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    When should we start planning our holiday travel?

    enSeptember 26, 2023
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    Podcast Summary

    • Taking Care of Yourself When Feeling Under the WeatherConsider using services like Instacart for quick delivery of essentials, take advantage of sales for savings, and plan holiday travel six months in advance for a smoother experience.

      When you're feeling under the weather and the pressure to work is high, it's important to prioritize your health. Instead of trying to power through, consider using services like Instacart to have essentials delivered to you quickly. Plus, take advantage of sales like Ashley's anniversary sale for savings on items like mattresses. As for holiday travel, it's never too early to start planning. Holiday travel is a high season for travel, so starting the planning process six months in advance can help ensure a smoother experience. Don't let the current warm weather fool you – the holidays will be here before we know it.

    • Plan Ahead for Best Holiday Travel Deals and AvailabilityStart looking and booking 6-7 months ahead for the best holiday travel deals and availability. Consider alternative transportation options like buses and trains, and be flexible with travel dates and modes to mitigate unexpected issues.

      Planning ahead is crucial when it comes to holiday travel. Whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas, or spring break, availability and prices tend to dwindle the closer it gets to the travel date. For instance, my personal experience of booking a Thanksgiving trip two months in advance still left me with limited options. Holidays are popular times for vacations, not just for people to be with their families. Therefore, it's recommended to start looking and booking six to seven months ahead for the best deals and availability. Moreover, considering alternative modes of transportation like buses and trains might be a good option for those who prefer not to fly. While improvements have been made in the United States regarding train travel, it's essential to keep in mind that availability and prices may still vary significantly depending on the destination and travel dates. Another factor to consider is potential disruptions in air travel, such as strikes or pilot shortages, which can impact your travel plans. Therefore, being flexible and having backup plans can help mitigate any unexpected issues. In summary, planning ahead, considering alternative transportation options, and being adaptable are essential when it comes to holiday travel to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

    • Holiday travel traditions in the USAir travel is the most common mode of transportation in the US, but holiday vacations and group travel continue to be popular choices for many, offering potential savings and making the most of limited time off work.

      While the United States has some train and bus travel options, they don't compare to the extensive train networks in Europe. Air travel remains the quickest and most affordable way to get around the country. However, during holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, many people still opt for destination vacations, often traveling in groups to take advantage of potential discounts and make the most of their limited time off work. In the past, sending people on these trips was a popular trend, especially for students, families, and teachers with limited vacation time. Despite the convenience of air travel, the allure of holiday vacations and the potential savings of traveling in a group continue to make these modes of transportation popular choices for many.

    • Group travel leads to savings on airfare, hotel, and cruisesGroups of 10 or more can secure discounted air and hotel contracts. Cruise group leaders might travel for free with discounts and amenities for the group. Off-peak travel to destinations like Antarctica offers significant savings. Family vacations can also benefit from group and off-peak travel.

      Traveling as a group can lead to significant savings on airfare, hotel, and cruise fares. For instance, a group of 10 or more people can secure discounted air and hotel contracts. In the case of cruises, the group leader might even travel for free, with additional discounts and amenities for the entire group. Another takeaway is that there are less-obvious travel destinations that offer excellent value during off-peak seasons. Antarctica, for example, is an exotic destination that can be more affordable during the shoulder season in November. Although wildlife sightings may not be as abundant as during the prime months, the experience is still worthwhile, with prices having dropped significantly in recent years. For families with kids, there are numerous trips that cater to their interests. While specific recommendations were not provided in the discussion, it's worth noting that group travel and off-peak travel can lead to substantial savings on family vacations. By considering these options, families can enjoy memorable experiences without breaking the bank.

    • Choosing a cruise line with kid-friendly activitiesSelecting a cruise line with robust kids' programs can help families ensure a more enjoyable vacation, allowing parents some downtime while their children are engaged.

      When traveling with young children, choosing a cruise line that caters to kids can make a significant difference in ensuring a more enjoyable vacation for the whole family. The speaker shares their experience of taking a cruise with Holland America, which did not have many kid-friendly activities, resulting in the family spending a lot of time trying to keep their young children entertained. However, they are looking forward to their upcoming cruise on Royal Caribbean, as the ship is designed with a robust kids program and activities, allowing parents to have some downtime while their children are engaged. This is especially important when traveling during holidays, as the focus shifts from relaxation to keeping the kids entertained. While Disney cruises offer even more extensive kids' programs, they come with a higher price tag. Therefore, considering a cruise line's offerings for children can help families make the most of their vacation.

    • Exploring the Best of Domestic Travel in the USAmid pandemic uncertainty, discover affordable and memorable US vacations from national parks and road trips to destinations like NYC and Savannah, with affordable train travel options from Amtrak.

      The demand for domestic travel in the US is high due to the pandemic and the associated uncertainty surrounding international travel. Families are looking for wonderful experiences, and there are plenty to be found within the country's borders. From national parks and road trips to destinations like New York City and Savannah, there are countless options for affordable and memorable vacations. Companies like Amtrak offer reasonable rates for train trips, making exploration even more accessible. So, while international travel may still be on hold for some, there's no shortage of incredible experiences to be had right here in the US.

    • Hyundai's Getaway Sales Event and Prolon's Nutrition ProgramHyundai's sales event offers discounts on award-winning models with great warranties and free maintenance. Prolon's plant-based nutrition program supports weight loss and metabolic health.

      According to the CDC, 74% of Americans are overweight, emphasizing the need for weight loss and metabolic health improvement. Prolon, a patented, structured, plant-based nutrition program, can help support this goal. Listeners can enjoy a 10% discount by visiting prolonlife.com/offer before March 31st. As winter gives way to spring, the Hyundai Getaway Sales Event offers great deals on award-winning Hyundai models, including the tech-filled Tucson and Kona, and the spacious Palisade. These deals come with America's best warranty and complimentary maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Don't miss out – call 562-314-4603 for details. Spring is the perfect time for a getaway, and Hyundai's offerings make the journey more enjoyable.

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    When should we start planning our holiday travel?

    When should we start planning our holiday travel?

    While it still feels like summer with temperatures in the 90s, it is never too early to start planning for holiday travel. It's tough to start thinking about heading out of town for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but Thanksgiving is less than two months away, and Christmas is less than three months away. If you're going anywhere for the holidays, it might be time to start making plans. Ask the Expert can help you get a jump start on things with travel expert Casey Carr from Sharon Carr Travel.

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