Author: Laura Schad

Experience the mysteries and majesty of Peru

Peru, which is known for its breathtaking scenery and archeological marvels along with its rich history, culture and gastronomic delights, is a must for any adventure-seeker’s bucket list.  Adelman’s CJ Crow recently experienced this awe-inspiring destination on a trip with Coltur Tours.

CJ’s adventure began in Lima. Peru’s cosmopolitan capital city is rich in history with pre-Columbian ruins, beautiful Spanish colonial buildings and stately manors, but it also has a contemporary feel with Art Deco architecture and ultramodern seaside neighborhoods.  CJ stayed at the Arts Boutique Hotel B, which she describes as very upscale and unique. CJ appreciated its location in a quiet part of town that is still close to shopping and good restaurants.

The next stop was Cusco, which is located high in the Andes Mountains. “At 3,000 feet you feel the altitude right away.  For the first several hours we all sipped on coca tea, which the locals believe help with the altitude.” Once settled, CJ experienced many fascinating sites including the Sacred Valley of the Incas along with the Maras Salt Pans and Callanaupa’s Weavers Workshop. “We learned lots of history, enjoyed a fun picnic lunch at Huaypo Lagoon and were mesmerized at the archeological site of Moray where the Incas built circular terraces descending 480 ft. from where we stood.” Again, CJ loved her hotel.  “The Sacred Valley’s Sol y Luna Hotel is an amazing property with magnificent views along with a nice pool, spa and restaurant.”

CJ’s group then journeyed to Aguas Calientes, which is a good place to stay when visiting Machu Picchu. This UNESCO World Heritage site, located in the middle of a beautiful tropical mountain forest, is one of the most impressive creations of the Incan Empire and offers breathtaking views of the Sacred Valley below. CJ said they had a wonderful guide who provided color and history as they soaked in the spectacular sites. Back at her

hotel, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo, CJ really enjoyed the surroundings. “This resort is a total wow! Flowers and tropical plants abound, and there is an area behind the resort where they have endangered spotted bears that they care for and then release…a wonderful program.”

On the way back to Cusco, CJ’s group took the Hiram Bingham train, which is owned by the Orient Express. “It was a beautiful experience with a full course dinner and a club car with a live band and an open bar. The local drink is a Pisco Sour. Very good, but just a couple will do.”

According to CJ, a trip to Peru’s Machu Picchu and surrounding areas is a fantastic expedition for adventure seekers.  “I found the area to be utterly fascinating culturally and a perfect place for foodies too. Plus, Coltur Tours is wonderful.”

If you would like more information on Peru or need help booking your own adventure, give CJ or any one of our other experienced vacations advisors a call  at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Designed with the business traveler in mind: Cambria Hotels & Suites

The award-winning Cambria brand was created to meet the expectations of today’s modern business traveler. Part of the Choice family of hotels, Cambria features guest rooms with stylish décor and contemporary, flexible work space along with free Wi-Fi. Guests will enjoy the state-of-the-art fitness center and pool, an onsite bar and bistro with local fare and craft brews plus instant rewards at check-in and more. Multi-functional meeting spaces and catering is also available.

Cambria is growing tremendously with 36 hotels opened in 2017 and 60 more planned in key business markets by the end of 2018. Recently opened properties can be found in Asheville, North Carolina; Westfield, Indiana; Phoenix, Arizona and Dallas, Texas. New properties slated to be opened during the first quarter of 2018 will be located in Nashville, Tennessee; Chandler, Arizona; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and West Orange, New Jersey.

Contact your Adelman travel consultant for more information on Cambria or for assistance with any of your hotel needs.

Seven supplemental travel apps for a smoother experience

Travel is full of annoying little problems that can ruffle your trip. Before you head to the airport, consider downloading these travel apps for your Android device or iPhone so you can enjoy a smoother experience.

PackPoint

A good trip starts with packing the right things. PackPoint is an intelligent list builder that reminds you what you should bring based on specific criteria from your trip. Simply enter where you’re going, length of trip, weather conditions, along with activities planned and PackPoint will help you make sure you don’t forget anything.

Roadtripper

When you visit new destinations, it can be tricky to determine which local spots you should try.  Roadtripper will help you plan an itinerary in advance so you can make sure you hit the great local gems from meals to scenic points and other roadside attractions.

 LoungeBuddy

If you have a long layover in a new airport it may be hard to decide if an airport lounge is worth paying for or which one might give your free access. LoungeBuddy provides information for over 900 major airports worldwide and lets you browse through photos and reviews of lounges. Once you’ve decided on a lounge, simply enter your flight class and any elite status, credit cards or other memberships and the app will tell you if you can access it for free or for a fee.

