as experiencing the local food and culture.

Maybe people still book all-inclusives but still go out a couple of times to eat and drink. I highly recommend it!

All-inclusives are not for everyone.

If you do not want to travel on an all-inclusive, I can book airfare, hotels and car rentals separately.

TRAVELLER ADVICE
Book Early—I recommend to book early if you are travelling during peak times. The tour companies have early booking discounts this time of year for travel for this winter season.
Last Minute Deals-if you are not hung up on 1 certain destination or resort, this is okay
But right now, there are great prices on vacations to sun destinations for travel now until April.
Are All-Inclusives Right for you?
The term “all-inclusive” means almost everything offered at the resort is included. All meals, watersports, outdoor activities, and child care are included in one price. You usually have to pay for spa, golf and excursions.
All-inclusives are great for people who don’t like to worry about spending extra money, or not worrying where to go to eat or even what to cook!
It is a lot easier and safer staying at a resort, although some would argue not as exciting as experiencing the local food and culture.
Maybe people still book all-inclusives but still go out a couple of times to eat and drink. I highly recommend it!
All-inclusives are not for everyone.
If you do not want to travel on an all-inclusive, I can book airfare, hotels and car rentals separately.

TRAVELLER ADVICE

  • Book Early—I recommend to book early if you are travelling during peak times. The tour companies have early booking discounts this time of year for travel for this winter season.
  • Last Minute Deals-if you are not hung up on 1 certain destination or resort, this is okay.
  • Check-in early! Because if you arrive late, you may be denied boarding. Plus if you checkin early, then you aren’t stressed and rushed before the flight.
  • Passport! Needed for most destinations so keep it valid.
  • Travel Insurance-You need to make sure you have insurance to covers trip cancellations due to family emergencies and medical insurance to cover with any unexpected doctor or hospital visits.
  • Scams targeting tourists – Timeshare – They pretend that they are giving you a free sunset cruise, bottle of tequila but really rope you into a time share presentation. They hang out at the airports, shopping areas and your resort
  • Stay safe!
  • Use the safe in the hotels. Travel with a photocopy of your passport and keep original in safe.
  • Never carry a lot of cash.
  • Don’t take jewelry that you don’t want to lose and leave behind the flashy pieces that attract thieves!
  • When planning your wardrobe for your trip, consider the events you will participate in both day and night.
  • Check the weather forecast of the destination and plan accordingly.
  • I recommend putting all toiletries in your checked bags as you are only allowed small quantities in your carry-on. Ziploc bags are great in case one of your bottles bursts open.
  • I advise you to carry travel documents, medication, jewelry, travelers cheques, keys and other valuables in your carry-on luggage.
  • Label each piece of luggage with your name and telephone number but not your home address. If an address is needed use your offices.
“WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT?
1.CUSTOMER ADVOCACY:
I am there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made if you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience.
2.EXPERT GUIDANCE:
Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It’s what I have been trained to do and I do it every day. I provide convenient one-stop shopping.
3.PERSONALIZED SERVICE:
I am your neighbor, not the impersonal voice thousand of miles away. I know what you want and what you value in your travel experience. I have a vested interest in making sure you have the best travel experience possible.
4.PROFESSIONAL ADVICE:
I am there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the best price. I have intimate knowledge of the destinations I sell and am able to select the most appropriate travel arrangements to meet their clients needs.
5.TIME SAVING:
Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? I have all the information at my fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.
6.UNBIASED INFORMATION:
I work for my clients (you-the consumer), not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.
7.BEST DEALS:
I am out to find the consumer the best rate available. I am there to save you money as well as time.

“WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT?

1.CUSTOMER ADVOCACY:

I am there to act on your behalf to see that restitution is made if you have a problem with a particular part of your travel experience.

2.EXPERT GUIDANCE:

Travel agents, unlike instructions on a Web page, are experts in understanding and deciphering the myriad of travel information and codes out there. It’s what I have been trained to do and I do it every day. I provide convenient one-stop shopping.

3.PERSONALIZED SERVICE:

I am your neighbor, not the impersonal voice thousand of miles away. I know what you want and what you value in your travel experience. I have a vested interest in making sure you have the best travel experience possible.

4.PROFESSIONAL ADVICE:

I am there to make sure you get where you want to go, when you want to go and for the best price. I have intimate knowledge of the destinations I sell and am able to select the most appropriate travel arrangements to meet their clients needs.

5.TIME SAVING:

Instead of checking a long list of travel Web pages, which only provide rates and fares for the companies that have contracted with them, why not go straight to the source? I have all the information at my fingertips, saving you a few hours in front of a computer screen.

6.UNBIASED INFORMATION:

I work for my clients (you-the consumer), not for a travel supplier. It makes sense that a happy customer will be a repeat customer.

7.BEST DEALS:

I am out to find the consumer the best rate available. I am there to save you money as well as time.