{"id":35078,"date":"2016-01-28T07:41:07","date_gmt":"2016-01-28T12:41:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/?p=35078"},"modified":"2016-01-29T07:12:51","modified_gmt":"2016-01-29T12:12:51","slug":"come-fly-away-with-sandy-and-a-horchow-giveaway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/2016\/01\/28\/come-fly-away-with-sandy-and-a-horchow-giveaway\/","title":{"rendered":"Come fly away with Sandy and a surprise travel giveaway!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi friends…today you are in for a treat so sit back, pour yourself another cup of coffee and take a few minutes to enjoy this post:) I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t absolutely love to travel…..the places it can take us, the people we can meet, the experiences we can partake in, few things can get ALL my senses into overdrive like travel can. Travel to me is simply? magical and there are few things as exciting as boarding a plane for some wonderful destination, getting away to a whole new experience.<\/p>\n

So today we are really lucky to have the travel expertise and wisdom of my very favorite travel advisor? of them all, Sandy from You May Be Wandering<\/em><\/a>. She is both a travel advisor\/guru and friend,? who has made every trip of mine an absolute breeze. Sandy is one of those people who truly goes above and beyond, she will check in while I am on vacation to be sure we are happy and it is everything we wanted it to be. I was so impressed with this “above and beyond” approach the first time she booked us for our Dominican Republic trip.<\/p>\n

Her followup, expertise and thoroughness know no bounds. I am telling you you will not find a better travel advisor out there! So we decided to do a post where I would ask her a bunch of interesting and must know travel questions (and spill a few trade secrets in the process).So whether you have a trip you are just starting to plan or this might ignite a desire to go on one…you will want to read every word, lots of good info here!<\/p>\n

There is more! Horchow has so generously offered a very special travel related giveaway (details at bottom). Sandy and I are featuring some of our favorite travel items from Horchow scattered throughout the post, they are a fabulous source for just about all your travel needs…..and surely will get you on your way in style.<\/p>\n

So ready to unearth things you have always wanted to know about the travel biz, maybe debunk a few myths? and travel in general? Sandy, take it away…..<\/p>\n

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1. Tell me about what are the biggest trends in travel right now?<\/h2>\n

I am seeing a lot more interest in personalized travel experiences such as cooking classes, unique tours and insider access to experiences not available for the average tourist. Also, luxury travel is more popular than ever ? the best five star resorts regularly sell out months ahead of time during the busiest seasons.<\/p>\n

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This is one good looking set of luggage from Bric’s and it’s on sale! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

2. What is a top pick or two for girlfriends travel, family travel and couples travel?<\/h2>\n

Any place with good food and good shopping usually equals a perfect girls weekend ? recent girls? trips I have loved were to the Napa Valley and Charleston.
\nFor couples, the most romantic city on earth is, of course, Paris, but any luxurious five-star hotel will make for a romantic weekend getaway ? even in your own city!
\nFor family trips, I am a big advocate of taking children abroad as soon as they are old enough to handle the long flight and comfortably eat out in restaurants. It is so important to instill a broader world view into your children. My first choice for families would be Italy because Italians LOVE children!<\/p>\n

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Everyone needs a chic passport cover like this one! Click here<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n

3. What do you think are a few myths that people think of when using a travel advisor that you want to set the record straight on?<\/h2>\n

The biggest myth is that it is expensive to use a travel advisor. It usually doesn?t cost the traveler anything extra to use a travel agent ? we get paid by the hotels, tour operators, cruise lines, etc. Often, using a travel agent can actually save you money because we have access to deals that the individual does not.
\nAnother myth is that you only need to use a travel advisor for the big ticket trips ? whether you are taking the trip of a lifetime or a weekend away, a good travel advisor can make your life a lot easier and possibly SAVE you money, all while making sure you are treated like a VIP.<\/p>\n

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This luxurious 3 piece set will insure a comfy plane ride for sure! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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4. What is the biggest advantage to using a travel advisor for trips, both big and small?<\/h2>\n

When you use a travel advisor, you will be treated better. Not only do you benefit from his or her expertise, the hotels do not want to risk losing your agent?s future customers. If you have a problem, you have someone acting as your personal advocate.<\/p>\n

Also, these days travel agents now function more as personal travel consultants ? not just booking flights and hotels, but using their expertise and contacts to arrange specialized experiences, drivers and even restaurant reservations.<\/p>\n

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These ultra stylish luggage tags and passport covers are must haves for any seasoned traveler, great gift idea too! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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5. Are there any secrets or any type of methodology to getting easy upgrades for hotel rooms?<\/h2>\n

Book your hotel through me! Seriously, if your travel advisor is a member of a consortium like Virtuoso (of which I am a member), not only will you get added amenities at many of the best hotels in the world, including breakfast and resort credits, you will also be first on the list for upgrades.<\/p>\n

Also, just ask nicely about the possibility of an upgrade upon check-in?the worst that can happen is that they say there is nothing available. Quite often, an upgrade can be a ?better? room in the same category you already booked just waiting to be assigned to you.<\/p>\n

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Are these the cutest sleeping masks or what? I have given these as a gift, so stylish! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