 Prey Anti-Theft

Regardless of where you travel, you could become a victim of theft or you could accidently leave your phone, tablet or laptop behind. Help protect your data with Prey Anti-Theft. This app will not only help you find a missing digital device, it will also let your retrieve photos, wipe data and prevent further loss by locking down the unit from anywhere in the world.

 WiFi Map

Since using international data plans can be expensive, you may want to take advantage of free Wi-Fi. However, it can sometimes be challenging to find free Wi-Fi when you’re traveling. With Wi-Fi Map you can find locations nearby that offer free Wi-Fi, along with the passwords for those hotspots anywhere you are in the world. You can also download free offline maps before you travel so you can determine the Wi-Fi passwords even when your phone isn’t connected to the internet.

Moovit

Available in 1,500 cities, which is far more than many of the other apps in the market, Moovit is a great local transit app that provides live step-by-step directions that update in real time. Unlike other apps, you don’t need to keep checking your phone during your bus, subway or train trip since Moovit will notify you when it’s time to get off at your stop. Moovit provides information for almost every major transit operator and can even connect you to a local bike share. You can also download offline maps, so you can still use Moovit when you don’t have access to Wi-Fi.

 Mobile Passport

Avoid getting stuck in often long, slow-moving customs lines on your way home from an international trip with Mobile Passport. This U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CPB) approved app lets you complete CPB entry forms via the app so that you can then zip through customs at 24 major airports in the United States.

AA to bring business traveler-focused shuttle to NYC-Chicago Market

Beginning April 4, American Airlines will bring its Shuttle experience to Chicago O’Hare when it launches new flights from New York’s LaGuardia airport. This business traveler-focused service offers frequent departures during peak hours along with a host of other perks including:

• Dedicated ticket counters and check-in kiosks
• Extended check-in and bag check times closer to departure
• Consistent boarding gates that are located close to security checkpoints
• Quick deplaning from front and rear doors on most flights
• Complimentary plated meals in first class along with a snack basket, beer, wine and spirits
• Free snack, beer and wine in the main cabin.

This new service complements American’s existing East Coast Shuttle service that includes flights between, Boston, LaGuardia and Washington Reagan airports.  For more information on American’s Shuttle service please visit www.aa.com/shuttle.

American Samoa fails to get REAL ID extension, alternate ID will soon be required

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) granted extensions for REAL ID to all 50 states and to four of the five U.S. territories. However, the DHS said that American Samoa “has not been able to demonstrate a clear achievable plan for compliance as needed to receive a new extension,” and thus has listed it as non-compliant.

Therefore, starting February 5, 2018, the DHS will begin enforcing the requirements set forth by the Real ID Act. This means residents of American Samoa will no longer be able to use territory-issued driver’s licenses or identification cards to fly domestically. Instead, they will have to present an alternate form of ID. Some of the acceptable forms of ID include a passport, DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST), and U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents. To see the complete list of acceptable alternate forms of ID please visit https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification.

Terminal 2 opens at Seoul’s Incheon Airport

Just in time for the Olympics, the high-tech new Terminal 2 has opened at Seoul’s Incheon Airport. In addition to a host of new amenities and luxury lounges, the new facility features many smart technologies such as 63 self-check-in kiosks and full-body scanners, which will significantly reduce traveler wait times. 

Korean Air, along with its SkyTeam partners Delta, KLM and Air France, will all be operating out of the new Terminal 2.

Lyft expands concierge service to all organizations

Previously available only to select groups, Lyft is now permitting organizations of all sizes to use its concierge service, which allows for rides to be scheduled by others within the organization. After setting up an account, a corporate travel manager can be designated as an administrator and can then request rides for other employees. They can also perform other functions such as monitoring and restricting ride activity. They can also designate other “agents” within the company who can also assist with ride arrangements.

Wyndham to acquire La Quinta

Wyndham Worldwide struck a deal to acquire LaQuinta. The move will help Wyndham boost its presence in the midscale and upper-midscale markets. Hotel officials said La Quinta’s loyalty program will be merged into the Wyndham Rewards program.

American Airlines

American said it will introduce 52 new nonstop flights in 2018. New service to Budapest and Prague will commence on May 4, while flights to Reykjavik will begin on June 7.  New domestic routes, which will also launch on June 7, include flights from Philadelphia to Fort Wayne, Indiana, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Pensacola, Florida; Dallas/Fort Worth to Panama City, Florida, and South Bend, Indiana; Chicago O’Hare to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania; and from Charlotte to Panama City, Florida and South Bend, Indiana. 

Delta Air Lines

In response to an increase in incidents involving emotional support animals, Delta is launching new procedures “aimed at reducing abuses on the part of passengers who take untrained, possibly aggressive animals on flights under the guise of them being service animals,” an airline official said.  These steps are needed “due to a lack of regulation that has led to serious safety risks involving untrained animals in flight.”

