Travel Talk

Christmas is just around the corner and that means there are plenty of travel updates for the upcoming holiday weekend. Check out all of the best travel news articles from around the web below.

How the travel industry changed in 2018

Travel has changed quite a bit over the past 12 months. For one thing, flights started flying even farther than they did in 2017. Take Qantas Airways Ltd. for instance. Their newest ultra-long haul traveled from Perth to London in 17 hours. Singapore Airlines also joined this trend, with an 18-hour, 45-minute route spanning 10,400 miles from Changi to Newark. That’s 500 miles longer than the previous record held by Qatar Airways if anyone’s keeping score! In addition to longer flights, you may have noticed that planes have gotten nicer in 2018 compared to 2017. Commercial iarlines like American, Delta, and United all started installing premium economy cabins for their international routes in 2018. And even in coach you may notice improvements like more and faster WiFi connections in-flight. Read up on all of the major changes here.

Source: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-12-18/longer-hauls-nicer-planes-and-other-ways-travel-changed-in-2018

2019 travel resolutions from Travel+Leisure editors

The overall focus of T+L editors’ travel resolutions for 2019 is to travel more and travel better. We can get on board with that! Wondering what else these travel pros have in their resolutions list? One editor is busy planning her honeymoon, and has high expectations for this once-in-a-lifetime trip that will take place in 2019. Many editors want to go somewhere new – which as you can imagine may be a bit difficult for someone who works for Travel+Leisure! Other editors want to book more flight deals, travel with family members like their mom, take a train trip, and pack more ahead of time.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-tips/travel-resolutions

Knowing the policies can help you to avoid holiday travel stress

This year is going to break records for holiday travel, or so many of the top travel news articles have been saying in December. Maybe they say this every year, but you don’t want to take any chances. Be prepared by brushing up on airport and travel policies. Some of the most helpful tips include not wrapping your gifts, and arriving to the airport earlier than you normally would. This helpful article lays them all out, highlighting the most important ones to be aware of when traveling around the holiday season.

Source: https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/avoiding-holiday-travel-stress-by-knowing-the-policies/5187399/

Holiday travel weather forecast, including a stormy Friday afternoon for traveling

Friday travel conditions have turned out to be pretty stormy for much of the United States. Luckily, according to this article, the weather should start to calm down and remain on the tranquil side across most of the country for the remainder of the weekend. After the storm moves through, cooler air will filter in, allowing for accumulating snowfall across the lower Great Lakes and western slopes of the Appalachians on Friday into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Read up on the rest of the weather forecast for the weekend leading into Christmas week here.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2018/12/20/christmas-travel-weather-forecast-stormy-friday-then-mainly-quiet/2377520002/

38 affordable places to travel in 2019

If you spent more than you wanted to on travel in 2018, then this helpful article is for you. This article looks to the experts and influencers in the travel industry for cheap travel tips for the upcoming new year. In addition to tips, the best way to save money is to focus your attention on these select 38 destinations. From New Orleans to Chile, you’ll be sure to find somewhere on this list that strikes your fancy.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2018/12/18/the-cheapest-places-to-travel-in-2019/#5bd885e5787a

December travel photography competition winners from the Guardian

The Guardian’s final selection of the year for travel photography brings us some truly spectacular photos! From New York cops to Venice shops, camel fairs to happy penguins, and everything in between – you have to check them out here. Our favorite is a submission from Nilesh Rathod. His winning photo depicts people from all over India gathering to trade camels, horses and cattle at the Pushkar mela, or camel fair.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2018/dec/21/readers-travel-photography-competition-december-winners

Walt Disney World is known as the most magical place on earth, but this is especially true during the holidays. Spending your holiday vacation and PTO on a Disney Christmas is something that we don’t think you will ever regret. Keep reading for everything you can expect when you book a trip to Disney World this holiday season.

