erica james travel Archives - Page 11 of 12

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…

26Mar 2020 by EJtheTravelDiva

Benefits of Using a Travel Agency

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Tips

There are so many benefits of using a travel agency. Have you ever heard of "net lag" or "scroll fatigue"? Perhaps you have experienced this many times while spending countless hours searching the internet looking for information to assist you when planning your upcoming vacation. Hotels.com recently did some research and discovered that travelers are spending countless hours researching their vacation and they find this process to be extremely stressful. So why stress yourself out and spend countless hours planning your vacation when you can have a travel agent do it for you? Don't risk having net lag or scroll fatigue when you can quickly and easily reach out to a travel agent. Here are 6 benefits of using a travel agent for your next trip: More bang for your…

15Mar 2020 by EJtheTravelDiva

Reasons to Choose a Balcony Stateroom on a Cruise

Blog, Cruising, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Ocean Cruises

My goal, as a travel agent is not only to inspire people to travel, but to also help people to travel well and be smart travelers, and to book their vacations based on what they want to experience and not cost. When it comes to cruising, my goal is to encourage people to select a balcony stateroom, or higher, on a cruise rather than any other room. It is my pet peeve when travelers recite the cliché statement, "I am not going to be in the room that much anyway. I don't need to pay for that type of room." If you had that type of room, you would enjoy it while you were in it. I don't think anyone would be disappointed with booking a balcony stateroom or higher…

14Mar 2020 by EJtheTravelDiva

CHIC Punta Cana

All Inclusive Resorts, Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Resort Reviews

This post contains some links affiliate links. I may receive compensation when you click on the links. Keep in mind that I link these companies and their products because of their quality and I believe the reference may be helpful to you. I am an independent blogger and the reviews are done based on my own opinions. One of my favorite resorts in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic is CHIC Punta Cana. It is an adult only, all-inclusive resort that lives up to the name of CHIC. Located on Uvero Alto beach, it is just a short ride from Punta Cana International Airport – approximately 15-minutes. CHIC is not a huge resort nor is it small. I find it to be the perfect size where everything is a short walking distance…

11Nov 2019 by EJtheTravelDiva

Things You Should Not Do on A Plane

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Tips

As we are living in a civilized world, there is proper etiquette that should be maintained to be a part of society. Don’t you think? What are your thoughts on airplane etiquette? I know most people are traveling for vacation, and everyone is excited, letting loose, having a good time without a care in the world. I get it. I feel the same way when I travel. However, we can’t let everything go out of the airplane window because, after all, we are still among many other people. Here are six behaviors I believe no one should do on a plane, ever. Using the speaker on your phone is not okay! If you forgot your headphones and the airline could not provide you with any, then you are out of…

19Oct 2019 by EJtheTravelDiva

How to survive long-haul flights

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Tips

My very first long-haul flight was to Germany, and I was completely unprepared. I looked at this flight as being no different from a domestic flight from Nashville to California--of which I have done so many times. However this time, I didn't sleep well, watched everything on the provided entertainment more than once, and was completely uncomfortable. I couldn't wait to get off that plane! After my flight to Germany, I vowed that I would never make the same mistakes again. After all, I am a Virgo, and we are usually prepared--if not, we will at least never make the same mistake twice. So, on my next long-haul flight to Paris, I was more than prepared and felt that I hit preparation meter out of the park. Even more recently,…

19Oct 2019 by EJtheTravelDiva

5 Things You Should Never Put in Your Checked Bag

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Tips

Being a travel agent, I have learned, through speaking with numerous clients, about their travels, that I take for granted that many people know. For examples travel terms and rules. I thought everyone knew the difference between carry-on and checked luggage. However, I have come to realize that there are people, that don't travel often and are not familiar with those terms---knowledge some of us take for granted. Now there are rules to what you can put in your carry-on bag versus your checked bag. The most common rule is the rule of 3, when it comes to liquids. If you have 3 oz or less, it can go in your carry-on bag but if it is over 3 oz, it needs to go in your checked bag. However, there…

22Nov 2017 by EJtheTravelDiva

Solo Cruising Day 2: Be In The Moment

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Solo Travel

On this day, I slept in until my body naturally woke itself. What a great feeling to naturally wake on your own with no agenda insight to control your day. I turned on the T.V. and watched the last half of an animated movie before I finally rolled out of bed, pulled back my curtains to a beautiful view of the ocean--stunning! The day was beautiful. Perfect weather. "This is vacation" I thought to myself. I opened the balcony door and allowed the sounds of the ocean to fill my room with peaceful bliss. After showering, instead of drying off with a towel, I sat on my balcony and allowed the natural wind to do it for me. "It's amazing..." as I think to myself, looking out into the blue…

19Nov 2017 by EJtheTravelDiva

Day 1: Life Begins At The End Of Your Comfort Zone

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Solo Travel

The alarm goes off at 3am and I get up to get my travel day going. I woke up this morning feeling excited and nervous at the same time. Excited that I am embarking on an adventure and nervous that I am doing it alone. Now, I have traveled alone plenty of times, but once I arrive to my destination, there is usually someone or something waiting for me. This time, I didn't know what was waiting for me---a good time, sadness, feelings of loneliness. I wasn't sure, but I was willing to find out. Fist stop, the airport. I was starving to I grab a table at O'Charley's in the Nashville airport. My server takes my order and ask where I'm headed. I reply, "On a cruise." He responds,…

Tag: erica james travel