travel blog Archives - Erica James Travel Agency

30Mar 2022 by EJtheTravelDiva

RIU Palace Costa Rica

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Resort Reviews

In November 2021, I decided to take a vacation to the rainforest country known as Costa Rica, which is in Central America. Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. During my 3-week stay, of working and vacationing, I spent 2 weeks a Planet Hollywood Costa Rica and 1 Week at Hotel RIU Palace Costa Rica. Built in 2012 and renovated in 2019, RIU Palace Costa Rica is an all-inclusive hotel found on the beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica which is about 20 minutes from the Libera Airport. The resort is huge and sits next to neighboring Riu Guanacaste where you have access to that property, during the day, as well as the Splash Water World Water Park. This resort had your typical RIU feel to it. Everything in white with a…

13Oct 2021 by EJtheTravelDiva

Nashville to Atlanta, GA: Birthday Weekend Celebration

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog

Many of you know me for traveling and partying internationally but I am not above having a good time stateside. As a matter of fact, my travel journey started out as taking a trip from Nashville to Atlanta, GA every year for either Freaknik or the Atlanta Football Classic, a black college football game that was the highlight of many people in Nashville, TN. It was nostalgic to revisit the “scene of my crimes” for my birthday weekend in 2021. Atlanta is 4-hour drive from Nashville, TN. If you are not in the mood to drive, you can also catch a Southwest Flight from Nashville to Atlanta for as low as $49 sometimes. Atlanta is often referred to as the “Black Hollywood”. And truly it is because it is the home of the Real Housewives of…

17Mar 2021 by EJtheTravelDiva

What You Should Know Before Booking a Vacation with your Friend

Blog, EJtheTravelDiva Blog, Travel Tips

In the words of George Costanza from Senfield, “…trips are relationship killers!” This can be extremely true! Taking a vacation with someone can make or break a friendship and you should not take the decision to travel with someone lightly. When it comes to traveling with friends, I’m sure the first thing you think about is sharing a room or spending long periods of time together, but what about before you even get on the plane? There are multiple things that can cause a friendship to sink or swim prior to arriving to your destination….if you even make it there with that friend. My best advice when you decide to book a trip with a friend is to use the following guidelines: Purchase travel insurance: When you are traveling, you…

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…

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…

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…

Tag: travel blog