Stunning Holiday Decor

Every park and resort at Walt Disney World is completely decked out in holiday lights and glitter from November through mid-January. Even the rides join in on the fun of Disney Christmas, transforming into holiday-themed experiences. Take Disney World’s Jungle Cruise for example. During the holidays, it turns in the Jingle Cruise. Known as a “holiday overlay”, the story is that the skippers from the Jungle Cruise become homesick during the holiday season, so they added their own Christmas decor to the boathouse and the cruise. Disney also announced the Hollywood Studios will add a holiday overlay to Toy Story Land this year. In addition, Cinderella’s Castle in Magic Kingdom is absolutely breathtaking during the holidays, done up in icicles and holiday lights that cannot be missed.

The resorts take part in Disney Christmas fun as well. If you’re going during the holidays, we suggest you stay at the Grand Floridian. This is home to the Gingerbread House. The life-size structure isn’t just for looks! It also functions as a holiday gift shop. And yes, it is truly all edible!

One thing that Walt Disney World is not lacking in is Christmas trees! Throughout the parks you’ll find giant trees with ornate details and themes. Check out Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail, which boasts 25 Disney-themed trees.

Amazing Holiday Events

The biggest holiday event of the season is Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. You can join the celebration on select evenings at Magic Kingdom in November and December. You do have to pay extra for the event, but we think it is well worth it. Kids and adults alike will love the holiday dance and song entertainment, “snow” falling on Main Street, and delicious holiday treats (more on those later!). In addition, your ticket grants you shorter lines to Magic Kingdom’s many attractions.

Besides Magic Kingdom, Epcot has some of the best Christmas events of the season. One such event is the International Festival of the Holidays. From mid-November to the end of December, you can sample traditional holiday food and drinks from Epcot’s 11 World Showcase nations.

Epcot is also home to the Candlelight Processional. This free event takes the audience through the story of Christmas. The story comes to life with a 50-piece orchestra and a huge choir. In addition, they host many celebrity narrators. For the 2018 holiday season, guest narrators include Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, and more.

As if that weren’t enough, many of the other parks join in the holiday fun with Christmas-themed nighttime shows. Disney’s Animal Kingdom will feature Diwali, the Festival of Lights in India, in their new live show UP! A Great Bird Adventure. Disney’s Hollywood Studios presents Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, a spectacular display of music, fireworks, and special effects.

All the Holiday Details

Besides the awe-inspiring holiday decor and star-studded events, you’ll find the sweetest Christmas magic in the details. One thing the kids in your family will surely never forget is celebrating the season with their favorite Disney characters all dolled up in their holiday best. You can even meet Santa in Hollywood Studios while you’re there! For more one-on-one time with your favorite characters, book a holiday character dining experience.

You can also do all of your Christmas shopping at Disney this year. Special, often limited-edition holiday Disney merchandise can be found in all of the parks and resorts.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit Walt Disney World during the holiday season is to sample the special treats. The parks and resorts are brimming with holiday-themed cookies, caramel apples, and other tasty delicacies.

Call us today at 402-281-3022 to book your Disney Christmas with one of our Disney travel agents in Omaha or get started here.

The 2018 travel year is almost behind us! This week’s top news stories take a look back at some of the best books about travel from the past year, and looks forward to the future with tips for last minute holiday travel, the best Caribbean beach getaways for families, and more.

The Ten Best Books About Travel Published in 2018

While we would always say that real-life travel is superior, sometimes you just need to kick back with a good book that transports you to a new place or time. These 2018 travel focused books do just the trick! You’ll find some unique finds in this list, from an in-depth look at the setting and sites of the beloved book, Anne of Green Gables, to a culinary history of France, you’re sure to want to dive into one of these for a cozy escape.

Source: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/ten-best-books-about-travel-2018-180970833/

The Best Caribbean Beach Getaways for Families

While a sunny beach and picturesque palm trees may seem light years away from the cold tundra that is the Midwest right now, traveling to the Caribbean with your family is actually quicker and less stressful than you might think. Not only is it relatively easy to get to, you’ll find tons of all-inclusive and boutique options for accommodating every member of your family. Whether you’ve got your heart set on Jamaica, Aruba, or anywhere in between, this comprehensive list will help you narrow down your options.