6. Come on?spill a few “insider” secrets!<\/h2>\n

Several hoteliers have told me that when people book online through an internet booking site, that they are often assigned the worst room in the hotel. Always use a travel advisor or contact the hotel directly (you can use their booking site) ? internet booking sites might look less expensive but they are not always the bargains they appear to be.
\nNever book the least expensive room in a hotel ? it will invariably be the one looking over the loading dock, the highway or the alley next door. It is better to be in the best room in a 4 star hotel than the worst room in a 5 star hotel.<\/p>\n

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A sure and practical way to make sure your black luggage is identified immediately! These bright hard tags are a great idea, click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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7. If you could hop on a plane tomorrow where would you be headed?<\/h2>\n

Italy…I just can?t seem to spend enough time there!<\/p>\n

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Think this red set of travel goodies is so elegant! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

8. In what way has the travel industry changed the most in the last 10 years?<\/h2>\n

The days of the travel agent who sits in the office making flight or hotel bookings are gone. Today, the best travel advisors are their clients? trusted consultants, hired for their expertise, rather than to simply make bookings ? we help clients sort through the huge amounts of information available online, we stay on top of global issues that might affect our clients? travel, and we know the best hotels, guides, drivers and restaurants (often from personal experience).<\/p>\n

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A more stylish tennis bag I cannot imagine you will find! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

9. What are your favorite sites\/sources when you want to do? research on a particular property or destination?<\/h2>\n

My first source is always Virtuoso.com ? only the top 1% of travel advisors belong to Virtuoso so I am very lucky to be part of them. Whether it is to research hotels or to get advice from destination experts, the resources I can tap through Virtuoso are limitless. I also regularly check TripAdvisor even for the finest hotels. Another great site for hotel reviews is Oyster.com.<\/p>\n

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This elegant set from Bric’s is both good looking and practical…also on sale! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

10.? Tell us something most of us wouldn’t know about airline fares!<\/h2>\n

I am surprised that not many people know that by law you can cancel any plane reservation within 24 hours of booking if the flight is at least seven days from the date of booking. Also, many people still think that you must fly round trip to get a reasonable fare ? most airlines now let you fly one way without charging an arm and a leg.<\/p>\n

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Monogrammed anything makes such sense for travel…that way no one can claim it’s theirs, and these are so very pretty. Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

11. Any exciting new hotels or destinations worth telling the world about?<\/h2>\n

The hotel opening I am most excited about is the re-opening of the Ritz Paris?hopefully it will be worth the wait!! Recently, I wrote a blog post sharing some new and soon to open hotels – go here to read it.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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I just ordered these, love them….and they will surely jazz up? my luggage in a most beautiful way! Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

12. What is on your short list (5 things or less) that you absolutely must bring on vacation when you travel?<\/h2>\n

-comfortable shoes ? my faves are Tieks
\n-a crisp white shirt ? it can be dressed up or down with accessories
\n-a lightweight cashmere scarf ? it can do double duty as a blanket on chilly flights
\n-an extra carry-on bag that folds up in my suitcases for all my purchases while I am traveling?-my ipad filled with information on my destination, lots of travel apps and good books<\/p>\n

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This is the next set of luggage I am coveting….just love it! Maybe Valentine Day? Click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Thank you SO much, Tina, for the opportunity to share my passion for travel and a little insight into the travel advisory business with your readers! Happy Travels!!<\/p>\n

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OK just when I thought I was a pretty savvy traveler…now I realize there was much to learn!? I love the tips on scoring great hotel rooms and your must pack list and lust for Italy I completely agree with:)? I think the biggest misconception for me personally is that they are really expensive to use.<\/p>\n

It is amazing to the contrary,? how reasonable a travel advisor is to the point where I would not plan a trip without one…and I always feel so much more comfortable with the expert knowledge and experience of a travel advisor on my side…especially one who is backed by Virtuoso.<\/p>\n

So whether you have a trip in mind or this post has some ideas peculating…drop Sandy an email, trust me she will make all of your travel dreams come true! You can visit her at her blog by clicking here<\/em> <\/a>or email her directly at ssgrodsky@gmail.com<\/span>.<\/strong><\/p>\n

THE GIVEAWAY-<\/h2>\n

One lucky reader will win a very special? travel gift, it is a surprise but rest assured something that will make your traveling all the more stylish, a given since it’s from Horchow.? All you need to do is visit Horchows travel section by clicking here<\/em><\/a>, take a peek and come back here to tell us your favorite item, while you are it tell us the best trip you ever took.<\/p>\n

You must leave a comment on this post to be eligible<\/span> (emailing me does not enter your name into the drawing only leaving a comment here does).? I will announce a winner on Sunday morning so be sure to check back!<\/p>\n

Thank you Sandy <\/a>f<\/em>or this most enlightening post, you surely have me in the mood to get on a plane and go somewhere and to Horchow<\/em><\/a> for the giveaway…two greats coming together! Thanks for stopping in, wishing you a fabulous day. Until next time…..<\/p>\n

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PS In case you missed the ABC’s of edesign, click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

PPS To view current promotion (ends tomorrow) and it’s a good one, click here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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Hi friends…today you are in for a treat so sit back, pour yourself another cup of coffee and take a few minutes to enjoy this post:) I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone who doesn’t absolutely love to travel…..the places it can take us, the people we can meet, the experiences we […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[1787,1628,2095,1806,1827],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35078"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35078"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35078\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":35150,"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35078\/revisions\/35150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35078"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35078"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wp.enchantedhome.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35078"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}