Author: Laura Schad

Historic Normandy and so much more

River cruising is a great way for travelers to visit the inspiring sites of Normandy along with the many other treasures found in Paris and the French countryside. Avalon Waterways offers a variety of river cruise itineraries that allow guests to experience France’s rich culture, storied history and unmatched culinary offerings from the comfort of a deluxe riverboat.

Consider Avalon’s Paris to Normandy itinerary, which combines time in the magnificent capital city to visit iconic sites, shop and dine, with a relaxed journey up the river Seine.   In Normandy guests can opt for a fascinating “Taste of Normandy” tour or take a more in-depth and poignant look at the historic landing beach, cemetery and other WWII memorials in the area. Adelman’s Deana Crouch, who personally experienced this trip said, “Visiting Normandy was a very humbling experience. Omaha Beach and the other WWII sites and monuments serve as a very moving tribute to those who fought for our freedom.”

Other Seine River stops allow for interesting excursions such as a trip to the magnificent Bizy Castle, known as “Normandy’s Versailles,” or the glorious gardens of Monet’s Giverny. In Rouen, the home of Joan of Arc, guests will enjoy a fascinating visit to the gothic Rouen Cathedral, once the tallest building in the world, along with a guided walk through the medieval quarter. In Conflans, cruisers can consider visits to Vincent van Gogh’s Auvers-sur-Oise or Napoleon and Josephine’s elegant Chateau de Malmaison. 

Besides the awesome stops and sites during your journey, Avalon cruises provide an outstanding experience onboard with culinary, art, music or history enrichment opportunities. Plus, Avalon offers spacious staterooms, panoramic views, first class amenities, sumptuous meals and unmatched service.

With the 75^th anniversary of D-Day on the horizon next year, now is the time to start making reservations on Avalon’s very special remembrance cruises. For more information on Normandy or river cruising opportunities, please contact one of our knowledgeable Adelman vacation advisors at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Luma Hotel Times Square

The bright, innovative and inviting LUMA Hotel Times Square is the newest boutique hotel in Midtown Manhattan.  Its slim glass façade illuminates the City’s skyline and reflects the dynamic energy that is New York!

LUMA’s modern approach to hospitality extends to 130 spacious guestrooms including its double king rooms and eight suites with oversized windows, luxury finishes, tech-savvy features and New York City’s first robot butler, ALINA. Complimentary amenities and services include:

• Wi-Fi with individual access points & In-room Media Hubs
• Daily Passes to Blink! Fitness
• In-room Nespresso machines
• Signature Sangria Service each evening
• Twice-daily housekeeping with turndown service
• Access to LUMA’s e-Subscription of the NY Times & Wall Street Journal
• Frette Linens & Terry
• Italian Bath Products by ETRO, Chi Hair Dryers, & Sleep Sound-Machines

LUMA guests can also indulge in a unique culinary experience at the beautiful Ortzi restaurant. This Basque-inspired full-service restaurant features carefully curated menus designed by James Beard Award winner and Iron Chef, Chef Jose Garces.

Enhance your car rental experience

The Avis Car Rental app is the perfect tool for managing and enhancing your car rental experience. Through this powerful and easy to use mobile app Avis Preferred members gain access to a wide variety of time-saving features including the ability to exchange or upgrade your car upon arriving at the rental location and quickly returning your car.

During the rental, drivers can use the app to lock and unlock the vehicle or flash the headlights to help find the car. And should you need Roadside Assistance, immediate help is just a tap away. The Avis app also provides additional features such as real-time notifications about the trip along with fuel or mileage confirmations.

Users can also use the Avis app to instantly view the rental agreement, get a receipt, or even review past rentals.  The app can also be used to manage your Avis profile. 

To take advantage of all these time-saving features simply down load the app (see https://www.avis.com/en/loyalty-profile/avis-preferred for more information).  If you are not already a member of Avis Preferred, you can enroll at https://www.avis.com/en/loyalty-profile/avis-preferred.

At many airports, Summer beats Old Man Winter when it comes to travel delays

A recent study by financial website MagnifyMoney found that despite winter’s treacherous ice and snow, 52 percent of the 50 busiest U.S. airports had more travel delays in summer than winter.  June proved to be the riskiest month with 76 percent of the airports analyzed experiencing the highest number of delays.

The MagnifyMoney study also suggests that the number of warm weather delays could be on the rise as 54 percent of airports surveyed reported worse summer arrival rates in 2017 than in 2016.