Source: https://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/experiences/news/10-best-caribbean-islands-for-family-travel

The Most Futuristic Travel Invention of 2018: A Self-Driving Mobile Hotel Room

While you may not able to book this for last-minute 2018 travel just yet, this crazy-sounding invention is pretty close to being a reality. The inspiration for this mobile hotel room was the idea of taking a road trip and never having to stop for food or bathroom breaks. Keep your eye out for this invention, which the designer claims could be on the road by 2030!

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2018/11/27/self-driving-hotel-room/2123668002/

Book this Pacific Island Hopper Flight for an Amazing View from the Sky

Make sure you book a window seat for this flight! Islanders rely on this flight to get them everywhere they need to go, but you’ll want to book it just for the amazing view. When you look out the window of United Airlines 154, a Boeing 737-800 which travels from Honolulu to Guam and vice versa, you’ll be mesmerized by what you see. This is not the shortest route, however, at 16 hours. You can ditch the view and get their much faster, in seven hours on a 777. We think the view is worth it, but you can decide for yourself!

Source: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/pacific-island-hopper/index.html

2018 Brought us Uber’s Latest Rival and it Involves Gold “Supercars”

Uber rival miwhip is a ride-sharing app with an “Austin Powers villain-worthy” selection of sweet rides. Choose from a Lamborghini Aventador, Ferrari 488, Rolls Royce Ghost II, Mercedes G Wagon, or a McLaren 720s. The service is currently only available in London, which we think is just the perfect location for such a swanky treat! The best part? You can drive one for less than £5.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lelalondon/2018/11/27/new-uber-rival-lets-you-travel-in-gold-supercars-and-trips-cost-as-little-as-5/#7db6eb89708f

Last Minute Tips for Holiday Travel Procrastinators

If you’re like me, it seems like the holidays sneak up on you every year! If that’s the case for your 2018 travel plans, this list of tips is for you. The best tip is to be flexible with your time if you are late to the booking party. If you can delay your trip by a week, you’ll really save in comparison to a flight right before Christmas. Another very important tip is to ship your presents, unless you are flying on Southwest where two bags fly free.

Source: https://www.myndnow.com/news/bismarck-news/procrastinating-on-holiday-travel-here-are-some-last-minute-tips/1629175112

Call us today to book your next getaway or get a jump start on your holiday travel for next year. You can reach us at 402-281-3022 or get started here.

Holiday season is in full swing and that means it’s time to start the hustle of finding the perfect gift for each of your loved ones. Keep the stress to a minimum and give the gift of travel this year! We’ve made it simple by offering Enchanted Travel gift cards. Our holiday gift cards are available now in any dollar amount. Still not sure if your loved one would appreciate the gift of travel? Here are five reasons that the gift of travel should be high on your list.

1. Travel is an experience that creates lifelong memories

It’s important to remember that some of the best gifts don’t come in huge packages under the Christmas tree. We think the best kind of gift is one that creates lifelong memories. Think back to some of your greatest memories and stories – I bet many of them involve a family vacation or a weekend getaway with your significant other. Don’t you wish you could bottle that intangible up and wrap it in a bow? Now you can! Whether you are gifting travel to a friend for their honeymoon, or gifting it to your parents for a future family trip, the sentiment will not be lost on the receiver. Now you will be an integral part of their lifelong memories for years to come.

2. Our holiday gift cards never expire

That means you can gift them now and your loved one can use it 6 months or five years from now. This makes the gift of travel the perfect option for your family and friends with busy schedules. They’ll be ecstatic to open their Enchanted Travel gift card on Christmas morning, then the excitement will continue as they begin to brainstorm and plan their future trip!

3. The gift of travel is perfect for every budget

Our holiday gift cards are available in any dollar amount you choose, making it a great option for sticking to your holiday gift budget. In addition, travel itself has many options available to fit a variety of budgets. That means the gift of travel is perfect for that family member on a strict budget and for that friend who has everything – including a large bank account! The added bonus of gifting our holiday gift cards to your friends or family is that they automatically have our team of Enchanted Travel experts on their side to help them choose the right destination and resort for their budget. That means you are gifting them a stress-free and flexible travel-planning experience.

