Travel Learning Lessons Archives - Erica James Travel Agency

10Mar 2021 by EJtheTravelDiva

What It’s Like Returning to the US When a Negative COVID-19 Test is Required

EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

As many of you know, on January 26, 2021, President Biden passed an executive order requiring all travelers coming into the United States, including citizens of the U.S., to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding a flight headed for the United States. The only way to avoid having to take a COVID-19 test is to show proof that you have recovered from already having COVID-19 plus a letter from a medical professional stating that you are clear to fly. With the new rules in place, a lot of travelers have postponed their vacations because the thought of having to find a laboratory in a destination that is not familiar seems too complicated. As well as find your own transportation to and from the medical laboratory. That just seems like…

20May 2020 by EJtheTravelDiva

Travel Insurance Provides Emergency Medical Benefits, Too

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

Many people truly believe that the purpose of travel insurance is to be able to cancel your vacation and receive a full refund of any monies paid. This belief causes many people to decline travel insurance because they are confident they will be going on vacation and have no reason to cancel. Therefore, they think spending the extra money to purchase travel insurance is not beneficial. Although being able to cancel and receive a refund is important, it is not the only benefit of travel insurance. Another very important benefit is Medical Emergency and Evacuation for when covered parties become ill or are injured while traveling. When planning a vacation, we focus on how much fun we are going to have and don’t think about what could go wrong with…

06May 2020 by EJtheTravelDiva

What You Need to Know to Cancel Your Vacation & Receive a Refund

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

As a travel agent, I understand the importance of traveling with travel insurance. I also know how risky it is to travel without it. That is why I consistently offer travel insurance to my clients, multiple times, to encourage them to protect their investment as well as themselves. I’ve heard so many times, “I know I am going on this trip, so I don’t need travel insurance.” The basis of that statement is not knowing the many benefits that travel insurance provides. Many people have the mentality that travel insurance is just for canceling your vacation. But it is for so much more. Travelers are often surprised to find out that travel insurance not only covers trip cancellation, but also: Trip InterruptionTrip DelayMissed ConnectionBaggage LossBaggage DelayMedical ExpensesEmergency Evacuation Since trip…

28Apr 2020 by EJtheTravelDiva

IS FEAR HOLDING YOU BACK?

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

Just recently, in March 2020, I took a weekend trip to New York City to attend a conference called the Women’s Travel Fest. Leading up to this weekend were reports of the first confirmed Coronavirus cases in the United States. I had several reasons not to attend – Coronavirus was just beginning to spread, I had never attended this conference before, I didn’t know anyone else attending, and I had no one in my inner circle that would be interested in this event. I kept going back and forth on whether I would go or not. Finally, I told myself if I can use my travel points for a free weekend in New York, then I should attend. https://www.instagram.com/p/B9ewWvAlU3f/ Everything worked out well with redeeming my travel points, and I…

17Jun 2013 by EJtheTravelDiva

My Sister’s Travel Regret

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

One of my wishes, as a travel agent, is that all travelers select their vacation accommodations based on what they wish to experience rather than what they want to pay. Often times, when people call me about traveling, they select their resort and room accommodations based on price, no quality. Sure you can vacation in a less expensive room, but the question is--is what you are giving up worth it? Regardless of recommendations (which is one of the reasons you select a good travel agent), some travelers just want to book based on price and not quality. My sister is one of those people. I recently went to Las Vegas with my sister. Upon check in, they asked if we would like to upgrade our room, for a…

19Apr 2013 by EJtheTravelDiva

My AHA Moment with Shared Transportation

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

I went to a Travel conference in November that was held in Orlando, FL. I went with the intentions of gathering new ideas and learning ways to better Erica James Travel in 2013. Although, I was inspired by all the information that I received, I also realized a few important things about traveling and being on vacation. I was attending a conference, however it was still vacation to me and I wanted to be treated as such. It is my perspective that I am on vacation every time I travel, and I do not want to compromise on things that are going to enhance my travel experiences. There are some things I simply have learned by experience that I will not compromise. I do not want to compromise on transportation.…

13Dec 2011 by EJtheTravelDiva

I Live For Life’s Moments

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Learning Lessons

I believe that life is about moments in time. I live for those moments, in life, that are out of my everyday routine. What better way to experience those special moments than through travel? Traveling to me, is about unique experiences in different places. That is what makes up a great vacation, to me. I recently was able to have one of those moments while traveling to Mexico in November 2011. During my visit at El Dorado Seaside Suites, I was treated like a VIP guest. At this adult-only boutique resort, everyone is a VIP guest. I got to see, first hand, why the call it a Gourmet Inclusive® vacation experience. When I arrived at the entrance of El Dorado Seaside Suites, I was greated with a spectacular welcoming. First…

Category: Travel Learning Lessons