According to the study the following airports had the worst and best summertime arrival rates:     

The top 10 worst airports for on-time summer travel, according to MagnifyMoney:

1. Newark Liberty International Airport (67 percent on-time)
2. New York LaGuardia Airport (68 percent on-time)
3. San Francisco International Airport (69.2 percent on-time)
4. New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (70.5 percent on-time)
5. Boston Logan International Airport (72.5 percent on-time)
6. Chicago O’Hare International Airport (73.3 percent on-time)
7. Miami International Airport (74.4 percent on-time)
8. Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (74.4 percent on-time)
9. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (74.6 percent on-time)
10. Philadelphia International Airport (74.6 percent on-time)

The top 10 best airports for on-time summer travel, according to MagnifyMoney: 

1. Honolulu Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (86.7 percent on-time)
2. Salt Lake City International Airport (86 percent on-time)
3. Orange County John Wayne Airport (82.3 percent on-time)
4. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (81.9 percent on-time)
5. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (81.5 percent on-time)
6. Portland International Airport (81.4 percent on-time)
7. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (81.1 percent on-time)
8. Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (80.5 percent on-time)
9. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (80.3 percent on-time
10. Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (79.6 percent on-time)

TSA memo asks for tougher electronics screening at foreign airports

In a memo to foreign airports the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requested that stricter security screening procedures be implemented around the world similar to those adopted over the past year at U.S. airports. According to the memo, “The United States is seeking to collaborate with foreign governments to de-clutter carry-on bags and strengthen security effectiveness at your central checkpoints.”

Passengers traveling within the United States are now required to separate into scanning bins all electronics larger than a mobile phone. In addition, passengers may be asked to remove from carry-on luggage food, powders and other materials that may obstruct images on X-ray machines.

A TSA spokesperson told members of the media, “We’ll work closely with our international partners on this to ensure last points of departure airports align with our domestic procedures as a part of our efforts to raise the global aviation security baseline.”

Amtrak to refurbish Acela Express Cabins

Officials at Amtrak said that Acela Express cabins will be refreshed with new seat covers, cushions and carpeting. Each seat will have its own electrical outlet, USB port and reading light. Updated train cars will also feature faster onboard Wi-Fi. The renovation project will begin this month but will not affect any schedules.

Free mobile Wi-Fi in Europe now available for Hertz Gold Plus members

 Hertz said members of the its Gold Plus Rewards loyalty program will receive free Go Anywhere Hertz Connect mobile Wi-Fi at 200 locations across Europe. The devices will be available in eight languages to renters in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. Eligible customers will also receive free international calls up to 30 minutes per day, a translation tool and city guides.  A minimum spend of $250 or its local equivalent is required.

American Airlines

Going beyond other airlines’ recently revised policies regarding service and emotional support animals, American Airlines will further tighten its policies. Under new rules that go into effect on July 1, American will ban a number of species as service/support animals including amphibians, ferrets, goats, hedgehogs, insects, reptiles, rodents, and spiders as well as non-household birds and animals with tusks, horns and hooves (with the exception of miniature horses). Animals that are unclean or have an odor will also not be allowed as in-cabin service/support animals on American Airlines aircraft. 

In addition, passengers requesting travel with emotional support animals will be required to present a completed form or letter by a licensed mental health professional, a behavior guidelines form completed by the customer and an animal sanitation form also completed by the traveler for flights over eight hours that indicates that “the animal traveling won’t need to relieve itself during the flight or can do so in a manner that doesn’t create a health or sanitation issue.”

If an animal violates the guidelines on the behavior form by growling, biting or jumping on people during the trip it will result in the animal being classified as a pet and all applicable travel fees will then be assessed.

Delta Air Lines

Delta will launch two new routes from Boston Logan International Airport starting on October 1, 2018. New flights will be available four times daily from Boston to Philadelphia using Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft that will be equipped with 12 first class seats, 20 Delta Comfort+ seats and 44 economy class seats. The new daily service from Boston to Las Vegas will be operated using Boeing 737-800 aircraft and will be conveniently timed for both business and leisure travelers.

WestJet

A possible labor strike is on the horizon for WestJet as pilots for Canada’s second largest airline overwhelmingly voted in favor of a job action. The cooling off period for this ongoing labor dispute ends at midnight on May 18. However, union officials said the pilots will not walk out over the upcoming long holiday weekend, which marks Canada’s Victoria Day on May 21.

A WestJet tweet said, “The company remains actively engaged in negotiations and is confident that an agreement can be reached.” The airline also promised to refund travelers if any flights are cancelled due to strike action by its pilots.

The all-new Dreams Playa Mujeres: a vacation perfect for the entire family

Summer is coming and it’s time to take that all-important family getaway. But sometimes it can be a challenge to find the trip that appeals to everyone. The new Dreams Playa Mujeres Golf & Spa Resort may be the perfect solution as it has something for everyone.

Adelman’s CJ Crow just returned from her vacation at the Dreams Playa Mujeres where she found a plethora of activities set along a beautiful private stretch of white sand beach just 10 miles north of downtown Cancun.  Guests can soak up the sun around the two inviting infinity pools, six whirlpools, two children’s pools or on-site waterpark that features waterslides, a lazy river, splash buckets and more.

Dreams Playa Mujeres also offers guests complimentary golf, enrichment opportunities such as Spanish lessons, cooking classes or cocktail, wine, or tequila tastings. World-class spa treatments along with yoga, water aerobics and other fitness classes are also available. The entire family can take part in an array of sports such as volleyball, ping-pong, batting cages and water sports including kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, water skiing and more. Dreams Playa Mujeres also offers a variety of tours, excursions, live musical performances and stage shows.