4. Our gift cards are convenient and straightforward

Our gift cards work exactly like cash and never expire. We don’t charge you any fees and once purchased, they are yours to gift as you see fit. Our gift cards come with no restrictions or “fine print” rules. They are convenient for sending to your long-distance friend because you can avoid hefty shipping fees. Just pop it in a card, drop it in the mail, and you’re done! These also make great stocking stuffers Stop in our office to purchase and pick up your gift cards or call us and we can send them to your loved one on your behalf.

5. Travel is proven to relieve stress, boost creativity, and improve your mental and emotional strength

You’ll be hard pressed to find another gift that relieves stress, boosts creativity, and strengthens the mind. Experiencing a new culture and environment improves cognitive flexibility and enhances “depth and integrativeness of thought”, according to Conde Nast Traveler. In addition, according to CNN, people who travel for pleasure regularly experience less stress, a reduced risk of heart disease, a better outlook on life, and more motivation to achieve your goals. This is just another example that shows how the gift of travel is truly the gift that keeps on giving. Lasting memories, improved health, and less stress. What more could you ask for?

Call us today to order your holiday gift cards at 402-281-3022.

Give the gift of travel this holiday season with Enchanted Travel’s holiday gift cards! Travel is the perfect gift for everyone on your list, from the adventurous jetsetter to the stressed-out family member that needs some R&R. Our gift cards are available in any dollar amount and can be used towards any vacation package from Enchanted Travel.

That’s right – these gift cards can be used just like cash and towards any of your future travels with Enchanted Travel. Need some inspiration? Check out these unique destinations, plus where we recommend you stay in each:

1. Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Guanacaste is a land full of wild and free natural habitats and gorgeous wildlife. Here you’ll find rainforests, beaches (both Pacific and Caribbean), and volcanoes. Besides the mainland, there are many islands to explore, including Isla Tortuga. This nature-lover’s paradise has so much to explore. Hike mountains, take a dip in a natural hot spring, lounge on the beach and listen to howler monkeys, and much more.

Another great reason to use your holiday gift cards to travel to Guanacaste is that it is an amazingly simple journey from the US. For instance, when I visited in 2016, we had a 3-hour direct flight from Chicago. It is also very safe, peaceful and tranquil. In addition, it is easy to get around yourself if you wish. Ask your Enchanted Travel agent to include a rental car in your vacation package!

Where to Stay: We stayed at the Riu Palace Costa Rica when we visited. This all-inclusive resort sits on the edge of Matapalo Beach. Besides the gorgeous surroundings, it boasts four swimming pools, a spa, and several different restaurants.

2. San Juan, Puerto Rico

The tourism industry in San Juan is back to business after last fall’s hurricanes. Hotels, retailers, restaurants, and tour operators are eager to welcome travelers back to their enchanted island. Take advantage of holiday gift cards and affordable airfare when you travel to San Juan. There is so much to explore in this trendy city. Spend a coupleof days lounging beachside, then venture out to experience the history and culture. You’ll also find great nightlife and dining here.

Where to stay: Book a stay at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Puerto Rico Golf & Beach Resort. Though not all-inclusive, the four-star resort does offer a flexible European Plan. Ask your Enchanted Travel advisor for more details on this option.

3. Grenada

This tiny island in the Caribbean is one of the smallest independent countries in the western hemisphere. It is located between Trinidad and the Grenadines. Your loved one can use their holiday gift cards to explore Grenada’s stunning beaches, like Grande Anse which offers over two miles of sparkling sand and turquoise waters, plus tons of restaurants and bars. Beyond the beach, Grenada also has several natural reserves and waterfalls. The Grand Etang National Park and Forest is a great one, especially for bird lovers.