Starting on March 1, passengers who want to bring a support or service animal will need to submit proof of health or vaccinations and a signed document confirming that the animal can behave along with a letter signed by a doctor or licensed mental health professional as is currently required.  This documentation must be submitted at least 48 hours prior to travel.

Japan Airlines

For the sixth consecutive year, JAL was named best on-time Asia-Pacific Major Airline of 2017 according to FlightStats Inc. JAL placed second for punctuality among the world’s major international airlines in both Mainline and Network categories. JAL Group “regards punctuality as an essential service quality of the airline.”

A hidden gem beckons vacationers seeking new adventures

Situated in the Atlantic Ocean nearly 930 miles from Lisbon, Portugal, The Azores welcomes travelers looking for unique experiences on its dramatic and unspoiled coasts. Each of the nine breathtaking islands in this remote archipelago has its own distinctive charm, plus adventure abounds in award-winning natural parks and marine reserves.

Despite its remote feel, The Azores are easy to reach from North America with Delta’s seasonal direct flight service (late May through early September) from New York’s JFK Airport to Ponta Delgada Airport on Sao Miguel Island. This service can be easily accessed from convenient connecting flights from U.S. cities nationwide. Complete your travel plans by choosing from a wide variety of hotels, excursions and rental cars through Delta Vacations. Plus, customers who book by January 31, 2018 can save up to $300 off their Delta Vacation to The Azores.

Simply give us a call at 800-749-7116 or visit our website at www.adelmanvacations.com.

Design Hotels

Luxury and unique experiences at special rates

Design Hotels is a collection of specially curated hotels that reflect thought-provoking design, cultural authenticity and a passion for genuine hospitality. There are more than 290 independent hotels in over 60 countries in the Design Hotels collection offering guests a one-of-a-kind stay.

For a limited time, Design Hotels are offering special discounts of up to 20 percent off at 57 participating hotels around the globe. This offer is subject to availability. Guests must stay a minimum of two nights and must complete travel by Mar. 11, 2018. Other conditions may apply per hotel.

Design Hotels is also offering a complimentary upgrade at 32 participating hotels worldwide through Mar. 11. Again, this offer is subject to availability and other conditions apply.

With both promotions, guests will receive complimentary breakfast. For more information or for help booking a Design Hotel or any other hotel, please contact your Adelman travel consultant.

Caribbean cruises still a super setting for your group, meeting or other event

Over the holidays, a member of the AdelmanSummit team sailed on the beautiful Holland America Eurodam on an Eastern Caribbean cruise to Turks and Caicos, St. Thomas, Puerto Rico and the Bahamas.

The Eurodam and the sister ships of the Holland America Line are grand vessels offering a traditional feel with innovative touches that don’t feel overbearing.  Outstanding food and beverages, spacious accommodations, exciting entertainment, a variety of meeting venues and a warm and friendly staff welcome you to a floating island of activities and unique experiences. Cruises such as those on the Holland America Line are great for meetings, events and incentives. 

Some of the ports of call on this particular holiday cruise had been damaged by the hurricanes this past fall. While the cruise ports were largely repaired and functional, many homes, buildings, hotels and infrastructure beyond the main arrival areas were still working to recover. With ports still hosting passengers from multiple cruise lines, these ships are serving as an economic lifeline as the rebuilding continues.

While 2018 will be a year of reconstruction for some of the islands in the Caribbean, many say they will be back to full business within the next six to 12 months. Other locations were barely impacted or were missed alltogether during last fall’s storms, and so they are welcoming visitors as normal. All in all, the Caribbean islands are beautiful and the cruise ships supporting them with their activities, entertainment and amenities are still an ideal choice for meetings and incentive programs. 

To learn more about the Caribbean and other exciting meeting and incentive destinations, contact dwheeler@adelmantravel.com or at 858-456-9092.

Hotels embrace delivery service companies to replace or supplement room service

Room service is rarely a money maker for hotels, and guests are often dissatisfied with the lack of choices or consider room service to be too expensive. Therefore, several hoteliers have launched partnerships with food delivery companies such as Delivery.com or Grubhub as a way to enhance the guest experience with more options at more competitive prices. Some are even rewarding guests for using these new services.

For example, members of Choice Hotels’ loyalty program can now earn points for getting food delivered to their hotel room when using Delivery.com from the Choice mobile app.

IHG Rewards Club members can earn points for ordering food on Grubhub via an IHG channel such as its mobile app, website or IHG Connect, its on-property Wi-Fi.

Hyatt Centric also teamed up with Grubhub to give guests the chance to order from restaurants chosen by hotel employees.

Extended stay brand Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham launched a pilot program to help guests get groceries delivered to their room from Peapod and Instacart.

As these programs prove to be popular, it is expected that more hotels will adopt similar programs.