When parents want time to themselves, kids and teens will find endless games and activities at the Kids Explorer’s Club or Core Zone Teen’s Club.  The Dreams Entertainment team adds to the fun with theme parties and entertainment day and night.

Also, not to be missed is the Delphinus Dolphin Habitat at Dreams Playa Mujeres. This world-class interactive facility allows guests to observe these fascinating creatures close-up. Plus, guests can participate in various programs, which can even include swimming with the dolphins.    

For more information on this great new resort, give CJ or any one of our other Adelman Vacation Advisors a call at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Enjoy Twice the Loungetime with Double Points

Hilton is once again offering double loyalty points to members of its Honors rewards program. This promotion is valid on every stay between May 1 and August 31, 2018. Members simply need to sign up for the promotion at www.HiltonHonors.com/DoublePoints.

Besides accruing more points for more free stays etc., Honors members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, digital check-in and other instant benefits. Elite level members are entitled to even more perks.

With our Fast Track program, Adelman customers can earn Gold status in the Hilton Honors loyalty program in just four stays! Normally customers don’t earn all the benefits that come with Hilton Honors Gold status until they achieve 20 stays.  

To take advantage of this excellent opportunity, clients simply need to register using the special link, https://www.hiltonhonors.com/en_US/HHCM/adelman-ftgold/landing and then book your Hilton brand hotel via Adelman and complete the four stays within 90 days of registration.

Quebec City: Like Europe, but without the jet lag

The statement “Like Europe but without the jet lag” really is an accurate overview of Quebec City. This beautiful destination, which is located between two mountains overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway in Canada’s mostly French-speaking province, is steeped in history, charming architecture and friendly people. Old Quebec City (Vieux Quebec) is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site as it is the only city in the U.S. or Canada that has preserved walled ramparts. Visitors will also enjoy the area’s other historic sites such as Notre-Dame de Quebec Basilica along with world-class museums, art galleries and quaint cobblestoned streets lined with bistros and boutiques. 

Some of Quebec City’s most prominent hotels are also considered tourist attractions.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is not only a stunning 5-star luxury hotel that majestically-peers down from the top of the city, it is a National Historic Site of Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Designed in the 19^th century, it is one of the world’s most photographed hotels.  Le Chateau Frontenac boasts excellent food, stunning décor, and incredible personal touches. For example, the hotel’s meeting/event planning team will have your attendees’ names inscribed on the mini toiletries in the room.

The Hilton, which is connected to the Convention Center, offers one of the best views of Quebec City.  Their executive lounge is open for brunch and lunch, so guests can enjoy delicious food while taking in a spectacular 360-degree view. In addition to an outstanding view of the city, this hotel features a “wine wall” directly off the elevator landing that allows guests to pour themselves a glass of wine. They also specialize in well thought-out bathroom concepts with Swedish shower heads and sauna showers.

With its captivating international flair, great meeting hotels, world-class restaurants, the St. Lawrence Seaway and many area attractions, Quebec City is a stunning city for any type of group all year round!

Please learn more about Canada, its provinces and other exciting meeting and incentive destinations by contacting dwheeler@adelmantravel.com or visiting https://brojure.com/summit-performance-group/adelmansummit/.

New onboard pet policies are in the works

After a spate of issues involving animals flying in both the cargo and cabin areas of planes, airlines have been revising their policies and procedures regarding pet travel. Efforts are also being made to not only clarify the difference between service and emotional support animals, but also to set better guidelines for emotional support animals as it applies to air travel. 

United, which had a string of unfortunate issues with pets flying in its cargo holds, temporarily suspended its pet shipping program so it could overhaul its procedures. Under the newly announced program, United will only transport certain breeds of cats and dogs in its cargo compartment. More than 25 short-nosed breeds will be banned from the cargo hold because they are known to be more prone to respiratory problems and thus are also more vulnerable to changes in air quality and temperature in the cargo hold of a plane. 

Further, United said it will no longer accept reservations to ship any animals to or from airports in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Phoenix and Tucson between May 1 and September 30 because of frequent occurrences of temperatures exceeding 100 degrees during that time period. United is also limiting the number of connecting cities a shipped pet may be routed through. United will begin accepting reservations for pets as cargo on June 18 for travel beginning on July 9 if traveling with their owner or guardian. Reservations for pets traveling alone will commence on July 16 for travel starting July 30.

Meanwhile, as the number of issues with animals traveling in the aircraft cabin is on the rise, airlines and regulators are taking notice. Airlines including United, Delta and Alaska Airlines have already tightened their policies for transporting support animals. Now the federal Department of transportation is investigating the matter and plans to solicit public comment on the “appropriate definition” of service animals. The Americans with Disabilities Act currently defines service animals as either dogs or miniature horses that are specifically trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support animals provide comfort and companionship but require no special training.  Lawmakers are thus looking at trying to establish a standard of behavior training required for emotional support animals along with ways to curb abuses as some passengers are trying to pass off their pets as support or service animals, allowing them to remain in the aircraft cabin.