Where to stay: Use your holiday gift cards to book a stay at the all-inclusive Grenadian by Rex Resorts. This laid-back resort has spectacular views across its lake and gardens and over the turquoise Caribbean waters of Tamarind Bay. Plus, the property is home to two private beaches.

For a more luxurious all-inclusive stay, we suggest Sandals Grenada Luxury Beach Resort.

4. Tulum, Mexico

Perhaps the trendiest destination on this list, Tulum is experiencing a major tourist boom right now. Still, it is much less commercialized compared to Cancun or Los Cabos. Tourists are flocking to this unspoilt beach town for some of the most pristine beaches in Mexico. In addition, Tulum is home to some of the country’s best cenotes to explore. These gorgeous sinkholes range in size and popularity, but one of the biggest and closest to Tulum is Cenote Dos Ojos.

Tulum is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene. Experience a beach party at the legendary Papaya Playa Project or dance the night away at the popular Cuban bar on the central strip, Batey.

Where to stay: We suggest you book a stay at Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa.

Call us today at 402-281-3022 to stock up on your Enchanted Travel holiday gift cards. Our gift cards are available in any amount and are valid for all vacation packages book with Enchanted Travel.

Holiday Travel Season is in full swing. Read our tips for Thanksgiving and Christmas travel, check out the new flight routes coming in 2019, and more.

10 Tips for traveling with holiday gifts

Anyone who has traveled with holiday gifts knows that it takes a bit more effort and organization. To complicate things even further, those traveling by plane could get caught paying large fees for extra baggage full of holiday gifts. This list of tips for getting your gifts to your loved ones will eliminate stress and potentially save you some money!

Source: https://www.thisisinsider.com/traveling-with-gifts-2018-11

7 Underrated travel destinations in Canada

Canada is a land full of much to explore when it comes to architecture, art, and design. In addition, the places on this helpful list have relatively fewer tourists than other big-name cities throughout Canada. Take Victoria, BC for instance. While often overlooked by tourists in lieu of their larger neighbor, Vancouver, Victoria should not be missed. This coastal city is full of gorgeous architecture, stunning hotels, and Victorian-inspired streets.

Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/7-underrated-travel-destinations-canada-173400322.html

13 Travel gifts from Oprah’s Favorite Things

It’s that time of year again! The queen of daytime tv just unveiled her list of the best gifts for the upcoming holiday season. 13 of these products are travel-related, which is perfect for all of our holiday travel lovers. From the best travel-friendly slip-on sneakers, to an adorably tiny suitcase for the little ones on your list – Oprah’s Favorite Things has something for your next getaway. Check them all out in this article.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/style/shopping/oprah-favorite-things-travel-gift-ideas

25 Holiday traveling airport essentials

Holiday travel can be stressful and taxing. With traffic, crowds, and long security lines, it can be anything but pleasant. Save your much-needed energy for holiday celebrations by investing in some of these holiday travel essentials. You can thank us later!

Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/best-travel-essentials-holiday-shopping-luggage-accessories

The best new flight routes coming in 2019

There are some very exciting new airline routes coming for 2019. New routes include domestic destinations and origins, as well as some international options. Delta announces that they will begin flying seasonal daily nonstop flights from Boston to Scotland, the “world’s leading festival city”. In addition, Alaska Airlines will now be flying daily nonstop between El Paso and Seattle, making it easier to get from up North to down South. Check out all of the new exciting routes here.

Source: https://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/new-airline-routes-2019

The best winter travel excursions for December and January

Winter is well on its way for most of America, so you should take advantage of some of the best winter travel excursions from around the globe. This article not only introduces some unique and exciting winter-time activities and excursions. It also gives helpful tips on when to travel, how to travel, and more. Check out all of their tips and tricks here.

Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnnyjet/2018/11/08/some-of-the-best-winter-travel-excursions/#14fa8eae1918

Call us today in order to book your next getaway at 402-281-3022. You can also get started here.

There’s something about Thanksgiving being so close to Christmas this year that is making me absolutely dread heading to the airport again. While traveling during these busy times can be stressful, we’ve come up with some great holiday travel tips to ease some of your pain.

