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Resources Travelers Often Overlook That
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By Christine Columbus, Inc. Co-founder, Robert G. Brost

Topics in this newsletter.

Summer Tips for Airline Travelers! Road Trips

In today's tough economy, many of us are cutting back on travel, limiting ourselves to road trips. Actually some of my most favorite travel memories have come from road trips. Often there are major travel attractions within several hours of our homes that we have never visited. If you get a map (I'm a member of AAA and frequently avail myself of their fantastic collection of maps - a great service) and look at what is within 500 miles of your home, I'm sure you will find at least ten really interesting and affordable travel destinations for you and your family.

And maybe you are concerned that your car might not be up for a extended drive and don't want to get stranded in case something goes wrong.

So if a road trip with your family and friends is in your future, you might want to consider the advantages of using a rental car rather than your own.

For instance, if you have friends or relatives visiting, you might want to rent a roomy van or SUV instead of enduring the wear of jamming yourselves together whenever going somewhere. Or if you're planning a ski vacation, it might be better - not to mention, safer - renting a vehicle designed for snowy conditions with the space for stowing skies or other odd-sized equipment. Many rentals have state-of-the-art features such as GPS and electronic toll payment.

And for special occasions, what about traveling in a convertible? in a Cadillac, Corvette, or a Hummer? Or trying out "green" transport such as a hybrid or a flex-fuel car?

Here are some steps to take before hitting the road:

  • Make your rental reservation at least one week in advance and find out the company's cancellation policy. Check back periodically to see if the price has gone down. Yes, the car rental companies have learned from the airlines and frequently drop their price depending on demand. Most rental companies do not charge a penalty for changing your reservation because your credit card is not always required at the time of booking.
  • Check out their insurance options. If renting for only a few days, their insurance is probably a good idea. But if a longer rental term is planned, check your auto insurance policy and see if your policy covers you. Also check the rates in the event your rental is worth more than your family car.
  • Read the rental contract carefully. A common mistake is to reject or accept their insurance inadvertently. And be sure that all potential drivers are listed. Most companies won't change extra for more drivers and you certainly want the flexibility of multiple drivers.
  • When picking up the rental, walk around the vehicle and note all scratches and "dings". Mark them on the paperwork and bring them to the attention of the company. Otherwise they might charge you for repairing it.

Have a great time in your new "ride." Remember: getting there is half the fun.

Concierge Services Hotel Concierge's - A Valuable Local Ally.

Hotel concierges are one of the most neglected resources of a good hotel. Knowing how to make the most of their services can enhance and simplify your trip. Here are some thoughts regarding their best use.

  • Ask you travel agent to contact the destination hotel's concierge as soon as you finalize your travel plans if you want tickets or reservations to popular shows or restaurants. A week of two ahead is often too late.
  • They are not generally the best channel for tours of the city or other attractions. Your agent should help you there.
  • Locate the head concierge and introduce yourself upon arrival. Developing a relationship is everything.
  • Always make new requests in person. Don't just dial up on the phone.
  • From the beginning be candid about what you want and are willing to pay. Sometimes hours of work are required so you adding additional restrictions to your original request after the fact is not acceptable.
  • Concierges are typically excellent for recommending a city's newest and best restaurants. Beware of those who suggest options without asking about your tastes.
  • Don't ask for room upgrades. That isn't their job.
  • Women traveling alone should check in with the concierge to learn of areas of town to avoid, best safe places sightsee, and where dinning alone won't make you feel out of place.
  • Always give feedback. It helps them make future recommendations for you and others.
  • Tip generously.

Sign up on our E-mail list to be notified of other new travel tips. Meanwhile, I hope you'll share your travel tales, experiences, likes and dislikes with us at: travel stories and travel tips.

Please let me know how I can assist you with your travel needs.

Cheers,

Annette & Rob
Co-founders


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