Read on for our list of holiday travel tips.

1. Go Early

We realize you are smart enough to get to the airport early during holiday season, but that’s not what we mean by “go early” (although this really could be on our list of holiday travel tips). What we mean to say is that you should consider taking the earliest flight in the morning. The reason is that early flights are the most likely to depart on time. Plus, if you get word of bad weather heading your way, getting out in the morning may save you from a cancelled or delayed flight.

2. Get Clear to Get Through Security Faster

On busy travel days, TSA PreCheck doesn’t always cut it. In fact, I’ve been in security lines where it seemed the TSA PreCheck line was actually longer than the regular line. If you want to be sure to get through security as fast as possible, consider applying for Clear. Basically how Clear works is that instead of a TSA agent inspecting your ID and boarding pass, those with Clear use a kiosk that ID’s them by their fingerprint or eye scan. Unfortunately, not all airports have Clear yet. O’Hare has it, but I am an avid Southwest Airlines supporter so I almost always fly through Midway, which does not have it yet.

3. Think Before You Wrap and Pack

This holiday travel tip is twofold: First off, don’t wrap gifts to put in either your carry-on or your checked luggage. TSA has the right to unwrap and inspect all packages. Secondly, it is always better to ship your gifts rather than carry them with you. This is especially helpful if you are ordering gifts online anyways. Just have the gifts shipped directly to your destination to avoid the hassle and possible expense of checking them on your flight.

4. Utilize Helpful Travel Apps

Before you leave for the airport, download a few very handy apps that will make your life a lot less stressful. GateGuru shows you the estimated times you’ll spend in security, so get this if you are heading to a busy airport or traveling with a notoriously late packer. If you’re driving, you can use GasBuddy to find the cheapest gas on your route and SitOrSquat to find the cleanest bathrooms based on reliable user reviews.

5. Prepare Your Carry-On

Nothing annoys me more than sitting near a person on a long flight who seemingly brought NOTHING to entertain themselves. Please don’t be that person. Nowadays, you have endless opportunities to keep yourself busy on an airplane. I always make sure to download a couple of books on my Kindle app and charge my AirPods so I can zone out to a podcast or watch shows on my phone. In addition, my biggest fear is being hungry on a flight so I pack snacks that I know I’ll enjoy and won’t make me feel like garbage.

6. Drive Late

Now I know our first rule above was to “go early”, but that was referring to those flying home for the holidays. If you are driving, however, it may be best to try the opposite approach and hit the road after dark. The roads will be emptier and if you’re traveling with kids they can hopefully snooze better in a dark car than in broad daylight surrounded by windows.

7. Consider Flying on Christmas Eve night or Christmas Day

This will probably make your mom cry, but just tell her it’s self-care. This would never be an option for me because Christmas lasts from December 20th through New Year’s Eve in my family and there are LOTS. OF MANDATORY. ACTIVITIES. If you can swing it though, you’ll probably find a cheaper flight and a much less crowded airport.

8. Consider an Alternate Christmas Experience

Who says you have to go home every single year for Christmas? We just had Thanksgiving! Like I said above, my mother’s heart would break into pieces if I ever skipped out on the 10 days of Christmas we celebrate. However, if you can’t bare another holiday with your in-laws or sleeping on your childhood bed at age 30, then don’t! Book a vacation and feel your stress melt away as soon as Thanksgiving ends.

9. Above All Else, Be Patient, Kind and Understanding

No one wants to be at the airport when it’s an absolute zoo, and the holidays aren’t great for a lot of people for reasons that have nothing to do with a long security line. Take deep breaths and remember that this too shall pass. Until next year. And the year after that. But still! Happy holidays!

Enchanted Honeymoons Travel | Destination Travel | Best Packages

Our ultimate goal is to make the vacation planning process as stress-free as possible. Planning your perfect honeymoon, destination wedding, romantic getaway or vacation of a lifetime has never been easier with Enchanted Honeymoons.